... The Beautiful You We place great emphasis on a narrow idea of physical beauty. In an American history discussion group, the professor was trying to explain how, throughout history, the concept of" beauty" changes with time." For example ," he said," take the 1921 Miss America. She stood five-foot-one inch tall, weighed 108 pounds and sported a 30-inch bust, a 25-inch waist and 32-inch hips. How do you think she'd do in today's version of the contest ?" The class fell silent for a moment. Then one student piped up," Not very well"" Why is that ?" asked the professor." For one thing ," the student pointed out," she'd be way too old" Good point-she'd be way too old. But beauty is a peculiar thing, for it means something a little different to each of us. And it isn't always about appearance. Sometimes beauty is a quality that softly ...

... Looking For Beauty Many people like me feel slightly passed over in a world that seems to place a high value on beauty. But a short poem by Anthony Ewell reminds us that physical attractiveness can be over-rated. He writes:" As a beauty I am not a great star, There are others more handsome by far. But my face, I don't mind it, For I am behind it, It's the people in front who get the jar !" Physically, maybe I'm not the stuff dreams are made of. And maybe, as the poem suggests, it doesn't matter. Because I believe there is another kind of beauty in all of us that can be experienced by anybody who digs a little deeper. Several times I have visited a natural wonder that is one of the largest and most spectacular of its kind in the world. Carlsbad Caverns is an immense series of limestone caves extending under much of southern New Mexico (USA) ...

... Beauty Is Soul Deep Abraham Lincoln loved to tell stories on himself. One of his favorites concerned itself with physical appearance. In the days when Lincoln used to be on the circuit (traveling on horseback from one county court to another ), he was once approached by a stranger who said," Excuse me, sir, but I have an article which belongs to you"" How is that ?" Lincoln asked in astonishment. The stranger took a jack-knife from his pocket." This knife ," he said" was placed in my hand some years ago, with the injunction that I was to keep it until I found a man homelier-looking than I am myself. I have carried that knife for many years. Now I pass it on to you" Lincoln added wryly," I've carried that knife ever since" One of Lincoln's greatest assets was his ability to laugh at himself. And he frequently laughed at his physical appearance. But history ...

... The Beauty Way I guess I'm likely to put anything in my body! I love spicy foods and Mexican foods in particular. I've" treated" friends to my favorite homemade spicy dishes. A typical reaction to a dish bathed in my hot sauce goes like this: they smile and enthusiastically try a bite; their eyes open far too wide and they begin to sweat profusely and reach for the water to put out the flames in their stomachs; then, when voice and reason return, they nod and politely say," Tasty" They often don't come back. One person commented," I've heard of people who preach hellfire, but you're the only one I know who hands out samples" Well, maybe it's not quite that bad, but I'm likely to eat most any kind of food. And though I exercise regularly, my body is starting to tell me to be more selective in my diet. I like the woman who ...

... God's Beauty Tips Please consider... For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For beautiful eyes, look for the good in other people. To lose weight, let go of stress, hatred, anger, discontentment and the need to control others. To improve your ears, listen to the Word of God. Rather than focus on the thorns of life, smell the roses and count your blessings, giving thanks for each one of them. For poise, walk with knowledge and self-esteem. To strengthen your arms, hug at least 3 people a day; Touch someone with your love. To strengthen your heart, forgive yourself and others. Don't worry and hurry so much. Rather than walk this earth lightly, walk firmly with determination and leave your mark. For the ultimate in business, casual or evening attire, put on the robe of Christ; it fits like a glove but allows room for growth. Best of ...

... Real Beauty When a first-time father cuddled his newborn son, he immediately noticed the baby's ears conspicuously standing out from his head. He expressed his concern to the nurse that some children might taunt his child, calling him names like" Dumbo" A doctor examined the baby and reassured the new dad that his son was healthy-the ears presented only a minor cosmetic problem. But the nervous father persisted. He wondered if the child might suffer psychological effects of ridicule, or if they should consider plastic surgery. The nurse assured him that it was really no problem, and he should just wait to see if the boy grows into his ears. The father finally felt more optimistic about his child, but now he worried about his wife's reaction to those large, protruding ears. She had delivered by cesarean section, and had not yet seen the child." She doesn't take things as easily as I do ," he said to the nurse ...

... dirty, corroded and abused. Carver was born 150 years ago, before we used terms like toxic waste, air pollution, global warming and deforestation. Today, we have figured out that we need to take good care of the broadcasting station if we are to hear what the Divine is saying. This is a beautiful and fragile planet we live on. As much as we can fall in love with magnificent sunsets and pristine landscapes, few people have ever experienced its beauty as acutely as those who've seen it from afar. Senator Jake Garn was one of those privileged people. He observed earth aboard Discovery Space Shuttle and wrote of that experience in" Parade Magazine" (11-3-85)." I know now what if feels like to be out of this world ," he said." The experience is exhilarating, breathtaking, awesome. No. Those words aren't strong enough; space flight is indescribable" Listen to these words from his space diary ...

