Posted 4-20-98

Thought Provoking Stories & Good Jokes

This page has been put together from the great e-mail I've received through the last year or so.
Thanks to all those that made their contributions to make this page possible.

(If any are found to be copyrighted, please e-me and they will be removed.)

I want to start with the stories that make you think...
please take time to read them, and print them out for friends.

You have been counted as...# Thanks for dropping by!

Attitude is Everything

Jerry was the kind of guy you love to hate. He was always in a good mood and always had something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was doing he would reply, "If I were any better I'd be twins!"
He was a unique manager because he had several waiters who had followed him around from restaurant to restaurant. The reason they followed Jerry was because of his attitude. He was a natural motivator. If an employee was having a bad day Jerry was there telling the employee how to look on the positive side of the situation. Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up to Jerry and asked him, "I don't get it! You can't be a positive person all the time. How do you do it?" Jerry replied, "Each morning I wake up and say to myself, Jerry you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or you can be in a bad mood.
I choose to be in a good mood. Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or I can choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it. Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life." " Yeah, right but it's not that easy," I protested. "Yes it is," Jerry said. "Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people will affect your mood. You choose to be in a good mood or a bad mood. The bottom line: It's your choice how you live life." I reflected on what Jerry said. Soon thereafter, I left the restaurant industry to start my own business. We lost touch, but I often thought about him when I made a choice about life instead of reacting to it. Several years later, I heard that Jerry did something you are never supposed to do in a restaurant business: he left the back door open one morning and was held up at gunpoint by three armed robbers. While trying to open the safe, his hand, shaking from nervousness, slipped off the combination. The robbers panicked and shot him. Luckily, Jerry was found relatively quickly and rushed to the local trauma center. After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, Jerry was released from the hospital with fragments from the bullet still in his body. I saw Jerry about six months after the accident, when I asked him how he was he said "If I were any better, I'd be twins. Wanna see my scars?" I declined to see his wounds, but did ask him what went through his mind as the robbery took place. " The first thing that went through my mind was that I should have locked the back door," Jerry replied. "Then, as I lay on the floor, I remembered that I have two choices: I could choose to live , or I could choose to die. I chose to live." "Weren't you scared? Did you lose consciousness?" I asked. Jerry continued, "The paramedics were great. They kept telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the emergency room and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and the nurses, I got really scared. In their eyes, I read, 'He's a dead man.' I knew I needed to take action." What did you do?" I asked. "Well there was a big, burly nurse shouting questions at me," said Jerry. "She asked if I was allergic to anything. 'Yes, I replied. The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for my reply.. I took a deep breath and yelled 'Bullets!"

Attitude, after all is, everything.

You have 2 choices now:

1. Forget it.
2. Try to live by this example and Forward it to your dear ones.

I hope, you will choose choice 2.

Ten Rules for Being Human

but it's yours to keep for the entire period.

2. You will learn lessons. You are enrolled in a
full-time informal school called, "life".

process of trial, error, and experimentation. The
"failed" experiments are as much a part of the
process as the experiments that ultimately "work".

4. Lessons are repeated until they are learned. A
lesson will be presented to you in various forms until
go on to the next lesson.

5. Learning lessons does not end. There's no part of
life that doesn't contain its lessons. If you're alive, that
means there are still lessons to be learned.

6. "There" is no better a place than "here". When
obtain another "there" that will again look better than

7. Other people are merely mirrors of you. You
cannot love or hate something about another person
unless it reflects to you something you love or hate
about yourself.

all the tools and resources you need. What you do
with them is up to you. The choice is yours.

9. Your answers lie within you. The answers to life's
listen, and trust. (SO HARD !!!)

10. You will forget all this.


People are often unreasonable, illogical, and
self centered; --- FORGIVE THEM ANYWAY.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of
selfish, ulterior motives; ---
If you are successful, you will win some
false friends and some true enemies; ---
If you are honest and frank, people may
cheat you; --- BE HONEST ANYWAY.
What you spend years building, someone may
try to destroy overnight; --- BUILD ANYWAY.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may
be jealous; --- BE HAPPY ANYWAY.
The good you do today, people will often forget
tomorrow; -- DO GOOD ANYWAY.
Give the world the best you have, and it may
never be enough; --- GIVE THE WORLD THE
You see, in the final analysis, it is between
you and God; --- IT WAS NEVER BETWEEN

Free Bird...

"Where did you get those birds?" he asked.
pretend I'm their friend then when they are close, I
net them and shove them into my cage."

"And what are you going to do with them now?" The man grinned,

The boy looked steadily at the man. What made him do
the birds, defenseless, without hope. "Can I buy those birds?"
the boy asked.
played his cards right.

ten pounds and that jacket you're wearing."
The boy paused, ten pounds was all he
look then handed that over too. And then (well, you've guessed it)
he opened the door and let the birds go free.


very large cage. The man coming towards him noticed that it was



them and (what's better) blame God for the outcome!"

