Sunday, January 31, 2010

Thoughts-Immorality

We become de-sensitised a little bit at a time. Some years ago, I walked into my office after a Sunday morning service to find a sandwich bag on my desk containing three chocolate brownies. Some thoughtful and anonymous person who knew my love for chocolate had placed them there, along with a piece of paper that had a short story written on it. I immediately sat down and began eating the first brownie as I read the following story.

Two teenagers asked their father if they could go to the theater to watch a movie that all their friends had seen. After reading some reviews about the movie on the internet, he denied their request.
"Ah dad, why not?" they complained. "It's rated PG-13, and we're both older than thirteen!"
Dad replied: "Because that movie contains nudity and portrays immorality as being normal and acceptable behavior."
"But dad, those are just very small parts of the movie! That's what our friends who've seen it have told us. The movie is two hours long and those scenes are just a few minutes of the total film! It's based on a true story and good triumphs over evil, and there are other redeeming themes like courage and self-sacrifice. Even the movie review websites say that!"
"My answer is 'no,' and that is my final answer. You are welcome to stay home tonight, invite some of your friends over, and watch one of the good videos we have in our home collection. But you will not go and watch that film. End of discussion."
The two teenagers walked dejectedly into the family room and slumped down on the couch. As they sulked, they were surprised to hear the sounds of their father preparing something in the kitchen. They soon recognised the wonderful aroma of brownies baking in the oven, and one of the teenagers said to the other, "Dad must be feeling guilty, and now he's going to try to make it up to us with some fresh brownies.
Maybe we can soften him with lots of praise when he brings them out to us and persuade him to let us go to that movie after all."
About that time I began eating the second brownie from the sandwich bag and wondered if there was some connection to the brownies I was eating and the brownies in the story. I kept reading.
The teens were not disappointed. Soon their father appeared with a plate of warm brownies, which he offered to his kids. They each took one.
Then their father said, "Before you eat, I want to tell you something: "I love you both so much."
The teenagers smiled at each other with knowing glances. Dad was softening.
"That is why I've made these brownies with the very best ingredients. I've made them from scratch. Most of the ingredients are even organic; the best organic flour, the best free-range eggs, the best organic sugar, premium vanilla and chocolate."
The brownies looked mouth-watering, and the teens began to become a little impatient with their dad's long speech.
"But I want to be perfectly honest with you. There is one ingredient I added that is not usually found in brownies. I got that ingredient from our own back yard. But you needn't worry, because I only added the tiniest bit of that ingredient to your brownies. The amount of the portion is practically insignificant. So go ahead, take a bite and let me know what you think.
"Dad, would you mind telling us what that mystery ingredient is before we eat?"
"Why? The portion I added was so small. Just a teaspoonful. You won't even taste it."
"Come on, dad; just tell us what that ingredient is."
"Don't worry! It is organic, just like the other ingredients. "
"Dad!!!"
"Well, OK, if you insist. That secret ingredient is organic...dog poop."
I immediately stopped chewing that second brownie and I spit it out into the waste basket by my desk. I continued reading, now fearful of the paragraphs that still remained.
Both teens instantly dropped their brownies back on the plate and began inspecting their fingers with horror.
"DAD! Why did you do that? You've tortured us by making us smell those brownies cooking for the last half hour, and now you tell us that you added dog poop! We can't eat these brownies!"
"Why not? The amount of dog poop is very small compared to the rest of the ingredients. It won't hurt you. It's been cooked right along with the other ingredients. You won't even taste it. It has the same consistency as the brownies. Go ahead and eat!"
"No, Dad...NEVER! "
"And that is the same reason I won't allow you to go watch that movie. You won't tolerate a little dog poop in your brownies, so why should you tolerate a little immorality in your movies? We pray that God will not lead us unto temptation, so how can we in good conscience entertain ourselves with something that will imprint a sinful image in our minds that will lead us into temptation long after we first see it?"
I discarded what remained of the second brownie, as well as the entire untouched third brownie. What had been irresistible a minute ago had become detestable. And only because of the very slim chance that what I was eating was slightly polluted.


