"Scoutopaedia ©, by Tom Vella-Zarb - Thoughts, Prayers, Quotes

Heaven's Grocery Store

As I was walking down life's highway many years ago
I came upon a sign that read Heavens Grocery Store.

When I got a little closer the doors swung open wide
And when I came to myself I was standing inside.

I saw a host of angels. They were standing everywhere
One handed me a basket and said "My child shop with care."

Everything a human needed was in that grocery store

And what you could not carry you could come back for more.

First I got some Patience. Love was in that same row.
Further down was Understanding, you need that everywhere you go.

I got a box or two of Wisdom and Faith a bag or two.
And Charity of course I would need some of that too.

I couldn't miss the Holy Ghost It was all over the place.
And then some Strength and Courage to help me run this race.

My basket was getting full but I remembered I needed Grace,
And then I chose Salvation for Salvation was for free to do for you and me.

I tried to get enough of that. Then I started to the counter
to pay my grocery bill, For I thought I had everything to do the Masters will.

As I went up the aisle I saw Prayer and put that in,
For I knew when I stepped outside I would run into sin.

Peace and Joy were plentiful, the last things on the shelf.
Song and Praise were hanging near so I just helped myself.

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

Again I asked "Really now, how much do I owe?"
"My child " he said, "God paid your bill a long, long time ago."

GIVE A PRICELESS GIFT

The best gifts are not the most expensive ones in the store. While they impress for the moment, it's the lasting ones that make an impression. The gifts on this list cost almost no money, but have great value. When you give one of these, you are giving a priceless gift - yourself.

Gifts you can give:

* The gift of listening. One of the greatest things you can do for another person is to listen without interrupting, daydreaming, or thinking about your next leap into the conversation. Put down what you are doing (even if you are on the phone), and zero in on the words, feelings, and intent of the speaker.

* The gift of compliment. Help people reach their full potential. Catch them doing something right or well. Compliment children for listening, for their smile, forgiving a hug, or for sharing. Vow to compliment your spouse every day. Compliment co-workers, store clerks, and your friends.

* The gift of showing affection. Demonstrate the love you feel deep inside with hugs, kisses, a gentle squeeze of the hand, pats on the back, and smiles.

* The gift of laughter. Everyone loves to laugh. Try to see the humor in day-to-day living. Develop the ability to laugh at yourself. Don't take things so seriously.

* The gift of cheerfulness. Decide to have a good day - no matter what. This means no complaining, no feeling sorry for yourself, no nasty comments, and no screaming. Your gift of cheerfulness will be precious for everyone around you.

* The gift of doing a favor. Help with the dishes, type a letter, run an errand, or watch the neighbor's kids. Volunteer to help a co-worker finish a project or bring cookies to share with the office. Most important, have the attitude and willingness to help out another person in spite of your busy schedule.

* The gift of contact. Write notes as simple as Thinking of you today. Telephone or send birthday greetings. Make short phone calls if someone is having an especially trying time. Reach out with support and encouragement.

* The gift of acceptance. Relax. Accept with fortitude the things you can't change in your life, and what others can't change in their lives. Enjoy people for who they are and relate to them in the present.

* The gift of prayer. This is the finest gift you can give. Pray for people with full compassion and concern. Pray for them when they are in need and when they are experiencing blessings.

A PRAYER

May today there be peace within you.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing that you are a child of God.
Let His presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, and to bask in the sun.
It is there for each and every one of you.

Look to this Day

Look to this day, for it is life,
The very life of life,
In its brief course lies all the realities
And verities of existence:
The bliss of growth, the splendor of action,
The glory of power.

For yesterday is but a dream
And tomorrow is only a vision.
But today, well lived, makes every yesterday
A dream of happiness!
And every tomorrow a vision of hope.
Look well, therefore, to this day!

