LIFE'S STRUGGLES

Photo: butterflyblitz2010.webs.com

A man found a cocoon of an emperor moth. He took it home so that he could watch the moth come out of the cocoon. On the day a small opening appeared, he sat and watched the moth for several hours as the moth struggled to force the body through that little hole.

The moth seemed to be stuck and appeared to have stopped making progress. It seemed as if it had gotten as far as it could and it could go no farther. The man, in his kindness, decided to help the moth; so he took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon. The moth then emerged easily. But its body was swollen and small, its wings wrinkled and shriveled.

The man continued to watch the moth because he expected that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to and able to support the body, which would contract in time. Neither happened! In fact, the little moth spent the rest of its life crawling around with a small, swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly. The man in his kindness and haste did not understand that the struggle required for the moth to get through the tiny opening was necessary to force fluid from the body of the moth into its wings so that it would be ready for flight upon achieving its freedom from the cocoon. Freedom and flight would only come after the struggle. By depriving the moth of a struggle, he deprived the moth of health.

Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life. If we were to go through our life without any obstacles, we would be crippled. We would not be as strong as what we could have been. Give every opportunity a chance, leave no room for regrets, and don't forget the power in the struggle.

GOOSE SENSE

In the fall, as geese make their annual migration, flying along in V formation, you might be interested in knowing what science has discovered about why they fly that way. It has been learned that as each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in a V formation, the whole flock adds at least 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own. (People who share a common direction and sense of community are traveling on the thrust of one another.)

Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone, and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front. (If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation with those who are headed the same way we are going.)

When the lead goose gets tired, he rotates back in the wing, and another goose flies point. (It pays to take turns doing hard jobs with people or with geese flying south.) The geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. (What do we say when we honk from behind?)

And finally, when a goose gets sick, or is wounded by gun shot and falls out, two geese fall out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay with the ailing goose until it is either able to fly again, or until it is dead, and then they launch out on their own or with another formation to catch up with their group. (If we have the sense of a goose, we will stand by each other like that).

Reprinted from an out-of-print book, "High Flying Geese"

THE STUDENTS' BEATITUDE

Blessed are the students who stay in touch with God during their academic life,

they will always have a friend by their side.

Blessed are the students who study and go to all their classes,

they will become educated.

Blessed are the students who get involved in extracurricular activities,

they usually develop into well-balanced people.

Blessed are the students who volunteer to help others,

they will deepen their capacity to love.

Blessed are the students who keep away from drugs, alcohol and other dangerous activity,

they are least likely to get into trouble.

Blessed are the students who pray about and think through important decisions,

they will probably do God’s will.

Blessed are the students who keep in touch with family and friends,

they will have a good support system.

Blessed are the students who take time to discover their gifts and use them to better the world,

they will develop into mature Christians.

THE TEACHER'S BEATITUDE

BLESSED ARE THE TEACHERS WHO LOVE GOD,

for their students shall not be ignorant of their Creator and His plans concerning them.

BLESSED ARE THE TEACHERS WHO LOVE THE WORD OF GOD,

for their students shall know of the Way, the Truth and the Life.

BLESSED ARE THE TEACHERS WHO LOVE THE HOUSE OF GOD,

for they shall encourage their students to feel likewise.

BLESSED ARE THE TEACHERS WHO LOVE TO PRAY,

for their students shall feel the power of prayer and many shall find salvation.

BLESSED ARE THE TEACHERS WHO LOVE TO GIVE TO THE CAUSE OF CHRIST,

for they shall be an example.

BLESSED ARE THE TEACHERS WHO LOVE THE FAMILY ALTAR,

for they shall have their reward in this world and in the world to come.

BLESSED ARE THE TEACHERS WHO LOVE TO SPEAK KIND WORDS TO VISITING STUDENTS,

for thereby they win other boys and girls as well as their own students to Jesus Christ.

BLESSED ARE THE TEACHERS WHO LOVE TO BE COMPANIONS TO THEIR STUDENTS,

for they shall be called UNDERSTANDING.

BLESSED ARE THE TEACHERS WHO SPEND MUCH TIME IN LESSON PREPARATION,

for they shall grow even as they teach.

