... unusual question:" Mother Teresa, the thing I noticed about you and the hundreds of sisters who now form your team is that you all look so happy. Is that a put-on ?" Here was a woman who had none of the things we like to think of as bringing happiness: a home, a family ... be joyful. We pay the taxes because we have to. But when we choose to give time or money, then giving can add to our overall happiness. Mother Teresa teaches us an important lesson about happiness. She was one of those people who emanated joy. Born in 1910 in Skopje, Macedonia, she ... to be blissfully happy." Is that a put-on" she was asked? She replied," Oh no, not at all. Nothing makes you happier than when you really reach out in mercy to someone who is badly hurt" She would agree that happiness does not come from acquiring, but is a by-product ...

... " Whenever it blew past, be it a breeze or gale, the little green leaf waved a joyful greeting to Wind-like the hand of a happy child to a loved one." I will love you for all time ," Leaf whispered to the moving air around it." I could not be happier ... short. Still it would not be sad because each day now Wind told Leaf of the wonderful adventures that were to come. Just seeing Leaf cling to happiness while all those around it fell made Tree angry. One day it could stand it no more and when Wind came to call, Tree shook for all it ... child to a loved one." I will love you for all time ," Leaf whispered to the moving air around it." I could not be happier" Hearing this promise Tree itself shook and emitted a deep chuckle." I am glad you are happy now ," the tree said." Enjoy your youth ...

... . Andy, rummaging around in his room, whined," Oh man.. .I gotta do my spelling words yet !" As Dad herded this" happy huddle" into the sunny dining room, he slowly turned to the window," Oh Wow! Look outside! It really snowed last night !" He clicked ... ! Nothing had touched it. No claims had been made to any part of it. It lay before us, an invitation to enjoy it fully, happily and without reserve. It was a cereal-in-the-living-room-day, a squeezie-cheese-and-cracker-day, a TV-dinner-day! Andy quietly tucked his spelling sheet back into his school bag, John was doing ... in anticipation. Andy sat with eyes closed and fingers double-crossed on each hand. Ohhh !!-A reprieve from that Spelling! PLEEEASE !!!!!! Then, the happiest words on earth! He said it! Schofield... all schools closed! Ohhhhh! A Snow Dayyyy !!!!! The cheers went up! They yelled with ...

... Miners dig for gold and precious gems. I rummage through lives and words in search of the same thing. Yesterday I discovered that" Happiness has two doors" I believe it would be safe to say that everyone wants to be happy. Some want it to last forever and more realistic dreamers would appreciate even a moment or two in each day. Perhaps even, if they should be so bold as to dream so big, would like much longer periods mixed throughout the ... Happiness Has Two Doors It was by chance I discovered this. Discovering things is what I do. A friend once called me a" scavenger" and in doing so, finally gave me the answer I longed for when someone asked," What do you do for a living ?"" I am a scavenger !" I now declare proudly. Miners dig for gold and precious gems. I rummage through lives and words in search of the same thing. Yesterday I discovered ...

... The Secret A woman named Vicki once knew a young person at church named Susan. Susan always seemed effervescent and happy, although Vicki knew she had faced struggles in her life. Her long-awaited marriage had quickly ended in divorce. She had struggled to get a grip on her single life. She hadn't chosen it, but she decided she would live it with utmost enjoyment and satisfaction. Susan was active in Sunday school, in the choir, as a leader of the ... simple! But upon reflecting over her own life she recalled how she thought a bigger house would make her happy -but it didn't! She thought a better-paying job would make her happy -but it hadn't. When did she realize her greatest happiness? Sitting on the floor with her grandchildren, playing games, eating pizza or reading a story, a simple gift from God. Susan knew the secret, Vicki learned the secret, and now you know it too! We can't depend ...