~Sanskrit Proverb~

INSTRUCTIONS FOR LIFE

1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
2. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.
3. Follow the three Rs:
Respect for self
Respect for others and
Responsibility for all your actions.
4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.
6. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
7. When you realise you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
8. Spend some time alone every day.
9. Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.
10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
11. Live a good, honourable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll be able to enjoy it a second time.
12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.
13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don't bring up the past.
14. Share your knowledge. It's a way to achieve immortality.
15. Be gentle with the earth.
16. Once a year, go someplace you've never been before.
17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.
18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.
19. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.
LORD for tomorrow and its needs
I do not pray;
Keep me, my God, from stain of sin,
Just for today.
Now set a seal upon my lips,
For this I pray;
Keep me from wrong or idle words,
Just for today.
Let me be slow to do my will,
Prompt to obey,
And keep me, guide me, use me, Lord,
Just for today.

Unconditional Love

A treasure to be cherished,
A gift from God above;
Is the beauty of a friendship,
Touched by unconditional love.
A love that asks no questions,
Believes in all the best;
Never doubting, ever trusting,
Withstanding any test.
A love that weathers any storm,
And yet that love still stands;
Through the very darkest hour,
It still reaches out a hand.
There in that hand the sweetest gift,
That you can give a friend;
A heart that cares, a love that shares,
That will be there till the end.
A treasure to be cherished,
A gift from God above;
Is what I share with you my friend,
An unconditional love.

Allison Chambers Coxsey

A PRICELESS GIFT

Friendship is a priceless gift
that cannot be bought or sold,
But its value is far greater
than a mountain made of gold.

For gold is cold and lifeless,
it can neither see nor hear
And in the time of trouble
it is powerless to cheer.

It has no ears to listen
nor heart to understand
It cannot bring you comfort
or reach out a helping hand.

So when you ask God for a gift
Be thankful if He sends
Not diamonds, pearls, or riches
But the love of real true friends.

~ Helen Steiner Rice ~

Success
To laugh often, and much

To win the respect of intelligent people
and the affection of children.
To earn the appreciation of honest critics
and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty,
to find the best in others;

To leave the world a bit better,
whether by a healthy child,
a garden patch or
a redeemed social condition;

To know even one life
has breathed easier
because you have lived.
That is to have succeeded.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

An Indian Prayer

Oh Great Spirit

Whose breath gives life to all the world...
Hear me, I am small and weak...
I need your strength and wisdom...
Teach me the lessons You have hidden
under every leaf and rock...
Give me the strength -- not to be greater
than my brother...
but to fight my greatest enemy -- Myself.
Let me walk in beauty and ever behold
the red and purple sunset...
and when the setting sunset fades --
may I come to You with clean hands, straight eyes,
and no shame!

A Friend Is Like...


A friend is like a flower,
A rose to be exact,
Or maybe like a brand new gate
That never comes unlatched.

A friend is like an owl,
Both beautiful and wise.
Or perhaps a friend is like a ghost,
Whose spirit never dies.

A friend is like those blades of grass
You can never mow,
Standing straight, tall, and proud
In a perfect little row.

A friend is like a heart that goes
Strong until the end.
Where would we be in this world
If we didn't have a friend?

You Can

If you think you are beaten, you are,
If you think you dare not, you don't.
If you'd like to win, but you think you can't,
It's almost a cinch you won't!

If you think you'll lose, you've lost,
For out in the world you find
Success begins with the will,
It's all in the state of mind.

If you think you're outclassed, you are,
You've got to think high to rise
You've got to think of yourself before
You can ever win the prize!

For many a race is lost
Before ever a step is run;
And many a coward fails,
Before his work's begun.

Think big and your deeds will grow,
Think small and you'll fall behind,
Think that you can and you will,
It's all in the state of mind!

Life's battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster man;
But sooner or later the man who wins
Is the one who thinks he can!

An Indian Version Of The Twenty-third Psalm

The Great Father above a shepherd Chief is.
I am His and with Him I want not.
He throws out to me a rope and
the name of the rope is love and
He draws me to where the grass is green
and the water not dangerous,
and I eat and lie down and am satisfied.
Sometimes my heart is very weak and falls down but
He lifts me up again and draws me into a good road.
His name is WONDERFUL.

