"Scoutopaedia ©, by Tom Vella-Zarb - Thoughts, Prayers, Quotes
If every single breath became a prayer,
you'd see atoms as angels and hear in the
wind the whir of love's wings and you'd
feel in each moment the Beloved
pulling you into His heart.
       - Andrew Harvey
A little more of patience ...
With the faults of other folks ...
A little more of Charity ...
When a worldly act provokes ...
A little more devotion ...
To the ones whom we should love ...
A little more reliance ...
On the God who rules above ...
A little more forbearance ...
With the cross we have to bear ...
A little better learning ...
By all that is right and fair ...
A little more of giving ...
Of the things we have to give ...
Would make this world a better place ...
for you and me to live. ...

Peace in the World

If there is light in the soul,
If there is beauty in the person,
There will be harmony in the house.
If there is harmony in the house,
There will be order in the nation.
If there is order in the nation,
There will be peace in the world.

Chinese Proverb


It takes a Universe

The child awakens to a universe.
The mind of the child to the world of meaning.
Imagination to a world of beauty.
Emotions to a world of intimacy.
It takes a Universe to make a child both in outer form and inner spirit.
It takes a universe to educate a child.
A universe to fulfil a chld.
Each generation presides over the meeting of these two in the succeeding generation.
So that the universe if fulfilled in the child, and the child is fulfilled in the Universe.
While the stars ring out in the heavens.

Thomas Berry

And God Said "No"

I asked God to take away my pride, and God said, No..
He said it was not for Him to take away, but for me to give up..
I asked God to make my handicapped child whole, and God said, No..
He said her spirit is whole, her body is only temporary..
I asked God to grant me patience, and God said, No..
He said that patience is a by-product of tribulation; it isn't granted, it's earned..
I asked God to give me happiness, and God said, No..
He said He gives blessings; happiness is up to me..
I asked God to spare me pain, and God said, No..
He said, "Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.".
I asked God to make my spirit grow, and God said, No..
He said I must grow on my own, but He will prune me to make me more fruitful..
I asked God if He loved me, and God said, YES!!!.
He gave His only Son who died for me, and I will be in heaven someday because I believe..
I asked God to help me love others as much as He loves me,and God said,...
"Ah, finally, you have the idea.".

Smiles

A smile cost nothing, but gives so much.
It enriches those who receive it,
without making poorer those who give.
It takes but a moment, but the memory
of it sometimes lasts forever.
None is so rich or mighty
that he can get along without it,
and none is so poor but that he can be made rich by it.
A smile creates happiness in the home,
fosters goodwill in business,
and is the countersign of friendship.
It brings rest to the weary,
cheer to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad,
and it is nature's best antidote for trouble.
Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen,
for it is something that is of no value
to anyone until it is given away.
Some people are too tired to give you a smile.
Give them one of yours, as none needs a smile so much
as he who has no more to give.

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
God will do the rest.

When Children Learn

When children learn that happiness is not found in what a person has but in who that person is,
When they learn that giving and forgiving are more rewarding than taking and avenging,
When they learn that suffering is not eased by self-pity, but overcome by inner resolve and spiritual strength,
When they learn that they can't control the world around them, but they are the masters of their own souls,
When they learn that relationships will prosper if they value friendship over ego, compromise over pride, and listening over advising,
When they learn not to hate a person whose difference they fear, but to fear that kind of hate,
When they learn that there is pleasure in the power of lifting others up, not in the pseudo-power of pushing them down,
When the learn that praise from others is flattering but meaningless if it is not matched by self-respect,
When they learn that the value of a life is best measured not by the years spent accumulating possessions, but by the moments spent giving of one's self – sharing wisdom, inspiring hope, wiping tears and touching hearts,
When they learn that a person's beauty is seen not with the eyes but with the heart; and that even though time and hardships may ravage one's outer shell, they can enhance one's character and perspective,
When they learn to withhold judgment of people, knowing everyone is blessed with good and bad qualities, and that the emergence of either often depends on the help given or hurt inflicted by others,
When they learn that every person has been given the gift of a unique self, and the purpose of life is to share the very best of that gift with the world,
When children learn these ideals and how to practice them in the art of good living,
        They will no longer be children
         they will be blessings to those who know them,
            and worthy models for all the world.