... came for a visit. Three-year-old Katie wasn't initially fond of the idea of returning home. When her Daddy told her that he had missed her, she looked up at him and whispered," But Daddy, I was just so happy at Nana and Pa's" We laughed together. We played together. We blew bubbles in the backyard. We watched television together. We went to the zoo. And we went on a picnic. The weekend was ours to do nothing ... Planting Happiness Last year, I placed a flower pot on my patio. It was only half-filled with potting soil. There wasn't any sign of life. There were no seeds to grow. So as you can imagine the flowerpot remained barren. Last week, I decided that the neglected flower pot needed a little lift. I went to a garden shop and checked out the blooming plants. While trying to decide which flowers to purchase, I went to another store and ...

... we used to have several families from the area share that day with us, and I would enjoy thinking about the dinner, making pies, salads, cakes and the turkey. Will you say 'yes, it would make me so happy ," She was practically gleaming with excitement. I could see her mind was reliving memories that were special to her." Well, we have invited a new family from the church to come to our house for dinner, but I know ... I do want you to plan to be with us on Thanksgiving, this Thursday, please plan to come. I don't want you to be alone at this special time of year"" You know ," the silver haired lady smiled happily." I would love it if you and your family would be my guest and come over and have dinner with me on Thursday. When my husband was alive we used to have several families from the area share that day with us ...

... He doesn't drink alcohol and is forbidden to use the words that are unacceptable to children's ears (and mine). He hates to leave our sleepy little town but, encourages me to go where I want to and he always seems happy to see me as I make it back up the driveway. I cannot begin to tell you the number of conversations I've had with God about him." Lord, I'm so UNhappy. Life is too short and I know you don't ... ," Poor Sue "? It felt like ice water had been dumped on my head. It was SO very true! That day my eyes started to open. So, at the ripe old age of 47, I've learned that happiness is a state of mind. You can be hopelessly in love and decide you don't want to be happy. He still does things that drive me totally over the edge. But, I am receiving the nurturing that I have so long ...

... . She and her family continued to receive pessimistic news from the doctors. It was like being bombarded with constant negativity. How much could they take? Then, one day, when I called the family's home her mother sounded very happy and excited." Mike, we finally have some good news. The new medication is shrinking the tumor !" Marnie's mother's excitement was contagious. Finally, some good news. I was so happy for the family! I left town early ... Hospital in Houston and an author (currently working on 2 book projects: an autobiography and an anthology of his own short stories). He also is a very popular inspirational speaker sharing his" recipe" for success, recovery and happiness. Please visit his website, www.InspirationByMike.com or call Sterling International Speakers Bureau, toll free in the USA / Canada, at 1-877-226-1003 for more information. Also, every year there is a fund raising event to fight Brain cancer and to help ...

... nights with Nana and Pa, it was time for the girls to return home. I expected them to be thrilled to get back to their toy room, their outside toys, their pets, and their home. While they were happy to see Mommy and Daddy, they did not want to leave Nana and Pa. We buckled them securely in their car seats, gave them goodbye kisses, and returned home, already missing the girls. After they arrived home and realized ... love.~Nancy B. Gibbs~Daiseydood @aol.com Nancy is an author, weekly newspaper columnist and inspirational speaker. She has been published in numerous books, magazines and devotional guides including Chicken Soup for the Soul, Guideposts and Happiness. You can visit her website here: http :// www.nancybgibbs.com [by: Nancy B. Gibbs Copyright 2007 (Daiseydood @aol.com)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... Love and the Joy of Hurting" Do you like what you do ?" she asked me." I write about happy things ," I said." Wait a minute. I've read your work. You made me cry sometimes ," she said." That makes me happy ," I replied." Well, that's sick ," she said smiling." I don't make people cry by hurting them. They often cry from the hurt they have already. When I first ... you needed to feel and something He wanted me to say"" Then why do we hurt so much ?"" Love" How much we hurt is often in relationship to how much we love. The same can be said about happiness. How much happiness there is in our lives depends on how much love we have not only for those around us, but for life itself. Like the death of a loved one. Such loss is a pain we all endure many ...