Sometime, it may be very soon,
it may be a long, long time.
He will draw me into a valley.
It is dark there, but I'll be afraid not,
for it is in between those mountains
that the Shepherd Christ will meet me
and the hunger that I have in my heart
all through this life will be satisfied.
He gives me a staff to lean upon.

He spreads a table before me
with all kinds of foods.
He puts His hand upon my head
and all the "tired" is gone.
My cup He fills till it runs over.
What I tell is true. I lie not.
These roads that are "away ahead"
will stay with me through this life and after;
and afterwards I will go to live
in the Big Tepee and sit down
with the Shepherd Chief forever.

~Author Unknown

A Preschooler's Twenty-Third Psalm

The Lord is my teacher; He knows all I need.
He helps me draw a green pasture
He gives me a cup of cool water.
He tells me I'm doing good.
He teaches me how to live in ways that are good for me.
(Others will see me and want His teaching too.)

Even when I try a new art project, I will fear no failure--
His help and encouragement comfort me.
He prepares learning activities for me
That I can do with others.
He notices when I am really trying
And gives me encouragement to keep going.
Surely one lesson will lead to another,
And I will grow in the school of the Lord forever.

Sharon Ellard

Life is like a river

Life is like a river. Let it carry you,
not knowing where it will take you,
and you will journey to amazing places;
Or, stay on the shore,
knowing for sure where you will be,
and you will go nowhere

HUGS

It's a wondrous thing what a hug can do
A hug can cheer you when you're blue.
A hug can say," I love you so,"
Or, "Gee, I hate to see you go;"

A hug is, "welcome back again."
And " Great to see you! Where've you been?"
A hug can smooth a small child's pain
And bring a rainbow after rain.

The hug ! There's no doubt about it
We scarcely could survive without it!
A hug delights and warms and charms.
It must be why God gave us arms.

Hugs are great for fathers and mothers,
Sweet for sisters, swell for brothers.
And chances are your favourite aunts
Love them more than potted plants.

Kittens crave them, puppies love them.
Heads of state are not above them.
A hug can break the language barrier
And make your travels so much merrier.

No need to fret about your store of 'em;
The more you give the more there's more of 'em.
So stretch those arms without delay
And GIVE SOMEONE A HUG TODAY !

In His Steps

"The road is too rough," I said.
"Dear Lord, there are stones that hurt me so."
And He said, "Dear child, I understand,
I walked it long ago."
"But there's a cool green path," I said;
"Let me walk there for a time."
"No child," He gently answered me,
"The green path does not climb."
"My burden," I said, "is far too great,
How can I bear it so?" "My child," He said, " I remember the weight;
I carried My cross, you know."
But I said, " I wish there were friends with me
Who would make my way their own."
"Oh yes," He said,
"Gethsemane Was hard to bear alone."
And so I climb the stony path,
Content at last to know
That where my Master had not gone,
I would not need to go.
And strangely then I found new friends,
The burden grew less sore;
And I remember - long ago
He went that way before.

A.S.A.P.

Ever wonder about the abbreviation A.S.A.P.?
Generally we think of it in terns of even more hurry and stress in our lives. Maybe if we think of this abbreviation in a different manner, we will begin to find a new way to deal with those rough days along the way.

"There's work to do, deadlines to meet;
You've got no time to spare,
But as you hurry and scurry
ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER

In the midst of family chaos, "Quality time" is rare.
Do your best; let God do the rest
ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER

It may seem like your worries are more than you can bear.
Slow down and take a breather
ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER

God knows how stressful life is; He wants to ease our cares,
And He'll respond
"A.S.A.P. - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER"

P.U.S.H.

