“The absolutely awesome incredible power of belief is the genie in your life.” ~ Eldon Taylor
***
In most stories and tales about magical lamps and genies, a genie emerges from the lamp and offers to grant three wishes to whoever finds (rubs) the magical lamp. The genie is often quick to admonish that you cannot wish for more wishes. It is always three wishes; no more, no less. Perhaps, no story depicts this better than the 1992 Disney animated film, Aladdin. After Aladdin finds the lamp, the genie advises Aladdin there is a wish restriction. The genie says, “Three wishes, to be exact. And, ixnay on the wishing for more wishes. That's all. Three. Uno, dos, tres. No substitutions, exchanges or refunds.”
In the world of make believe, it is always just three wishes. Not so in the real world! There are no wish restrictions. In addition, we have no need to seach for a magic lamp. Each one of us already has a genie and our genie is with us for life. It is just too bad we do not understand the power of our genie and rely on our genie more often. Your genie has the power to grant your wishes; and there are no wish restrictions.
Our genie is our beliefs – what we believe. The power of our genie is dependent solely upon the strength of your beliefs. The more you believe the more power your genie possesses. Likewise, the more power the genie possesses the more likely your wishes will come true. Conversely, if belief is lacking, your genie is powerless, and your wishes will likely never come true.
Belief is a powerful thing. No man or woman has ever accomplished anything great without first believing it was possible. Belief is what turns a wish into reality. It has the power to the turn the intangible into the tangible; the abstract into the concrete.
Today is the day to awaken the genie within you. Your genie is ready to go to work and accomplish great things for you. There is no magic lamp to rub, no wish limitations. All you have to do is believe. Remember, in order to achieve you must first believe. Hence, your wish really can be your command.
If you want to double your chances of your wishes coming true, listen to what the Good Book says, “ And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” -- Matthew 21:22
***
It’s your life: live it, love it, & celebrate it!
MJD
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Thursday, June 9, 2011
It's Too Hot!
“Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.”
~Chinese Proverb
***
There is no doubt about the weather being unpredictable in the great State of Michigan. You have heard it said, “If you don’t like the weather in Michigan, wait five minutes.” The saying is indicative of the fickleness of “Mother Nature” here in the Wolverine State. Case in point: Less than a week ago the temperatures were in the 60’s, the last couple of days the mercury hit the mid-90’s, and now forecaster are predicting the upper 60’s in the coming days.
The weather in Michigan can be enigmatic. This year the vernal equinox (spring) began March 20th. Spring is characterized by a gradual transition from the cold, harshness of the winter winds to the warm, softness of summer breezes. However, this year, somebody forgot to remind Mother Nature of spring’s annual role. This spring was the coldest, wettest spring that I can remember. April Showers are supposed to bring May flowers. This year, lots of April showers brought May showers and more May showers and more May showers. I cannot tell you how many times this spring I have heard people complain about the weather; rain and cold, rain and cold, rain and cold! All spring, I heard people saying things like, “It’s too cold,” “It’s too rainy,” “I wish it would warm up,” or “This has been a horrible spring.”
Yes, “Mother Nature” was not so kind to us “Michiganians” or “Michiganders” (whatever demonym you prefer) this spring. Yes, we all waited patiently for the warm weather to arrive. And, yes the warm weather is now here. But now, it is too hot! Now, people are complaining it is too hot. How quickly they forget that less than a week ago they were begging and praying for warmer weather. Now, it is too hot! Instead of being thankful that we can say good-bye to a miserable spring, now, it is too hot!
Is it really too hot, or are some people not happy unless they have something to complain about? Lets see, cold and wet – complain; hot and dry – complain. For you complainers, please do not tell us when it is too hot or too cold. We can make that decision for ourselves.
For you complainers, there are things that you can control and things that you cannot control – please understand the difference. Accept the things that you cannot control (like the weather) and make the best of the situation. And, oh yes, do it without complaining. We are not interested in your negative spin. For the things you can control, do something about it. Nothing will change unless you are willing to take action. And, oh yes, do it without complaining. We are not interested in hearing you complain about something you can fix, but choose to do nothing about it.
Are you a constant complainer? Do you have a permanent seat on the “complain train?” Remember, except for God’s love for us, nothing in life will ever be completely perfect. So, it is time that you really start appreciating life, even with its imperfections. Do not complain about what you have or what you don’t have. Be thankful! The opposite of complain is gratitude. You can complain and wallow in negativity and lack, or you can practice gratitude and bask in happiness and abundance. The choice is yours!
