My Favorite Quotes
"You do your best...and God will do the rest."
"There is no limit to what a person can accomplish unless he doesn't mind who gets the credit."
"God never asks us about our abilities or inabilities, but always about our availability."
"Don't trouble trouble, till trouble troubles you. You'll only double trouble, and trouble others too."
"Let's all work together. Teamwork makes hard jobs easier."
"Man's greatest victory consists not in never failing, but in rising, every time we fail."
"Lord help me to remember that nothing is going to happen to me today that you and I together cannot handle."
"There is no comparison between that which is lost by not succeeding, and that which is lost by not trying."
"The Dictionary is the only place in the world where you will find success before work."
"If you want to have a good appearance, pause for 1 minute in front of a mirror, 5 minutes in front of your soul, and 15 minutes in front of your God."
"CHERISH YOUR YESTERDAYS,
DREAM YOUR TOMORROWS,
BUT LIVE YOUR TODAYS."
"One ought every day to hear a little music, read a good poem, see a picture, and if possible, speak a few reasonable words."
"The average pencil is 18 inches long - with just half an inch of eraser ! Just in case you thought optimism was dead."
"Today, well-lived, makes every yesterday a dream of happiness, and every tomorrow a vision of great hope."
"Doing an injury puts you below your enemy.
Revenging one makes you but even with him.
Forgiving him sends you and sets you above him."
"When a person reaches the end of the rope, one comes to the beginning of God."
A Collection of quotes, prayers, reflections and other interesting stories
Here is a summary of all the titles included in this Page . . . . .
1. A Priest's Prayer.
2. Touch us, heal us, redeem us.
3. A Prayer before Christ crucified.
4. Jesus, Our Friend.
5. Come back to me.
6. I complained....until !
7. Don't wait for the hearse !
8. Don't stay away from the Church.
9. Pancakes.
10. $20 worth of time.
11. Love, Wealth and Success.
12. Funny, isn't it ?
13. The Handwriting on the Wall.
14. The Prodigal Son in the key of F.
15. A New look English
16. Life before the Computer.
17. Fleming and Churchill
18. No wonder English is so hard !
19. I Believe.
20. Psalm 23...with a variation.
21. The ABCs of Commitment.
22. What If ?
23. Emergency Phone Numbers.
24. Prayer for children.
25. Prayer for parents.
26. Prayer for mothers.
27. Make me a friend, Lord.
28. America's Greatness
29. Thomas Jefferson's 10 Rules
30. Memos from a child to his parents
31. The priest - how many love him, yet others criticize him.
32. A time to dance. . . . with the Lord
33. If tomorrow never comes
34. The story of three boys...and four others
35. How dare you doubt Him
36. How God speaks to us
37. Christian Bumper Stickers
38. Spiritual Vitamins - from A to Z
39. Thy Will be done
40. Today is up to me
41. A Dog's Plea
42. Hold on to each other
43. Why many folks are not doing well spiritually
44. Ten things you will never regret
45. Encouragement
46. It takes courage
47. Today . . . .and Tomorrow
48. The AA Twelve Steps
49. Time to Pray
50. I wish for you
PRAYERS FROM THE HEART
So, here we go . . . .
HERE'S A PRAYER THAT I CREATED A FEW YEARS AGO
1. A PRIEST'S PRAYER
I am not alone.
Each day as a Priest I give advice with the Counselor. (Isaiah 9:6)
I solve conflicts with the Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)
I watch over the sheep with the Shepherd. (John 10:11)
I guide and instruct with the Teacher. (John 1:49)
I ease pain and grief with the Comforter. (2 Corinthians 1:3)
I strengthen the weak with my Rock of Refuge. (Psalm 31:2)
I build and construct with my cornerstone. (1 Peter 2:6)
I follow in the footsteps of my Leader. (Isaiah 55:4)
I make decisions with the help of the Righteous Judge. (2 Tim 4:8)
I even walk in darkness surrounded by the LIGHT. (John 1:4)
I feel protected by the Shield. ( Genesis 15:1)
I take advice from the Advocate. (1 John 2:1)
I foresee the future with the Prophet. (Luke 7:16)
I feel healed by the Physician. (Luke 4:23)
I wait and pray with my HOPE. (Psalm 71:5)
I feel fortified by the Tower of salvation. (2 Samuel 22:51)
In times of trouble, I feel saved by my redeemer. (Isaiah 59:20)
If I start to lose perspective, I remember of my eternal life.(1 John 5:20)
I nurture and nourish myself with the living bread. (John 6:51)
I am deeply in love with my beloved. (Matthew 12:18)
I rely for support on my Faithful witness. (Revelation 1:5)
I feel safe and secure in the presence of my Defender. (Psalms 84:11)
I forget about my past because I behold my beginning. (Colossians 1:18)
I feel invigorated by my strength. (Psalm 27:1)
I am truly fortified by my fortress. (Psalm 18:2)
I find companionship with my Friend. (proverbs 18:24)
I bow before the KING of Kings. (Revelation 17:14)
and I follow the way, the truth and the life. (John 14:6)
I am not alone.
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Here's another prayer worth repeating often.....
2. TOUCH US, HEAL US, REDEEM US, LORD
Let the tender touch of your mercy, Lord, probe the secrets of our hearts and lead our hearts to yours in peace.
Let the perfect patience of your mercy, Lord, make us slow to judge our neighbor and quick to forgive those who offend us.
Let the wisdom of your mercy, Lord, guide our thoughts and plans and shape our hopes and
dreams.
Let the healing of your mercy, Lord, bind our wounds and hurts and mend our broken lives.
Let the kindness of your mercy, Lord, shape the ties that makes us one and the bond that make us strong.
Let the fidelity of your mercy, Lord, help us teach the faith we have received and find the faith we need.
Let the constancy of your mercy, Lord, keep us faithful to your word and to the teachings of our Church.
Let the depth of your mercy, Lord, resound within our hearts and in every word we speak.
A M E N
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This is another consoling prayer I created for the Lenten Season, but can be used anytime.
3. PRAYER BEFORE CHRIST CRUCIFIED
All you who are crying, come to Him, because he is crying too.
All you who are suffering, come to Him because he can heal you.
All you who are afraid, come to Him because he always has a smile of encouragement waiting for you.
All you who are hungry, come to Him because He'll feed you with the Living Bread.
All you who are in darkness, come to Him and He will guide you with His never-fading light
.All you who are lost, search for His guiding hand, and you will never get lost from now on.
All you who feel persecuted, come to Him because he suffered His share of persecution too
.All you who feel like you're always struggling, come to Him because he will give true meaning to your life.
All you who are alone, come to Him, and He'll prove to you the best companion and most faithful friend.
All you who feel like you can't get up after a hard fall, come to Him, and He'll help you up, just as He did himself on his way to be crucified.
All you who feel being punished unfairly, just look at Him - He died for you and me, unfairly.
All you who feel abandoned, come to Him and you'll find yourself in good company, because he was abandoned in the Garden of Olive and on the Cross, but always found his Father as close as ever.
All you who seem to have lost any sense of direction in life, come to Him,
who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
All you who are dying, come to Him, because with Him, you will live forever.
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This is yet another consoling prayer....
4. JESUS, OUR FRIEND
You share my burdens - You take them upon yourself.
You listen to me fondly, when I tell you my troubles.
You never fail to lighten them.
I find you at all times and in all places.
You never leave me - I will always find You wherever I go.
Old age or misfortune will not cause You to abandon me.
You will never be closer to me than when all seems to go against me.
No matter how miserable I may be,
You will never cease to be my friend.
You tolerate my faults with admirable patience.
You are always ready to come to me, if I so desire it.
Jesus, may I die praising You !May I die loving You ! May I die for the love of You !
(written by St. Claude de la Columbiere)
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HERE IS ANOTHER ONE I CREATED A FEW YEARS AGO....
5. COME BACK TO ME
All of you who feel alone or abandoned, come back to me, and I assure you that you'll never get tired of my company and my presence in your life..
All of you who feel guilty of past sins, failures and shortcomings, come back to me, and remember that when I forgive, I also forget about it..
All of you who may have turned your back on me, come back to me, and you'll find me waiting for you with open arms, for your big reunion with me
All of you who may have left the Church for a while, come back to me, and remember that you're always welcome here - no questions asked.