"And then what?" the man asked.

"Those who do not destroy themselves, I will destroy.
None will escape me."

The man stepped forward. "Can I buy these people from you?" he asked.
door is open, and anyone, whom Satan has deceived and
caged, can be set free.

`Twas The Night Before Jesus Came

' Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house
Not a creature was praying, not one in the house.
Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care
In hopes that Jesus would not come there.

The children were dressing to crawl into bed,
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And Mom in her rocker with baby on her lap
Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.

When out of the East there arose such a clatter,
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!

When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here
With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray
I knew in a moment this must be THE DAY!

The light of His face made me cover my head
It was Jesus! returning ' Just like He had said.
And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.

In the Book of Life which He held in His hand,
Was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;

The people whose names had been written with love
He gathered to take to His Father above,
With those who were ready He rose without a sound
While all the rest were left standing around.

I fell to my knees, but it was too late;
I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight;
Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.

In the words of this poem the meaning is clear;
The coming of Jesus is drawing near.
There's only one life and when comes the last call
We'll find that the Bible was true after all!

His Name is Bill

became a Christian while attending college.

starts down the aisle looking for a seat.



him. You can't even hear anyone breathing. The people are thinking, the
worships with him so he won't be alone.
Everyone chokes up with emotion.

When the minister gains control he says,
"What I'm about to preach, you will never remember.
What you have just seen, you will never forget."

Story of Love

Pappy was a pleasant-looking old fellow. He had the whitest hair which he
kept neatly cut and combed. His eyes were blue, though faded with age,
and they seemed to emit a warmth from within. His face was quite drawn,
but when he smiled, even his wrinkles seemed to soften and smile with him.
He had a talent for whistling and did so happily each day as he dusted and
swept his pawnshop; even so, he had a secret sadness, but everyone who knew
him respected and adored him.

Most of Pappy's customers returned for their good, and he did not do much
business, but he did not mind. To him, the shop was not a livelihood as
much as a welcome pastime.

There was a room in the back of his shop where he spent time tinkering with
a menagerie of his own precious items. He referred to this back room as
"memory hall." In it were pocket watches, clocks, and electric trains.
There were miniature steam engines and antique toys made of wood, tin, or
cast iron, and there were various other obsolete trinkets as well.
Spending time in memory hall delighted him as he recalled many treasured moments
eyes and pause to relive a sweet, simple childhood memory.

One day, Pappy was working to his heart's content reassembling an old
railroad lantern. As he worked, he whistled the melody of a railroad
tune and reminisced about his own past as a switchman. It was a typical day
at the shop. Outside, the sun illuminated the clear sky, and a slight wind
passed through the front screen door. Whenever the weather was this nice,
Pappy kept the inner door open. He enjoyed the fresh air--almost as much
as the distinctive smell of antiques and old engine oil.

As he was polishing his newly restored lantern, he heard the tinkling of his
bell on the shop door. The bell, which produced a uniquely charming resound,
had been in Pappy's family for over a hundred years. He cherished it dearly
and enjoyed sharing its song with all who came to his shop. Although the
bell hung on the inside of the main door, Pappy had strung a wire to the
screen door so that it would ring whether the inner door was open or not.
Prompted by the bell, he left memory hall to greet his customer.

"And how can I help you, little lady?" Pappy's voice was jovial.

"Hello, sir." The little girl spoke almost in a whisper. She was dainty.
Bashful. Innocent. She looked at Pappy with her big brown eyes, then slowly
scanned the room in search of something special.

Shyly she told him, "I'd like to buy a present, sir."
"Well, let's see," Pappy said, "who is this present for?"

"My grandpa. It's for my grandpa. But I don't know what to get."

Pappy began to make suggestions. "How about a pocket watch? It's in good
condition. I fixed it myself," he said proudly.

The little girl didn't answer. She had walked to the doorway and put her
smalll hand on the door. She wiggled the door gently to ring the bell.
Pappy's face seemed to glow as he saw her smiling with excitement.

"This is just right," the little girl bubbled. "Momma says grandpa loves music."

Just then, Pappy's expression changed. Fearful of breaking the little girl's
heart, he told her, "I'm sorry, missy. That's not for sale. Maybe your
grandpa would like this little radio."

The little girl looked at the radio, lowered her head, and sadly sighed,
"No, I don't think so."

the bell had been in his family for so many years, and that was why he
didn't want to sell it.

sweetly said, "I guess I understand. Thank you, anyway."


"Wait...little lady." Pappy spoke just as the little girl was going out
the door--just as he was hearing his bell ring for the last time. "I've
decided to sell the bell. Here's a hanky. Blow your nose."

The little girl began to clap her hands. "Oh, thank you, sir. Grandpa
will be so happy."