Young children are taught say to thank you upon receiving a gift. Children learn that demonstrating a lack of appreciation can be offensive to the gift giver. More importantly, a child should never complain about a gift received. Remember, each day is gift from God. Spending the day complaining is offensive to the gift giver. I urge you to make it a daily habit to practice gratitude. You can begin by reciting each morning, “This is the day that the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad.” – Psalms 118:24
This truly is the day the Lord hath made. It may be 95 degrees, but you will not hear me complaining. And no, it is not too hot!
***
It is your life: live it, love it & celebrate it
MJD
~Chinese Proverb
***
There is no doubt about the weather being unpredictable in the great State of Michigan. You have heard it said, “If you don’t like the weather in Michigan, wait five minutes.” The saying is indicative of the fickleness of “Mother Nature” here in the Wolverine State. Case in point: Less than a week ago the temperatures were in the 60’s, the last couple of days the mercury hit the mid-90’s, and now forecaster are predicting the upper 60’s in the coming days.
The weather in Michigan can be enigmatic. This year the vernal equinox (spring) began March 20th. Spring is characterized by a gradual transition from the cold, harshness of the winter winds to the warm, softness of summer breezes. However, this year, somebody forgot to remind Mother Nature of spring’s annual role. This spring was the coldest, wettest spring that I can remember. April Showers are supposed to bring May flowers. This year, lots of April showers brought May showers and more May showers and more May showers. I cannot tell you how many times this spring I have heard people complain about the weather; rain and cold, rain and cold, rain and cold! All spring, I heard people saying things like, “It’s too cold,” “It’s too rainy,” “I wish it would warm up,” or “This has been a horrible spring.”
Yes, “Mother Nature” was not so kind to us “Michiganians” or “Michiganders” (whatever demonym you prefer) this spring. Yes, we all waited patiently for the warm weather to arrive. And, yes the warm weather is now here. But now, it is too hot! Now, people are complaining it is too hot. How quickly they forget that less than a week ago they were begging and praying for warmer weather. Now, it is too hot! Instead of being thankful that we can say good-bye to a miserable spring, now, it is too hot!
Is it really too hot, or are some people not happy unless they have something to complain about? Lets see, cold and wet – complain; hot and dry – complain. For you complainers, please do not tell us when it is too hot or too cold. We can make that decision for ourselves.
For you complainers, there are things that you can control and things that you cannot control – please understand the difference. Accept the things that you cannot control (like the weather) and make the best of the situation. And, oh yes, do it without complaining. We are not interested in your negative spin. For the things you can control, do something about it. Nothing will change unless you are willing to take action. And, oh yes, do it without complaining. We are not interested in hearing you complain about something you can fix, but choose to do nothing about it.
Are you a constant complainer? Do you have a permanent seat on the “complain train?” Remember, except for God’s love for us, nothing in life will ever be completely perfect. So, it is time that you really start appreciating life, even with its imperfections. Do not complain about what you have or what you don’t have. Be thankful! The opposite of complain is gratitude. You can complain and wallow in negativity and lack, or you can practice gratitude and bask in happiness and abundance. The choice is yours!
Young children are taught say to thank you upon receiving a gift. Children learn that demonstrating a lack of appreciation can be offensive to the gift giver. More importantly, a child should never complain about a gift received. Remember, each day is gift from God. Spending the day complaining is offensive to the gift giver. I urge you to make it a daily habit to practice gratitude. You can begin by reciting each morning, “This is the day that the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad.” – Psalms 118:24
This truly is the day the Lord hath made. It may be 95 degrees, but you will not hear me complaining. And no, it is not too hot!
***
It is your life: live it, love it & celebrate it
MJD
Monday, June 6, 2011
A Blessing in Disguise
“What seems to us bitter trials are often blessings in disguise.”
~Oscar Wilde
***
Trials are difficult! Trials can cause anxiety and suffering. Trials can result in loss and separation. Trials can leave you feeling disappointed, hurt and/or frustrated. So, how could one ever find blessing from a trial? You are not likely to find a blessing from trial unless you have faith; faith that there will be a blessing. You have to believe that every adversity has within it an opportunity. The key is to believe. When you believe in something, you create an expectation. The expectation causes an awakening. Soon you begin looking for what you expect. Why do so many people miss the blessing in a trial? It is because they are not looking for it. It is really quite simple; you cannot find something unless you are willing to search for it.