By David L. Weatherford

If a Child Lives with ...

If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn;
If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight;
If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy;
If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty;
If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient;
If a child lives with encouragement, he learns confidence;
If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate;
If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice;
If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith;
If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself;
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he learns to find love in the world.

~ Dorothy Law Holte ~


COUNTING YOUR BLESSINGS

Count your blessings instead of your crosses, Count your gains instead of your losses:
Count your joys instead of your woes, Count your friends instead of your foes.
Count your courage instead of your fears, Count your laughs instead of your tears.
Count your full years instead of your lean, Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.
Count your health instead of your wealth, Count on God instead of yourself.
Counting on you to have a great day!

The Special Things

It's The Special Things In Life
That Make It Mean So Much.
The Sun, The Rain, The Sky;
The Thoughts and The Touch.
If We Let These Precious Things
Float Out To an Endless Sea,
We Lose Our Hope, Our Love,
And Most, Our Reason To Be.

Author Unknown

Be of good cheer.
Do not think of today's failures,
but of the success that may come tomorrow.
You have set yourselves a difficult task,
but you will succeed if you persevere;
and you will find joy in overcoming obstacles.
Remember, no effort that we make to attain
something beautiful is ever lost.

- Helen Keller

To the Wayfarer

Ye who pass by and would raise your hand aqainst me, harken ere you harm me. l am the heatof your hearth on cold winter nights; the friendly shade screening you from the summer sun, and my fruits are refreshing drauqhts quenchinq your thirst as youjourney on. I am the beam that holds your house, the board of your table, the bed on which you lie, and the timber that builds your boat. I am the handle of your hoe, the door of your homestead. the wood of your cradle, and the shell of your coffin. I am the bread of kindness and the flower of beauty. Ye who pass by, listen to my prayer: Harm me not.

[The Department of Conservation of Michigan]

Priceless Gifts

Life holds so many priceless things...
The falling rain, the wind that sings.
Each star on high, each shining moon,
Each sunbeam dancing in your room.

The river as it rushes on,
A sunset as when day is gone.
No wealth can buy a mountain tall -
These priceless things belong to all.

An autumn tree lends beauty rare,
With colored leaves piled everywhere,
As nature wears a glowing smile
To make each day a day worthwhile.

Could anything be quite as dear
As laughing children that we hear?
The gift of friendship that is ours?
The miracle of growing flowers?

Each magic moment, treasured time,
These priceless gifts are yours and mine.
- Author Unknown

IF JESUS CAME TO YOUR HOUSE

If Jesus cane to your house to spend a day or two, If he came unexpectedly; I wonder what you'd do. Oh, I know you'd give your nicest room to such an honoured Guest, And all the food you'd serve to Him would be the very best, And you would keep assuring Him you're glad to have Him there That serving Him in your home is joy beyond compare. But when you saw Him coming would you meet Him at the door With arms outstretched in welcome to your Heavenly Visitor? Or would you have to change your clothes before you let Him in. Or hide some magazines and put the Bible where they'd been? Would you turn off the radio and hope He hadn't heard. And wish you hadn't uttered that last, loud, hasty word? Would you hide the worldly music and put some hymn books out? Could you let Jesus walk right in, or would you rush about? And I wonder - it the Savior spent a day or two with you, Would you go right on doing the things you always do? Would you go right on saying the things you always day, Would life for you continue as it does from day to day? Would your family conversation keep up its usual pace. And would you find it hard each day to say a table grace? Would you sing the songs you always sing and read the books you read, And let Him know the things on which your mind and spirit feed? Would you take Jesus with you everywhere you planned to go, Or would you maybe, change your plans for just a day or so? Would you be glad to have Him meet your very closest friends, Or would you hope they'd stay away until His visit ends? Would you be glad to have Him stay forever on and on, Or would you sigh with great relief when He at last was gone? It might be interesting to know the things that you would do If Jesus came in person to spend some time with you.

GOD IS. . .

God is like Coke - He's the real thing
God is like Pan Am - He makes the going great
God is like General Electric - He lights your path
God is like Bayer Aspirin - He works wonders
God is like Hallmark Cards - He cares enough to send the very best
God is like Tide - He gets the stains out that others leave behind
God is like VO Hair Spray - He holds through all kinds o! weather
God is like Dial Soap - Aren't you glad you know Him? Don't you wish everyone did?
God is like Sears - He has everything
God is like Alka-Seltzer - Try Him, you'll like Him
God is like Scotch tape - You can't see Him but you know He's there

-Barnwell (S.C.) People-Sentinel

I shall not pass this way again...