BLESSED ARE YE WHEN TIME SHALL BE SHORT, AND STUDENTS UNRULY,

for the Holy Spirit can still work in lives.

REJOICE, AND BE EXCEEDINGLY GLAD, FOR GREAT IS YOUR REWARD IN HEAVEN,

for other teachers have faced the problems you have before you.

CHARACTER - WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT

Photo: Katie Rivers

We tried so hard to make things better for our kids that we made them worse. For my grandchildren, I'd like better. I'd really like for them to know about hand-me down clothes and home-made ice-cream and leftover meat loaf sandwiches. I really would.

I hope you learn humility by being humiliated, and that you learn honesty by being cheated. I hope you learn to make your own bed and mow the lawn and wash the car. And I really hope nobody gives you a brand new car when you are sixteen.

It will be good if at least one time you can see puppies born and your old dog put to sleep. I hope you get a black eye fighting for something you believe in, I hope you have to share a bedroom with your younger brother. And it's all right if you have to draw a line down the middle of the room, but when he wants to crawl under the covers with you because he's scared, I hope you let him.

When you want to see a movie and your little brother wants to tag along, I hope you'll let him. I hope you have to walk uphill to school with your friends and that you live in a town where you can do it safely. On rainy days when you have to catch a ride, I hope you don't ask your driver to drop you two blocks from school so you won't be seen with someone as uncool as your Mom.

If you want a slingshot, I hope your Dad teaches you how to make one instead of buying one. I hope you learn to dig in the dirt and read books. When you learn to use computers, I hope you also learn to add and subtract in your head. I hope you get teased by your friends when you have your first crush on a girl, and when you talk back to your mother that you learn what ivory soap tastes like.

May you skin your knee climbing a mountain, burn your hand on a stove and stick your tongue on a frozen flagpole. I don't care if you try a beer once, but I hope you don't like it. And if a friend offers you dope or a joint, I hope you realize he is not your friend.

I sure hope you make time to sit on a porch with your Grandpa and go fishing with your Uncle. May you feel sorrow at a funeral and joy during the holidays. I hope your mother punishes you when you throw a baseball through your neighbor's window and that she hugs you and kisses you at Christmas time when you give her a plaster mold of your hand.

These things I wish for you - tough times and disappointment, hard times and happiness. To me, it’s the only way to appreciate life.

by Paul Harvey

A PARENT’S BEATITUDE

culturefyes.ca

Blessed are those parents who make their peace with spilled milk and with mud, for of such is the kingdom of childhood.

Blessed is the parent who engages not in the comparison of his child with others, for precious unto each is the rhythm of his own growth.

Blessed are the fathers and mothers who have learned laughter, for it is the music of the child’s world.

Blessed and wise are those parents who understand the goodness of time, for they make it not a sword that kills growth but a shield to protect.

Blessed and mature are they who without anger can say "no", for comforting to the child is the security of firm decisions.

Blessed is the gift of consistency, for it is heart’s-ease in childhood.

Blessed are they who accept the awkwardness of growth, for they are aware of the choice between marred furnishings and damaged personalities.

Blessed are the teachable, for knowledge brings understanding, and understanding brings love.

Blessed are the men and women who in the midst of the unpromising mundane, give love, for they bestow the greatest of all gifts to each other, to their children, and in an ever-widening circle, to their fellow men.

WITH GRATITUDE

There remaineth…a rest to the people of God || Heb 4:9
Sumzadong Vaiphei
1927 - March 4, 2012

A hundred years from now,

The thoughts would still be,

As fresh and truer still,

And I know this would never do,

But at least it is the beginning, dear father!

You may not have been the richest father,

But your love and concern was overflowing with richness!

You may not have been the wisest father,

But your thoughts and guidance were the best for me!

You may not have been the worldly ideal type,

But you were the ideal father for me!

I remember my tender young days,

When you hold me in your strong hands,

And we went to pick my tooth at the hospital,

Though it was painful,

I knew I would be okay because you were there with me.

When the school bells rang for the first time,

You were there with me,

In the hallowed halls of that big structure,

To assure me that it was okay to be awed and amazed!

Oh, dad! How time flies!