All of you who may have turned your attention to other gods, like comfort, pleasure and riches, come back to me, and I will give you another chance to redeem yourself, as I gave chances to so many Saints in the past after they faltered..
All of you who may fear that I may be angry at you for your turbulent past, come back to me, and you'll find me waiting for you with open arms and a comforting embrace..
All of you who picture me as a revengeful God, come back to me, and you will see the unconditional love I have for my people..
All of you who somehow, somewhere, sometime left me, come back to me, with all your heart, and I will love you always with all my heart..
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And another one I wrote recently......
6. I COMPLAINED, UNTIL.......
I complained that I had no shoes, until I met someone who had no feet.
I complained because my gloves were not thermo-insulated, until I met someone had no hands.
I complained because my chicken was a little dry, until I met children who had nothing to eat for days.
I complained that my house had no air-conditioning, until I came across those who were homeless.
I complained because my Computer was Pentium II instead of Pentium III, until I met a news reporter who still writes his reports on a typewriter.
I complained that my Cable TV only receives 26 channels, until I visited someone whose contact with the outside world is a small transistor-radio.
I complained that my children had only 10 Computers in each class, until I saw other children in the third world whose classroom is a sandy beach, and whose blackboard and chalk is the sand and a stick.
I complained because my car is not 4 wheel-drive, until I thought of my parents who never had a car, and walked everywhere they went.
I complained that my contact lenses fell off my eyes, until I met a blind gentleman.
I complained that I couldn't receive the FM Stations clearly, until I met a co-worker who is completely deaf.
I complained because we didn't have rain in two weeks and the grass was getting dry, until I read how some people in the Sahara Desert have not seen water in months.
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Here are two clever, funny, but meaningful too....
7. DON'T WAIT FOR THE HEARSE !
Dear Church member: Don't wait until the hearse hauls you to Church. If you do . . . .
1. You will go, regardless of the weather.
2. You will go, regardless of the condition of your body.
3. There will be beautiful flowers there, but you won't enjoy them.
4. You will go, regardless of how your family feels.
5. The minister may say many good things about you, but they will do you no good.
6. There will be beautiful music, but you won't hear it.
7. There will be heartfelt prayers, but they will not touch your heart.
8. There will be friends and relatives there, but you won't worship with them.
9. You will go, no matter how many hypocrites are there.
10. You will receive no blessing from the service.
11. You won't feel concerned about your clothes.
12. You will never have to decide about attending Church again.
Aren't you glad to be alive and well and full of zest and able to go to Church on your own ?
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8. DON'T STAY AWAY FROM THE CHURCH
Because it rainsYou go to work in the rain.
Because it is hotSo is the Golf Course.
Because it is coldIt's warm and friendly inside.
Because you are poorThere is no admission charge.
Because you are richThat can be cured.
Because no one invited you.People go to the movies without being asked.
Because you have children.God loves them.
Because there are hypocrites..You associate with the daily.
Because you have companyThey will admire your loyalty if you bring them along, or ask them to Wait "till" you get back.
Because your clothes are not expensive.Churches are not supposed to be fashion shows.
Because the Church always wants money..So does your grocer.
Because you have plenty of time to go later..Are you sure?
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Here is a nice story showing us how much God loves us . . . .
9. Pancakes...
Six year old Brandon decided one Saturday morning to fix his parents pancakes. He found a big bowl and spoon, pulled a chair to the counter, opened the cupboard and pulled out the heavy flour canister, spilling it on the floor. He scooped some of the flour into the bowl with his hands, mixed in most of a cup of milk and added some sugar, leaving a floury trail on the floor which by now had a few tracks left by his kitten.
Brandon was covered with flour and getting frustrated. He wanted this to be something very good for Mom and Dad, but it was getting very bad. He didn't know what to do next, whether to put it all into the oven or on the stove (and he didn't know how the stove worked!). Suddenly he saw his kitten licking from the bowl of mix and reached to push her away, knocking the egg carton to the floor. Frantically he tried to clean upn this monumental mess but slipped on the eggs, getting his pajamas white and sticky. And just then he saw Dad standing at the door. Big crocodile tears welled up in Brandon's eyes. All he'd wanted to do was something good, but he'd made a terrible mess. He was sure a scolding was coming, maybe even a spanking. But his father just watched him. Then, walking through the mess, he picked up his crying son, hugged him and loved him, getting his own pajamas white and sticky in the process.
That's how God deals with us. We try to do something good in life, but it turns into a mess. Our marriage gets all sticky or we insult a friend or we can't stand our job or our health goes sour. Sometimes we just stand there in tears because we can't think of anything else to do. That's when God picks us up and loves us and forgives us, even though some of our mess gets all over Him. But just because we might mess up, we can't stop trying to "make pancakes," for God or for others. Sooner or later we'll get it right, and then they'll be glad we tried...
10. $20 worth of Time
A man came home from work late again, tired and irritated, to find his 5 year old son waiting for him at the door. "Daddy, may I ask you a question?"
"Yeah, sure, what is it?" replied the man. "Daddy, how much money do you make an hour?"
"That's none of your business! What makes you ask such a thing?" the man said angrily.
"I just wanna know. Please tell me, how much do you make an hour?" pleaded the little boy.
"If you must know, I make $20.00 an hour."
"Oh," the little boy replied, head bowed. Looking up, he said, "Daddy, may I borrow $10.00 please?".
The father was furious. "If the only reason you wanted to know how much money I make is just so you can borrow some to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about why you're being so selfish. I work long hard hours everyday and don't have time for such childish games."
The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door. The man sat down and started to get even madder about the little boy's questioning. How dare he ask such questions only to get some money !
After an hour or so, the man had calmed down, and started to think he may have been a little hard on his son. Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that $10.00 and he really didn't ask for money very often. The man went to the door of the little boy's room and opened the door.
"Are you asleep son?" he asked. "No Daddy, I'm awake," replied the boy.
"I've been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier," said the man.
"It's been a long day and I took my aggravation out on you. Here's that $10.00 you asked for." The little boy sat straight up, beaming. "Oh, thank you Daddy!" he yelled.
Then, reaching under his pillow, he pulled out some more crumpled up bills. The man, seeing that the boy already had money, started to get angry again. The little boy slowly counted out his money, then looked up at the man. "Why did you want more money if you already had some?" the father grumbled.
"Because I didn't have enough, but now I do," the little boy replied.
"Daddy, I have $20.00 now. Can I buy an hour of your time?"
Share this story with someone you like . . . . . . but even better, share $20 worth of time with someone you love.
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11. LOVE, WEALTH AND SUCCESS
A woman came out of her house and saw 3 old men with long white beards sitting in her front yard. She did not recognize them. She said "I don't think I know you, but you must be hungry. Please come in and have something to eat."
Is the man of the house home?", they asked. "No", she said. "He's out."
"Then we cannot come in", they replied.
In the evening when her husband came home, she told him what had happened. "Go tell them I am home and invite them in!" The woman went out and invited the men in.
"We do not go into a House together," they replied. "Why is that?" she wanted to know.
One of the old men explained: "His name is Wealth," he said pointing to one of his friends, and said pointing to another one, "He is Success, and I am Love."
Then he added, "Now go in and discuss with your husband which one of us you want in your home." The woman went in and told her husband what was said. Her husband was overjoyed.
"How nice!!", he said. "Since that is the case, let us invite Wealth. Let him come and fill our home with wealth!" His wife disagreed.
"My dear, why don't we invite Success?" Their daughter-in-law was listening from the other corner of the house. She jumped in with her own suggestion: "Would it not be
better to invite Love? Our home will then be filled with love!"
"Let us heed our daughter-in-law's advice," said the husband to his wife. "Go out and
invite Love to be our guest."
The woman went out and asked the 3 old men, "Which one of you is Love? Please come in and be our guest." Love got up and started walking toward the house. The other 2 also got up and followed him. Surprised, the lady asked Wealth and Success: "I only invited Love, Why are you coming in?"
The old men replied together: "If you had invited Wealth or Success, the other two of us would've stayed out, but since you invited Love, wherever He goes, we go with him.
Wherever there is Love, there is also Wealth and Success ! ! ! ! ! ! "
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12. Funny, Isn't it ?