Believe it or not, we create most of the trials in our life. We create the trials in our lives, because we are the ones in control of our lives. Some trials, like the loss of a love one or the physical/emotional suffering of a loved are surely beyond our control. But, most trials are created by the decisions we make or have made. Some decisions have an immediate effect; a decision is made and the trial commences soon thereafter. Other decisions have a delayed effect. The trial may not appear for days, months, or years. Since we create our trial(s), it is up to us to accept responsibility for our trial(s). It is only when you accept responsibility for your trial(s) that you can begin moving forward with ending the trial(s). Sure, the initial outcome may not always be pleasant. But, those with faith, know that the blessing in disguise will be revealed in due time. Remember, the Good Book tells us, “More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance.” – Romans 5:3.
So, the next time you are experiencing a trial know that your trial is a blessing in disguise. Have faith and be patient. An old Chinese proverb says it best, “The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.”
It's Your Life: Live it, Love it, Celebrate it!
MJD
~Oscar Wilde
***
Trials are difficult! Trials can cause anxiety and suffering. Trials can result in loss and separation. Trials can leave you feeling disappointed, hurt and/or frustrated. So, how could one ever find blessing from a trial? You are not likely to find a blessing from trial unless you have faith; faith that there will be a blessing. You have to believe that every adversity has within it an opportunity. The key is to believe. When you believe in something, you create an expectation. The expectation causes an awakening. Soon you begin looking for what you expect. Why do so many people miss the blessing in a trial? It is because they are not looking for it. It is really quite simple; you cannot find something unless you are willing to search for it.
Believe it or not, we create most of the trials in our life. We create the trials in our lives, because we are the ones in control of our lives. Some trials, like the loss of a love one or the physical/emotional suffering of a loved are surely beyond our control. But, most trials are created by the decisions we make or have made. Some decisions have an immediate effect; a decision is made and the trial commences soon thereafter. Other decisions have a delayed effect. The trial may not appear for days, months, or years. Since we create our trial(s), it is up to us to accept responsibility for our trial(s). It is only when you accept responsibility for your trial(s) that you can begin moving forward with ending the trial(s). Sure, the initial outcome may not always be pleasant. But, those with faith, know that the blessing in disguise will be revealed in due time. Remember, the Good Book tells us, “More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance.” – Romans 5:3.
So, the next time you are experiencing a trial know that your trial is a blessing in disguise. Have faith and be patient. An old Chinese proverb says it best, “The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.”
It's Your Life: Live it, Love it, Celebrate it!
MJD
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Will You Stay?
DON'T QUIT
When things go wrong as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but dont you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up though the pace seems slow--
You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than,
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor's cup,
And he learned too late when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out,
The silver tint on the clouds of doubt,
And you can never tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems afar.
So, stick to the fight when you're hardest hit
It's when things go wrong that you mustn't quit.
~ Unknown
***
A look at history demonstrates that this nation has persevered. Many, many Americans have suffered trials and tribulations, yet persevered. Some are quite famous and easily recognizable, while others have persevered without much fanfare or notice. Some are great inventors, scientists, entrepreneurs, athletes and artists. Some are your neighbors, relatives, parents and siblings. When you feel like giving up, look no further than the examples in history or the living examples that have demonstrated perseverance. Most, if not all, people who have persevered were/are common people with an uncommon desire to never quit.
When Glenn “Bo” Schembechler began his coaching tenure at the University of Michigan in 1969, he coined the slogan, “Those that stay will be champions.” Schembechler’s slogan is a statement about perseverance. “Those that stay,” is indicative that some will not have what it takes and will quit. “Will be champions,” is a testament that success will come to those that persevere. Schembechler was paraphrasing the old adage, “Quitters never win and winners never quit.” You cannot become a winner unless you are willing to persevere. The Good Book also teaches us about the benefits of perseverance, “Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” – Galatians 6:9. In other words, we shall reap, if we do not quit.
I ask you, are you willing to stay as long as it takes to become a champion?
***
It is your life: live it, love it & celebrate it
MJD
When things go wrong as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but dont you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up though the pace seems slow--
You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than,
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor's cup,
And he learned too late when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out,
The silver tint on the clouds of doubt,
And you can never tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems afar.
So, stick to the fight when you're hardest hit
It's when things go wrong that you mustn't quit.
~ Unknown
***
A look at history demonstrates that this nation has persevered. Many, many Americans have suffered trials and tribulations, yet persevered. Some are quite famous and easily recognizable, while others have persevered without much fanfare or notice. Some are great inventors, scientists, entrepreneurs, athletes and artists. Some are your neighbors, relatives, parents and siblings. When you feel like giving up, look no further than the examples in history or the living examples that have demonstrated perseverance. Most, if not all, people who have persevered were/are common people with an uncommon desire to never quit.