A man was sleeping at night in his cabin when suddenly his room filled with light and God appeared. The Lord told the man he had work for him to do, and showed him a large rock in front of his cabin.
The Lord explained that the man was to push against the rock with all his might. So, this the man did, day after day.
For many years he toiled from sun up to sun down, his shoulders set squarely against the cold, massive surface of the unmoving rock, pushing with all his might. Each night the man returned to his cabin sore and worn out, feeling that his whole day had been spent in vain.
Since the man was showing discouragement, the Adversary [Satan] decided to enter the picture by placing thoughts into the weary mind:
“You have been pushing against that rock for a long time, and it hasn’t moved.”
Satan said, “Why kill yourself over this? Just put in your time, giving just the minimum effort; and that will be good enough.”
Thus, he gave the man the impression that the task was impossible and that he was a failure.
These thoughts discouraged and disheartened the man.
That’s what the weary man planned to do, but decided to make it a matter of prayer and to take his troubled thoughts to the Lord.
“Lord,” he said, “I have laboured long and hard in your service, putting all my strength to do that which you have asked. Yet, after all this time, I have not even budged that rock by half a millimetre. What is wrong? Why am I failing?"
The Lord responded compassionately, “My friend, when I asked you to serve Me and you accepted, I told you that your task was to push against the rock with all your strength, which you have done. Never once did I mention to you that I expected you to move it. Your task was to push. And now you come to Me with your strength spent, thinking that you have failed. But, is that really so? Look at yourself. Your arms are strong and muscled, your back sinewy and brown; your hands are calloused from constant pressure, your legs have become massive and hard. Through opposition you have grown much, and your abilities now surpass that which you used to have. True, you haven’t moved the rock. But your calling was to be obedient and to push and to exercise your faith and trust in My wisdom. That, you have done.
Now I, my friend, will move the rock.”
At times, when we hear a word from God, we tend to use our own intellect to decipher what He wants, when usually what He wants, when usually what God wants is just a simple obedience and faith in Him.
By all means, exercise the faith that moves mountains, but know that it is still God who moves mountains.

When everything seems to go wrong ... Just P.U.S.H.
When the job gets you down ... Just P.U.S.H.
When people don’t react the way you think they should .. Just P.U.S.H.
When your money is “gone” and the bills are due ... Just P.U.S.H.
When people just don’t understand you ... Just P.U.S.H.

PRAY UNTIL SOMETHING HAPPENS

THE ROSEBUD

A young, new preacher was walking along with an older, more seasoned preacher, in the garden one day.

Feeling a bit insecure about what God had for him to do, he was asking the older preacher for some advice. The older preacher walked up to a rosebush, handed the young preacher a rosebud and told him to open it, without tearing off any petals.

The young preacher looked, in disbelief at the older preacher, and was trying to figure out what a rosebud could possibly have to do with his wanting to know the will of God for his life and ministry.

Because of his great respect for the older preacher, he proceeded to try to unfold the rose, while keeping every petal intact. It wasn't long before he realized how impossible this was to do.

Noticing the younger preacher's inability to unfold the rosebud without tearing it, the older preacher began to recite the following:


It is only a tiny rosebud,
a flower of God's design.
But, I cannot unfold the petals
with these clumsy hands of mine.
The secret of unfolding flowers
isn't known to such as I.

GOD opens this flower so sweetly,
while in my hands it would die.
If I cannot unfold a rosebud,
this flower of God's design;
then how can I have the wisdom
to unfold this life of mine?
So, I'll trust, in Him,
for leading me every moment of my day.
I will look to Him for His guidance,
each step along the way.

For the path that lies before me,
Only my Heavenly Father knows.
I'll trust Him to unfold each moment,
just as He unfolds the rose.