"I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good thing, therefore, that I can do or any kindness I can show to any fellow human being let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again."


~ Stephen Grellet, 1773-1855~

Finish Every Day ...

Finish every day and be done with it.
You have done what you could;
some blunders and absurdities crept in;
forget them as soon as you can.
Tomorrow is a new day;
You shall begin it serenely and
with too high a spirit to be encumbered
with your old nonsense.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Your Inspiration: Never Forget

Your presence is a gift to the world, You're unique and one of a kind.
Your life can be what you want it to be - Take it one day at a time.
Count your blessings, not your troubles,
And you'll make it through what comes along.
Within you are so many answers, Understand, have courage, be strong.
Don't put limits on yourself, Your dreams are waiting to be realized.
Don't leave your important decisions to chance Reach for your peak, your goal, and your prize.
Nothing wastes more energy than worrying
The longer a problem is carried, the heavier it gets.
Don't take things too seriously Live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets.
Remember that a little love goes a long way
Remember that a lot goes forever.
Remember that friendship is a wise investment,
Life's treasures are people ...together.
Have health and hope and happiness,
Take the time to wish on a star.
And don't ever forget for even a day...
How very special YOU are!

THE WORLD IS MINE

Today, upon a bus, I saw a very beautiful woman.
And wished I were as beautiful.
When suddenly she rose to leave,
I saw her hobble down the aisle.
She had one leg and wore a crutch.
But as she passed, she passed a smile.
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.
I have two legs; the world is mine.

I stopped to buy some candy.
The lad who sold it had such charm.
I talked with him, he seemed so glad.
If I were late, it'd do no harm.
And as I left, he said to me, "I thank you,
you've been so kind.
It's nice to talk with folks like you.
You see," he said, "I'm blind."
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.
I have two eyes; the world is mine.

Later while walking down the street,
I saw a child I knew.
He stood and watched the others play,
but he did not know what to do.
I stopped a moment and then I said,
"Why don't you join them dear?"
He looked ahead without a word.
I forgot, he couldn't hear.
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.
I have two ears; the world is mine.

With feet to take me where I'd go.
With eyes to see the sunset's glow.
With ears to hear what I'd know.
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.
I've been blessed indeed, the world is mine.

START OVER

When you've trusted God and walked his way
When you've felt his hand lead you day by day
But your steps now take you another way ...
Start over.

When you've made your plans and they've gone awry
When you've tried your best and there's no more try
When you've failed yourself and you don't know why ...
Start over.

When you've told your friends what you plan to do
When you've trusted them and they didn't come through
And you're all alone and it's up to you ...
Start over.

When you've failed your kids and they're grown and gone
When you've done your best but it's turned out wrong
And now your grandchildren come along ...
Start over.

When you've prayed to God so you'll know his will
When you've prayed and prayed and you don't know still ...
When you want to stop cause you've had your fill ...
Start over.

When you think you're finished and want to quit
When you've bottomed out in life's deepest pit
When you've tried and tried to get out of it ...
Start over.

When the year has been long and successes few
When December comes and you're feeling blue
God gives a January just for you ...
Start over.

Starting over means "Victories Won"
Starting over means "A Race Well Run"
Starting over means "God's Will Done"
Don't just sit there ....
START OVER

By Woodrow Kroll

THE MAN IN THE GLASS

When you get what you want
in your struggle for self
And the world makes you king for a day,
Just go to a mirror and look at yourself,
And see what that man has to say.

For it isn't your father or mother or wife,
Who judgment upon you must pass;
The fellow whose verdict
counts most in your life
Is the one staring back from the glass.

He's the fellow to please,
never mind all the rest.
For he's with you clear up to the end,
And you've passed the most
dangerous, difficult test
If the man in the glass is your friend.

You may fool the whole world
down the pathway of years.
And get pats on the back as you pass,
But your final reward will be the heartaches and tears
If you've cheated the man in the glass.