Funny how $10 looks so big when we take it to church,
but so small when we take it to the store.
Funny how long 60 minutes are when serving God,
but how short when fishing, playing golf or basketball.
Funny how laborious it is to read a chapter in the Bible,
but how easy it is to read 200 to 300 pages of a best selling novel.
Funny how we believe what a person or newspaper says,
but question what the Bible says.
Funny how we can't think of anything to say when we pray,
but don't have difficulty thinking of stories to gossip about to a friend.
Funny how we need 2 or 3 weeks to fit a church event into our schedule,
but have no problem adjusting for a social event at the last minute.
Funny how we get thrilled when a football game goes into extra time,
but complain when a sermon is longer than the regular time.
Funny how people scramble to get a front row seat at any game,
but scramble to get a back row seat at church services.
Funny how difficult it is to share the gospel with others,
but how simple it is to talk about anything else.
Funny how everyone wants to go to heaven,
provided they don't have to believe, think, say or do anything.
Funny, isn't it? Or is it funny at all??
13. THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALL
A weary mother returned from the store,
Lugging groceries through the kitchen door.
Awaiting her arrival was her 8 year old son,
Anxious to relate what his younger brother had done.
"While I was out playing and Dad was on a call,
T.J. took his crayons and wrote on the wall!
It's on the new paper you just hung in the den.
I told him you'd be mad at having to do it again."
She let out a moan and furrowed her brow,
"Where is your little brother right now?"
She emptied her arms and with a purposeful stride,
She marched to his closet where he had gone to hide.
She called his full name as she entered his room.
He trembled with fear; he knew that meant doom!
For the next ten minutes, she ranted and raved
About the expensive wallpaper and how she had saved.
Lamenting all the work it would take to repair,
She condemned his actions and total lack of care.
The more she scolded, the madder she got,
Then stomped from his room, totally distraught!
She headed for the den to confirm her fears.
When she saw the wall, her eyes flooded with tears.
The message she read pierced her soul with a dart.
It said, "I love Mommy," surrounded by a heart.
Well, the wallpaper remained, just as she found it,
With an empty picture frame hung to surround it.
A reminder to her, and indeed to all,
Take time to read the handwriting on the wall
Author Unknown
14. T H E P R O D I G A L S O N , I N T H E K E Y O F F
Feeling footloose and frisky a feather-brained fellow forced his fond father to fork over the family finances. He flew far to foreign fields and frittered his fortune feasting fabulously with faithless friends. Finally facing famine and fleeced by his fellows in folly, he found himself a feed-flinger in a filthy farmyard.
Fairly famished he fain would have filled his frame with the foraged foods of the fodder fragments left by the filthy farmyard creatures.
'Fooey', he said, 'My father's flunkies fare far fancier,' the frazzled fugitive found feverishly, frankly facing facts. Frustrated by failure and filled with foreboding he forthwith fled to his family. Falling at his father's feet, he floundered forlornly. 'Father, I have flunked and fruitlessly forfeited family favour.'
But the faithful father, forestalling further flinching frantically flagged the flunkies. 'Fetch forth the finest fatling and fix a feast.' But the fugitive's fault-finding frater frowned on the fickle forgiveness of the former folderol. His fury flashed. But fussing was futile, for the far-sighted father figured, such filial fidelity is fine, but what forbids fervent festivity.
The fugitive is found. 'Unfurl the flags, with fanfares flaring, let fun and frolic freely flow.' Former failure is forgotten, folly forsaken, forgiveness forms the foundation for future fortitude."
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15. A New Look ENGLISH . . .
Having chosen English as the preferred language in the EEC, the European Parliament has commissioned a feasibility study in ways of improving efficiency in communications between Government departments.
European officials have often pointed out that English spelling is unnecessarily difficult--for example, cough, plough, rough, through and thorough. What is clearly needed is a phased programme of changes to iron out these anomalies. The programme would, of course, be administered by a committee staff at top level by participating nations.
In the first year, for example, the committee would suggest using "s" instead of the soft "c." Sertainly, sivil servants in all sities would reseive this news with joy. Then the hard, "c" could be replaced by "k" sinse both letters are pronounced alike. Not only would this klear up konfusion in the minds of klerical workers, but typewriters kould be made with one less letter.
There would be growing enthusiasm in the sekond year, it kould be announsed that the troublesome "ph" would henceforth be written "f." This would make words like "fotograf" twenty per sent shorter in print.
In the third year, publik akseptance of the new spelling kan be expekted to reash the stage where more komplikated shanges are possible. Governments would enkourage the removal of double letters which have always been a deterent to akurate speling.
We would al agre that the horible mes of silent "e"s in the languag is disgrasful. Therefor we kould drop thes and kontinu to read and writ as though no thing had hapend. By this tim it would be four years sins the skem began and peopl would be reseptiv to steps sutsh as replasing "th" by "z."
Perhaps zen ze funktion of "u" kould be taken on by "v", vitsh is, after al, half a "w." Shortly after zis, ze unesesary "o" kuld be droped from words kontaining "ou." Similar arguments vud of kors be aplid to ozer kombinations of leters.
Kontinuing zis proses yer after yer, ve vud eventull hav a reli sensibl riten styl, after twenti yers zer vud be no mor trubls, difikultis and evrivun vud fin it ezi tu understand ech ozer. Ze drems of ze Guvermnt vud finali hav kum tru.
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16. LIFE BEFORE THE COMPUTER
An application was for employment
A program was a TV show
A cursor used profanity
A keyboard was a piano!
Memory was something that you lost with age
A CD was a bank account
And if you had a 3 1/2 inch floppy
You hoped nobody found out!
Compress was something you did to garbage
Not something you did to a file
And if you unzipped anything in public
You'd be in jail for awhile!
Log on was adding wood to a fire
Hard drive was a long trip on the road
A mouse pad was where a mouse lived
And a backup happened to your commode!
Cut - you did with a pocket knife
Paste you did with glue
A web was a spider's home
And a virus was the flu!
I guess I'll stick to my pad and paper
And the memory in my head
I hear nobody's been killed in a computer crash
But when it happens they wish they were dead!
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17. Fleming and Churchill
His name was Fleming, and he was a poor Scottish farmer. One day, while trying to make a living for his family, he heard a cry for help coming from a nearby bog. He dropped his tools and ran to the bog. There, mired to his waist in black muck, was a terrified boy, screaming and struggling to free himself. Farmer Fleming saved the lad from what could have been a slow and a terrifying death. The next day, a fancy carriage pulled up to the Scotsman's sparse surroundings. An elegantly dressed nobleman stepped out and introduced himself as the father of the boy Farmer Fleming had saved. "I want to repay you, " said the nobleman. "You saved my son's life." "No, I can't accept payment for what I did," the Scottish farmer replied, waving off the offer. At that moment, the farmer's own son came to the door of the family hovel. "Is that your son?" the nobleman asked. "Yes," the farmer replied proudly. "I'll make you a deal. Let me take him and give him a good education. If the lad is anything like his father, he'll grow to a man you can be proud of. "And that he did.
In time, Farmer Fleming's son graduated from St .Mary's Hospital Medical School in London, and went on to become known throughout the world as the noted Sir Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of Penicillin. Years afterwards, the nobleman's son was stricken with pneumonia. What saved him? Penicillin.
The name of the nobleman? Lord Randolph Churchill. His son's name? Sir Winston Churchill.
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18. No wonder the English language is so very difficult to learn:
We polish the Polish furniture.
He could lead if he would get the lead out.
A farm can produce produce.
The dump was so full it had to refuse refuse.
The soldier decided to desert in the desert.
The present is a good time to present the present.
At the Army base, a bass was painted on the head of a bass drum.
The dove dove into the bushes.
I did not object to the object.
The insurance for the invalid was invalid.
The bandage was wound around the wound.
There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row.
They were too close to the door to close it.
The buck does funny things when the does are present.
They sent a sewer down to stitch the tear in the sewer line.
To help with planting, the farmer taught his sow to sow.
The wind was too strong to wind the sail.
After a number of Novocain injections, my jaw got number.
I shed a tear when I saw the tear in my clothes.
I had to subject the subject to a series of tests.
How can I intimate this to my most intimate friend?
I spent last evening evening out a pile of dirt.