Keep on Climbing

Often your tasks will be many,
and more than you think you can do
Often the road will be rugged
and the hills insurmountable, too
Always remember, the hills ahead
Are never as steep as they seem,
And with faith in your heart start upward
And climb 'till you reach your dream,
Nothing in life that is worthy
Is ever too hard to achieve
If you have the courage to try it
And you have the faith to believe...
Faith is a force that is greater
Than knowledge or power or skill
And many defeats turn to triumph
If you trust in God's wisdom and will
Faith is a mover of mountains,
There's nothing that God cannot do
, So start out today with faith in your heart
And "Climb Until Your Dream Comes True".
Author Unknown

I don't Know How Long I'll Live

I do not know how long I'll live
But while I live, Lord, let me give
Some comfort to someone in need
By smile or nod, kind word or deed.
And let me do what ever I can
To ease things for my fellow man.
I want naught but to do my part
To lift a tired or weary heart,
To change folks' frowns to smiles again.
Then I will not have lived in vain.
And I'll not care how long I'll live
If I can give... and give... and give.
Author Unknown

What is it like to be a Christian?

It is like being a pumpkin.
God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. Then he cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff. He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc., and then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.

Today your whole life is ahead of you

Today, your whole life is ahead of you.
No matter what your past has been,
or how long that past has lasted,
there are joys ahead, waiting to be lived.
New discoveries are waiting to be made.
If only you will decide to make them.
Your are brimming with possibility.
In every direction you look, is opportunity.
The obstacles you face are miniscule,
when compared to the abilities you command.
Today is a bright and beautiful day
because you are alive.
And there are so many great things
you can do with your life.
There is no one better than you.
There is no one more fortunate than you.
You can be whatever you want to be,
have whatever you want to have,
and do whatever you want to do.
If only you are willing
to put forth the effort required.

No one has more than that. Wherever you are, right now, is the ideal starting point for a brilliant, joyful future. Appreciate all the wonderful things you have, and live your possibilities.

Ralph Marston

God Can

When you feel unlovable, unworthy and unclean,
when you think that no one can heal you,
Remember, Friend,
God Can.

When you think that you are unforgivable
for your guilt and your shame
Remember, Friend,
God Can.

When you think that all is hidden
and no one can see within
Remember, Friend,
God Can.

And when you have reached the bottom
And you think that no one can hear
Remember my dear Friend
God Can.

And when you think that no one can love
The real person deep inside of you
Remember my dear Friend,
God Does.

Packaging

The 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 shone 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 let the packaging of your blessings fool you!

AUTHOR: Unknown

The Power of One

I am only One
But still I am One
I cannot do everything
But still I can do Something
And because I cannot do Everything
I will not refuse to do
The Something that I can do

Edward Hale

Alphabet soup

Although things are not perfect
Because of trial or pain
Continue in thanksgiving
Do not begin to blame
Even when the times are hard
Fierce winds are bound to blow
God is forever able
Hold on to what you know
Imagine life without His love
Joy would cease to be
Keep thanking Him for all the things
Love imparts to thee
Move out of "Camp Complaining"
No weapon that is known
On earth can yield the power
Praise can do alone
Quit looking at the future
Redeem the time at hand
Start every day with worship
To "thank" is a command
Until we see Him coming
Victorious in the sky
We'll run the race with gratitude
Xalting God most high
Yes, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but...
Zion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!

STILL HE WALKED

He could hear the crowds screaming "crucify" "crucify"...
He could hear the hatred in their voices,
These were His chosen people.
He loved them, And they were going to crucify Him.
He was beaten, bleeding and weakened...His heart was broken,
But still He walked.

He could see the crowd as He came from the palace.
He knew each of their faces so well.
He had created them.
He knew every smile, laugh, and shed tear,
But now they were contorted with rage and anger...His heart broke,
But still He walked.

Was he scared?
You and I would have been,
So His humanness would have mandated that He was. He felt alone.
His disciples had left, denied, and even betrayed Him.
He searched the crowd for a loving face and He saw very few.
Then He turned His eyes to the only one that mattered
And He knew that He would never be alone.
He looked back at the crowd, at the people who were spitting
At Him, throwing rocks at Him and mocking Him and He knew
That because of Him, they would never be alone.
So for them, He walked.

The sounds of the hammer striking the spikes echoed through
The crowd. The sounds of His cries echoed even louder,
The cheers of the crowd, as His hands and feet
Were nailed to the cross, intensified with each blow.
Loudest of all was the still small voice inside His
Heart that whispered "I am with you, my Son",
And God's heart broke.
He had let His Son walk.