"Okay, little lady. Okay." Pappy felt good about helping the child; he
knew, however, he would miss the bell. "You must promise to take good
care of the bell for your grandpa--and for me, too, okay?" He carefully
placed the bell in a brown paper bag.

"Oh, I promise," said the little girl. Then, she suddenly became very
still and quiet. There was something she had forgotten to ask. She
looked up at Pappy with great concern, and again almost in a whisper,
asked, "How much will it cost?"

"Well, let's see. How much have you got to spend?" Pappy asked with a
grin. The child pulled a small coin purse from her pocket then reached
briefly questioning his own sanity, Pappy said, "Little lady, this is
your lucky day. That bell costs exactly two dollars and forty-seven cents."

one. He thought about the child and wondered if her grandpa like his gift.
Surely he would cherish anything from such a precious grandchild.

turned toward the door, and there stood the little girl. She was ringing
the bell and smiling sweetly.

Pappy was puzzled as he strolled toward the small child. "What's this,
little lady? Have you changed your mind?"
"No," she grinned. "Momma says it's for you."
Before Pappy had time to say another word, the child's mother stepped into
the doorway, and choking back a tear, she gently said, "Hello, Dad."

The little girl tugged on her grandpa's shirttail. "Here, Grandpa. Here's
your hanky. Blow your nose."

Children of Israel


"Mr. Goldblatt," announced little Joey, "there's somethin' I can't figure out."

"What's that Joey?" asked Goldblatt.



"An' the Children of Israel beat up the Phillistines, right?"



"Again you're right."

somethin' important, right?"


"What I wanna know is this," demanded Joey.
"What wuz all the grown-ups doin' all that time?"

Please Dress Me in Red

In my profession, I have worked with children who have the
virus that causes AIDS. The relationships that I have had with
these special kids have been gifts in my life. Let me tell you
about the courage of Tyler.
Tyler was born infected with HIV; his mother was also
on medications to enable him to survive. At times, he also needed
supplemental oxygen to support his breathing. Tyler wasn't
willing to give up one single moment of his childhood to this
around his backyard, wearing his medicine-laden backpack and dragging
his tank of oxygen behind him in his little wagon. Tyler's pure joy
in being alive gave him energy that caused all of us who knew him
to marvel. Tyler's mom often teased him by telling him that he moved
so fast, she needed to dress him in red. That way, when she peered
This dreaded disease eventually wore down even the likes of a
little dynamo like Tyler. He became quite ill and, unfortunately, so
did his mother. When it became apparent that he wasn't going to
survive, Tyler's mom talked to him and she comforted him by telling
Tyler that she was dying, too, and that she would be with him soon
in heaven.
bed and whispered, "I might die soon. I'm not scared. When I die, please
dress me in red. Mom promised she's coming to heaven, too. I'll be

Electronic Hug



It Takes Guts To Say "Jesus"

*** This is a true story of something that happened just a few years ago at USC. ***

semester attempting to prove that God couldn't exist. His students were
day, he would say to his class of 300 students, "If there's anyone here
who still believes in Jesus, stand up!"

to do next. He would say "Because anyone who does believe in God is a fool.
convinced that God couldn't exist. Certainly, a number of Christians

professor. He had to take the class because it was one of required
classes for his major. And he was afraid. But for 3 months that
Finally the day came. The professor said "If there is anyone here who
the classroom. The professor shouted "You FOOL!! If God existed,
The professor's jaw dropped as he stared at the chalk. He
looked up at the young man then ran out of the lecture hall.

room and share his faith in Jesus for the next half hour. 300 students
stayed and listened as he told of
God's love for them and of his power through Jesus.

John 1:12-13

"But He knows the way that I take. When He has tested me, I
will come forth as gold."
Job 23:10

***Please continue to pass this on from one Christian to
the next as a message of encouragement and hope. ***

This is an awesome display of a little thing called faith!!!!!!


Ah the beauty of God's creation is beyond description.
As I watched, I praised God for His beautiful work.
He asked me, "Do you love me?"
I answered,
Then He asked,
and wondered how many things I wouldn't; be able to do, the things that
I took for granted.
Then the Lord said,
and His creation.
The Lord then asked me,
The Lord then asked,
How could I praise without a voice?
but... God asked,
No answers. Only tears.
The Lord continued:
"Why only sing at fellowships and retreats? Why seek
things so unfaithfully?"
The tears continued to roll down my cheeks.
the Good News? Why in times of persecution, you cry to others when I offer
serve in My Name?"
The Lord answered,
" That is My Grace, My child."
The Lord answered,
joy, I will laugh with you.
"How much do You love me?"
bowed down at the feet of Christ, my Saviour.
And for the first time, I truly prayed.

