quote

"My education was dismal. I went to a series of schools for mentally disturbed teachers."

(Woody Allen)

Quote

"The first panacea for a mismanaged nation is inflation of the
currency; the second is war. Both bring a temporary prosperity; both
bring a permanent ruin. But both are the refuge of political and
economic opportunists. "
Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961), (September 1932)

Quote

"If you judge people, you have no time to love them."

Mother Theresa

from Church of the Customer Blog by Ben McConnell

Have an important problem to solve

from Church of the Customer Blog by Ben McConnell

In researching the science of how things replicate and spread, I've spent time time catching up with the work of Dr. James Watson who, with Francis Crick, discovered the structure of DNA in 1955, eventually earning the duo the Nobel Prize.

Dr. Watson could easily be a consultant about success. He gave a fascinating talk at Google last year and began with "a few reasons why we became famous."

In the interest of replication and spreading his knowledge, here's my summary of Dr. Watson's prescription for work:

1. Have an important problem to solve.
While in college, Watson saw an x-ray photograph of DNA. It captivated him. What was its physical structure? The two-dimensional structure of DNA had already been solved, but no one knew its three-dimensional structure "probably because it was too complicated." Except for Linus Pauling and "some people in London," no one else was working on the answer. That was the motivation Watson and Crick used. "We worked on something before it's time had come," Watson says.

2. Give yourself time, but cap it.
The choreographer Twyla Tharp says the paradox of creativity is that it's better when it's restricted. That squares with Watson's teaching, too. "You shouldn't work on a problem if you think it'll take you 10 years, particularly when you're young. You'll be out of a job." Watson recommends giving yourself three years to solve a big or important problem. "People will sort of of trust you and put up with you for three years," he says.

3. Talk to your competitors.
The x-ray of DNA that inspired Watson was taken by Rosalind Franklin. She was trying to figure out the 3-D structure of DNA, too, but she didn't want to work with Watson and Crick. "She didn't like Francis because he was loud." Plus, Franklin wanted to discover the structure herself. Watson and Crick reached out to their competitors; "you tell them what you think, and they'll tell you what they think and pretty soon, you can get very close to the answer."

4. Never be the brightest person in any room.
If you are, no one can help you. Neither Watson or Crick knew chemistry, even though it was at the heart of what they were trying to solve. Watson had copied diagrams out of a chemistry textbook, but the textbook was wrong. If he and Crick hadn't made friends with a quantum chemist who helped them with their chemistry equations, they never would have discovered the double helix, Watson says. The lesson is that "It was very useful for me to be brought up thinking I wasn't bright because it was very easy then to ask for help."

5. If you need help, ask for it quickly.
"Don't wait a week to ask for help!" Speed matters. After all, you only have three years.

Quote of the Day

"If there were no God, there would be no Atheists."
G.K. Chesterton

Scripture says:

"BAD COMPANY CORRUPTS GOOD MORALS" (1 Cor 15:33)

Quotes from Pope Benedict XVI

Pope Benedict XVI, Shepherd of Truth

Notable quotations from Pope Benedict XVI and official
teachings of the Roman Catholic Church

MISSION AND EVANGELIZATION

"ABSOLUTE PRIORITY"
The missionary mandate continues to be an absolute priority
for all baptized persons who are called to be "servants and
apostles of Christ Jesus" at the beginning of this millennium.

"PRESSING AND URGENT"
St. Paul had understood well that only in Christ can humanity
find redemption and hope. Therefore, he perceived that the
mission was pressing and urgent to "proclaim the promise
of life in Christ Jesus" (2 Tm 1;1), "our hope" (1 Tm 1:1), so
that all peoples could be co-heirs and co-partners in the
promise through the Gospel (cf. Eph 3:6).

"URGENT DUTY"
It is ... an urgent duty for everyone to proclaim Christ and
His saving message. St. Paul said, "Woe to me if I do not
preach it [the Gospel]!" (1 Cor 9:16).