Jesus could have asked God to end His suffering,
But instead He asked God to forgive.
Not to forgive Him, but to forgive the ones who were persecuting Him.
As He hung on that cross, dying an unimaginable death,
He looked out and saw, not only the faces in the crowd,
But also, the face of every person yet to be,
And His heart filled with love.
As His body was dying, His heart was alive.
Alive with the limitless, unconditional love He feels for each of us.
That is why He walked.

When I forget how much My God loves me,
I remember His walk.
When I wonder if I can be forgiven,
I remember His walk.
When I need reminding of how to live like Christ,
I think of His walk.
And to show Him how much I love Him,
I wake up each morning, turn my eyes to Jesus,
And I walk.

Author Unknown

Gardens Of Laughter

Life is a journey through many terrains,
From gardens of pleasure to deserts of pain.
From an ocean of love to a jungle of hate,
From mountains of glory to canyons of fate.

There's a highway for joy and a highway for sorrow,
A road for today and a road for tomorrow.
So choose your path wisely and walk it with care,
If you follow your heart, you'll find your way there.

I've been to the garden and planted seeds there,
I've been to the desert and felt the despair,
I've swam in the ocean and drank of it's wine.

I climbed up the mountain to touch the sky,
I went to the canyon and started to cry.
I've traveled both highways, Both today and tomorrow.
I've basked in the joy and wallowed in sorrow.
My Path has been chosen and I've walked it with care,
I followed my heart and I'm on my way there.
So I'll just keep walking till I find what I'm after,
To mountains and oceans and Gardens of laughter.

Author Unknown

AT DAY'S END


" Is anybody happier because you passed his way?
Does anyone remember that you spoke to him today?
The day is almost over, and its toiling time is through;
Is there anyone to utter now a kindly word of you?
Can you say tonight, in parting with the day that's slipping fast,
That you helped a single brother of the many that you passed?
Is a single heart rejoicing over what you did or said;
Does the man whose hopes were fading,
Now with courage look ahead?
Did you waste the day, or lose it? Was it well or sorely spent?
Did you leave a trail of kindness, or a scar of discontent?
As you close your eyes in slumber, do you think that God will say,
You have earned one more tomorrow by the work you did today?"
John Hall

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As fur us possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well us your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let not this blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial us the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding us it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labours and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham , drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful word. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

~Max Ehrmann, 1927~

Desiderata 2

In whatever religion you have been taught, however you have been brought up, and however you have understood your teachers, it is not enough that this message be believed. It is a message to be lived! The essence of universal religion is the Peace and Truth with Love for, and kindness to, all the creatures of the earth. Now it is time to express this essence in your own life. A beginning must be made, and the peace to begin is with yourself.

You would reform the world? Begin with yourself, brother! The message of the unreformed reformer seldom inspires reformation. The heart of all religion is Love. And righteousness, which is love in action, is the fulfillment of religion. Love not only family and friends! -- for Love denied, seek peace within yourself and seek too, within the divine breath of life.

Persist in these things! Do not let up a single moment! Through your faith and through your deeds you shape your life and help shape the lives of others, as well. What a responsibility! The Spirit finds in you its agent, and also its partner, and to the degree that you are aware of this and act on it, your life is enriched. A revelation will occur to you - a revelation higher than your most exalted dreams.

The new age is coming, and in it there will be a realization of the Oneness of all. Differences between the various religions will disappear. The good, which is in each of them, will be fused and will become the common goal of all mankind. Know that you have the power to choose!

Choose Love, not hate; - choose gentleness, not violence; - choose holiness, not evil!

Dare to believe that the reign of Love and Peace is coming soon! Ready yourself for it! Ready yourself for it with deeds of righteousness as the door opener. And beyond the door is Love.

May power Divine enter every aspect of your life endowing it with the rewards of material accomplishments, the treasures of purposeful existence, and the Eternal light of spiritual achievement.