When I was ready to start a new life of my own,

You were there standing beside me,

Welcoming your "daughter" into our home,

With arms wide open and blessings on your lips.

When we were ready to welcome my first angel,

You were never far away.

Always a ready hand out-stretched,

More like a friend than a father!

Whenever life's difficulties and obstacles

Rose to unchain the melody of life,

You were always there, saying,

"Son, it is time to move on!"

And when God called you home,

I knew that the road ahead,

Would be much more difficult

Without you - your wisdom and guidance.

But deep inside me,

In the deepest senses of my being,

I know that you'll be with me, always,

Assuring, leading and guiding me!

Though the paths be difficult,

And the climb steep,

You will be egging me on,

As I take small faltering steps.

Dad, as I look back on the life that you lived,

So abundantly and so fully,

I'm so full of gratitude,

For being my father and making me your son!

Thanks, dad!

I'll forever remain grateful,

For making me, me!

And this song is for you and me, dad-

There is a paradise of rest

On yonder tranquil shore,

Beyond the shadow and the gloom of night,

Where toil and tears are o’er.

Meet me there, oh, meet me there,

At the dawning of that morning bright and fair;

Meet me there, oh, meet me there,

In the land beyond the river meet me there.

There is a city crowned with light,

Its joy no tongue can tell;

For they who enter shall behold the King,

And in His presence dwell.

There is a crown laid up on high

That Christ the Lord will give

To those who patiently His coming wait,

And for His glory live.

Oh, then be faithful unto death,

Press on the heavenly way,

That we may enter through the gates of life

To realms of endless day.
------------------------------
Composer: Fanny Crosby || Some hymnals show the author as W.R. Lindsay, one of Fanny's pseudonyms
Music: Ira D. Sankey

GOD KNOWS

When you are tired and discouraged from fruitless efforts…

God knows how hard you have tried.

When you’ve cried so long and your heart is in anguish…

God has counted your tears.

If you feel that your life is on hold and time has passed you by…

God is waiting with you.

When you’re lonely and your friends are too busy even for a phone call…

God is by your side.

When you think you’ve tried everything and don’t know where to turn…

God has a solution.

When nothing makes sense and you are confused or frustrated.. .

God has the answer.

If suddenly your outlook is brighter and you find traces of hope…

God has whispered to you.

When things are going well and you have much to be thankful for…

God has blessed you.

When something joyful happens and you are filled with awe…

God has smiled upon you.

When you have a purpose to fulfill and a dream to follow…

God has opened your eyes and called you by name.

Remember that wherever you are or whatever you are facing…

GOD KNOWS!

LIVE FOR TODAY

..................................Oooo

Some people .............( .....)

come into our lives..... )..../

and quickly go.......... (__/

oooO

(..... ) .......Some people

..\.. ( ........become friends

...\__)...... and stay a while...

leaving beautiful .....Oooo

footprints on our ....(...... )

hearts.......................)... /

............................. (_ _/

oooO

.(..... )...... and we are

...\... ( ....... never quite the same again

.... \__) ......because we have

made a good friend!

Yesterday is history.

  Tomorrow a mystery.

    Today is a gift.

      That's why it's called the present!

Right Now -

-somebody is very proud of you.

-somebody is thinking of you.

-somebody is caring about you.

-somebody misses you.

-somebody wants to talk to you.

-somebody wants to be with you.

-somebody hopes you aren't in trouble.

-somebody is thankful for the support you have provided.

-somebody wants to hold your hand.

-somebody hopes everything turns out all right.

-somebody wants you to be happy.

-somebody wants you to find him/her.

-somebody is celebrating your successes.

-somebody wants to give you a gift.

-somebody thinks that you are a gift.

-somebody hopes you're not too cold, or too hot

-somebody wants to hug you.

-somebody loves you.

-somebody admires your strength.

-somebody is thinking of you and smiling.

-somebody wants to be your shoulder to cry on.

-somebody wants to go out with you and have a lot of fun.

-somebody thinks the world of you.

-somebody wants to protect you.

-somebody would do anything for you.

-somebody wants to be forgiven.

-somebody is grateful for your forgiveness.

-somebody wants to laugh with you.