... Looking At The Heavens I am finding myself looking at the heavens a lot more these days. I am trying to watch and enjoy as many sunrises and sunsets as I can, and I am letting their beauty fill my soul with happiness. I love seeing God paint the heavens with glorious reds, purples, pinks, oranges, and golds. I love gazing with wonder at these ever-changing masterpieces. Every sunrise feels like God is welcoming us to a new day full of wonder and delight. Every sunset feels like God is kissing us goodnight and wishing us sweet dreams. Every time I look at them too I feel God ’ s peace and joy, and I know that I am loved by the greatest love imaginable. Looking at the heavens helps me to feel the Heaven inside myself too. When I gaze at the sky and witness God ’ s glorious creation I want to thank God for my own life and all the wonderful blessings ...

... and spend some time living. The sky was the purest blue imaginable. The air was so fresh and cool that I breathed in deeply with delight. I listened to the birds singing happily in the nearby trees as they greeted the morning. I then stood for awhile paying attention to this wonderful world God has given us. Before I went back inside I told God just how much I loved Him and thanked Him again for my life. Life is so full of beauty, wonder, and delight. Life is so full of kindness, peace, and happiness. Life is so full of love and joy. God has given us a world overflowing with good things for us to rejoice in. It is up to us, however, to pay attention to them. It is up to us to take them into our hearts, souls, and minds. And it is up to us to share them with the world. Don ’ t ...

... across the darkened pathway of another; if I can aid some soul to clearer sight of life and duty, and thus bless my brother; if I can wipe from any human cheek a tear, I shall not have lived my life in vain while here. If I can guide some erring one to truth, inspire within his heart a sense of duty; if I can plant within my soul of rosy youth a sense of right, a love of truth and beauty; if I can teach one man that God and heaven are near, I shall not then have lived in vain while here. If from my mind I banish doubt and fear, and keep my life attuned to love and kindness; if I can scatter light and hope and cheer, and help remove the curse of mental blindness; if I can make more joy, more hope, less pain, I shall not have lived and loved in vain. If by life's ...

... Pope, Katharine Phillips, and Robert Olivardia did an experiment in which men were asked to take a computer image of an ordinary man and add muscle mass to him until he was the size these men wanted to be. On average, the men packed about 28 more pounds of muscle mass on the computer image; women, on the other hand, only added a negligible amount of muscles to the image to create their ideal guy. Poet Khalil Gibran said," Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart" When you and I choose to believe that our most attractive qualities lie within, we can let go of those unrealistic expectations of our bodies. Let's care for our bodies; we'll keep them for the rest of our lives. Let's be thankful for them and treat them well. But remember, the real you, the essence of you, cannot be improved by a bottle or a pill or a ...

... . I shall not need a credit card as I will be traveling on a free pass courtesy of my wonderful benevolent Savior, Jesus Christ (John 3: 16). I need not worry about motel reservations because I am going home. True, I have never seen my heavenly mansion, but since it is custom made by the great Creator I am sure I shall be delighted and completely content (John 14: 1-3). I am not told of its beauty except the brochure states," Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has entered into the heart of man what God has prepared for those who love Him" (I Cor 2: 9). On occasion I have had a glimpse and experienced its beauty (I Cor. 2: 10). God has revealed it to us by His Spirit. I wonder if it might not be like the Garden of Eden in days of old, and perhaps ...

... Dandelions The dandelions are back here in the fields around my home. My favorite flowers are always among the first to show up in Spring and among the last to leave in Fall. Their sweet, gentle beauty always warms my heart, delights my eye, and brings joy to my soul. They literally fill the lawns and meadows at this time of the year and continue on throughout the summer in spite of the countless attacks from lawn mowers and weed killers that they must endure. I have loved dandelions ever since I was a little boy. I can remember picking handfuls of them to give to my Mom and seeing her beautiful smile when she smelled their sweet fragrance. I can remember too gathering hundreds of their blossoms so that my Grandma could make her famous dandelion wine. I can also remember using all the air in my lungs to help flower after flower scatter its seeds to the winds. I can remember most of all, however ...

... quiet peace filled the woods around me as I smiled and breathed in deep the chill of the air. I didn ’ t mind that my nose was numb and my fingers felt like ice. I didn ’ t mind that my feet were cold and my lips were chapped. I didn ’ t even mind that my middle-aged bones were aching a bit. I didn ’ t mind any of it, because my heart was warm. My heart was warm with the beauty of the evening sunset over the far mountains. My heart was warm with the delight of watching my dogs jumping joyfully in the snow. My heart was warm with the peace and love of God that I felt within me and all around me while I walked over this sparkling field of white. I was thinking too that if God can keep our hearts warm in the middle of a cold Winter ’ s day then God can keep our hearts warm in the middle of a ...

... 000 bulbs ," it read. The second answer was," One at a time, by one woman. Two hands, two feet, and very little brain" The third answer was," Began in 1958" There it was, The Daffodil Principle. For me, that moment was a life-changing experience. I thought of this woman whom I had never met, who, more than forty years before, had begun-one bulb at a time-to bring her vision of beauty and joy to an obscure mountain top. Still, just planting one bulb at a time, year after year, had changed the world. This unknown woman had forever changed the world in which she lived. She had created something of ineffable (indescribable) magnificence, beauty, and inspiration. The principle her daffodil garden taught is one of the greatest principles of celebration. That is, learning to move toward our goals and desires one step at a time-often just one baby-step ...