Saturday, January 30, 2010

Thought for the day-Trusting in God

Trusting in God won't make the mountain smaller,
but makes the climb easier,
Do not ask God for lighter load,
but ask him for a stronger back.

Life is so unpredictable quotes

LIFE IS SO UNPREDICTABLE

* 640K ought to be enough for anybody.
- Bill Gates, 1981

* Airplanes are interesting toys, but they have no military value.
- Marshal Ferdinand Foch in 1911

* Computers in the future may weigh no more than 1.5 tons.
- Popular Mechanics

* Everyone is at peace and happy and they all hop around from cloud.
- Britney Spears, on heaven

* Everything that can be invented has been invented.
- Charles H Duell

* I loved Jordan. He was one of the greatest athletes.
- Mariah Carey, on death of King of Jordan

* In 1939 The New York Times said the problem of TV was that people had to glue their eyes.

* It doesn't matter what he does, he will never amount to anything.
- Albert Einstein's teacher

Friday, January 29, 2010

Thoughts on Life-Depth

It is not length of life, but depth of life.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Deep thoughts-Courtsey and courage

Courtesy is as much a mark of a gentleman as courage.
- Theodore Roosevelt, 1858-1919, 26th President of the United States

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Motivational thoughts-Creativity

Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties.
- Erich Fromm, 1900-1980, German-American Psychologist

Sarcastic quotes-Never learned to walk forward

A conservative is a man with two perfectly good legs who, however, has never learned how to walk forward.
~Franklin D. Roosevelt, radio speech, 26 October 1939

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Random thoughts-Greatest thrills

Wealthy people miss one of life's greatest thrills . . . Making the last car payment.

Thought for the day-Food

God gives every bird it's food, but does not always drop it into the nest.

Political quotes-Three hats

A politician should have three hats. One for throwing into the ring, one for talking through, and one for pulling rabbits out of if elected.
~Carl Sandburg

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Humor quotes-New treatment

The New York Times reporting on a radical new treatment for intensive care patients: Get them up and out of bed as soon as possible. Is that new? Havent H.M.O.s been doing that for years?
(Jay Leno)

Love quotes-Joy in the heart

Love puts the fun in together, the sad in apart, and the joy in a heart.
~Author Unknown

Monday, January 25, 2010

Deep quotes-Art

Art is never finished, only abandoned.
- Leonardo da Vinci, 1452-1519, Italian Painter and Sculptor

Funny thoughts-Job title

MRS.: A job title involving heavy duties, light earnings, and no recognition.

Inspirational thoughts and quotes-Real riches

Ordinary riches can be stolen, real riches cannot. In your soul are infinitely precious things that cannot be taken from you.
- Oscar Wilde, 1854-1900, Irish Dramatist/Novelist/Poet

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Thoughts-Just a Mom

A woman, renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk's office, was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation.

She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.
"What I mean is, " explained the recorder, "do you have a job or are you just a ...?"
"Of course I have a job," snapped the woman.
"I'm a Mom."

"We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation, 'housewife' covers it, said the recorder emphatically.

I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall.
The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like,
"Official Interrogator" or "Town Registrar."

"What is your occupation?" she probed..

What made me say it? I do not know.
The words simply popped out..
"I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations."

The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in mid air and looked up as though she had not heard right.

I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words.
Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written, in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.

"Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest, "just what you do in your field?"

Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply,
"I have a continuing program of research,
(what mother doesn't)
In the laboratory and in the field,
(normally I would have said indoors and out).
I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family) and already have four credits (all daughters).
Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the human ties,
(any mother care to disagree?)
and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it).
But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money."

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.
As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants - ages 13, 7, and 3.
Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model, (a 6 month old baby) in the child development program,
testing out a new vocal pattern.
I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy!
And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than "just another Mom." Motherhood!

What a glorious career! Especially when there's a title on the door.