Here' is a list that should keep you focused on what is important in life. . . . .
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19. I BELIEVE
I believe - that we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.
I believe - that no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
I believe - that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.
I believe - that you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.
I believe - that it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.
I believe - that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last
time you see them.
I believe - that you can keep going long after you can't.
I believe - that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.
I believe-
that either you control your attitude or it controls you.
I believe - that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades and there had better be something else to take the passion's place.
I believe - that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.
I believe - that money is a lousy way of keeping score.
I believe - that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.
I believe - that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.
I believe - that sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
I believe - that just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.
I believe - that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.
I believe - that it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.
I believe - that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.
I believe - that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.
I believe - that just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other.
And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.
I believe - that you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.
I believe - that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally
different.
I believe - that your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.
I believe - that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.
I believe - that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.
I believe - that the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.
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20. A consoling version of the famous Psalm 23.....
The Lord is my Shepherd.......
THAT'S RELATIONSHIP!
I shall not want........................
THAT'S SUPPLY!
He makes me to lie down in green pastures........
THAT'S REST!
He leads me beside still waters......
THAT'S REFRESHMENT!
He restores my soul.........
THAT'S HEALING!
He leads me in the paths of righteousness........
THAT'S GUIDANCE!
For His name sake........
THAT'S PURPOSE!
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death......
THAT'S CHALLENGE!
I will fear no evil........
THAT'S ASSURANCE!
For thou art with me.......
THAT'S FAITHFULNESS!
Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.........
THAT'S SHELTER!
You prepare a table before me in the presence of mine enemies......
THAT'S HOPE!
You anoint my head with oil.......
THAT'S CONSECRATION!
My cup runs over.......
THAT'S ABUNDANCE!
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life...
THAT'S BLESSING!
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord.......
THAT'S SECURITY!
Forever........
THAT'S ETERNITY!
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21. Here's a list of ABCs of Commitment
I open my heart and my mind to be aware of the ABCs which will lift my spirits up day by day.
Almighty Creator of the Universe, who created all that we have and cherish.
Beloved Father, God of compassion.
Create in me a clean heart this day, to love you more.
Deliver me from the limitations of my ego.
Exalt your presence in my mind, and keep me always focused on You.
Forgive all that I have done against You, myself and others.
Grant me peace, and grant peace to all the world.
Hold me steadfastly within the boundaries of your truth.
Inspire my heart to know You better, my ears to hear You, and my eyes to recognize You.
Justify me in the presence of all enemies.
Knead my heart with works of kindness and acts of humility.
Let no harm befall me or my loved ones.
May all I do or say glorify You, and never let any word of mine ever hurt You.
Nourish me with Your Wisdom and Knowledge.
Open my eyes to know your vision of truth.
Purge my heart of all things that are offensive to your law.
Quiet my soul in the midst of confusion and temptation.
Renew my commitment to You.
Save me from my secret fears.
Teach me to trust You at all times.
Use all You have given me to serve You.
Victory for Your cause is my desire.
Walk with me so that my strength will never be diminished.
Xamine my heart continually.
Your Love and Grace are my good fortune.
Zealously, I commit my life to serving you faithfully and dutifully.
Until today, you may not have been aware of the power of knowing the alphabet. Just for today, practice in making each letter of the alphabet come alive in your life.
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Did we ever wonder if God decided otherwise.....when we take Him for granted so often . . .
22. WHAT IF ?
What if, GOD couldn't take the time to bless us today because we couldn't take the time to thank Him yesterday?
What if, GOD decided to stop leading us tomorrow because we didn't follow Him today?
What if, we never saw another flower bloom because we grumbled when GOD sent the Rain?
What if, GOD didn't walk with us today because we failed to recognize it as His day?
What if, GOD took away the Bible tomorrow because we would not read it today?
What if, GOD took away His message because we failed to listen to the messenger?
What if, GOD didn't send His only begotten Son because He wanted us to be prepared to pay the price for sin?
What if, the door of the church was closed because we did not open the door of our heart?
What if, GOD stopped loving and caring for us because we failed to love and care for others?
What if, GOD would not hear us today because we would not listen to Him?
What if, GOD answered our prayers the way we answer His call to service?
What if, GOD met our needs the way we give Him our lives???
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Here is a handy list of EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
23. EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
When in sorrow, ...........................call John 14.
When men fail you, ........................call Psalm 27.
If you want to be fruitful, ...............call John 15.
When you have sinned, .....................call Psalm 51.
When you worry, ...........................call Matthew 6:19-34.
When you are in danger, ...................call Psalm 91.
When God seems far away, ..................call Psalm 139.
When your faith needs stirring, ...........call Hebrews 11.
When you are lonely and fearful, ..........call Psalm 23.
When you grow bitter and critical, ....... call I Corinthians 13.
For Paul's secret to happiness,............call Colossians 3:12-17.
For understanding of Christianity, ........call II Corinthians 5:15-19.
When you feel down and out, ..................call Romans 8:31.
When you want peace and rest, .................call Matthew 11:25-30.
When the world seems bigger than God, .....call Psalm 90.
When you want Christian assurance, .............call Romans 8:1-30.
When you leave home for labor or travel,........call Psalm 121.
When your prayers grow narrow or selfish,.........call Psalm 67.
For a great invention/opportunity, .................call Isaiah 55.
When you want courage for a task, .............call Joshua 1.
For how to get along with fellow men, ..........call Romans 12.
When you think of investments and returns,.......call Mark 10.
If you are depressed, ..................................call Psalm 27.
If your pocketbook is empty, .........................call Psalm 37.
If you are losing confidence in people, ............call I Corinthians 13.
If people seem unkind, ...................................call John 15.
If discouraged about your work, .............................call Psalm 126.
If you find the world growing small and yourself great,..... call Psalm19.
ALTERNATE NUMBERS:
For dealing with fear, .................... call Psalm 34:7.
For security, ................................ call Psalm 121:3.
For assurance, ............................ call Mark 8:35.
For reassurance, .......................... call Psalm 145:18.
Note: Emergency numbers may be dialed direct. No operator assistance is necessary. All lines to Heaven are open 24 hours a day! Feed your faith, and doubt will starve to death.
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Three personal prayers, for children, parents and mothers.....
24. PRAYER FOR OUR CHILDREN
We pray for our children. Keep them safe Lord, protected from all evil, accidents, injury and harm. Make them wise to choose right from wrong. Make them brave to conquer the future with courage. Make them respectful of their parents, teachers and those who love them so much. Remind them of their priorities to obey their superiors, appreciate those who love them, pray to God who created them, and always try to be good, think good and do good things in life. Remind us Lord to always look at them as if they were precious diamonds.
25. PRAYER OF PARENTS
Most Loving Father, on the example of Parenthood, you have entrusted our children to us to bring them up for You and prepare them for everlasting life. Assist us with Your Grace that we may fulfill this sacred duty with competence and love. Teach us to know what to give and what to withhold. Show us when to reprove, when to praise and when to be silent. Make us gentle and considerate, yet firm and watchful. Keep us from the weakness of indulgence and the excess of severity. Give us the courage to be disliked sometimes by our children, when we must do necessary things which are displeasing in their eyes.
Give us the imagination to enter their world in order to understand and guide them.
Grant us all the virtues we need to lead them by word and example in the ways of wisdom and piety. One day, with them, may we enter into the joys of our true and lasting home with You in Heaven. Amen.
26. PRAYER FOR MOTHERS
We pray Lord for us and all other mothers in this world. We knew that when You created the world You couldn't be in all the places - so that's why you created mothers. We thank You for the privilege to be Your temporary replacement. We like it when You can replace us occasionally, because sometimes things get out of hand. And since You created everything out of nothing, we trust you can put things in order pretty fast. We ask that You give us the courage and perseverance never to give up. Remind our spouses and our children to always appreciate the time and effort we put into everything we do. Help us in our role as mothers, to be patient, forgiving, tolerant and understanding of everyone's needs. We thank you for the privilege and responsibility you gave us to create our Leaders for the future of the world. We promise not to let you down. We ask this prayer in Mary's name, the special Mother of Jesus Christ, our Lord. AMEN
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Here is a prayer addressed to God, our best friend . . .
27. MAKE ME A FRIEND, LORD
O Lord, make me a friend with everybody.