(Source: Message for World Mission Sunday, dated 5/11/08)
http://presentationministries.com/BST/bst2008-09.asp?navlink=latest
______________________________


FREEDOM

"GENUINE FREEDOM

" Let us pray fervently that the Church in America will
be renewed in that same Spirit, and sustained in her
mission of proclaiming the Gospel to a world that longs
for genuine freedom, authentic happiness and the
fulfillment of its deepest aspirations!

"NEW LIFE AND FREEDOM

" Let us trust in the Spirit's power to inspire conversion,
to heal every wound, to overcome every division and to
inspire new life and freedom. How much we need these
gifts! And how close at hand they are, particularly in the
sacrament of Penance! "

THE MYSTERY OF LOVE

" The Gospel teaches us that true freedom, the freedom
of the children of God, is found only in the self-surrender
which is part of the mystery of love.

(Sources: Homily, Washington Nationals Stadium, 4/17/08;
Homily, Yankee Stadium, 4/ 20/08)

FREEDOM

"NEW HORIZONS"
This freedom in truth brings in its wake a new and liberating
way of seeing reality. When we put on "the mind of Christ" ...,
new horizons open before us.


"UNCHANGING TRUTHS"
May you find the courage to proclaim Christ ... and the
unchanging truths which have their foundation in Him.... These
are the truths that set us free!


THE SPIRIT AND FREEDOM
. St. Paul tell[s] us that all creation is even now "groaning" in
expectation of that true freedom which is God's gift to His
children..., a freedom which enables us to live in conformity to
His will.

PM eNewsletter The Triumph of the Cross

My brothers and sisters in Christ. I have a question for you.
Have you shared this eNewsletter with anyone lately?
Pray on it and pass the WORD.

God Bess you and all you care for.
The editor


Sept. 14th The Triumph of the Cross

Jesus, through out our lives, we seem to go from one
difficulty to the next.

Help us to realize that we should look to Your Cross,
and see real victory.

Lord, not as man understands victory, but that You
triumphed through death, and therefore, gave us life.

Help us to all carry our crosses and offer them to You,
so that others will be graced and saved.

Let us truly realize that "all things work to good for
those who love You".

Let us be prayer warriors for those who are struggling
to let go and let You truly be the Lord of their lives.
Amen and Amen.

Thank you Lord, for loving us totally.
______________________________

__________________

For more on the teachings of Father Al Lauer see the
home page of Presentation Ministries? Please take a look.
http://presentationministries.com/home/home.asp
______________________________ __________________

One Bread, One Body

This weeks readings and reflections

Sunday "CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST" (Gal 2:19)
http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/14/2008

"...obediently accepting even death, death on a cross!" —Philippians 2:8

Jesus healed a man and then forbade him to tell people
He had done the healing (Mk 1:44). Jesus realized people
would misunderstand His true identity and label Him as
merely a Healer. Jesus multiplied loaves and fishes to feed
the multitudes. When He realized people only partially
grasped His true identity, calling Him a Prophet and King
(Jn 6:14-15), he had to leave that area.

Jesus was arrested, manhandled, and tried before the
Sanhedrin. Jesus stood as an accused Prisoner before
judges who were determined to find a way to condemn
Him to death. In that most ironic scenario, Jesus the
condemned proclaimed His true identity. When asked
if He was the "Messiah, the Son of the Blessed
One...Jesus answered, 'I am' " (Mk 14:61-62). As He
was lifted up on His cross, a sign above His head
proclaimed His true identity for the world to see: "Jesus
the Nazorean the King of the Jews" (Jn 19:19). Jesus
wouldn't let His true identity be revealed apart from the
context of His crucified suffering. He is the Crucified.
He is the great I AM (Ex 3:14; Mk 14:62).