Does this make grandmothers
"Senior Research associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations"
And great grandmothers
"Executive Senior Research Associates?"
I think so!!!
I also think it makes Aunts
"Associate Research Assistants."

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Proverbs-Every mother

There is only one pretty child in the world, and every mother has it.
- Chinese Proverb

Sexual quotes-Delights

“Of the delights of this world man cares most for sexual intercourse, yet he has left it out of his heaven.”
- Mark Twain quotes (American Humorist, Writer and Lecturer. 1835-1910)

Friday, January 22, 2010

Thought for the day-Does heaven have a phone number

DOES HEAVEN HAVE A PHONE NUMBER?

Mommy went to Heaven, but I need her here today,
My tummy hurts and I fell down; I need her right away,

Operator, can you tell me how to find her in this book?
Is heaven in the yellow part? I don't know where to look.

I think my daddy needs her too; at night I hear him cry.
I hear him call her name sometimes, but I really don't know why.

Maybe if I call her, she will hurry home to me.
Is Heaven very far away, is it across the sea?

She's been gone a long, long time; she needs to come home now!
I really need to reach her, but I simply don't know how.

Help me find the number please, is it listed under "Heaven"?
I can't read these big, big words; I am only seven.

I'm sorry, operator, I didn't mean to make you cry,
Is your tummy hurting too, or is there something in your eye?

If I call my church maybe they will know.
Mommy said when we need help, that's where we should go.

I found the number to my church tacked up on the wall.
Thank you operator, I'll give them a call.

Famous quotes-For you

"For you, a thousand times over"
- Hassan (The Kiterunner)

Thoughts on Life-In between goals

In between goals is a thing called life, that has to be lived and enjoyed.
- Sid Caesar

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Meaningful quotes-Exhausting

Nothing is so exhausting as indecision, and nothing is so futile.
-Bertrand Russell,1872-1970, British Philosopher/Mathematician

Political quotes-Unfit

Under democracy one party always devotes its chief energies to trying to prove that the other party is unfit to rule - and both commonly succeed, and are right.
~H.L. Mencken, 1956

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Thoughtful quotes-Worst wheel

The worst wheel of the cart makes the most noise.
- Benjamin Franklin, 1706-1790, American Scientist/Publisher/Diplomat

Motivational thoughts-Excellence

The secret of joy in work is contained in one word - excellence. To know how to do something well is to enjoy it.

- Pearl S. Buck, 1892-1973, American Novelist

Short quotes-Remedy

Don't find fault, find a remedy.
- Henry Ford, 1863-1947, American Industrialist and Founder of Ford Motor Company

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Deep thoughts-Power of Benevolence

It is not the receiver that is blessed, but it is the giver. Be thankful that you are allowed to exercise your power of benevolence and mercy in the world, and thus become pure and perfect."
- Swami.Vivekananda.

Funny thoughts-Forgive

When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bike. Then I realized that The Lord doesn't work that way, so I stole one and asked him to forgive me.
- Erno Philips

Monday, January 18, 2010

Thought for the day-Always and never

Always and never are two words you should always remember never to use.
- Wendell Johnson

Sarcastic quotes-Invented by men

They say women talk too much. If you have worked in Congress you know that the filibuster was invented by men.
~Clare Booth Luce

Political quotes-Distract

Political campaigns are designedly made into emotional orgies which endeavor to distract attention from the real issues involved, and they actually paralyze what slight powers of cerebration man can normally muster.
~James Harvey Robinson, The Human Comedy, 1937