-somebody remembers you and wishes that you were there.

-somebody is praising God for you.

-somebody needs to know that your love is unconditional.

-somebody values your advice.

-somebody wants to tell you how much they care.

-somebody wants to share their dreams with you.

-somebody wants to hold you in their arms.

-somebody wants you to hold them in your arms.

-somebody treasures your spirit.

-somebody wishes they could stop time because of you.

-somebody praises God for your friendship and love.

-somebody can't wait to see you.

-somebody loves you for who you are.

-somebody loves the way you make them feel.

-somebody wants to be with you.

-somebody wants you to know they are there for you.

-somebody's glad that you're his/her friend.

-somebody wants to be your friend.

-somebody stayed up all night thinking about you.

-somebody is alive because of you.

-somebody is wishing that you noticed him/her.

-somebody wants to get to know you better.

-somebody wants to be near you.

-somebody misses your advice/guidance.

-somebody has faith in you.

-somebody trusts you.

-somebody needs you to send them this letter

-somebody needs your support.

-somebody needs you to have faith in them.

-somebody will cry when they read this.

-somebody needs you to let them be your friend.

-somebody hears a song that reminds them of you.

I FORGIVE YOU

Nothing is as painful,

As unforgiveness to the soul.

A heart that's torn asunder,

With forgiveness becomes whole.

A single kind word spoken,

Means more than countless words.

The three words, "I forgive you,"

Are all that need be heard.

To a soul that has been wounded,

Like a healing, cooling balm.

Forgiveness soothes and comforts,

Till at last the soul is calm.

For the soul that seeks forgiveness,

When forgiveness can't be found.

It struggles vainly everyday,

To hear that simple sound.

The power in those three kind words,

Can heal a heart that's broken.

But that heart cannot begin to heal,

As long as words remain unspoken.

Compassion in it's purest sense,

Reside in those three words.

The three words, "I forgive you,"

Are all that need be heard.

NO REGRETS!

If I knew it would be the last time that I'd see you fall asleep,

I would tuck you in more tightly and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time that I see you walk out the door,

I would give you a hug and kiss and call you back for just one more.

If I knew it would be the last time I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,

I would video tape each action and word, so I could play them back day after day.

If I knew it would be the last time, I could spare an extra minute or two to stop and say "I love you,"

Instead of assuming you would know I do.

If I knew it would be the last time I would be there to share your day,

Well, I'm sure you'll have so many more, I can let just this one slip away.

For surely there's always tomorrow to make up for an oversight,

And we always get a second chance to make everything right.

There will always be another day to say our "I love you's,"

And certainly there's another chance to say our "Anything I can do's?"

But just in case I might be wrong, and today is all I get,

I'd like to say how much I love you and I hope we never forget,

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone, young or old alike,

Today may be the last chance you get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you're waiting for tomorrow, why not do it today?

For if tomorrow never comes, you'll surely regret the day,

That you didn't take that extra time for a smile, a hug, or a kiss,

Too busy to grant someone what turned out to be their last wish.

So hold your loved ones close today, whisper in their ear,

Tell them how much you love them and that you'll always hold them dear.

Take time to say "I'm sorry," "Please forgive me," "Thank you" or "It's okay".

And if tomorrow never comes, you'll have no regrets about today.

THE STAGES OF FRIENDSHIP

In kindergarten your idea of a good friend was the person who let you have the red crayon when all that was left was the ugly black one.

In first grade your idea of a good friend was the person who went to the bathroom with you and held your hand as you walked through the scary halls.

In second grade your idea of a good friend was the person who helped you stand up to the class bully.

In third grade your idea of a good friend was the person who shared their lunch with you when you forgot yours on the bus.

In fourth grade your idea of a good friend was the person who was willing to switch square dancing partners in gym so you wouldn't have to be stuck do-si-do-ing with the dork of the class.

In fifth grade your idea of a friend was the person who saved a seat on the back of the bus for you.

In sixth grade your idea of a friend was the person who went up to your new crush, and asked them to dance with you, so that if they said no you wouldn't have to be embarrassed.

In seventh grade your idea of a friend was the person who let you copy the social studies homework from the night before that you had forgotten about.