Make that my presence inspires hope
- to all those who suffer and are depressed,
- to all those searching the light while laboring in darkness,
- to all those who want to start to love, but don't know how,
- to all those who want to open their heart to someone, but feel so helpless.
Lord, help me so that I won't pass near such people
- with an indifferent outlook,
- with a closed, cold heart,
- with a hurried disposition.
Lord, help me to be always perceptive of those near me.
Let me always be aware of those who are confused, depressed and worried.
Make me so much as feel what they're feeling, and give me the courage to inspire peace in their hearts.
Lord, set me free from myself, so that I can serve you faithfully,
so that I can listen to Your voice in every person I come in contact with.
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28. AMERICA'S GREATNESS
I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors and her ample rivers, and it was not there.
I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her fertile fields and boundless forests, and it was not there.
I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her rich mines and her vast world commerce, and it was not there.
I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her public school system and her institutions of learning, and it was not there.
I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her democratic congress and her matchless constitution, and it was not there.
Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power.
America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good. America will cease to be great.
-- Alexis de Tocqueville
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29. THOMAS JEFFERSON'S 10 RULES
1. Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today
2. Never trouble another for what you can do yourself
3. Never spend your money before you have earned it
4. Never buy what you don't want because it is cheap
5. Pride costs more than hunger thirst and cold
6. We seldom repent of having eaten too little
7. Nothing is troublesome that we do willingly
8. How much pain the evils have cost us that have never happened ?
9. Take things always by the smooth handle.
10. When angry, count to ten before you speak; if very angry count to a hundred.
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30. MEMOS FROM A CHILD TO HIS PARENTS
1. Don't spoil me. I know quite well that I ought not to have all I ask for - I'm only testing you.
2. Don't be afraid to be firm with me. I prefer it, it makes me feel secure.
3. Don't let me form bad habits. I have to rely on you to detect them in the early stages.
4. Don't make me feel smaller than I am. It only makes me behave stupidly "big".
5. Don't correct me in front of people if you can help it. I'll take much more notice if you talk quietly with me in private.
6. Don't make me feel that my mistakes are sins. It upsets my sense of values.
7. Don't protect me from consequences. I need to learn the painful way sometimes.
8. Don't be too upset when I say "I hate you". Sometimes it isn't you I hate but your power to thwart me.
9. Don't take too much notice of my small ailments. Sometimes they get me the attention I need.
10. Don't nag. If you do, I shall have to protect myself by appearing deaf.
11. Don't forget that I cannot explain myself as well as I should like. That is why I am not always accurate.
12. Don't put me off when I ask questions. If you do, you will find that I stop asking and seek my information elsewhere.
13. Don't be inconsistent. That completely confuses me and makes me lose faith in you.
14. Don't tell me my fears are silly. They are terribly real and you can do much to reassure me if you try to understand.
15. Don't ever suggest that you are perfect or infallible. It gives me too great a shock when I discover that you are neither.
16. Don't ever think that it is beneath your dignity to apologize to me. An honest apology makes me feel surprisingly vmnn towards you.
17. Don't forget I love experimenting. I couldn't get along without it, so please put up with it.
18. Don't forget how quickly I am growing up. It must be very difficult for you to keep pace with me, but please do try.
19. Don't forget that I don't thrive without lots of love and understanding, but I don't need to tell you, do I?
20. Please keep yourself fit and healthy. I need you.
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31. The Priest - how many love him, yet others criticize him
If the priest preaches for over 10 minutes, he's long-winded.
If the sermon is short, he didn't prepare it.
If he has fairs and bazaars, he's bleeding the people,
If he doesn't, there is no life in the parish.
If he takes too long in the confessional to help and advise sinner, he's too long,
If he doesn't, he's not a good advisor.
If he celebrates Mass in a quite voice, he's a bore.
If he puts feeling into it, he's an actor.
If he starts Mass on the minute, his watch is fast,
If he starts Mass late, he's holding up the congregation.
If he tries to lead the music, he's showing off,
If he doesn't, he does not care much what Mass is like.
If he decorates the Church, he's wasting money,
If he doesn't, he's letting it run down.
If he keeps himself neat and tidy, he is showy and worldly.
If not, they say he is dirty and lazy.
If he organizes games and activities for the youth, they consider him a playboy.
If he doesn't mix with the youth, they say he is old-fashioned.
If he gets involved with an apostolate among women, he is girl-crazy.
If he doesn't serve all the people, they consider him abnormal.
If he makes home visits, he's a party animal.
If he doesn't, they accuse him of being a loner, and does not care for his parishioners.
If he is a good administrator, he is business-minded.
If he doesn't, they say he is careless, and does not really care about the Church.
If he preaches of social issues, they say he is meddling with politics.
If he doesn't, they accuse him of not being an honest citizen.
If he preaches well, he is trying to save the world with his theories.
If he doesn't preach well, he is ignorant and not updated
If he works a lot and prays little, he wastes too much time at work.
If he spends time in prayer, he is a holy roller, but is abandoning the parish.
If he defends the teaching of the of the Church, he is looking to become a Monsignor or even a Bishop.
If he criticizes the Church's stand, he is a rebel.
If he tries to be like the people, he is not acting Christ-like.
If he doesn't imitate the people, he is a hypocrite.
If he's young, he's not experienced, If he's old, he should retire.
I f he doesn't imitate Jesus, he is no priest.
If he imitates Jesus, he is trying to be popular. If he imitates Jesus too much, they will crucify him.
And if he dies, there may be no one to replace him.
PLEASE PRAY FOR VOCATIONS !
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32. A Time to Dance . . . with the Lord
Imagine you and the Lord Jesus are walking down the road together. For much of the way, the Lord's footprints go along steadily, consistently, rarely varying the pace. But your footprints are a disorganized stream of zigzags, starts, stops, turnarounds, circles, departures, and returns.
For much of the way, it seems to go like this, but gradually your footprints come more in line with the Lord's, soon parallelling His consistently. You and Jesus are walking as true friends! This seems perfect, but then an interesting thing happens: Your footprints that once etched the sand next to Jesus' are now walking precisely in His steps. Inside His larger footprints are your smaller ones, you and Jesus are becoming one.
This goes on for many miles, but gradually you notice another change. The footprints inside the large footprints seem to grow larger. Eventually they disappear altogether. There is only one set of footprints, they have become one. This goes on for a long time, but suddenly the second set of footprints is back. This time it seems even worse! Zigzags all over the place Stops. Starts. Gashes in the sand. A variable mess of prints. You are amazed and shocked. Your dream ends.
Now you pray: "Lord, I understand the first scene with zigzags and fits. I was a new Christian; I was just learning. But you walked on through the storm and helped me learn to walk with you."
"That is correct."
".And when the smaller footprints were inside of Yours, I was actually learning to walk in Your steps; followed you very closely."
"Very good. You have understood everything so far."
"When the smaller footprints grew and filled in Yours, I suppose that I was becoming like you in every way."
"Precisely."
"So, Lord, was there a regression or something? The footprints separated, and this time it was worse than at first."
There is a pause as the Lord answers with a smile in his voice. "You didn't know? That was when we danced."
To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven A time to weep, a time to laugh, A time to mourn, and a time to dance. Ecclesiastes 3:1,4.
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33. IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES
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 you and call you back for 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 that I see you, 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 see you, I would be there to share your day - well I'm sure you'll have so many more, so 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, And 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 and you were too busy to grant someone, what turned out to be their one 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.
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34. The story of Three boys. . . . .and Four others
The gift of patience has become a rare virtue indeed, mostly because nowadays everyone is so busy and occupied with so many odds and ends. Parents caring for their children, while trying to keep up with their own jobs. Teachers teaching their students, disciplining them and trying to love them at the same time. People at work trying to keep up with the demands and pressure from their bosses, while at the same time trying not to lose their cool. Most people however tell you that their patience is really tested when they have to deal with children. Patient parents were frequently rewarded throughout history, while those with a short fuse had to regret any quick impatient decision they had to make.
I wonder how many of you realize that it could have been lack of patience on the part of three school Principals that 60 years ago we experienced World War II. If you think this reason is too far-fetched, just reflect on this true story. Three boys attended Church-run schools, not necessarily Catholic schools, but privately-owned. One of them lived in Germany, and was found drawing pictures during a geography class. The School principal without giving him any chance, decided to suspend him from the school. That boy's name was Adolf Hitler.