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Thoughts-Handling insult

The Buddha explained how to handle insult and maintain compassion.
One day Buddha was walking through a village. A very angry and rude young man came up and began insulting him. "You have no right teaching others," he shouted. "You are as stupid as everyone else. You are nothing but a fake."
Buddha was not upset by these insults. Instead he asked the young man "Tell me, if you buy a gift for someone, and that person does not take it, to whom does the gift belong?"
The man was surprised to be asked such a strange question and answered, "It would belong to me, because I bought the gift."
The Buddha smiled and said, "That is correct. And it is exactly the same with your anger. If you become angry with me and I do not get insulted, then the anger falls back on you. You are then the only one who becomes unhappy, not me. All you have done is hurt yourself."
"If you want to stop hurting yourself, you must get rid of your anger and become loving instead. When you hate others, you yourself become unhappy. But when you love others, everyone is happy."
The young man listened closely to these wise words of the Buddha. "You are right, o Enlightened One, "he said. "Please teach me the path of love. I wish to become your follower."
The Buddha answered kindly, "Of course. I teach anyone who truly wants to learn. Come with me."

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Famous quotes-Work and play

Work and play are words used to describe the same thing under differing conditions.
- Mark Twain, 1835-1910, American Writer and Humorist

Humor quotes-Retrieval fee

The U.S. Airways pilot who landed his plane safely in the Hudson River after massive engine failure is being hailed as a hero. That's opposed to the airline executives, who are forcing the passengers to pay a $25 retrieval fee for each checked bag.
(Jake Novak)

Friday, January 15, 2010

Inspirational quotes-Luck

I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it.
~ Thomas Jefferson

Love quotes-One duty

I know of only one duty, and that is to love.
- Albert Camus, 1913-1960, French Author and Philosopher

Deep thoughts-High pedestal

Do not stand on a high pedestal and take 5 cents in your hand and say, "here, my poor man", but be grateful that the poor man is there, so by making a gift to him you are able to help yourself.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Funny thoughts-Thought that unites

The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above average drivers.

Friendship quotes-Never end

"The rain may be falling hard outside,
But your smile makes it all alright.
I'm so glad that you're my friend.
I know our friendship will never end."
- Robert Alan

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Sexual quotes-Porn industry

The adult film industry, better known as the porn industry, has asked Congress for a $5 billion bailout. They say they're going to use the money to make more fuel efficient porn.Five billion. You know, between the porn industry and Congress, I don't know who's screwed more people.
- Jay Leno

Sarcastic quotes-Oppose

Conservatives define themselves in terms of what they oppose.
~George Will

Motivational thoughts-Attitude towards life

Our attitude toward life determines life's attitude towards us.
- Earl Nightingale, 1921-1989, American Motivational Author and Radio Broadcaster

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Famous quotes-Power

Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.
- Abraham Lincoln, 1809-1865, 16th President of the United States
March 17, 2009

Love quotes-Simple and difficult

Love one another and you will be happy. It's as simple and as difficult as that.
~Michael Leunig

Monday, January 11, 2010

Political quotes-Gentle art

Politics is the gentle art of getting votes from the poor and campaign funds from the rich, by promising to protect each from the other.
~Oscar Ameringer

Thought for the day-Birthday

There comes a time when you should stop expecting other people to make a big deal about your birthday. That time is age eleven.

Friendship quotes-Known

A friend is never known till he is needed.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Thoughts-To quit

One day I decided to quit...
I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality. .. I wanted to quit my life.
I went to the woods to have one last talk with God.
"God", I said. "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"
His answer surprised me...
"Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"
"Yes", I replied.
When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them.
I gave them light. I gave them water.
The fern quickly grew from the earth.
Its brilliant green covered the floor.
Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed.
But I did not quit on the bamboo.
In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful.
And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed.
But I did not quit on the bamboo. He said.
"In the third year, there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit. In the fourth year, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. "I would not quit." He said. "Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth.
Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant. .. But just 6 months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall.
It had spent the five years growing roots.
Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle."
He said to me. "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots."
"I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you. " Don't compare yourself to others .." He said. " The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern ... Yet, they both make the forest beautiful."
Your time will come, " God said to me. " You will rise high! " How high should I rise?" I asked.
How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return.
"As high as it can? " I questioned.
"Yes. " He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can. "
I left the forest and bring back this story.
I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on you.
He will never give up on you.
Never regret a day in your life.
Good days give you happiness
Bad days give you experiences;
Both are essential to life.
A happy and meaningful life requires our continuous input and creativity. It does not happen by chance. It happens because of our choices and actions. And each day we are given new opportunities to choose and act and, in doing so, we create our own unique journey." Keep going...
Happiness keeps you Sweet,
Trials keep you Strong, Sorrows keep you Human,
Failures keep you humble , Success keeps You Glowing, but Only God keeps You Going!