The Night before Christmas for MOM's

IT was the night before Christmas, when all thru the abode
The children were finally sleeping, all snug in their beds,
The dad was snoring in front of the TV,
with a half-constructed bicycle on his knee.
So only the mom heard the reindeer hooves clatter,
which made her sigh, "Now what's the matter?"
With toilet bowl brush still clutched in her hand,
she descended the stairs, and saw the old man.
"Your gift was especially difficult to make."
The mother's twin. Same hair, same eyes,
same double chin. "She'll cook, she'll dust, "
she'll mop every mess. You'll relax, take it easy,
From the room above, the youngest began to fret.
"Mommy?! I'm scared... and I 'm wet."
The clone replied, "I'm coming, sweetheart."
The clone changed the small one, and hummed a tune,
as she bundled the child, in a blanket cocoon.
"Your the best mommy ever. " I really love you."
That's my child's love, she's trying to steal."
Only one loving mother, is needed here."
The mom kissed her child, and tucked her into bed.
"Thank you, Santa, " for clearing my head.
I sometimes forget, it won't be very long,
The clock on the mantle began to chime.
With the clone by his side Santa said, "Goodnight.
Merry Christmas, Mom, You'll be all right."


There is a sweet, angelic look

In every mother's eyes

That makes us stop and wonder

If they're angels in disguise;

For they are always standing by

When someone needs a friend.

No one has as much compassion;

None are quicker to defend.

There is a little bit of God

In every mother's heart.

He molded them of finer clay

That sets them well apart.

They are an earthly blessing

That heaven itself supplies;

And so we can't help believing

They are angels in disguise !!!!

I guess this could be said of Fathers too!!

Valentine's Story

girl with the rose.

handwriting reflected a thoughtful soul and insightful mind.





loved, but whose face he'd never seen.




and must ever be grateful.



waiting for you in the big restaurant across the street.

She said it was some kind of test!" It's not difficult to understand and
response to the unattractive.


Prayer and the Athiest

know there isn't a God?" Many times while she was praying, he would go to
Don't you know there is no God?" But she kept on praying.

fix her." He went to the grocery store, bought a whole bunch of groceries,
jumping, singing and shoutin' everywhere!



The Difference

I got up early one morning
and rushed right into the day;
I had so much to accomplish
that I didn't have time to pray.

Problems just tumbled about me,
and heavier came each task.
"Why doesn't God help me?" I wondered.
He answered,"You didn't ask".

I wanted to see beauty,
but the day toiled on,gray and bleak;
I wondered why God didn't show me.
He said,"But you didn't seek."

I tried to come into God's presence;
I used all my keys at the lock.
God gently and lovingly chided,
"My child, you didn't knock."

I woke early this morning,
and paused before entering the day;
I had so much to accomplish
that I had to take time to pray.

Alan Grant

"The Last Day of School"

a boy named Teddy Stoddard. Mrs. Thompson had watched Teddy the year
him, either.

and has good manners... He is a joy to be around."

illness and life at home must be a struggle."

if some steps aren't taken."

much interest in school. He doesn't have many friends and sometimes

Stoddard. Her children brought her presents, all in gay ribbon and bright
brown paper of a scissored grocery bag.

Mrs.Thompson took pains to open it in the middle of the other
dabbing some of the perfume behind the other wrist. Teddy Stoddard
just like my mom used to."

she began to teach children.

Jean Thompson paid particular attention to one they all called
"Teddy." As she worked with him, his mind seemed to come alive. The more
vowed to love all of her children exactly the same.

favorite teacher.

little further. The letter explained that she was still his favorite
Theodore F. Stoddard, M.D.

reserved for the mother of the groom. When that special day arrived she
wore that bracelet, the one with several rhinestones missing, and she
that last day of school, before the Christmas Holiday began.

passing stranger can make a difference we could never imagine.


Dear GOD,
on vacation?
* Jane

Dear GOD,
Are you really invisible or is that just a trick?
* Lucy

Dear GOD,
words in the house?
* Anita

Dear GOD,
* Norma

Dear GOD,
Instead of letting people die and having to make new ones,
why don't You just keep the ones You have now?
* Jane

Dear GOD,
Who draws the lines around the countries?
* Nan

Dear GOD,
I went to this wedding and they kissed right in church.
Is that okay?
* Neil

Dear GOD,
* Jane

Dear GOD,
* Darla

Dear GOD,
* Joyce

Dear GOD,
I hope You will not hurt him anyway.
Your friend

Dear GOD,
our day of rest.
* Tom L.

Dear GOD,
can look it up.
* Bruce

Dear GOD,
anything you want except my money or my chess set.
* Raphael

Dear GOD,
* Danny

Dear GOD,
had their own rooms. It works with my brother.
* Larry

Dear GOD,
much hair all over.
* Sam

Dear GOD,
I think the stapler is one of your greatest inventions.
* Ruth M.