Another boy attended a Catholic School in Italy, and was often caught fighting with other students. The Principal did give him a few chances to improve his behavior, but enough was enough, and was suspended. That boy was Benito Mussolini. Yet a third boy attended a 'boarding school' in the Soviet Union, and once was caught hiding some revolutionary books under the mattress of his bed. The school authorities objected to this and they suspended him from that school. His name was Josef Stalin.
So, here we have three boys, Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini and Josef Stalin, whose school Principals were kind of impatient with them. Who knows what would have happened if they were kept in their respective Church schools ! Maybe the world would never have passed through the atrocities of World War II, the Holocaust, the social pain of Nazism and Communism. I am sure a little patience would have given us a much more peaceful 20th century !
Now consider this other story about two boys who were living in Italy during the end of the 18th Century. Both of them were altar-boys, one of them named Annibale della Genga, and the other Francesco Saverio Castiglioni. One day they had a fight in the sacristy before serving mass, and one boy cracked a candlestick on the other boy's head. The priest was naturally upset, but kept calm, reprimanded them and gave them another chance. And it was a good thing he did. Later on in their lives, della Genga was to be crowned Pope Leo XII and reigned as Pope between 1823 and 1829, while Castiglioni followed him as Pope Pius VIII, reigning for a year and a half. Yes, patience with children does leave its fruits too !
There is yet another story told by Archbishop Fulton Sheen about a young altar boy who dropped the glass water and wine cruets on the marble floor of the sanctuary at Mass, breaking them into a zillion pieces. The priest yelled at him and told him not to come back. He never went back, and eventually became the Communist leader of Yugoslavia: Marshall Tito (Josip Broz). But there was an occasion when another young altar boy dropped the cruets, smashing them to smithereens. The understanding (and patient) priest patted the young fellow on the back and said: "Don't worry about it, son - you'll probably be a bishop some day." and this youngster grew up to be -- Archbishop Fulton Sheen!
There is nothing that develops character in a young boy as much as pat on the back, provided it is given often enough, hard enough, and low enough ! - Archbishop Fulton Sheen
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35. How dare you doubt Him ?
Oh you who could not put one star in motion,
who could not build one mountain out of the earth,
or trace the pattern of a single snowflake,
or understand the miracle of birth.
Presumptuous mortal who cannot alter the universe in any way,
or fashion one small bud or release one raindrop,
or toss one cloud into a sunny day.
Oh you who could not paint the spectacle
that happens at every sunset and sunrise,
who could not comprehend the beautiful colors of flowers,
the birds in the sky and the fish in our oceans,
oh weakly man who cannot create a single miracle,
How dare you doubt the Only One Who can ?
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36. How God speaks to us
A man whispered, "God, speak to me" And a meadowlark sang.
But, the man did not hear.
So the man yelled "God, speak to me" And, the thunder rolled across the sky.
But, the man did not listen.
The man looked around and said, "God let me see you." And a star shined brightly.
But the man did not notice.
And, the man shouted, "God show me a miracle" And, a life was born.
But, the man did not know.
So, the man cried out in despair, "Touch me God, and let me know you are here." Whereupon, God reached down and touched the man.
But, the man brushed the butterfly away and walked on.
Don't miss out on a blessing because it isn't packaged the way that you expect.
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37. Christian Bumper Stickers
Give God what's right--, not what's left!
Man's way leads to a hopeless end! Gods way leads to an endless hope!
A lot of kneeling will keep you in good standing.
He who kneels before God can stand before anyone!
To be almost saved is to be totally lost.
We're too blessed to be depressed.
Don't put a question mark where God put a period.
God loves everyone, but probably prefers "fruits of the spirit" over religious nuts"!
God grades on the cross, not the curve.
Are you wrinkled with burden? Come on into Church for a faith lift!
Prayer - Don't give God instructions - just report for duty!
Walmart isn't the only saving place!
God doesn't want shares of your life, He wants controlling interest!
Don't wait for 6 strong men to take you to church.
A family altar can alter a family.
We don't change the message, the message changes us.
This Church is "Prayer Conditioned"!
When God ordains, He sustains.
WARNING: Exposure to the Son may prevent burning!
Plan ahead, it wasn't raining when Noah built the ark.
Most people want to serve God - but only in an advisory capacity.
Having truth decay? Brush up on your Bible!
Exercise daily -- walk with the Lord!
Wisdom has two parts: 1) Having a lot to say. 2) Not saying it.
Never give the devil a ride! He will always want to drive!
Watch your step carefully! Everyone else does!
A clean conscience makes a soft pillow.
Nothing ruins the truth like stretching it.
You can tell how big a person is by what it takes to discourage him.
He who is good at making excuses is seldom good for anything else.
Kindness is difficult to give away because it keeps coming back.
He who angers you controls you!
Worry is the darkroom in which "negatives" are developed.
Give Satan an inch and he'll be a ruler.
For all you do, His blood's for you!
Forbidden fruits create many jams.
Be ye fishers of men, you catch them - He will clean them.
God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
If God is your Copilot ---- Swap seats!
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38. Spirtual Vitamins - from A to Z
Anxious? Take Vitamin A. All things work together for the good of those who love God. (Rom 8:28)
Blue? Take Vitamin B. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. (Ps 103:1)
Crushed? Take Vitamin C. Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. (1 Pet 5:7)
Depressed? Take Vitamin D. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. (James 4:8)
Eager ? Take Vitamin E and Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. (Ps 100:4)
Fearful? Take Vitamin F. Fear not, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God. (Isa 41:10)
Greedy? Take Vitamin G. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put unto your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back. (Luke 6:38)
Hesitant? Take Vitamin H. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation. (Isa 52:7)
Insecure? Take Vitamin I. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Phil 4:13)
Jittery? Take Vitamin J. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Heb 13:8)
Know nothing? Take Vitamin K. Know that the Lord is God, it is He that made us . (Ps 100:3)
Lonely? Take Vitamin L. Love God and love each other. (1 John 4: 21)
Mortgaged? Take Vitamin M. My grace is sufficient for you; power is made perfect in weakness. (2 Cor 12:9)
Nervous? Take Vitamin N. Never, never will I leave you nor forsake you. (Heb 13:5)
Overwhelmed? Take Vitamin O. Overcome evil with good. (Rom 12:21)
Perplexed or puzzled? Take Vitamin P. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. (Jn 14:27)
Quitting? Take Vitamin Q. Quit refusing to believe in me, but have faith in me (John 8: 45-46)
Restless? Take Vitamin R. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him. (Ps 37:7)
Scared? Take Vitamin S. Stay with me, and do not be afraid; for the one who seeks my life seeks your life; you will be safe with me. (1 Sam 22:23)
Tired? Take Vitamin T. Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. (Isa 40:31)
Uncertain? Take Vitamin U. Understand that I am the Lord. No god was ever before me, nor shall any other god come after me (Isa 43:10)
Vain? Take Vitamin V. Vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one. (Acts 5:16)
Wondering what to do? Take Vitamin W. What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Mic 6:8)
eXhausted? Take Vitamin X. eXercise yourself for devotion. (1 Tim 4:7)
Yearning for hope? Take Vitamin Y. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff - they comfort me. (Ps 23:4)
Zapped? Take Vitamin Z. Be Zealous for good deeds. (Titus 2:14)
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39. Thy Will Be Done
If our future seems to be accompanied with their daily crosses,
If our life is going to be merely a few years, or if we reach to be 100,
If we are going to face adversaries and people who hurt us,
If we have to face people who underestimate our potential,
If we're still waiting for that request to be answered,
Thy will be done, Lord.
If our life is still disorganized and not as we want it to be,
If the good we perform is often misunderstood,
If tragedies and accidents keep haunting us year after year,
If we can't even find consolation in our daily prayers,
If the evil you permit turns out to be a blessing in disguise, Thy will be done, Lord.
In those hours of depression and loneliness,
on that day when You will call us to our new Heavenly Home, so that everything that happens to us will make us holier, and so that we can truly deserve an eternity of happiness and contentment, and so that we shall be governed well, without trouble or division among us,
Let thy will be done, Lord.