... there's room for nothing else, but when love is in your heart, there's room for endless happiness. M -Manage Manage your time and your expenses wisely, and you'll suffer less stress and worry. Then you'll be able to focus on the important things in life. N -Notice Never ignore the poor, infirm, helpless, weak, or suffering. Offer your assistance when possible, and always your kindness and understanding O -Open Open your eyes and take in all the beauty around you. Even during the worst of times, there's still much to be thankful for. P -Play Never forget to have fun along the way. Success means nothing without happiness. Q -Question Ask many questions, because you're here to learn. R -Relax Refuse to let worry and stress rule your life, and remember that things always have a way of working out in the end. S -Share Share your talent, skills, knowledge, and time with others. Everything ...

... Buttercups I am getting a nice patch of buttercups in my front yard this year. I didn ’ t do anything to help them, though. God planted them there all on His own. Each morning I admire them as I walk out to get the paper. Their beauty is a delight to the eyes and their scent is a pleasure to the nose. Everyday they soak up the morning sun and with each rain they drink in the moisture. With each passing week the patch seems to grow a little larger too. I am making an effort to mow around them for as long as possible. I don ’ t want this beautiful blessing to end. I want to enjoy these wonderful wild flowers just as God intended. I am sure that in Heaven the fields are always full of buttercups, dandelions, and sweet clover, and there is not a lawn mower in sight. Looking out on these delightful buttercups I am reminded too ...

... The Age of Beauty The most beautiful face I've ever known, belongs to my eighty-seven-year-old grandmother. Each time I see her, I am struck anew by the depth of her loveliness. The joy in her journey, her struggles with sorrow, the threads of wisdom she's bent down and picked up along the way, are present in each line of time upon her face. How could anything-ever-be more beautiful? We're taught to dread wrinkles and sags and softening of the skin-the inevitable proof of the time we've spent here on earth. Yet, the more time we put in, the more reason we find to celebrate each passing year. Character is forged, integrity strengthened and gratitude becomes a feeling so deep the word no longer conveys a strong enough meaning. I don't see an aging, forty-something face when I look in the mirror. I see a person growing 'into ' her face, finally beginning the process of ...

... of birdsong we get here in the mountains each year. It usually happens in the first week of March, but it came early and caught me by surprise this year. I had just woken up and was walking my dogs in the warm morning air. Suddenly the sun rose over the hilltops, the world grew golden, and the birds started to sing. At least 12 different birdsongs poured out from the treetops. Each one had its own melody, its own beauty, and its own joy. As they blended together the whole world seemed full of love, full of wonder, and full of light. It was a glorious Symphony that Beethoven or Mozart themselves would have been proud of. It sang praises to the goodness of life and the greatness of God. I was so delighted to be able to hear it once again. I knew too that it would continue for several weeks to come as the birds built nests, found mates ...

... die a terrible death to restore their relationship. God does love you! He sees your pain and weeps with you." He has sent Me to comfort the brokenhearted and to announce that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. He has sent Me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lords ' favor has come, and with it, the day of God's anger against their enemies. To all who mourn in Israel, He will give beauty for ashes, joy instead of mourning, praise instead of despair. For the Lord has planted them like strong and graceful oaks for His own glory. Isaiah 61: 1-3 Your prayers are heard. You parents-if your children ask you for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to ...

... ruin the present by worrying over the future. Love.... and you shall be loved. All people smile in the same language. A hug is a great gift, one size fits all. It can be given for any occasion and it's easy to exchange. Everyone needs to be loved, especially when they do not deserve it. The real measure of a man's wealth is what he has invested in eternity. Laughter is liquid sunshine. Everything has beauty but not everyone sees it. It's important for parents to live the same things they teach. If you fill your heart with regrets of yesterday and the worries of tomorrow, you have no today to be thankful for. Happy memories never wear out. Relive them as often as you want. Home is the place where we grumble the most, but are often treated the best. The choice you make today will usually affect tomorrow. Take time to laugh for it is ...

... that they are dying, I will not remember them that way. I will forever see a thousand blooms each time I think of them. In the coldest, darkest days of the winter of my life, the memory of them will get me through it all. Even the slightest fragrance, a wisp of" almost there again ," will bring a smile to my face and my heart will pound remembering the love. Oh, God thank you not only for the beauty of the people you bring into my life, but for the lingering fragrance and everlasting memories of ever having loved them at all. Loving them and believing in You, means I will have" Spring Forever in my heart"~Bob Perks~[ by: Bob Perks Copyright 2006 (2believe @comcast.net)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... Sunrise In A Cemetery One of the best things about Wintertime is that you can sleep in and still be up in time to watch the sunrise. That is just what I did this morning. I stood outside in the cold, quiet, and peaceful air and watched the beauty of God ’ s creation appear over the mountaintops. It was such a glorious sight. I stood there and saw the red clouds change to pink then purple and then yellow. I looked down on the snowy ground and watched it sparkle with joy in the morning sun. I breathed in deep and smiled. I could feel the love of God all around me and even though it was way below freezing I still felt warm inside. The writer Robert Fulghum once quoted a great piece of advice given to a friend of his. It was to" Spend one hour some Sunday watching the sunrise while walking in a cemetery" Since I have a cemetery next to ...