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Funny thoughts-Early in the morning

Always get married early in the morning. That way, if it doesn't work out, you haven't wasted a whole day.
- Mickey Rooney

Thoughts on life-Count

And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.
- Abraham Lincoln

Friday, January 8, 2010

Inspirational quotes-Blueprints

Cherish your visions and your dreams as they are the children of your soul, the blueprints of your ultimate accomplishments.
- Napoleon Hill, 1883-1970, American Speaker/Motivational Writer/Author of "Think and Grow Rich"

Short quotes-Power

We have, I fear, confused power with greatness.
~Stewart Udall

Political quotes-Right or left

Politics, it seems to me, for years, or all too long, has been concerned with right or left instead of right or wrong.
~Richard Armour

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Sexual quotes-Embrace

“The sexual embrace can only be compared with music and with prayer.”

Meaningful quotes-Overcoming challenges

Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.
~ Joshua J. Marine

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Thought for the day-Giving

Giving is most blessed and most acceptable when the donor remains completely anonymous.

Humor quotes-With luggage

A U.S. Airways' plane taking off from New York crashed into the Hudson River after it hit a flock of geese. All the passengers survived. It was the first time in the airlines history that all the passengers landed together with their luggage.
- Pedro Bartes

Famous quotes-The value of man

"The value of a man resides in what he gives and not in what he is capable of receiving."
- Albert Einstein

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Deep thoughts-Give

Give to your enemy forgiveness, to your opponent tolerance, to your friend your heart, to all men charity, to every child a good example, and to yourself respect.

Love quotes-Fall

Trip over love, you can get up. Fall in love and you fall forever.
~Author Unknown

Monday, January 4, 2010

Funny thoughts-Someone else

Everything is funny as long as it is happening to somebody else.
- Will Rogers

Motivational thoughts-Determined soul

There is no chance, no destiny, no fate, that can hinder or control the firm resolve of a determined soul.
- Ella Wheeler Wilcox, 1850-1919, American Author and Poet


Friendship quotes-Destroy an enemy

The best way to destroy an enemy is to make him a friend.
- Abraham Lincoln

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Thoughts-Success, a habit

The legendary Basketball player, Michael Jordon, was once making a television commercial.
The advert simply comprised of Michael Jordon missing a simple shot.
However, as Michael Jordon had mastered his art so effectively, it took over 20 attempts before Michael Jordon actually missed that shot.
Michael's mastery was so profound that he still succeeded even when he knew that he had to fail.
Success is a habit. It is just like smoking, drinking or gambling. The only problem is that it is more effective!
More importantly, once this habit is established, it becomes easier to succeed than to fail.
Eventually, it becomes so natural that it just happens. In order to fail takes more effort than to succeed.
Many people fear that success is hard to maintain. The truth is that it is a habit just like everything else.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Classic golf quotes-Hit it

If I hit it right, it's a slice. If I hit it left, it's a hook.. If I hit it straight, it's a miracle.

Inspirational quotes-Generosity

Real generosity toward the future lies in giving all to the present.
- Albert Camus, 1913-1960, French Author and Philosopher

Friday, January 1, 2010

Thought for the day-Meetings

If you had to identify, in 1 word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, & never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be "meetings."

Political quotes-Foxes

An election is coming. Universal peace is declared, and the foxes have a sincere interest in prolonging the lives of the poultry.
~George Eliot, Felix Holt, Chapter 5

Short quotes-Grow old

Grow old with me! The best is yet to be.
~Robert Browning