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40. TODAY IS UP TO ME
I woke up early today, excited over all I get to do before the clock strikes midnight. I have responsibilities to fulfill today.
I am important. My job is to choose what kind of day I am going to have.
Today I can complain because the weather is rainy or I can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free.
Today I can feel sad that I don't have more money or I can be glad that my finances encourage me to plan my purchases wisely and guide me away from waste.
Today I can grumble about my health or I can rejoice that I am alive.
Today I can lament over all that my parents didn't give me when I was growing up or I can feel grateful that they allowed me to be born.
Today I can cry because roses have thorns or I can celebrate that thorns have roses.
Today I can mourn my lack of friends or I can excitedly embark upon a quest to discover new relationships.
Today I can whine because I have to go to work or I can shout for joy because I have a job to do.
Today I can complain because I have to go to school or eagerly open my mind and fill it with rich new tidbits of knowledge.
Today I can murmur dejectedly because I have to do housework or I can feel honored because I've been provided shelter for my mind and body.
Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped.
And here I am, the sculptor who gets to do the shaping.
What today will be like is up to me.
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41. A Dog's Plea
Treat me kindly, my beloved friend, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I might lick your hand between blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me learn.
Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when the sound of your footsteps falls upon my waiting ear.
Please take me inside when it is cold and wet, for I am a domesticated animal, no longer accustomed to bitter elements. I ask no greater glory than the privilege to sit at your feet beside the hearth.
Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.
Feed me clean food that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger.
And, my friend, when I am very old and I no longer enjoy good health, hearing and sight, do not make heroic efforts to keep me going. I am not having any fun.
Please see to it that my life is taken gently. I shall leave this earth knowing with the last breath I draw that my fate was always safest in your hands.
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42. Hold on to each other
Sufferings, trials, conflicts come to all of us at one time or another.
They cannot be ignored or avoided. They are real and they hurt.
But in addition to trusting God in the midst of conflicts,
We can cushion their shock or lessen their hurt by holding on to one another, by loving, sharing, helping to bear one another's burdens and sufferings. This is what it means to belong to the family of God.
This is one of our purposes in representing and communicating Him in our walk upon this world. Let us be alert to the needs of one another, and thereby help one another remain faithful to God.
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43. Why many folks are not doing well spiritually
They don't live where they ought to.
They have homesteaded
In the State of Confusion
In the County of Complaint
In the City of Do Nothing
Around the Block called Critical
At the Far End of Can't Street
In the House of Doubt.
They need to move
To the State of Joy,
In the County of Bliss
In the City of Love
Around the Block of Hope
On Busy Street, which dead
ends into Glory Avenue
in a House of Faith.
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44. Ten things you will never regret
1. Showing kindness to an aged person.
2. Destroying a letter written in anger.
3. Offering an apology that will save a friendship.
4. Stopping a scandal that was ruining a reputation.
5. Helping a boy or girl find themselves.
6. Taking time to show consideration to parents, friends, brothers and sisters
7. Refraining from gossip when others around you delight in it.
8. Refusing to do a thing which is wrong, although others do it.
9. Living according to your convictions.
10. Accepting the judgement of God in any question.
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45. Encouragement
God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way.
Disappointments are like road humps, they slow you down a bit but you enjoy the smooth road afterwards.
Don't stay on the humps too long. Move on!
When you feel down because you didn't get what you want, just sit tight and be happy, because God is thinking of something better to give you. When something happens to you, good or bad, consider what it means. There's a purpose to life's events, to teach you how to laugh more or not to cry too hard.
You can't make someone love you, all you can do is be someone who can be loved, the rest is up to the person to realize your worth.
What the heart gives away is never gone... It is kept in the hearts of others. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risks. Secure a special place in your heart. A certain place only you can enter. For there will come a time when you need to find yourself and only your heart will show you the way. The measure of love is when you love without measure. In life there are very rare chances that you'll meet the person you love and loves you in return. So once you have it don't ever let go, the chance might never come your way again.
It's better to lose your pride to the one you love, than to lose the one you love because of pride.
We spend so much time looking for the right person to love or finding fault with those we already love, when instead we should be perfecting the love we give. When you truly care for someone, you don't look for faults, you don't look for answers, you don't look for mistakes. Instead, you fight the mistakes, you accept the faults, and you overlook excuses. Never abandon an old friend. You will never find one who can take his place. Friendship is like wine, it gets better as it grows older.
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46. It takes Courage
It takes strength to be certain - It takes courage to have doubts.
It takes strength to fit in - It takes courage to stand out.
It takes strength to share a friend's pain - It takes courage to feel your own pain.
It takes strength to hide your own pain - It takes courage to show it and deal with it.
It takes strength to stand guard - It takes courage to let down your guard.
It takes strength to conquer - It takes courage to surrender.
It takes strength to endure abuses - It takes courage to stop them.
It takes strength to stand alone - It takes courage to lean on a friend.
It takes strength to love - It takes courage to be loved.
It takes strength to survive - It takes courage to live.
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47. Today . . . . and . . . .Tomorrow
Today . . . you came into our big, beautiful world. Helpless, you nestled into my arms.
You need me to keep you safe; I am here.
Today . . . you walked three baby steps. Wobbling, you reached for me.
You knew I would catch your fall; I am here.
Today . . . you had your first bad dream. Shaking, I held you and said,
"It's OK, you're safe . . .I am here."
Today . . . you started kindergarten. Smiling, you hopped on that big bus.
"See you after school," you called to me . . .
"It's hard to let go . . . " I'll be here.
Today . . .someone teased you at school.
Crying, you let me hold your hand. "That hurt my feeling so much," you said. (Mine too)
"I know. I am here."
Tomorrow . . . No magic kisses, no band-aids, no fairy dust will do the trick.
Tomorrow . . . . The world is becoming yours, little by little now.
Tomorrow, you won't want me "right there" beside you . . .
As you find your way. Tomorrow . . .
May you find the world a good place; may you remember what you've learned;
May you know that I am here . . . I would take you under my wing in an instant . . .
But I know you need your own wings, To really fly.
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48. The AA Twelve Steps
The Twelve steps, peer counseling treatment program for alcoholism and other substance-abuse diseases that involves a 12-step process toward recovery; the original 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), begun in 1935, are:
(1) We admitted that we were powerless over alcohol, that our lives had become unmanageable;
(2) Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity;
(3) Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood him;
(4) Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves;
(5) Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs;
(6) Became entirely willing to have God remove our defects of character;
(7) Humbly asked him to remove our shortcomings;
(8) Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all;
(9) Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others;
(10) Continued to take a daily inventory, and when we were wrong promptly admitted it;
(11) Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, praying only for knowledge of his will for us and the power to carry that out;
(12) Having had spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to other alcoholics and to practice these principles in all our affairs;
AA's 12 steps have inspired and have been adapted by dozens of other self-help recovery groups
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49. Time to Pray
I knelt to pray but not for long, I had too much to do.
I had to hurry and get to work. For bills would soon be due.
So I knelt and said a hurried prayer, And jumped up off my knees.
My Christian duty was now done. My soul could rest at ease.
All day long I had no time, to spread a word of cheer.
No time to speak of Christ to friends, they'd laugh at me I'd fear.
No time, no time, too much to do, that was my constant cry,
No time to give to souls in need. But at last the time, the time to die.
I went before the Lord, I came, I stood with downcast eyes.
For in his hands God held a book; It was the book of life.
God looked into his book and said "Your name I cannot find.
I once was going to write it down... But never found the time"
50. I wish for you...
Comfort on difficult days, Smiles when sadness intrudes, Rainbows to follow the clouds,
Laughter to kiss your lips, Sunsets to warm your heart, Gentle hugs when spirits sag, Friendships to brighten your being, Beauty for your eyes to see, Confidence for when you doubt, Faith so that you can believe,
Courage to know yourself, Patience to accept the truth, And love to complete your life.
I asked the Lord to bless you As I prayed for you today To guide you and protect you. As you go along your way....
His love is always with you His promises are true, You know He will see us through. So when the road you're traveling on seems difficult at best Just remember to do your best. And God will do the rest.