With St. Paul, say: "I have been crucified with Christ,
and the life I live now is not my own; Christ is living in
me. I still live my human life, but it is a life of faith in
the Son of God" (Gal 2:19-20). We are Christians. We
receive our identity in Jesus. Live a crucified,
triumphant life in Christ. Take up your cross (Lk 9:23).

Monday PRAYING TO SUFFER
http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/15/2008

"You yourself shall be pierced with a sword — so that
the thoughts of many hearts may be laid bare." —Luke 2:35

Tuesday GLAD TIDINGS
http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/16/2008

"Serve the Lord with gladness." —Psalm 100:2

Quote

To love oneself is the beginning of a life-long romance.

OSCAR WILDE (1854 - 1900)

The Virgin's Birthday

Meditation on the Birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The History of the Liturgical Celebration of Mary's Birth

[Mary's Birth; Master of the Pfullendorf Altar]

The Churches of Constantinople in the East and Rome in the West celebrate liturgies in honor of Mary's birth from the sixth and seventh centuries on. The origin of the liturgy is traced to the consecration of the church in Jerusalem in the sixth century that has been traditionally known as St. Ann's Basilica. The original church built in the fifth century was a Marian basilica erected on the spot known as the shepherd's field and thought to have been the home of Mary's parents. After its destruction and reconstruction in the sixth century, the basilica was named in honor of St.Ann.

By the seventh century the liturgy was also celebrated in Rome where it had been introduced by monks from the East. From there, it spread throughout the West, and by the thirteenth century the liturgy had developed to a solemnity with a major octave (eight days of commemoration prior to the liturgy) and a solemn vigil which prescribed a fastday. Pope Sergius I (687-701) established a procession (a litania) from the Roman Forum to St. Mary Major for the feast.

During the reform of St. Pius X, the octave was simplified, and in 1955 Pius XII abolished it. The liturgy received the rank of feast.

The date, September 8, was chosen as the 8th day (an octave) after the former Byzantine New Year. Although Mary's birth was celebrated on various dates throughout the centuries, September 8 predominated. The feast celebrating Mary's Immaculate Conception, December 8, (a liturgy instituted later) was set to correspond to nine months before Mary's birth.

In the East, Mary's birthday is celebrated as one of the twelve great liturgies. The title for the liturgy in the East: "The Birth of Our Exalted Queen, the Birthgiver of God and Ever-Virgin Mary." Around 560, Romanos the Melodist wrote a Kontakion for the celebration. The oldest existing sermon for the liturgy was written by St. Andrew of Crete:

[Geburt Mariae; Marx Reichlich]

The present feast forms a link between the New and the Old Testament. It shows that Truth succeeds symbols and figures and that the New Covenant replaces the Old. Hence, all creation sings with joy, exalts, and participates in the joy of this day. ... This is, in fact, the day on which the Creator of the world constructed His temple; today is the day on which, by a stupendous project, a creature becomes the preferred dwelling of the Creator.

The responsory for the liturgy proclaims:

Your birth, Birthgiver of God, announced joy to the whole world. From you came the Sun of Justice, Christ our God. He released the curse and gave the blessing.

The Spiritual Tradition Regarding Mary's Birth

Sacred Scripture does not record Mary's birth. The earliest known writing regarding Mary's birth is found in the Protoevangelium of James (5:2), which is an apocryphal writing from the late 2nd century. What matters is not the historicity of the account, but the significance of Mary's and of every person's birth. In Mary's case, the early Church grew more and more interested in the circumstances surrounding the origin of Christ. Discussion about Mary throws light on the discussion about the identity of Jesus Christ.

The Church usually celebrates the passing of a person, that is, the person's entry into eternal life. Besides the birth of Christ, the Christian liturgy celebrates only two other birthdays: that of St. John the Baptizer and of Mary, the Mother of Jesus. It is not the individual greatness of these saints that the Church celebrates, but their role in salvation history, a role directly connected to the Redeemer's own coming into the world.