... The Nail As the story goes, they built a new church building and people came from far and wide to see it. They admired its beauty! Up on the roof, a little nail heard the people praising everything about the lovely structure-except the nail! No one even knew he was there, and he became angry and jealous." If I am that insignificant, nobody will miss me if I quit !" So the nail then released its hold, slid down the roof, and fell in the mud. That night it rained and rained. Soon, the shingle that had no nail blew away, and the roof began to leak. The water streaked the walls and the beautiful murals. The plaster began to fall, the carpet was stained, and the pulpit Bible was ruined by water. All this because a little nail decided to quit! But what of the nail? While holding the shingle, it was obscure but it ...

... To Believe To believe. is to know that every day is a new beginning. It is to trust that miracles happen, And dreams really do come true. To believe. is to see Angels dancing among the clouds, To know the wonder of a stardust sky, And the wisdom of the man in the moon. To believe. is to know the value of a nurturing heart, The innocence of a child's eyes and the beauty of an aging hand, For it is through their teachings we learn to love. To believe. is to find the strength And courage that lies within us. When it is time to pick up the pieces and begin again. To believe. is to know we are not alone, That life is a gift and this is our time to cherish it. To believe. is to know that wonderful surprises Are just waiting to happen, And all our hopes and dreams are within reach. If ...

... ? When did people become so shallow that they would believe a one million dollar car is essential? My first car cost me only 500 dollars and it still got me wherever I needed to go. When did 50 million dollar yachts and 100 million dollar houses become so vital to a person ’ s happiness? My tiny home has more joy in it than the biggest mansion in the world and I can walk the shore of the local lake here and delight in its beauty for free. I pray that at some point our society says" Enough !" and wakes up from this nightmare of materialism. Each of us only has one life. Let ’ s not waste it on the watches we wear and the cars we drive. Each of us only has one soul. Let ’ s not lose it trying to gain the whole world. God put us here to love each other, to help each other, and to make this world a ...

... what was in his first-aid kit nor the extra tube of toothpaste. His heavy multi-tool knife was replaced with one weighing only an ounce. A metal knife-fork-and-spoon set gave way to a single plastic spoon. He sent home 26 pounds of unnecessary weight. How many of us are trying to walk the trail of faith in Christ weighed down by an accumulation of little things-anger, bitterness, worry, envy, jealousy, lust, and selfishness? Instead of enjoying the beauty of life with Jesus, we complain about how hard it is to follow Him. Psalm 32 is for everyone who's ready to shed the weight of sin and regain the joy of walking with the Lord." Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered" What do you need to unload today? [Richard Lee Holbert-from Keith Todd] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... they learn that there is pleasure in the power of lifting others up, not in the pseudo power of pushing them down. When they learn that praise from others is flattering but meaningless if it not matched by self-respect. When they learn that the value of a life is best measured not by the years spent accumulating possessions, but by the moments spent giving of one's self-sharing wisdom, inspiring hope, wiping tears, and touching hearts. When they learn that a person's beauty is seen not with eyes but with the heart; and that even though time and hardships may ravage one's outer shell, they can enhance one's character and perspective. When they learn to withhold judgment of people, knowing everyone is blessed with good and bad qualities, and the emergence of either often depends on the help given or hurt inflicted by others. When they learn that every person has been given the gift of a unique self, and purpose of life is to share ...

... " And with these words, his hand fell back down to his chest and he died with this beautiful smile on his face. Later that night the young man took the stone out of the place he had put it years before and he sat at the kitchen table by candlelight. Turning it over and over in his hands, a single tear fell onto the rock and it split in two. Inside was a priceless stone; smooth to the touch and sparkling in beauty. Just then the wind became very strong outside and he got up to close the shutter, but then again he heard the ancient voice:" Eternity shines brighter for the joy you bring me this day. And I bless you my child" Then the wind died down and everything became peaceful in the countryside and in the heart of the young man. [Author Unknown-from 'andychaps_the-funnies '] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... always enjoys the presents we get him too, but the present he gives us is far more precious. That present is seeing the way he lives with so much peace and happiness every single day of his life. He is the embodiment of the Christmas Spirit all year long. I am sure that God and all the angels must be smiling down as they watch this" special" son of mine. He lives the way we all should live. He sees the beauty of the world, the miracle of life, and the love of God in all things. He awakens the Christmas Spirit in me and everyone else he meets. I could never be a Scrooge myself, because I have the Spirit of Christmas Love and Joy sleeping down the hall from me. I only wish that the whole world could see Christmas and life through his eyes. My simple Christmas hope then is that all of you try to see life with the same joy ...