Dear GOD,
never do it.
* Nan

Dear GOD,
* Mickey D.

Dear GOD,
Love, Chris

Dear GOD,
did it. So I bet he stoled your idea.
Sincerely, Donna


I was walking down life's highway a long time ago.
As I got a little closer the door came open wide, and when I came to
myself I was standing inside. I saw a host of ANGELS. They were standing
Everything a Christian needed was in that grocery store.
Further down was UNDERSTANDING: you need that everywhere you
go. I got a box or two of WISDOM, a bag or two of FAITH. I just couldn't
miss the HOLY GHOST, for it was all over the place. I stopped to get some
STRENGTH and COURAGE to help me run this race. By then my basket
was getting full, but I remembered I needed some GRACE.
I didn't forget SALVATION, for SALVATION was free, so I tried
counter to pay my grocery bill, for I thought I had everything
to do the MASTER'S will.

that in, for I knew when I stepped outside, I would run into sin.
PEACE AND JOY were plentiful; they were last on the shelf. SONG and
PRAISE were hanging near, so I just helped myself.

Then I said to the angel, "Now, how much do I owe?" He smiled and
said, "Just take them everywhere you go." Again, I smiled and said,

(MATTHEW 21:22

Hello God

Hello God, I called tonight
To talk a little while..
I need a friend who'll listen
To my anxiety and trial...

You see, I can't quite make it
Though a day just on my own...
I need your love to guide me,
So I'll never feel alone
I want to ask you please to keep,
My family safe and sound.
Come and fill their lives with confidence
For whatever fate they're bound.

Give me faith, dear God, to face
Each hour throughout the day,
And not to worry over things
I can't change in any way.

I thank you God, for being home
And listening to my call,
For giving me such good advice
When I stumble and fall.

Your number, God, is the only one
That answers every time.
I never get a busy signal,
Never had to pay a dime.

So thank you,God, for listening
To my troubles and my sorrow.
Good night,God, I love You, too,
And I'll call again tomorrow!
~author unknown~

Gift of Time

Imagine there is a bank that credits your account each morning with


whatever of this you have failed to invest to good purpose.



Make the most of today.








won a silver medal in the Olympics.

Treasure every moment that you have! And treasure it more because
you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your

And remember that time waits for no one.

Yesterday is history.
Tomorrow a mystery.
Today is a gift.
That's why it's called the present!



2. Memorize your favorite poem.





7. Believe in love at first sight.

8. Never laugh at anyone's dreams.


only way to live life completely.

10. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.

11. Don't judge people by their relatives.

12. Talk slow but think quick.


smile and ask, "Why do you want to know?".


15. Call your mom.


17. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.


Responsibility for all your actions.

19. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.




conversational skills will be as important as any other.

23. Spend some time alone.


25. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

26. Read more books and watch less TV.


back, you'll get to enjoy it a second time.

28. Trust in God but lock your car.


you can to create a tranquil harmonious home.

30. In disagreements with loved ones, deal with the current

situation. Don't bring up the past.

31. Read between the lines.


33. Be gentle with the earth.

34. Pray -- there's immeasurable power in it.

35. Never interrupt when you are being flattered.

36. Mind your own business.




while you are living. That is wealth's greatest satisfaction.


41. Learn the rules then break some.

42. Remember that the best relationship is one where your love

for each other is greater than your need for each other.


44. Remember that your character is your destiny.

45. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.

An Irish blessing

Always remember to forget
The things that made you sad.
But never forget to remember
The things that made you glad.

Always remember to forget
The friends that proved untrue.
But don't forget to remember
Those who have stuck by you.

Always remember to forget
The trouble that passed away.
But never forget to remember
The blessings that come each day.


chronic, terminal illness that had been slowly killing him all
his young life.

possible and had sent him to St. Theresa's Elementary School.

unable to learn. His teacher, Doris Miller, often became
exasperated with him.

He would squirm in his seat, drool and make grunting

As the Forresters sat quietly in the empty classroom, Doris
isn't fair to him to be with younger children who don't have
age and that of the other students!"

Mrs. Forrester cried softly into a tissue while her husband
take him out of this school.

coldness seemed to seep into her soul. She wanted to sympathize
with the Forresters.

wasn't fair to keep him in her class.

She had 18 other youngsters to teach and Jeremy was a
complaining when my problems are nothing compared with that poor

From that day on, she tried hard to ignore Jeremy's noises
other children snickered, and Doris' face turned red. She
stammered, "Wh-Why, that,s very nice, Jeremy. Now please take
your seat."
Spring came, and the children talked excitedly about the
of the children a large plastic egg. "Now," she said to them "I
want you to take this home and bring it back tomorrow with
something inside that shows new life.

Do you understand?" "*Yes, Miss Miller!" the children
responded enthusiastically - all except for Jeremy. He just
make his usual noises.