Mary's birth lies at the confluence of the two Testaments--bringing to an end the stage of expectation and the promises and inaugurating the new times of grace and salvation in Jesus Christ. Mary, the Daughter of Zion and ideal personification of Israel, is the last and most worthy representative of the People of the Old Covenant but at the same time she is "the hope and the dawn of the whole world." With her, the elevated Daughter of Zion, after a long expectation of the promises, the times are fulfilled and a new economy is established. (Lumen Gentium 55)

The birth of Mary is ordained in particular toward her mission as Mother of the Savior. Her existence is indissolubly connected with that of Christ: it partakes of a unique plan of predestination and grace. God's mysterious plan regarding the Incarnation of the Word embraces also the Virgin who is His Mother. In this way, the Birth of Mary is inserted at the very heart of the History of Salvation. (M. Valentini, Dictionary of Mary, pp. 36-7.)

Representations of Mary's Birth in Art

Mary's birth is usually included as one panel in art series on Mary's lifestory; however, it is also a theme depicted by itself. The oldest known representation is on a sixth century diptych in Leningrad. From the very beginning, the paintings were modeled on the type used for the birth of Christ, where the mother is in a lying position. Instead of a landscape, a cave or a stable as in the birth of Christ, various types of architectural structures are depicted which represent an interior dwelling place. Ann, the mother of Mary, is lying on a couch or on a bed. Usually, servants are busy bathing the child. Starting around 980 the compositions depict three women. One very simple painting, the so-called Berlin diptych from the early twelfth century, shows a servant handing Ann a bowl, while the child lays all tucked in on a little bed. These representations show the natural and joyful event of Mary's birth.

[Anne Conceiving the Virgin; Bellegambe]

Other works place the stress on the destiny of the child and the teachings of the faith. Pietro Lorenzetti (1342, Siena, Museum dell'Opera del Duomo) places the birth in a side room of a church. On Wolf Huber's Field Church altar, angels participate in the birth through an opening in the heavens. Albrecht Altdorfer places Mary's birth in a church with pillars surrounded by angels (1525, Munich, Alte Pinakothek). During the baroque and the rococo periods, heaven and earth unite in the paintings in happy profusion at Mary's birth.

[Birth of the Virgin (detail); Murillo]

During the later periods, especially after the fifteenth century, the representations of the birth of Mary highlight her destiny as the immaculate virgin, the child predestined by God's choice to bear the God-man, Jesus Christ. The words of the mystic, Mary of Agreda (1602-1665), describe well the way art would attempt to depict this birth. Mary of Agreda wrote, "Not only was the Word conceived before all these by eternal generation from the Father, but His temporal generation from the Virgin Mother full of grace, had already been decreed and conceived in the divine mind. Inasmuch as no efficacious and complete decree of this temporal generation could exist without at the same time including his Mother, such a Mother, the most holy Mary, was then and there conceived within that beautiful immensity, and her eternal record was written in the bosom of the Divinity, in order that for all the ages it should never be blotted out. She was stamped and delineated in the mind of the eternal Artificer and possessed the inseparable embraces of his love."

The Prayer of the Church

The Church prays at midday in the Liturgy of the Hours:

Today is the birthday of the holy Virgin Mary whose life illumined all the Churches. In many cultures, the birthday of every person merits a celebration. Family and friends gather to wish the "birthday child" many happy returns. There are well-wishing, balloons, cards, cakes, candles, a favorite meal, there are gifts and jests--all the things that say, at least once a year, "You are special, there's only one of you, we are happy that you exist." So, it is for the people of God and Mary.