When Glenn “Bo” Schembechler began his coaching tenure at the University of Michigan in 1969, he coined the slogan, “Those that stay will be champions.” Schembechler’s slogan is a statement about perseverance. “Those that stay,” is indicative that some will not have what it takes and will quit. “Will be champions,” is a testament that success will come to those that persevere. Schembechler was paraphrasing the old adage, “Quitters never win and winners never quit.” You cannot become a winner unless you are willing to persevere. The Good Book also teaches us about the benefits of perseverance, “Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” – Galatians 6:9. In other words, we shall reap, if we do not quit.
I ask you, are you willing to stay as long as it takes to become a champion?
***
It is your life: live it, love it & celebrate it
MJD
Friday, May 20, 2011
What Did You Say?
“Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something.”
~ Attributed to Plato
****
The wise are adept at managing their mouth. They know when to speak, what to say, and how to say it. The foolish, on the other hand, have a reckless mouth. They speak out of selfishness. Feeling compelled to hear themselves speak, their timing, content and/or presentation is ineffective. Remember, The Good Book tells us, “Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble” (Proverbs 21:23).
Today, be like the wise and start managing your mouth. I ask you, the next time you speak will you have something to say or will you have to say something?
Its your life: live it, love it & celebrate it!
MJD
~ Attributed to Plato
****
The wise are adept at managing their mouth. They know when to speak, what to say, and how to say it. The foolish, on the other hand, have a reckless mouth. They speak out of selfishness. Feeling compelled to hear themselves speak, their timing, content and/or presentation is ineffective. Remember, The Good Book tells us, “Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble” (Proverbs 21:23).
Today, be like the wise and start managing your mouth. I ask you, the next time you speak will you have something to say or will you have to say something?
Its your life: live it, love it & celebrate it!
MJD
Monday, May 16, 2011
The Scorpion and the Frog
"One of the truest tests of integrity is its blunt refusal to be compromised,"
--Chinua Achebe
***
The lesson of the scorpion and the frog teaches us to always do what we know is right. It reminds us what is inherently bad always results in something bad, no matter how one tries to deceive you.
One day, a scorpion wandered the banks of wide, swift moving river. He came upon a frog that was sitting on the bank of the river. The scorpion greeted the frog with, “Hello Mr. Frog, it certainly is a nice day.” Somewhat suspicious of the scorpion’s amicable greeting, the frog responded with a cautious, “Hello.” The frog thought about what his parents had taught him about scorpions: frogs should always distance themselves from a scorpion. It is a scorpion’s nature to sting and a scorpion can kill a frog almost instantly with its sting.
The frog, possessing an inquisitive nature, could not help but wonder why the scorpion was wandering the banks of the river and making conversation with a frog. The frog asked, “What are you doing wandering the banks of this river? Aren’t you afraid you might get swept into the river and drown?” The scorpion replied, “Oh, I’ve been to the other side of the river and life is so much better on the other side. Therefore, I wander these banks, because I so desperately want to get to the other side once again. Since I can’t swim, I search for someone who can assist me with getting to the other side.”
Now, the frog’s parents had told the frog him that he must never swim to the other side of the river. The frog told the scorpion that he been told that the river’s current was much too treacherous and life on the other side was savage and dangerous. The scorpion retorted, “I told you that I’ve been to the other side of the river and there is nothing quite like it. The scorpion continued, “your parents tell you such things because they are afraid; they are afraid that once you make it to the other side you’ll never want to leave and they will have lost you forever. Capturing the frog's attention, the scorpion continued to speak about all the wonderful things on the other side of the river. When finished, the scorpion politely asked the frog, “How about if you and I go to the other side just for a little bit? That way you can get a little glimpse of the other side and we can come back anytime you like.” The scorpion with a convincing tone said, “We can make it easily. I can climb on your back and help to navigate the rough waters.”
Now the frog, remembering the lesson from his parents said, “No way, I’m not giving you a ride on my back you’ll sting me.” The scorpion quickly responded, “Not so, for if I sting you, we both would surely drown and I’m not really interested in dying.” The frog thought to himself, I really do want to see the other side and I won't be gone that long. Besides, that would be foolish of the scorpion to sting me for he would surely die too. The frog told the scorpion, "hop on my back – we’ll both go to the other side."