~Author Unknown~

Yesterday and tomorrow

Today I will delete from my diary two days: yesterday and tomorrow

Yesterday was to learn and tomorrow will be the consequence of what I can do today.

Today I will face life with the conviction that this day will not ever return.

Today is the last opportunity I have to live intensely, as no one can assure me that I will see tomorrow's sunrise.

Today I will be brave enough not to let any opportunity pass me by, my only alternative is to succeed.

Today I will invest my most valuable resource: my time, in the most trascendental work: my life;

I will spend each minute passionately to make of today a different and unique day in my life.

Today I will defy every obstacule that appears on my way trusting I will succeed.

Today I will resist pesimism and will conquer the world with a smile, with the positive attitude of expecting always the best.

Today I will make of every ordinary task a sublime expression,

Today I will have my feet on the ground understanding reality and the stars' gaze to invent my future.

Today I will take the time to be happy and will leave my footprints and my presence in the hearts of others.

I Believe in Miracles

I believe in miracles
and dreams that will come true.
I believe in tender moments
and friendship, through and through.

I believe in stardust
and moonbeams all aglow.
I believe there's magic
and more there than we know.

I believe in reaching out
and touching from the heart.
I believe that if we touch
a gift we can impart.

I believe that if you cry
your tears are not in vain.
And when you're sad and lonely,
others know your pain.

I believe that when we laugh
a sparkle starts to shine.
And I just know that spark will spread
from more hearts than just mine.

I believe that hidden
in the quiet of the night,
there's magic moths and gypsies
a fairy and a sprite.

I believe that if you dance
the dances of your heart,
that greater happiness will find
a brand new way to start.

I believe the gifts you have
are there for you to share.
And when you give them from the heart,
the whole world knows you care.

I believe that if you give,
even just to one,
that gift will grow in magnitude
before the day is done.

I believe that comfort comes
from giving part of me.
And if I share with others,
there's more for all to see.

I believe that love
is still the greatest gift of all,
and when it's given from the heart
then not one of us will fall.

~~ Ruth Carter-Bourdon ~~

Christ died for all

Every person born into this world is involved in the Passion of Christ. With a little thought we can find ourselves playing our part in the story of the Passion. We can ask ourselves, in which one of these did He encounter me. No doubt we will recognize ourselves in more than one of these characters:

JUDAS ISCARIOT - put a price on his religion. He can represent those who put money before Christ.

PILATE - asked the question, "What is Truth?" but walked away before Christ could answer. He didn't want to know the truth; it might interfere with his prejudices and decisions.

HEROD - conscious of his own evil, was uncomfortable in the presence of God so he mocked Him. What we can't reach, we pull down.

PETER - resented any suggestion of weakness, and is entrapped by it. He couldn't be told.

SIMON - had to be forced to help Jesus. He did not offer himself. He did only what he had to do, but his reluctant help was accepted and rewarded. Consoling thought. Even the imperfect motive won reward.

VERONICA - was not intimidated by public opinion, human respect, and she did the little that she could to alleviate the suffering of Christ although in the total context it appeared to have no effect.

MARY - encouraged her son in what he had to do. She didn't demand an exception for her child. She didn't try to find a way out. She supported Him in doing what He had to do.

MARY MAGDALENE - "loved much" because she was forgiven much. Only those who appreciate the evil of sin can appreciate the mercy and love that forgives.

DISMAS - the good thief, in acknowledging his guilt, in accepting the consequences of his sin, received forgiveness.

JOHN - was silent at the trial, silent at the cross. Does he represent the "silent majority"? Edmund Burke said: "All that is required for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing"

JOSEPH - tried to compromise but finally made his decision for Christ when it was hardest. He joined Christ in his apparent defeat. Was it his revulsion at injustice that made him take a stand?

THE MOB - Were you in the mob, carried along by evil? "Everybody is doing it". Why should I be different? Why should I stand out, even for Christ?



MORE