Had he understood what she had said about Jesus' death and
resurrection? Did he understand the assignment?
Perhaps she should call his parents and explain the project to

That evening, Doris* kitchen sink stopped up. She called
and prepare a vocabulary test for the next day. She completely
forgot about phoning Jeremy's parents.

The next morning, 19 children came to school, laughing and
talking as they placed their eggs in the large wicker basket on
Miss Miller's desk. After they completed their Math lesson, it
my egg, Miss Miller," she called out.

The next egg contained a plastic butterfly, which looked
changes and grows into a beautiful butterfly. Yes that is new
that one is mine."

the classroom. "My Daddy helped me!" he beamed. Then Doris
understand her instructions. If only she had not forgotten to
she quietly set the egg aside and reached for another.

The recess bell rang. While the children excitedly ran out
completely away.

Three months later Jeremy died. Those who paid their
his casket, all of them empty.

The Love of a Father

walls of the family estate. The widowed, elder man looked on with
satisfaction as his only child became an experienced art collector. The

beloved son was missing in action. The art collector anxiously awaited
upcoming Christmas holidays with anguish and sadness. The joy of the
visit his house no longer.

solider told of how the man's son had told everyone of his, not to
mention his father's, love of fine art. "I'm an artist, "said the
painting featured the young man's face in striking detail. Overcome
painting went above the fireplace, pushing aside thousands of dollars of
paintings. And then the man sat in his chair and spent Christmas gazing
at the gift he had been given.

rescued dozens of wounded soldiers before a bullet stilled his caring

soon became his most prized possession, far eclipsing any interest in
the piece for which museums around the world clamored. He told his
neighbors it was the greatest gift he had ever received.

world was in anticipation! Unmindful of the story of the man's only
son, but in his honor; those paintings would be sold at an auction.

The day soon arrived and art collectors from around the world gathered


forget it and go on to the good stuff."



Gone." The gavel fell.

audience and announced the auction was over.


Puts things into perspective, doesn't it? Just as those art
collectors discovered on that Christmas day, the message is still the
that Father's love, whoever takes the Son, gets it all.

All the Good Things:






grade as he had in the third.

about each of their classmates and write it down.


The exercise had accomplished its purpose. The students were happy with
themselves and one another again. That group of students moved on.



"Mark talked about you a lot," he said.

After the funeral, most of Mark's former classmates headed to Chuck's
farmhouse for lunch. Mark's mother and father were there, obviously
We thought you might recognize it."

Opening the billfold, he carefully removed two worn pieces of notebook
you so much for doing that" Mark's mother said. "As you can see, Mark
treasured it."

Mark's classmates started to gather around us. Charlie smiled rather
desk at home." Chuck's wife said, "Chuck asked me to put this in our
with me

all his friends who would never see him again.

written by: Sister Helen P. Mrosia

importance of
showing our affections and love. Sometimes the smallest of things,
could mean the most to another. I am asking you, to please send this
letter around and spread the message and encouragement, to express your
love and caring by complimenting and being open with communication. The
density of people in society, is so thick, that we forget that life will end oneday.

Tell them, before it is too late.

message to everyone you know.

Our Gardens

It's time to plant our gardens. As you plant, may I suggest the
following rules for your garden planting:

PLANT three rows of squash:
1. Squash gossip
2. Squash criticism
3. Squash indifference

PLANT three rows of peas:
1. Purity
2. Patience
3. Perseverance

PLANT six rows of lettuce:
1. Let us be unselfish and loyal
2. Let us be faithful to duty
3. Let us search the scriptures
4. Let us not be weary in well-doing
5. Let us be obedient in all things
6. Let us Love one another

NO GARDEN is complete without turnips
3. Turn up with determination to do your best for God's cause.

After planting, may you "Grow in Grace and in the knowledge of our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ". 2 Peter 3:18

Sermon on Lying

you all to read Mark 17."

The following Sunday, as he prepared to deliver his sermon,
sermon on the sin of lying."

Seven Stories Worth Reading

I hope you enjoy them and find them helpful.

#1: Most Important Question
if the last question would count toward our quiz grade. Absolutely,
also learned her name was Dorothy.

#2: Say a Prayer
wanted something more than money. He said, "I'm asking everybody

#3: Pickup in the Rain
combination console color TV and stereo record player were delivered
to his home.

A special note was attached. The note read:

Dear Mr. James:

and unselfishly serving others.

Mrs. Nat King Cole.

#4: Giving Blood
Giving Blood many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at
suffering from a disease and needed a blood transfusion from her
disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the

and saying, "Yes, I'll do it if it will save Liza." As the transfusion
and his smile faded.


#5: Two Nickels and Five Pennies
said brusquely. The little boy again counted the coins.

waitress came back, she began wiping down the table and then

#6: The Obstacle in Our Path
Some of the king's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and
out of the way.

Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables.
On approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden
pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. As the peasant picked
removed the boulder from the roadway.

The peasant learned what many others never understand.
Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve one's condition.

#7: Something To Consider
teachers, she looked at her pupils and said that she loved each
of them the same, that she would treat them all alike. And that was
other children, that his clothes were unkempt and that he constantly
the first few months that she would actually take delight in marking
his papers with a broad red pen, making bold X's and then highlighting
the "F" at the top of the paper biggest of all.

required to review each child's records and delayed Teddy's until
last. When she opened his file, she found a surprise. His first-grade
teacher had written, "Teddy is a bright, inquisitive child with a ready

His second-grade teacher had penned, "Teddy is an excellent student,
well-liked by all his classmates, but he is troubled because his mother

His third-grade teacher had noted, "Teddy continues to work hard but his
steps aren't taken."

Teddy's fourth-grade teacher had commented, "Teddy is withdrawn and
often falls asleep in class. He is tardy and could become a more serious

By now Mrs. Thompson realized the extent of the problem, but
suddenly forced to focus again on Teddy Stoddard.

except Teddy's, which was clumsily wrapped in the heavy, brown paper
laughter while she exclaimed how pretty the bracelet was, putting it
Stoddard stayed behind after class just long enough to say, "Mrs.
Thompson, today you smelled just like my mom used to." After the
children left, she cried for at least an hour.

Instead, she began to teach children. Jean Thompson paid particular
attention to one they all called "Teddy." As she worked with him, his
he responded. On those days when there would be an important test,
he had become one of the highest achieving children in the class and,
well, he had also somewhat become the "pet" of that teacher who had
once vowed to love all of her children exactly the same.

and she was still his favorite teacher of all time. Four yearsafter that,
she was still his favorite teacher.

Four more years passed and yet another letter came. This time he
Theodore F. Stoddard, M.D.

reserved for the mother of the groom. And on that day, she wore
that bracelet, the one with several rhinestones missing. And on that
special day, Jean Thompson smelled just like the way Teddy
remembered his mother smelling on their last Christmas together.

your venture through life.

:o) The Value of a Smile :o)

A :o) is nature's best antidote for discouragement.
It brings rest to the weary,
sunshine to those who are :o( ,
and hope to those who are hopeless and defeated.

A :o) is so valuable that it can't be bought,
willing to
give a :o) away
before it can do anyone else any good.

So if someone is too tired or grumpy to flash you a :o)
let him have one of yours anyway.
Nobody needs a :o) as much
as the person who has none to give.....


your smile for today...
pass it on to someone...
who needs some sunshine on a cloudy day...

no matter how bad it seems at the time,
it shall pass in a few moments,


a :o( is simply a :o) upside down...
so, stand on your head and look in the mirror...
once you see how silly you look...
:o( turns into :o)


Smiles for Sale

VICKI, an unhappy rich woman, sits impatiently on a bus stop bench.

MIKE, a homeless man, sits down next to her with a big smile on his face.

VICKI: What are you smiling for?

MIKE: It's what I do.

VICKI: I won't ask.

MIKE: I sell smiles for a living.

VICKI: I'm not interested.

MIKE: Here, have a free one - on me.
(He smiles at her.)

VICKI: No thank you.

MIKE: Sorry, can't take it back. You'll have to give it to someone else.

VICKI: What?

MIKE: The smile. You'll have to give it away if you don't want it. Or
sell it if you like - apparently it hasn't been used much.

VICKI: What do you mean by that?

MIKE: You don't smile very often, do you?

VICKI: So what if I don't?

MIKE: Shouldn't waste your smile...there's plenty of people who could use one.

VICKI: Well they can have mine.

MIKE: Your what?

VICKI: My smile.

MIKE: I don't see one.

VICKI: I thought you just gave me one.

MIKE: I tried, but it didn't stick. I think it bounced right off.

VICKI: Fine. What's there to smile about anyway?

MIKE: Well--

VICKI: You don't have to answer that.

MIKE: There's lots of things to smile about. It's a beautiful day outside;
the busses are running on time--

VICKI: I don't want to hear about it.

MIKE: --and look at that flower over there, now that would make anybody smile--

VICKI: Would you leave me alone!
(a long moment of silence. Finally, she gives in.)

VICKI: So what's the going rate on smiles these days?

MIKE: Pardon me?

VICKI: Your much are they?

MIKE: Oh, they're very expensive.

VICKI: So's my taste.

MIKE: You probably couldn't afford one.

VICKI: Try me.

MIKE: I'm'll cost you.

VICKI: Yes, I know, HOW MUCH?

MIKE: One smile.

VICKI: One smile?

MIKE: That's how much they cost.

VICKI: What?

MIKE: The price for a smile is exactly one smile. That's the going
rate. (She thinks about it)

VICKI: Alright. (smiles) I'll take one.