The Byzantine Daily Worship gives us the following prayer:

[Birth of the Virgin; The Hours of Catherine of Cleves]

Come, all you faithful, let us hasten to the Virgin: for long before her conception in the womb, the one who was to be born of the stem of Jesse was destined to be the Mother of God. The one who is the treasury of virginity, the flowering Rod of Aaron, the object of the prophecies, the child of Joachim and Anne, is born today and the world is renewed in her. Through her birth, she floods the church with her splendor. O holy Temple, Vessel of the Godhead, Model of virgins and Strength of kings: in you the wondrous union of the two natures of Christ was realized. We worship Him and glorify your most pure birth, and we magnify you. (441-442)

Ramadan (calendar month)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
This article is about the Islamic calendar month called Ramadan. For information about the holiday and religious observances by the same name, see Ramadan (religious observances).

Islamic Calendar

1. Muharram
2. Safar
3. Rabi' al-awwal
4. Rabi' al-thani
5. Jumada al-awwal
6. Jumada al-thani
7. Rajab
8. Sha'aban
9. Ramadan
10. Shawwal
11. Dhu al-Qi'dah
12. Dhu al-Hijjah

Ramadan or Ramadhan or Ramazan(Arabic: رمضان) is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.

The word Ramadan is derived from the word ramd "to burn". Fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. The month is spent by Muslims fasting during the daylight hours from dawn to sunset. The name came from the time before the Islamic calendar, when the month of Ramadan fell in the summer. Fasting during this month is often thought to figuratively burn away all sins. Muslims believe that the Qur'an was sent down to the earth during this month. Furthermore, Muhammad told his followers that the gates of Heaven would be open all the month and the gates of Hell would be closed. The first day of the next month is spent in celebrations and is observed as the ‘Festival of Breaking Fast’ or `Eid ul-Fitr.
Contents
[hide]

* 1 Timing
* 2 Events
* 3 References
* 4 External links

[edit] Timing

The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, and months begin when the first crescent of a new moon is sighted. Since the Islamic Lunar calendar year is 11 to 12 days shorter than the solar year and contains no intercalation, Ramadan migrates throughout the seasons. The Islamic day starts after sunset. The actual and estimated start and end dates for Ramadan in 2005-2010 were and are as follows:
CE / AD AH Start End
2005 1426 2 October 1 November
2006 1427 23 September 22 October
2007 1428 13 September 12 October[1]
2008 1429 2 September 1 October
2009 1430[2] 21 August 19 September
2010 1431[3] 10 August 9 September
Ramadan dates between 2005 and 2010

Most Muslims insist on the local physical sighting of the moon to mark the beginning of Ramadan, but some insist on using the calculated time of the new moon or the Saudi Arabian declaration to determine the start of the month. Since the new moon is not in the same state at the same time globally, the beginning and ending dates of Ramadan depend on what lunar sightings are received in each respective location. As a result, Ramadan dates vary in different countries, but usually only by a day. This is due to the cycle of the moon. When one country sees the moon, mainly Saudi Arabia, the moon travels the same path all year round and that same moon seen on the East is then seen traveling towards the West. All the countries around the world see the moon within a 24 hour period once spotted by one country in the East.

Each year, Ramadan begins ten days earlier than in the previous year.[4] Astronomical projections that approximate the start of Ramadan are available.[5]

At the end of Ramadan, Eid ul-Fitr is celebrated by Muslims.

[edit]

This Made me Laugh

( this was sent to my e-mail ad ftom the yahoo group Boomers International)


Subject: 'I Hate My Job day'

When you have an 'I Hate My Job day'

Try this out:


On your way home from work, stop at your pharmacy and go to the
thermometer section and purchase a rectal thermometer made by Johnson
&Johnson

Be very sure you get this brand. When you get home, lock your doors,
draw the curtains and disconnect the phone so you will not be
disturbed.

Change into very comfortable clothing and sit in your favorite chair.
Open the package and remove the thermometer. Now, carefully place it
on a table or a surface so that it will not become chipped or broken.

Now the fun part begins .

Take out the literature from the box and read it carefully . You will
notice that in small print there is a statement:

' Every Rectal Thermometer made by Johnson &Johnson is personally
tested and then sanitized . '

Now, close your eyes and repeat out loud five times, 'I am so glad I do
not work in the thermometer quality control department at Johnson
&Johnson .'