... and you shall be loved. God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with Him. All people smile in the same language. A hug is a great gift, one size fits all. It can be given for any occasion and it's easy to exchange. Everyone needs to be loved, especially when they do not deserve it. The real measure of a man's wealth is what he has invested in eternity. Laughter is God's sunshine. Everything has beauty but not everyone sees it. It's important for parents to live the same things they teach. Thank God for what you have, TRUST GOD for what you need. If you fill your heart with regrets of yesterday and the worries of tomorrow, you have no today to be thankful for. Happy memories never wear out. Relive them as often as you want. Home is the place where we grumble the most, but are often treated the best. Man looks at ...

... So what did you do ?" asked Sandra." I learned to be thankful for thorns ," answered the clerk quietly." I've always thanked God for the good things in my life and never questioned the good things that happened to me, but when bad stuff hit, did I ever ask questions! It took time for me to learn that dark times are important. I have always enjoyed the 'flowers ' of life, but it took thorns to show me the beauty of God's comfort. You know, the Bible says that God comforts us when we're afflicted, and from His consolation we learn to comfort others" Sandra sucked in her breath as she thought about the very thing her friend had tried to tell her." I guess the truth is I don't want comfort. I've lost a baby and I'm angry with God" Just then someone else walked in the shop." Hey, Phil !" shouted the clerk to the balding, ...

... OK, I had that much earlier, but it only became life threatening after fifty. Then came the fibromyalgia. OK, I had THAT earlier, but it's not life threatening. Then came the arthritis, and more recently at fifty-five, came the diabetes. Somewhere along in there, I became very interested in pharmaceuticals, and finally one day, I became free. I began by noticing the sunsets and I had the time to stop and really wonder at the beauty and the magnitude of it all. Then I moved onto the sunrises, and I quickly found out that if I wasted the early morning, I missed the loveliest part of the day. Then I began to notice how grateful I was to be able to witness the changing of the seasons-the first whisper of spring, the rustling of the leaves beneath my feet, in the fall. When illness would hit me, I found that I actually enjoyed the solitude- ...

... The River Walking through the forest, a seasoned hiker came upon a broad, slowly moving river. He stopped to gaze over the waters, appreciating the beauty, when suddenly he heard a faint cry coming from upstream. Looking in the direction of the noise, he saw an obviously drowning man floundering in the river and drifting slowly toward him. The hiker was stunned momentarily, but he sprang into action when he saw the man disappear beneath the waters. Throwing off all of his cumbersome gear, he dove into the river and swam like a madman toward the spot where the man went under. Upon reaching the spot he plunged below the surface and frantically hauled up the helpless man. He then laboriously towed the victim to shore. Heaving the lifeless body up on the riverbank, the hiker attempted to revive the man, who eventually spit up water and began to breathe. Relieved, the hiker paused to catch his breath. But no ...

... , but touches others too. A single happy smile can always brighten up the day, for anyone who happens to be passing by your way. And a little bit of thoughtfulness that shows someone you care, creates a ray of sunshine for both of you to share. Yes, every time you offer someone a helping hand, every time you show a friend you understand. Every time you have a kind and gentle word to give, you help someone to find beauty in this precious life we live. For happiness brings happiness and loving ways bring love, and giving is the treasure, that contentment is made of. [Author Unknown-from (Inspiretoday @topica.com)] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... them and how much they mean to me. Today is the day I quit worrying about what I don't have and start being grateful for all the wonderful things God has already given me. I'll remember that to worry is just a waste of time because my faith in God and his Divine Plan ensures everything will be just fine. Tonight, before I go to bed, I'll go outside and raise my eyes to the heavens. I will stand in awe at the beauty of the stars and the moon, and I will praise God for these magnificent treasures. As the day ends and I lay my head down on my pillow, I will thank the Almighty for the best day of my life. And I will sleep the sleep of a contented child, excited with expectation because I know tomorrow is going to be. The Best Day Of My Life! [Author Unknown-from 'Aiken Drum ' (Aiken @AikensLaughs.com)] Inspirational Messages ...

... as you go into the world. May the teaching of those you admire become part of you, so that you may call upon them. Remember, those whose lives you have touched and who have touched yours are always a part of you, even if the encounters were less than you would have wished. May you not become too concerned with material matters, but instead place immeasurable value on the goodness in your heart. Find time in each day to see the beauty and love in the world around you. Realize that each person has limitless abilities, but each of us is different in our own way. What you may feel you lack in one regard may be more than compensated for in another. What you feel you lack in the present may become one of your strengths in the future. May you see your future as one filled with promise and possibility. Learn to view everything as a worthwhile experience. May you find enough inner ...

... listen to this: In the story, a husband plays the cello and never changes notes. He just continues to repeat the same note without variation. His wife is driven to distraction and finally protests:" Why do you play the same note over and over and over again? Other cellists play different notes"" Other cellists play different notes ," her husband replies," because they are trying to find the right one. I've found mine" Ahhh, the beauty of finding your note! I think I could like him. Finding your note is something like finding your purpose in life or landing where you need to be. Philosopher James Allen advised," Above all be of single aim; have a legitimate and useful purpose, and devote yourself unreservedly to it" He could have said," Find your note and stay with it" I believe that is an important part of being happy. Like Helen Keller says, true happiness ...