Author Unknown

Earth Teach Me to Remember

Earth teach me stillness
as the grasses are stilled with light.
Earth teach me suffering
as old stones suffer with memory.

Earth teach me humility
as blossoms are humble with beginning.
Earth Teach me caring
as the mother who secures her young.

Earth teach me courage
as the tree which stands alone.
Earth teach me limitation
as the ant which crawls on the ground.

Earth teach me freedom
as the eagle which soars in the sky.
Earth teach me resignation
as the leaves which die in the fall.

Earth teach me regeneration
as the seed which rises in the spring.
Earth teach me to forget myself
as melted snow forgets its life.

Earth teach me to remember kindness
as dry fields weep in the rain.

John Yellow Lark
Ute, North American

10 RULES FOR A BLESSED DAY

1. TODAY I WILL NOT STRIKE BACK . . .
If someone is rude, if someone is impatient, if someone is unkind, I will not respond in a like manner.

2. TODAY I WILL ASK GOD TO BLESS MY 'ENEMY' . . .
If I come across someone who treats me harshly or unfairly, I will quietly ask God to bless that individual. I understand "enemy" could be a family member, neighbor, co-worker or stranger.

3. TODAY I WILL BE CAREFUL ABOUT WHAT I SAY . . .
I will carefully choose and guard my words being certain that I do not spread gossip.

4. TODAY I WILL GO THE EXTRA MILE . . .
I will find ways to help share the burden of another person.

5. TODAY I WILL FORGIVE . . .
I will forgive any hurts or injuries that come my way.

6. TODAY I WILL DO SOMETHING KIND FOR SOMEONE, (BUT I WILL DO IT IN SECRET . . . )
I will reach out anonymously and bless the life of another.

7. TODAY I WILL TREAT OTHERS THE WAY I WISH TO BE TREATED . . .
I will practice the golden rule. "Do Unto others as I would have them do unto me"- with EVERYONE I encounter.

8. TODAY I WILL RAISE THE SPIRITS OF SOMEONE WHO IS DISCOURAGED . . .
My smile, my words, my expression of support, can make the difference to someone who is wrestling with life.

9. TODAY I WILL NURTURE MY BODY . . .
I will eat less . . . I will eat only healthy foods. I will thank God for my body.

10. TODAY I WILL GROW SPIRITUALLY . . .
I will spend a little more time in prayer today. I will begin reading something spiritual or inspirational; I will find a quiet place (at some point during this day) and listen to God's voice.

Author Unknown

BEFORE YOU COMPLAIN

Before you complain about the taste of your food
Think of someone who has nothing to eat

Before you complain about your friend, your spouse or companion
Think of someone who's crying out to God for a companion

Today before you complain about life
Think of someone who went too early to heaven

Before you complain about your children
Think of someone who desires children but they're barren

Before you argue about your dirty house; someone didn't clean or sweep
Think of the people who are living in the streets

And when you are tired and complain about your job
Think of the unemployed, the disabled and those who wished they had your job

But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another
Remember that not one of us are without sin and we all answer to one Maker

And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down
Put a smile on your face and thank God you're alive and still around

Life is a gift...
Live it...
Enjoy it...
Celebrate it...
. And fulfill it...

Live well! Laugh often! Love much!

Twenty Things to Think About

1. If you feel far away from God, guess who moved?

2. Fear Knocked. Faith answered. No one was there.

3. What you are is God's Gift to you. What you become is your gift to God.

4. I am God's Melody of Life and He Sings His Song through me.

5. We can never really go where God is not, and where He is, all is well.

6. No matter what is happening in your life, know that God is waiting for you with open arms.

7. God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.

8. Do your best and then sleep in peace. God is awake.

9. God has a purpose and plan for me that no one else can fulfill.

10. The Will of God will never take you to where the Grace of God will not protect you.

11. We are responsible for the effort, not the outcome.

12. We set the sail; God makes the wind.

13. Begin to weave and God will give you the thread.

14. When God says "no" it's because He has something better in store for you.

15. The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.

16. Prayer: don't bother to give God instructions; just report for duty.

17. It's my business to do God's business, and it's His business to take care of my business.

18. Security is not freedom from the storm, but peace amid the storm.

19. How come we're always running around looking for God? He's not lost.

20. God put me on earth to accomplish a number of things; right now, I'm so far behind I will live forever.


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