The frog, with the scorpion on his back, began the venture to the other side of the river. Things appeared to be going well until about half way through the trip when the frog felt a paralyzing sting in his back. The sting caused the frog to quickly lose feeling in his legs and he began to helplessly sink. The frog gasping for air struggled to reach the top. With the scorpion still on his back, the frog, with his last breath, said, “Why did you deceive me, you stung me?” The scorpion said, “you knew that I am scorpion and you knew it was my nature to sting.” With that, both the frog and scorpion slowly descended to the bottom of the river.
The story of the scorpion and the frog has a simple lesson: What you know to be good is good; what you know to be evil is evil; what you know to be right is right; and what you know to be wrong is wrong.
Temptation will always be a part of your life. You will be tempted with things that you know are wrong or just do not seem right. Remember, they are wrong or do not seem right for a reason. The philosophy, “I’ll try it just once or a little bit won’t hurt – can and will hurt. Remember the frog was just going to the other side for just a little bit.
So the next time you are tempted, I hope you stop and think about the Lesson of the Scorpion and the Frog. Remember, the things that you have been taught that can hurt you, will hurt you, no matter how cleverly disguised they might be.
If you are ever in a situation where you are little confused between what is right or what is wrong, what is good or what is bad, and you really do not know where to turn; you can always find the answers you seek. Just turn to the one who said, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.” For he will surely guide your way, reveal you the truth and renew your life.
***
It's your life: live it, love it & celebrate it!
MJD
--Chinua Achebe
***
The lesson of the scorpion and the frog teaches us to always do what we know is right. It reminds us what is inherently bad always results in something bad, no matter how one tries to deceive you.
One day, a scorpion wandered the banks of wide, swift moving river. He came upon a frog that was sitting on the bank of the river. The scorpion greeted the frog with, “Hello Mr. Frog, it certainly is a nice day.” Somewhat suspicious of the scorpion’s amicable greeting, the frog responded with a cautious, “Hello.” The frog thought about what his parents had taught him about scorpions: frogs should always distance themselves from a scorpion. It is a scorpion’s nature to sting and a scorpion can kill a frog almost instantly with its sting.
The frog, possessing an inquisitive nature, could not help but wonder why the scorpion was wandering the banks of the river and making conversation with a frog. The frog asked, “What are you doing wandering the banks of this river? Aren’t you afraid you might get swept into the river and drown?” The scorpion replied, “Oh, I’ve been to the other side of the river and life is so much better on the other side. Therefore, I wander these banks, because I so desperately want to get to the other side once again. Since I can’t swim, I search for someone who can assist me with getting to the other side.”
Now, the frog’s parents had told the frog him that he must never swim to the other side of the river. The frog told the scorpion that he been told that the river’s current was much too treacherous and life on the other side was savage and dangerous. The scorpion retorted, “I told you that I’ve been to the other side of the river and there is nothing quite like it. The scorpion continued, “your parents tell you such things because they are afraid; they are afraid that once you make it to the other side you’ll never want to leave and they will have lost you forever. Capturing the frog's attention, the scorpion continued to speak about all the wonderful things on the other side of the river. When finished, the scorpion politely asked the frog, “How about if you and I go to the other side just for a little bit? That way you can get a little glimpse of the other side and we can come back anytime you like.” The scorpion with a convincing tone said, “We can make it easily. I can climb on your back and help to navigate the rough waters.”
Now the frog, remembering the lesson from his parents said, “No way, I’m not giving you a ride on my back you’ll sting me.” The scorpion quickly responded, “Not so, for if I sting you, we both would surely drown and I’m not really interested in dying.” The frog thought to himself, I really do want to see the other side and I won't be gone that long. Besides, that would be foolish of the scorpion to sting me for he would surely die too. The frog told the scorpion, "hop on my back – we’ll both go to the other side."
The frog, with the scorpion on his back, began the venture to the other side of the river. Things appeared to be going well until about half way through the trip when the frog felt a paralyzing sting in his back. The sting caused the frog to quickly lose feeling in his legs and he began to helplessly sink. The frog gasping for air struggled to reach the top. With the scorpion still on his back, the frog, with his last breath, said, “Why did you deceive me, you stung me?” The scorpion said, “you knew that I am scorpion and you knew it was my nature to sting.” With that, both the frog and scorpion slowly descended to the bottom of the river.
The story of the scorpion and the frog has a simple lesson: What you know to be good is good; what you know to be evil is evil; what you know to be right is right; and what you know to be wrong is wrong.