HAVE A NICE DAY; AND REMEMBER, THERE IS ALWAYS SOMEONE ELSE WITH A JOB
THAT IS MORE OF A PAIN IN THE ASS THAN YOURS!

The Samurai Creed

I have no parents; I make the Heavens and the Earth my parents.
I have no home; I make the Tan T'ien my home.
I have no divine power; I make honesty my Divine Power.
I have no means; I make Docility my means.
I have no magic power; I make personality my Magic Power.
I have neither life nor death; I make A Um my Life and Death.

I have no body; I make Stoicism my Body.
I have no eyes; I make The Flash of Lightning my eyes.
I have no ears; I make Sensibility my Ears.
I have no limbs; I make Promptitude my Limbs.
I have no laws; I make Self-Protection my Laws.

I have no strategy; I make the Right to Kill and the Right to Restore Life my Strategy.
I have no designs; I make Seizing the Opportunity by the Forelock my Designs.
I have no miracles; I make Righteous Laws my Miracle.
I have no principles; I make Adaptability to all circumstances my Principle.
I have no tactics; I make Emptiness and Fullness my Tactics.

I have no talent; I make Ready Wit my Talent.
I have no friends; I make my Mind my Friend.
I have no enemy; I make Incautiousness my Enemy.
I have no armour; I make Benevolence my Armour.
I have no castle; I make Immovable Mind my Castle.
I have no sword; I make No Mind my Sword.

REMEMBER THIS !

3 things in life that can never come back

-TIME

-WORDS

-OPPORTUNITY

3 things in life that should never be lost

-PEACE

-HOPE

-HONESTY

3 things in life that are most valuable

-LOVE

-FAITH

-PRAYER

3 things in life that Makes a Person

-HARDWORK

-SINCERITY

-COMMITMENT

3 things in life that CAN DESTROY A PERSON

-LUST

-PRIDE

-ANGER

3 things in life that are constant

-CHANGE

-DEATH

-GOD

ZEN VOWS

These precepts are taken during ordination and also at the full moon Bodhisattva ceremony.

The Zen Precepts are vows that establish the intention of beginner's mind practice. It is the sincerity of our practice and intentions guide us in the development of mindful living and everyday life. In Zen practice, vows are not rules to follow or ideals to attain. They are guidelines for cultivating one's inner life and character, and for learning how to bring benefit to everyone. They are also an endless source of reflection. The vows below also include statements made about them during the traditional full moon Bodhisattva ceremony.

Pure Precepts

I vow to refrain from all evil.

(Doshi) It is the abode and the source of all Buddhas, and the law of all Buddhas.

I vow to do all that is good.

It is the teaching of anuttara samyaksambodhi and the path of the one who practices, and that which is practiced.

I vow to live and be lived for the benefit of all beings.

It is transcending profane and holy, taking self and others across.

Prohibitory Precepts

I vow not to kill.

By not killing life, the Buddha seed grows. Transmit the life of Buddha and do not kill.

I vow not to take what is not given.

The self and objects are such, two yet one. The gate of liberation stands open.

I vow not to misuse sexuality.

Let the three wheels of self, objects, and action be pure. With nothing to desire, one goes along together with the Buddhas.

I vow to refrain from false speech.

The Dharma Wheel turns from the beginning. There is neither surplus nor lack. The sweet dew saturates all and harvests the truth.

I vow not to sell the wine of delusion.

Originally pure, don't defile. This is the great awareness.

I vow not to slander.

In the Buddha Dharma, go together, appreciate, realize, and actualize together. Don't permit fault-finding. Don't permit haphazard talk. Do not corrupt the way.

I vow not to praise self at the expense of others.