In eighth grade your idea of a good friend was the person who helped you pack up your stuffed animals and old baseball cards so that your room would be a "high schooler’s" room, but didn't laugh at you when you finished and broke out into tears.

In ninth grade your idea of a good friend was the person who went with you to that "cool" party thrown by a senior so you wouldn't wind up being the only freshman there.

In tenth grade your idea of a good friend was the person who changed their schedule so you would have someone to sit with at lunch.

In eleventh grade your idea of a good friend was the person who gave you rides in their new car,

convinced your parents that you shouldn't be grounded, consoled you when you broke up with your significant other and found you a date to the prom.

In twelfth grade your idea of a good friend was the person who helped you pick out a college,

assured you that you would get into that college, helped you deal with your parents who were having a hard time adjusting to the idea of letting you go.

At graduation your idea of a good friend was the person who was crying on the inside but managed the biggest smile one could give as they congratulated you.

The summer after twelfth grade your idea of a good friend was the person who

Helped you clean up from that party.

Helped you sneak out of the house when you just couldn't deal with your parents.

Assured you that now that your significant other were back together, you could make it through anything.

Helped you pack up for college and just silently hugged you as you looked through blurry eyes at 18 years of memories you were leaving behind.

And finally on those last days of childhood, went out of their way to come over and send you off with a hug, a lot of memories and reassurance that you would make it in college as well as you had these past 18 years.

But most importantly sent you off to college knowing you were loved.

Now, your idea of a good friend is still the person who

Gives you the better of the two choices.

Holds your hand when you're scared.

Helps you fight off those who try to take advantage of you.

Thinks of you at times when you are not there.

Reminds you of what you have forgotten.

Helps you put the past behind you but understands when you need to hold on to it a little longer.

Stays with you so that you have confidence.

Goes out of their way to make time for you.

Helps you clear up your mistakes.

Helps you deal with pressure from others.

Smiles for you when they are sad.

Helps you become a better person.

However, most importantly, loves you!

THE NATURAL HIGHS OF LIFE

Falling in love.

Laughing so hard your face hurts.

A hot shower.

No lines at the store.

A special glance.

Getting mail.

Taking a drive on a pretty road.

Hearing your favorite song on the radio.

Lying in bed listening to the rain outside.

Hot towels out of the dryer.

Walking out of your last final.

Finding the sweater you want is on sale for half price.

Chocolate milkshake.

A long distance phone call.

Getting invited to a dance.

A bubble bath.

Giggling.

A good conversation.

A care package.

The beach.

Finding a $20 bill in your coat from last winter.

Laughing at yourself.

Midnight phone calls that last for hours.

Running through sprinklers.

Laughing for absolutely no reason at all.

Having someone tell you that you're beautiful.

Laughing at an inside joke.

Friends.

Falling in love for the first time.

Slumber parties.

Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you.

Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep.

Your first kiss.

Being part of a team.

Making new friends or spending time with old ones.

Playing with a new puppy.

Late night talks with your roommate that keep you from sleeping.

Having someone play with your hair.

Sweet dreams.

Hot chocolate

Road trips with friends.

Swinging on swings.

Watching a good movie cuddled up on a couch with someone you love.

Song lyrics printed inside your new CD so you can sing along without feeling stupid.

Going to a really good concert.

Getting butterflies in your stomach every time you see that one person.

Making eye contact with a cute stranger.

Winning a really competitive game.

Making chocolate chip cookies!

Having your friends send you homemade cookies!

Spending time with close friends!

Running through the fountains with your friends.

Riding a bike downhill.

The feeling after running a few miles-an accomplishment!

The feeling you get the first time you step on stage.

Seeing smiles and hearing laughter from your friends...

Holding hands with someone you care about.

Wearing your boyfriend's shirt that still smells like his cologne.

Running into an old friend and realizing that things (good or bad) never change.

Discovering that love is unconditional and stronger than time.

Riding the best roller coasters over and over.

Hugging the person you love.

Watching the expression someone's face as they open a much-desired present from you.

Kisses on your forehead from the first and only boy you have ever loved.

Watching the sunrise.

Getting out of bed every morning and thanking God for another beautiful day!