... and I felt the happiness they were sharing together as friends. As they paid for their purchases with their own money, I could sense their feeling of satisfaction of being independent in choosing what they wanted to buy. They seemed so happy and content with what they had chosen. No debating over whether they should do this or that, and no discussing or worrying whether their friends would be happy with the gifts chosen just for them. I ’ m sure they had no ... loving spirit within me as that of her friends! That one simple little sentence blessed my heart that day, and made me feel very special! I saw the joy of simplicity that these ladies were savoring, and I felt the happiness they were sharing together as friends. As they paid for their purchases with their own money, I could sense their feeling of satisfaction of being independent in choosing what they wanted to buy. They seemed so happy and content with what they ...

... ", as he put it. It was those concerns that nearly killed me ," he said. Pete is one of those people who are rarely serious. I mean, it's not that he tells jokes all the time, he's just happy. So hearing and seeing this side really caught my attention." Bob, I went through a series of tests that started me on a down hill slide. One after another revealed more and more possibilities. It was like when you ... sure you've heard it all before." What you think about the most manifests in your life"" You reap what you sow"" If you believe it you can achieve it" Out of all the principles of success and happiness, that one singular concept is the absolute truth. It is the key to all success in life. But it can also be the key to failure and even death. Pete is a friend of mine. One of those people you ...

... to pass your goodwill to others"" I'm not depending on it ," my friend said." I'm aware that the system isn't foolproof so I might deal with ten different people today. If out of ten I can make three happy, then eventually I can indirectly influence the attitudes of 3, 000 more"" It sounds good on paper ," I admitted," but I'm not sure it words in practice"" Nothing is lost if it doesn't. It didn't ... We walked away. I said to him," I haven't seen anyone like you since The Man From LaMancha"" When those men digest my words, they will feel better for it. Somehow the city will benefit from their happiness"" But you can't do this all alone !" I protested." You're just one man"" The most important thing is not to get discouraged. Making people in the city become kind again is not an easy job, but ...

... close by so Love asked for help," Sadness, let me go with you"" Oh. Love, I am so sad that I need to be by myself !" Happiness passed by Love too, but she was so happy that she did not even hear when Love called her! Suddenly, there was a voice," Come Love, I will take you" It was an elder. Love felt so blessed and overjoyed that he even forgot to ask the ... A" Love" Story Once upon a time, there was an island where all the feelings lived: Happiness, Sadness, Knowledge, and all of the others including Love. One day it was announced to the feelings that the island would sink, so all prepared their boats and left. Love wanted to persevere until the last possible moment. When the island was almost sinking, Love decided to ask for help. Richness was passing by Love in a grand boat ...

... I closed my door and read slowly every word of this Gospel tract. Then I went up to my attic to get my rope and chair. I wouldn't be needing them any more." You see, I am now a happy child of the King, and since the address of your church was on the back of this Gospel tract I have come here to personally say, 'Thank you to God's little angel who came just in the nick of time, and by ... little angel was seated. He took him in his arms and sobbed uncontrollably. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ There are a lot of hurting people in the world, searching for that thing which will make them complete, but the answer to true peace and happiness can only be found in Jesus Christ. Lets all do our very best to help reach these people. Matthew 5: 16 (NKJ)" Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify ...

... bell ring for the last time." I've decided to sell the bell. Here's a hanky. Blow your nose" The little girl began to clap her hands." Oh, thank you, sir. Grandpa will be so happy"" Okay, little lady. Okay" Pappy felt good about helping the child; he knew, however, he would miss the bell." You must promise to take good care of the bell for your grandpa-and for ... with age, and they seemed to emit a warmth from within. His face was quite drawn, but when he smiled, even his wrinkles seemed to soften and smile with him. He had a talent for whistling and did so happily each day as he dusted and swept his pawnshop; even so, he had a secret sadness, but everyone who knew him respected and adored him. Most of Pappy's customers returned for their goods, and he did not do much business ...