Temptation will always be a part of your life. You will be tempted with things that you know are wrong or just do not seem right. Remember, they are wrong or do not seem right for a reason. The philosophy, “I’ll try it just once or a little bit won’t hurt – can and will hurt. Remember the frog was just going to the other side for just a little bit.
So the next time you are tempted, I hope you stop and think about the Lesson of the Scorpion and the Frog. Remember, the things that you have been taught that can hurt you, will hurt you, no matter how cleverly disguised they might be.
If you are ever in a situation where you are little confused between what is right or what is wrong, what is good or what is bad, and you really do not know where to turn; you can always find the answers you seek. Just turn to the one who said, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.” For he will surely guide your way, reveal you the truth and renew your life.
***
It's your life: live it, love it & celebrate it!
MJD
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Angels Among Us
"I expect to pass through this life once. If, therefore, there can be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, for I shall not return this way again."
-- William Penn***
A very poor, eight year old boy lived in the inner-city with his family. One cold, autumn day he stood peering in the window at the local store. Standing barefoot, a new pair of tennis shoes had caught his eye. A woman, who was passing by, asked the young boy, "Young man, what are you doing staring so intently into the window?" Shyly, he said, "I was just sort of praying and hoping that God would see to it that someday I might get a new pair of sneakers.”
Without hesitation, the woman took the young boy into the store and purchased the tennis shoes that the boy had been admiring. When she handed the shoes to the young boy, he could not believe it; he had a brand-new pair of tennis shoes. It was the first time in his life that he would not have to go barefoot or wear hand-me-down shoes. Nobody had ever been so kind to him. With tears streaming down his cheeks, he said, "Ma'am can I ask you a question?” “Certainly,” she responded. The young boy looked at her and asked, “Are you God's wife?"
POINT TO PONDER: Today, make it a point to do something nice for someone you do not know. Be kind to strangers by engaging in random acts of kindness; give a needy person a few spare dollars; feed an expiring parking meter; help a stranded motorist. Opportunities for random acts of kindness are all around us. However, when we get so caught up in our own world, we become be oblivious to the needs of others. Worse yet, sometimes we purposely turn a blind eye. When you take the time to step outside of yourself, you will see people in need all around you. Imagine how great this world would be if each one of us engaged in just one random act of kindness each day? No doubt, the world would be a better place. Remember, a random act of kindness helps two people: you and the person in need. Booker T. Washington tells us, “If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.”
One never knows what good might become of helping a stranger in need. The Good Book reminds us, “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing people have entertained angels without knowing it.” -- Hebrews 13:2. Remember, the next time you do something nice for a stranger, he/she just might be an angel. And, we all could use a few more angels among us.
Its your life: live it, love it, & celebrate it!
MJD
-- William Penn***
A very poor, eight year old boy lived in the inner-city with his family. One cold, autumn day he stood peering in the window at the local store. Standing barefoot, a new pair of tennis shoes had caught his eye. A woman, who was passing by, asked the young boy, "Young man, what are you doing staring so intently into the window?" Shyly, he said, "I was just sort of praying and hoping that God would see to it that someday I might get a new pair of sneakers.”
Without hesitation, the woman took the young boy into the store and purchased the tennis shoes that the boy had been admiring. When she handed the shoes to the young boy, he could not believe it; he had a brand-new pair of tennis shoes. It was the first time in his life that he would not have to go barefoot or wear hand-me-down shoes. Nobody had ever been so kind to him. With tears streaming down his cheeks, he said, "Ma'am can I ask you a question?” “Certainly,” she responded. The young boy looked at her and asked, “Are you God's wife?"
POINT TO PONDER: Today, make it a point to do something nice for someone you do not know. Be kind to strangers by engaging in random acts of kindness; give a needy person a few spare dollars; feed an expiring parking meter; help a stranded motorist. Opportunities for random acts of kindness are all around us. However, when we get so caught up in our own world, we become be oblivious to the needs of others. Worse yet, sometimes we purposely turn a blind eye. When you take the time to step outside of yourself, you will see people in need all around you. Imagine how great this world would be if each one of us engaged in just one random act of kindness each day? No doubt, the world would be a better place. Remember, a random act of kindness helps two people: you and the person in need. Booker T. Washington tells us, “If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.”
One never knows what good might become of helping a stranger in need. The Good Book reminds us, “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing people have entertained angels without knowing it.” -- Hebrews 13:2. Remember, the next time you do something nice for a stranger, he/she just might be an angel. And, we all could use a few more angels among us.
Its your life: live it, love it, & celebrate it!
MJD
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