Buddhas and Ancestors realize the vast sky and the great earth. When they manifest the noble body, there is neither inside nor outside in emptiness. When they manifest the Dharma body, there is not even a bit of earth on the ground.

I vow not to be avaricious.

One phrase, one verse--that is the ten thousand things and one hundred grasses. One dharma, one realization--is all Buddhas and Ancestors. Therefore, from the beginning, there has been no stinginess at all.

I vow not to harbor ill will.

Not negative, not positive, neither real nor unreal. There is an ocean of illuminated clouds and an ocean of ornamented clouds.

I vow not to abuse the three treasures.

To expound the Dharma with this body is foremost. Virtue returns to the ocean of reality. It is unfathomable--we just accept it with respect and gratitude.

words of wisdom

Everything has been figured out except how to live.

JEAN-PAUL SARTRE (1905-1980)

Brother Sun, Sister Moon

The 1st lover

Once upon a time, there was this girl who had four lovers

She loved the 4th lover the most and adored him with rich robes and treated him to the finest of delicacies. She gave him nothing but the best.

She also loved the 3rd lover very much and was always showing him off to neighboring kingdoms. However, she feared that one day he would leave her for another.

She also loved her 2nd lover. He was her confidant and was always kind, considerate and patient with her...Whenever this girl faced a problem, she could confide in him, and he would help her get through the difficult times.

The girls 1st lover was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining her wealth and kingdom. However, she did not love the first lover. Although he loved her deeply, she hardly took notice of him.

One day, the girl fell ill and she knew her time was short. She thought of her luxurious life and wondered, I now have four lovers with me, but when I die, I'll be all alone.'

Thus, she asked the 4th lover: I loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?'

'No way!' replied the 4th lover, and he walked away without another word.

His answer cut like a sharp knife right into her heart.

The sad girl then asked the 3rd lover, 'I loved you all my life. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?'

'No!' replied the 3rd lover. 'Life is too good! When you die, I'm going to marry someone else!'

Her heart sank and turned cold.

She then asked the 2nd lover, 'I have always turned to you for help and you've always been there for me.

When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?'

'I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!' replied the 2^nd lover. 'At the very most, I can only walk with you to your grave.'

His answer struck her like a bolt of lightning, and the girl was devastated.

Then a voice called out: 'I'll go with you. I'll follow you no matter where you go.'

The girl looked up, and there was her 1st lover. He was very skinny as he suffered from malnutrition and neglect.

Greatly grieved, the girl said, 'I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!


In truth, you have 4 lovers in your lives:

Your 4th lover is your body. No matter how much time and effort you lavish in making it look good; it will leave you when you die.

Your 3rd lover is your possessions, status and wealth. When you die, it will all go to others.

Your 2nd lover is your family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for you, the furthest they can stay by you is up to the grave.

And your 1st lover is your Soul. Often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world.

However, your Soul is the only thing that will follow you where ever you go. Cultivate, strengthen and cherish it now, for it is the only part of you that will follow you to the throne of God and continue with you throughout Eternity.

Thought for the day: Remember, when the world pushes you to your knees, you're in the perfect position to pray.

Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect. It means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections.

I hope this touched you!

__._,_.___

The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mystical. It is the source of all true art and science.”
~ Albert Einstein

quotes

I'm astounded by people who want to "know" the universe

when it's hard enough to find your way around Chinatown.

WOODY ALLEN

I know the answer! The answer lies within the heart of all

mankind! The answer is twelve? I think I'm in the wrong

building.

CHARLES SCHULZ

I have a simple philosophy. Fill what's empty. Empty what's

full. Scratch where it itches.

ALICE ROOSEVELT LONGWORTH (1884 - 1980)

I have a new philosophy. I'm only going to dread one day

at a time.

CHARLES SCHULZ

It is only possible to live happily ever after on a day to day

basis.

MARGARET BONNANO

It is better to know some of the questions than all of the

answers.

JAMES THURBER (1894 - 1961)