MIKE: It was a pleasure doing business with
you. (he leaves)

(Daisy, a streetwalker, sits down next to her.)

DAISY: What's with the smile?

VICKI: I sell smiles for a living.

This Story is to remind you to always smile and be cheerful! It makes
people happy!

So, forward this to all your friends to remind them to keep a smile on
their face!

Keep on smiling!

More Smiles

Smiles are the precious gems
that add a special glow,
And fill the world with sunshine
in spite of daily woe.

Smiles are the soft white clouds
that cushion every blow,
And chase away misgivings
among our friends and foe.

Smiles are the rainbows that
appear when storms are through;
They turn our pain to joy again;
our courage we'll renew.

Smiles are the bridge between
the darkness and the light
Smiles are a very important part of life.

The Trouble Tree

The Carpenter I hired to help me restore an old farmhouse had just
refused to start.


When opening the door he underwent an amazing transformation. His
tanned face was wreathed in smiles and he hugged his two small
children and gave his wife a kiss.


tree every night when I come home. Then, in the morning, I pick them
up again."

"Funny thing is," he smiled. "When I come out in the morning to
pick'em up, there ain't nearly as many as I remember hanging up the
night before.


When we share laughter,
There's twice the fun;
When we share success,
We've surpassed what we've done.
When we share problems,
There's half the pain;
When we share tears,
A rainbow follows rain.
When we share dreams,

They become more real;
When we share secrets,
It's our hearts we reveal.
If we share a smile,
That's when our love shows;
If we share a hug,
That's when our love grows.
If we share with someone
On whom we depend,
That person is always
Family or friend.
And what draws us closer
And makes us all care,
Is not what we have,
But the things that we share
When you open...your heart
*Author Jill Wolf*

When God Made Mothers

When the Good Lord was creating Mothers
He was into the sixth day of "overtime" when the angel appeared and
said, "You are doing a lot of fiddling around with this one."
And the Lord said "Have you read the spec on this order?"
She has to be completely washable, but not plastic.
Have 180 moveable parts...all replaceable.
Run on black coffee and leftovers.
Have a lap that disappears when she stands up.
affair... and six pairs of hands...
The angel shook her head slowly and said,
"Six pairs of hands...No Way."
"It's the three pairs of eyes that mother's have to have."
"That's on the standard model?" asked the angel.
The Lord Nodded.
"One pair that sees through closed doors when she asks,
Another here in the back of her head that sees
what she shouldn't but what she has to know,
and of course the ones here in the front that can look
at a child when he goofs up and say,
"I understand and I love you"
without so much as uttering a word."
"Lord," said the angel touching his sleeve gently,
"Come to bed. Tomorrow..."
"I can't," said the Lord,
"I'm so close to creating something so close to myself.
can feed a family of six with one pound of hamburger.
The angel circled the model of a Mother very slowly.
"It's too soft," she sighed.
"But tough!" said the Lord excitedly.
"You cannot imagine what this Mother can do or endure."
"Can it think?"
said the Creator.
"There is a leak," she pronounced.
"I told you, you were trying to put too much into this model."
"It's not a leak," said the Lord "it's a tear."
"What's it for?"
"You are a genius," said the angel.
The Lord looked somber.
"I didn't put it there."


When the good Lord was creating Fathers,
He started with a tall frame.
An angel nearby said "What kind of a Father is that?
If you're going to make children so close to the ground,
why have you put the Father up so high?
He won't be able to shoot marbles without kneeling,
Play pretend drinking tea, and kiss dollie good night,
tuck a child in bed without bending,
or even kiss a child without stooping"
God smiled and said,
"Yes, but if I make him child size,
who would children have to look up to?"
And when God made a Father's hands, they were large.
The angel said, "Large hands can't manage diaper pins,
small buttons, rubber bands on pony tails,
or even remove splinters caused from baseball bats."
Again God smiled and said,
"I know, but they're large enough to hold
everything a small boy empties from his pockets,
all the paper dolls, sing songs, jump rope,
and teach her to turn cartwheels.
yet small enough to cup a child's face in them."
Then God molded long slim legs and broad shoulders,
The angel chuckled.
God said, "A Mother needs a lap.
A Father needs strong shoulders to
pull a wagon, to balance a bicycle,
When God was in the middle of creating
the biggest body any one had ever seen,
the angel said, "That's not fair.
Do you honestly think that form is going to get
out of bed early in the morning when the baby cries,
or walk through a birthday party without
crushing one or two of the guests?"
God again smiled and said,
"It will work. You will see.
or scare mice away from a summer cabin ,
God worked throughout the night,
giving the Father few words,
but a firm authoritative voice;
eyes that see everything,
but remain calm and tolerant.
Finally, almost as an after thought,

The angel said nothing more.

by Erma Bombeck>>

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