... The older I get; the more wakes I attend, I am reminded that no matter what your relationship to someone, when they are gone the recollections of good times come rushing back-the years adding up to a mountain of happy memories, remembered as if they happened yesterday. When Bill and I tied the knot, over 30 years ago, it was Aunt Mary and Uncle Al who added some special touches to our small and simple ceremony and reception. They took ... cancer and the brief, but futile, battle that followed is the reason we were brought together to say good bye to the matriarch of the Keffer clan. A lifetime of photos decorated tables and stood on easels, each one recalling happier days-family milestones that make up the moments worth celebrating. Aunt Mary and Uncle Al were married for 52 years. Now, a marriage that can endure that many decades is bound to have weathered a storm or two. But if ...

... fact, they are quite often open and trusting. These contented folks share at least two traits. The first is that they are trustworthy. They are known to be honest and true to their word. And the second trait these happy and satisfied people share is that they easily trust others. Sometimes their trust is misplaced, but they've discovered that the benefits of trusting usually outweigh the risks of disappointment. I expect I'll get taken in plenty of times yet by friends and ... laugh and to have some fun. We're going to be fooled sometimes. Especially if we easily place our confidence in people. But I'm not going to give up trusting just to avoid being had. I've observed that some of the happiest people I know are far from being the most wary – in fact, they are quite often open and trusting. These contented folks share at least two traits. The first is that they are trustworthy. They are known to be honest ...

... If I could have bought him, I would have, but instead he was shipped off to yet another home. The love that we once shared, he found once again in his new home and so for Lightning it was a happy ending, a long awaited and well deserved ending. [by Maria Urso, copyright 2002 (edu5153 @uabdpo.dpo.uab.edu)-from '2THEHEART '] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ... trembled, not in fear of me, but of not knowing what was beyond, of where he would end up. A trembling that I shared of not being able to be near that special someone who brought love, trust, happiness, and understanding to his heart. If I could have bought him, I would have, but instead he was shipped off to yet another home. The love that we once shared, he found once again in his new home and ...

... for how we will" face" each day. One woman reported that she had just paid for some purchases when she heard the cashier say something. Not understanding, she asked her to repeat it." I said have a happy day ," the cashier snapped." Are you deaf ?" Here is a person who seems to be unaware of how she is facing others. Earl Nightingale put it like this:" Our attitude is something we can control. We can ... I can make better choices. If I realize that I am already choosing my face, I can put on different face. If I face the day with a little more hope and confidence, more generosity and love, I'll be happier for it. And who knows? Maybe a modern day Lincoln will say he likes my face.~Steve Goodier~[ by: Steve Goodier Copyright 2008 (LifeSupport @yahoogroups.com)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net ...

... she asked. And the guide said" Yes, and the way is hard. And you will be old before you reach the end of it. But the end will be better than the beginning" Since the young mother was happy, she would not believe that anything could be better than these years. So she played with her children, she fed them and bathed them, and taught them how to tie their shoes and ride a bike and reminded them to feed ... is the sound of the rain that lulls you to sleep, the colors of a rainbow, she is Christmas morning. Your Mother lives inside your laughter. And she's crystallized in every tear drop. A mother shows every emotion. happiness, sadness, fear, jealousy, love, hate, anger, helplessness, excitement, joy, sorrow. and all the while, hoping and praying you will only know the good feelings in life. She's the place you came from ...

... me in touch with all my trucker friends. Teddy Bear's going to back out now and leave you alone, 'cause it's almost time for Mom to come home. But you give me a shout when you're passing through and I'll be happy to come back to you" Well I came back and said," Before you 10-10, what's your home 20, little CB friend ?" He gave me his home address and I didn't hesitate one second because this hot load of freight ... his truck and they'd take off again. Well you better believe I took my turn at riding Teddy Bear. And then I carried him back in and put him down in his chair. Buddy, if I never live to see happiness again, I want you to know I saw it that day in the face of that little man. We took up a collection before his mom came home. Each driver said goodbye and then they were gone. He shook my hand ...