... some cookies"" Great !" he interrupted, snatching the box." Just what I need for bridge club tomorrow! Thanks so much !" I continued," .and just thought we'd visit a while. But that's okay! I'll just trot across the street and call on Granny Grady"" Don't bother ," he said." Gran's not home; I know. I just called to remind her of our date to go dancing tonight. She may be at the beauty shop. She mentioned at breakfast (at which house ?) that she had an appointment for a tint job". So I went home and called my Mother's cousin (age 83 ); she was in the hospital. working in the gift shop. I called my aunt (age 74 ); she was on vacation in China.. I called my husband's uncle (age 79). I forgot;. he was on his honeymoon.. I still dread old age, ...

... Finer Than Wealth I love the story about an angel who suddenly appears at a faculty meeting and tells the dean of the college that, in return for his unselfish and exemplary behavior, he will be given his choice of infinite wealth, wisdom or beauty. Without hesitating, the dean selects infinite wisdom." Done !" says the angel, and disappears in a cloud of smoke and a bolt of lightning. Now, all heads turn toward the dean, who sits surrounded by a faint halo of light. At length, one of his colleagues whispers," Say something wise" The dean looks at them and says," I should have taken the money" Though wealth is highly regarded in our world, I rather suspect this fictitious academic made the better choice. Wisdom, like many other virtues, is usually more difficult to obtain and can be far more satisfying. I've heard it said that when our hearts are empty, we ...

... and you shall be loved. God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with Him. All people smile in the same language. A hug is a great gift, one size fits all. It can be given for any occasion and it's easy to exchange. Everyone needs to be loved, especially when they do not deserve it. The real measure of a man's wealth is what he has invested in eternity. Laughter is God's sunshine. Everything has beauty but not everyone sees it. It's important for parents to live the same things they teach. Thank God for what you have, TRUST GOD for what you need. If you fill your heart with regrets of yesterday and the worries of tomorrow, you have no today to be thankful for. Happy memories never wear out. Relive them as often as you want. Home is the place where we grumble the most, but are often treated the best. Man looks at ...

... Happy Moments I took my sons out for a walk at a nearby lake the other day. The weather was perfect for it. The sky was clear, the temperature was warm, the sun was dancing off the waves, and flowers were blooming along the walk path surrounding the water. Couples both young and old were walking along the path enjoying all of this God given beauty. Dozens of people were fishing peacefully along the banks and in boats. Children were running and playing with their dogs. Families were setting up picnic dinners for later. Some people were just sitting in the grass looking blissfully out on the water. I even saw one young woman praying with a joyful smile on her face as she sat under a tree. Never had I seen so many people spending their time so well. The day after the great teacher and writer Leo Buscaglia died a note was found in his typewriter. It simply said," Every moment ...

... Don't Always Think The Worst Having her hair done at a West Hempstead, NY, beauty parlor, a woman told a cautionary tale about racial prejudice. The story deserves a wider audience. On a recent weekend in Atlantic City the woman related, she won a bucketful of quarters at a slot machine. She took a break from the slots for dinner with her husband in the hotel dining room. But first she would stash the quarters in her room. I'll be right back and we'll go to eat ," she told her husband and she carried the coin-laden bucket to the elevator. As she was about to walk into the elevator she noticed two men already aboard. Both were black. One of them was big. Very big. An intimidating figure. The woman froze. Her first thought was: These two are going to rob me. Her next thought was: Don't be a bigot, they look like perfectly nice gentlemen, But ...

... my dogs outside and watch the pink and purple clouds slowly turn to gold. The light continues all day long too, kissing the growing plants and brightening up the hearts of playing children and happy adults alike. Even the biggest clouds can ’ t keep the sun back for long. It bursts through with huge, glowing sunbeams wide enough for Heaven ’ s angels to slide down them. When it finally does set at the end of the day it leaves with a beauty that no Earthly painter could ever match. Even then, though, the light continues. Soon the moon and stars begin to shine in the warm summer night then hundreds of fireflies join in blinking on and off in their light show of love. It is a glorious sight to see. As beautiful as this Summer light is, however, it still can ’ t compare to the soul light that I see everyday. This light burns just as brightly in the Winter too ...

... " No, but you do. And having just met you for the first time and hearing you say all those things to yourself, I'd have to guess you were right"" Well, I'm not !" he said as he walked away." Now keep saying that to yourself and see what a difference it makes in your life !" I yelled to him as he left the room. I was frustrated. I spend my life trying to get people to see beauty in the world and love in their life. I write stories to inspire, plant a seed, adjust an attitude, or simply fill a void. I wish I could say that moments later the young man came rushing back to tell me that he needed to hear what I had to say. It didn't happen. You see, the business I'm in is based on faith. I believe in something bigger than I, but I can't see it. I believe in ...