Prayers from the Heart
Parents' Prayer for Their Children
O God the Father of mankind, who has given to me these my children, and committed them to my charge to bring them up for You, and to prepare them for eternal life: help me with Your heavenly grace, that I may be able to fulfil this most sacred duty and stewardship. Teach me both what to give and what to withhold; when to reprove and when to forbear; make me to be gentle, yet firm; considerate and watchful; and deliver me equally from the weakness of indulgence, and the excess of severity; and grant that, both by word and example, I may be careful to lead them in the ways of wisdom and true piety, so that at last I may, with them, be admitted to the unspeakable joys of our true home in heaven, in the company of the blessed Angels and Saints. Amen.
Prayer of Spouses for Each Other
Lord Jesus, grant that I and my spouse may have a true and understanding love for each other.
Grant that we may both be filled with faith and trust. Give us the grace to live with each other in peace and harmony. May we always bear with one another's weaknesses and grow from each other's strengths. Help us to forgive one another's failings and grant us patience, kindness, cheerfulness and the spirit of concern and mutual love, placing the well-being of one another ahead of self. May the love that brought us together grow and mature with each passing year. Bring us both ever closer to You through our love for each other. Let our love grow to perfection. Amen.
Parents apologize to their children
Forgive us if we instilled it in your heads that only a career and money are the only important things in life.
Forgive us if we gave you more objects than values, more luxury than principles. Forgive us if we spent more time in scolding than in correcting and giving good examples. Forgive us if we were more concerned about the cleanliness of your teeth than your speech. Forgive us if we emphasized more the easy life than the good and just way of life.
Forgive us if we were overly concerned about making more money, to such an extent that to build a beautiful house, we destroyed the unity of our home. Forgive us if we were so busy that we couldn't find time to do things together, to talk to each other, and to simply be together. Forgive us if we erred in our calculations, as we increased the buying of stuff but decreased the true show of love. Forgive us if we never stressed the importance of loving God,
thereby ending up desiring everything but the presence of God in your lives. Forgive us that we taught you many subjects, but ignored the most important, the Bible and the catechism.
Prayer before doing the laundry
Lord Jesus, as we prepare to wash our clothes, help us to see in the clothes our own individual lives. The detergent we use is like the grace of your mercy, while the dirt and stains are like our sins. As we see our clothes become clean again, may our lives be also cleaned of any imperfections or blemishes, any hurtful feelings we may have towards others, and may we also look at others as a reflection of your creative powers. As we wear our clean clothes again, make us realize that we are putting on a new person, with a refreshed attitude, a renewed outlook, alive, healthy and well.
Prayer before a construction project
Lord Jesus, as we start this project today, we ask your help and guidance as we plan and execute different strategies to see a successful finished product. Help us to work safely and cautiously, without anyone getting hurt or injured. May we see our project successfully completed in the stipulated time, as everyone shares his load of work. Remind us to work as a team, as teamwork makes hard jobs much easier. And just as you rested after completing the work of creation, may we rest at the end, enjoying the fruits of our labor. And may we always give you honor and praise for helping us start and finish.
Prayer before cooking a big meal
Lord Jesus, today we have company and we plan to cook a nice meal for our guests, as well as for our family. We ask your help and assistance in being creative and even inventive in what we prepare. May everyone help out in the various ways, like setting up the table, cleaning up afterwards, doing the dishes, and of course cutting, slicing, mixing and stirring whatever is being cooked. And as we remember the poor and the hungry in this world, may we all enjoy the meal which as a family we are creating today.
Prayer before a long trip
Lord Jesus, I have a long trip ahead of me, and I am nervous - that something may go wrong. With so many terrorist attacks in the past few years, it seems we are never ever safe anymore. So I ask for your protection and blessings as I travel across thousands of miles, mostly by air and overland. I pray for the pilots and drivers who will be driving me and others to our destination. Give us also good weather and safety on the roads. And after returning back home, remind us always to thank you.
Prayer of a husband and wife
(to be prayed while sitting facing each other and holding hands.)
Lord, we praise you and thank you for all the goodness you showered on us. For our health and faith, for our home and our children, for caring relatives and respectful friends. Please, give us the patience with each other and those around us, remind us not to take each other for granted, and make us always pleasant to live with. Encourage us also to show our best side to our better half, especially when we are tired or cranky. Help us to remember the happy times we had in our marriage, and remind us always to keep each other as the number one priority. And may we be an example to our children, co-workers and family members. May we see you Lord as our inspiration and guide through tough times and turbulent moments. We ask your blessing on our family and keep us all united together, in and peace and harmony.
Prayer for your children at school
Lord Jesus, I pray today for my children who are in school. Make them realize how important it is for them to focus on their studies, to do their homework, to listen to their teachers and pay attention as something is being explained to them. Remind them always to ask question when they don't understand something, and never be afraid of asking for an explanation when something is not clear enough. I thank you Lord for their teachers who spend hours with my children, for principals who keep order and everything else running smoothly, for custodians who keep the classes and hallways clean and so many other parents who help out generously with so many little things. From Nursery School to Graduation from College, give my children and all children the perseverance to strive for the best, to strive for the best grades in exams, and to absorb as much as possible from what they learn in those critical first 20 years of their lives.
Prayer when facing stress
Lord Jesus, I am facing a stressful situation, and I need your help. I need your guidance to show me which way to go. I know you will tell me to be patient, but I feel like I'm at the end of the line. I really need some time to think and reflect on my own, but most importantly, I need to know that you will handle all my problems. You who said "Come to me all you who feel burdened, and I will lighten your load," I am literally dumping this situation on Your Lord. Relieve me of the pressures and stress I'm feeling right now, and give me peace and contentment. I know I have to deal with this issue mostly on my own, but I appreciate any kind of support you can give me.
Prayer when you feel lonely
Lord, I am very lonely. I don't know what to do about it. I realize that loneliness should give me a chance of getting to know you better, but how do I start making You my friend? Could you, please, encourage me to respond to your love and help me to realize your closeness all the time. I find this hard to accept in daily life though I believe it in theory. Could you perhaps send someone into my life who can show me or tell me how to begin to appreciate and perceive your nearness to me always. More importantly, make me aware of Your presence in my life, especially in those moments when I start to take You for granted.
Prayer when celebrating a Birthday
Dear Lord, once a year we pause to celebrate a special day that is unique for each and every one of us. That was the day NN entered life and saw the light of day for the first time. We ask your blessing on him/her as another milestone is reached, another birthday is celebrated. Give him/her health and happiness, joy and contentment, peace and respect from family and friends. Remind him/her that he/she is not getting older, but simply getting better. Give our birthday boy/girl a day of rest, a day to thank you for all your blessings, Lord, we ask this in Jesus' name, AMEN.
Prayer for those who have animals and pets
Lord Jesus, I pray today for our many two-legged and four legged friends who keep us company, entertain us and work for us. Protect the hurting animals, especially during the harsh winter months, and make every animal find a loving home, food and water, and loving friends. Remind us always to appreciate the hard work they do, sometimes without acknowledging them, especially just by keeping us company when we had a bad day. Protect them from any cruelty or harsh treatment by their owners, and make us patient and tolerant especially if we get a new pet that needs to be trained. Amen.
Prayer for a woman who has had a miscarriage
Most loving God, losing a child is devastating. I ask you today to bless all women, especially NN who just lost a child through a miscarriage. Comfort her and her husband in their loss. Give them hope for children to come. Bless them with an abundance of love, that as their body heals, so too may their hearts. Give them the courage to face each new day in the confidence of your love, protection and life-giving power. Comfort especially NN in her sorrow. Restore her hope in a child to come. Give her courage and new delight in the days ahead. In good time grant her a new life that her soul may rejoice and her body give birth. In Christ's name we pray.
Prayer as you start using a new car
Lord Jesus, today I start driving a new car. Bless my car and protect me always as I drive to work, to visit family and friends. Keep me always alert and keep the other drivers watchful on the roads. As I drive around, remind me always to be appreciative of the manufacturer's expertise in building cars that are comfortable, safe and with the basic necessities. May I always respect the speed limit and follow the rules and regulations of the road, the signs and signals, and the rights of pedestrians as they cross the road, as well as the safety of children playing in various neighborhoods. Keep me always alert as I watch out for unpredictable situations, like falling rock, crossing deer or sage-rats, and give us always good weather.