... Autumn Leaves It looks like Autumn is sneaking in a bit early this year in the forested mountains of my home. Tiny splashes of red, yellow, and orange are appearing on tree after tree here. It is so beautiful. It is almost like a thousand angels with paint brushes are flying over the forests on these early September nights spreading both color and joy. Seeing all of the beauty and color of these wonderful Autumn leaves has made me decide to do something that I haven ’ t done in a few years. It will probably be a few more months before I can do it, but I am going to jump in a pile of Autumn leaves again. I am going to dance in them and hear them crunch under my feet. I am going to lay down in them and feel them brush up against my face. I am going to smell them and let them invigorate my being. I am going to play in ...

... but you can ruin the present by worrying over the future. Love. and you will be loved. All people smile in the same language. A hug is a great gift, one size fits all. It can be given for any occasion and it's easy to exchange. Everyone needs to be loved, especially when they do not deserve it. The real measure of a man's wealth is what he has invested in eternity. Laughter is liquid sunshine. Everything has beauty but not everyone sees it. It's important for parents to live the same things they teach. If you fill your heart with regrets of yesterday and the worries of tomorrow, you have no today to be thankful for. Happy memories never wear out. Relive them as often as you want. Home is the place where we grumble the most, but are often treated the best. The choice you make today will usually affect tomorrow. Take time to laugh for it is ...

... stand to just watch it through the windows of my heated home. I wanted to be out there surrounded by it. I quickly pulled on my coat then and stepped out on my porch. I looked up to the Heavens with a smile on my face. I breathed in deeply the icy, morning air. I felt my heart beating with happiness, my mind filling with peace, and my soul dancing with delight. I thanked God for this wonderful gift of beauty, love, and joy and for the gift of my life as well. I read the other day that many people see only one sunrise in a thousand. It saddened me to think that these gifts from God, given every morning, were being missed by so many. It made me think of all the other gifts from God that we miss, reject, or ignore as well. The arms on our bodies are wonderful gifts, but we rarely use them to ...

... sunshine. These were complimented by the red, green, pink, and white of the trees eagerly bursting in growth. A cool and gentle breeze kissed our faces, filled the air with sweet smells, and brought music to our ears as we heard hundreds of frogs singing together in a joyful jubilee. Spring is such a glorious time. It is a time of rebirth, new beginnings, and fresh starts. It is a time of growth, a time of beauty, and most of all a time of life. Being out there among it helped to stir the life and joy within me as well. It awakened my spirit, warmed my heart, enlightened my mind, energized my body, and uplifted my soul. It made me aware of just how precious each day is and just how priceless each moment of our lives can be. It showed me again that life is for living and for loving not just for existing. I ...

... Hope If you can look at the sunset and smile, then you still have hope. If you can find beauty in the colors of a small flower, then you still have hope. If you can find pleasure in the movement of a butterfly, then you still have hope. If the smile of a child can still warm your heart, then you still have hope. If you can see the good in other people, then you still have hope. If the rain breaking on a roof top can still lull you to sleep, then you still have hope. If the sight of a rainbow still makes you stop and stare in wonder, then you still have hope. If the soft fur of a favored pet still feels pleasant under your fingertips, then you still have hope. If you meet new people with a trace of excitement and optimism, then you still have hope. If you give people the benefit of a doubt ...

... What is life? It is more than just existing. It is more than just breathing. It is more than just slowly counting your birthdays while your body gets older and weaker. It has taken me many years of learning and growing, but I think that now I am finally beginning to understand what life is and what life isn't. Life isn't some frantic race towards some distant goal. Life is a leisurely walk you take each day seeing all the wonder and beauty around you. Life isn't some tightrope balancing act where you must be perfect or lose everything. Life is a joyful stroll down some old railroad tracks where if you fall off you just smile, laugh and jump right back on. Life isn't some worrisome counting of every penny you make. Life is smelling flowers, smiling at sunrises, playing with laughing children, and collecting priceless memories. Life isn't what happens to you. Life is rather the many wonderful choices that you ...

... as I would have preferred, the Lord did reply later by showing me truth. This truth was the knowledge that there is no such thing as earthly perfection, and each and every human being will face adversity at some time in their life. However, God is greater than any problem. Whether it is sickness, disease, relationship struggles or some other hardship, our life journey will never be perfect because perfection is only found in the Divine. Along with the beauty of laughs and smiles will be the sting of painful tears, disappointments and shattered dreams. Relationships may fail and jobs may fall through, yet will we allow these bumps along the path to alter our ability to possess peace, even joy? The answer, my dear friends, is no! How we perceive crisis when it occurs can either make or break our peace of mind, as well as affect the outcome of the situation. As the above quote conveys, nothing ...

... Motivational Quote" Life is an opportunity, benefit from it. Life is a beauty, admire it. Life is a dream, realize it. Life is a challenge, meet it. Life is a duty, complete it. Life is a game, play it. Life is a promise, fulfill it. Life is sorrow, overcome it. Life is a song, sing it. Life is a struggle, accept it. Life is a tragedy, confront it. Life is an adventure, dare it. Life is luck, make it. Life is life, fight for it !" [by: Mother Teresa-from Arina (arina @goal-setting-guide.com)] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... . I am going to try and live so that my last days are my most beautiful: full of the colors of love, joy, and oneness with God. Remember you may just be one leaf in this world ’ s mighty forest, but without your love and your life the forest is less. Remember too that tomorrow is another chance to live, to learn, to laugh, and to love in this world. Do your best then. Share your beauty. Help others. Commit yourself to life before death as well as to life after death. God didn ’ t put you here just to hang on a tree. God put you here to live well and color this world with the light of your soul. God put you here to help make this world a better and more beautiful place for those who will follow.~Joseph J. Mazzella~[ by: Joseph J. Mazzella Copyright 2008 (joecool @wirefire.com ...

... Love In The Home If I live in a house of spotless beauty with everything in its place, but have not love, I am a housekeeper-not a homemaker. If I have time for waxing, polishing, and decorative achievements, but have not love, my children learn cleanliness-not godliness. Love leaves the dust in search of a child's laugh. Love smiles at the tiny fingerprints on a newly cleaned window. Love wipes away the tears before it wipes up the spilled milk. Love picks up the child before it picks up the toys. Love is present through the trials. Love reprimands, reproves, and is responsive. Love is the key that opens salvation's message to a child's heart. Love crawls with the baby, walks with the toddler, runs with the child, then stands aside to let the youth walk into adulthood. Before I became a mother I took glory in my house of perfection. Now I ...

... had gazed upon for thousands of years. Under this wondrous blanket of light I felt covered with God ’ s love. I was as comfortable, safe, and happy as a child tucked in their bed at night, and even with a cold, wintry wind blowing across my face my soul still felt warm. All that I could do was look at those glowing stars, smile, and thank God for giving me a chance to live in a world of such beauty, such joy, and such love. God loves us all so much. He created this glorious world for us to live in, to grow in, to learn in, and to love in. Take the time to enjoy it, cherish it, and care for it. Take the time to walk in the woods, swim in the ocean, and look up at the stars. Take the time to feel God ’ s love flowing through it all and through ...

... How Will The Church Be Lighted? Several centuries ago in a mountain village in Europe, a wealthy nobleman wondered what legacy he could leave to his townspeople. He made a good decision. He decided to build them a church. No one was permitted to see the plans or the inside of the church until it was finished. At its grand opening, the people gathered and marveled at the beauty of the new church. Everything had been thought of and included. It was a masterpiece. But then someone said," Wait a minute! Where are the lamps? It is really quite dark in here. How will the church be lighted ?" The nobleman pointed to some brackets in the walls, and then he gave each family a lamp, which they were to bring with them each time they came to worship." Each time you are here" the nobleman said," the place where you are seated will be lighted. ...

... things to do. He doesn't make us have to be impressive in our speech so we can be heard by him. He doesn't ask us to get our problems and our world in the right proportions. In fact, when we come into His presence, He drops everything and gives us His undivided attention: the attention from the most important person in our lives. Who could ask anything more of a mother, or from The Father ?!" Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who reveres the Lord will be praised" Proverbs_31: 30... most of us are lured away from the important things. We get distracted by the shiny things, the deceptive and fleeting things. But when a woman fears the Lord and puts His will first in her life and the life of her family, she is to be praised. Why? Well, because He said so. But if you look carefully at verse 30 ...

... our reach if we want it bad enough. It's just another day. My beloved wraps his arms around me and surrounds me in love. I turn to look in the eyes that share my innermost feelings. What a special friend I have. Someone who loves me for who I am. Someone to lean on when I feel down. Someone to share my happiness. Someone to love. Yes, it is just another day. A day to enjoy God's gracious beauty upon this Earth. A day to kiss the cherub cheeks of my children, and share in their hopes and dreams. A day to learn the value of determination and hard work. A day to learn the value of judging mankind for the quality he has, not what he has not. A day to learn the value of love. Yes, it's just another day, I sigh. The stars dance in the velvet sky as a full yellow moon smiles cheerfully down ...

... days like that. Days that I have been so exhausted both physically and mentally, I could and have cried. I'm learning though. When I feel overwhelmed with work and self-pity, I turn to my Creator. I ask Him to open my eyes, so that I may see what is really important in my life. My family, friends, and health. I behold His wonders. The sweet song of a bird. The vastness of the ocean. The beauty of the mountains. The delicate petals of a flower. The splendor of the colors in a sunset. All of His glorious creation that surrounds me. How insignificant my problems then seem to be. How wonderfully blessed my day has become. [by Dawn Stobart Copyright 2003-submitted by: Dawn Stobart] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... impossible to mentally or socially enslave a Bible reading people. The principles of the Bible are the groundwork of human freedom.-Horace Greeley God's love for us is not a love that always exempts us from trials, but rather, a love that always sees us through trials. 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. This is to have succeeded.-Ralph Waldo Emerson Don't complain about thorns among roses; be grateful for roses among thorns. It has been estimated that in one's lifetime the average person will consume 150 head of cattle, 2, 400 chickens ...