... wrong-wrong to drown in self pity; wrong to focus on what I don't have instead of what I do; wrong to be so wrapped up in me that I feel selfish and ashamed. Still, crouched on the floor in a little ball, crying until my stomach hurts and my eyes sting from the mascara running into them, I cry out again, this time more softly," What do you want from me ?" I know I'm supposed to be happy-not all the time, but some of it. At least some of it! Was I so bad in another life? Is that it? Perhaps I made some terrible mistakes. Did God send me back to earth to pay Him back? Retribution? No. I know that's not true. I know I'm reaching. My heart tells me God is not a cruel or vengeful God. He is love. He is love. My breathing quiets for a moment ...

... . Spying a prince dressed in splendor such as he had never before seen, he said," I wish I were a prince" And he became one. But it wasn't too many days later that he stepped outside and felt the discomfort of the hot summer sun beating down upon his head." Even a prince cannot stay cool in the sun ," he said." I wish I were the sun" This wish, too, was granted. He was happy being the sun until, one day, a cloud came between him and the earth." That cloud overshadows me ," he said." I wish I were a cloud" Again, his wish was granted and he was happy until he came to a mountain that he could not rise above." This mountain is greater than I ," he said." I wish I were a mountain" As a tall and mighty mountain he looked down upon the affairs of humans ...

... The Christmas Scout In spite of the fun and laughter, 13-year-old Frank Wilson was not happy. It was true he had received all the presents he wanted. And he enjoyed the traditional Christmas Eve reunions with relatives for the purpose of exchanging gifts and good wishes. But, Frank was not happy because this was his first Christmas without his brother, Steve, who during the year, had been killed by a reckless driver. Frank missed his brother and the close companionship they had together. Frank said good-bye to his relatives and explained to his parents that he was leaving a little early to see a friend; and from there he could walk home. Since it was cold outside, Frank put on his new plaid jacket. It was his FAVORITE gift. He placed the other presents on his new sled. Then Frank headed out, hoping to find the patrol leader of his Boy Scout troop. Frank always felt understood by him. Though ...

... said." Really ?"" I don't read the cards"" Well, how do you know it's the right one ?" Placing her finger on her chin, looking much like the famous statue," The Thinker ," the young child said," It looks like them" Her mother then explained that her daughter doesn't buy cards for what they say. She buys them for how they look." When Granny is sad, I buy her a card that looks happy. My best friend is sick. I found a sunshine card for her ," the child said." If I describe my friend, could you pick out a card for her ?"" Yes, of course. It would be better if I could see her, but tell me what she looks like" I went on to describe her." I'll be right back ," she said. Heading off to the other side of the card rack, she suddenly re-appeared smiling ...

... . One day you will cease to shine, for your rays are numbered, but I will always be. You are but a mass of matter and gas, just so much smoke and fire. Your time will come and you will die, just like all things, but I will go on forever" This startled Day because it was not used to being spoken to so harshly. As a matter of fact, everyone had always been sweet to the Day and happy to see it. The birds would chirp merrily and all seemed well. Now Day was feeling most concerned and let the clouds hide its face for most of the morning. Finally, Day could not help but be what it was, and let the Sun shine brightly. Now, each time Night would seep into an area behind the brightness and the Sun would set to its inhabitants, Night would mock Day and tell of a wonderful time when dark would reign supreme over ...

... ?," Dad asked." I can't tell you" she said." It's a secret !" her parents said in unison. They all continued on their morning rituals. As always, Dad left for work first for his drive into the city took extra time. Mom, stood outside and waited for the school bus before heading to her office. Kissing her child goodbye she watched as she boarded the bus. Climbing up the steps, she turned and said," Happy Secret Day, Mom !" Throughout the day both Mom and Dad discovered more hand written notes with the same message neatly printed in crayon." I found one in my sport coat pocket, my briefcase, and I even found one in my shoe ," Dad said in a mid day phone conversation with Mom." Me too !" she said." There was even one in the refrigerator taped to my lunch" As the work day came to an end, Mom anxiously ...

... Happy Endings You could hear a pin drop. Then, some sniffles in the mob of thousands. Eventually, after what appeared like an eternity, the crowd roared with applause as the ambulance took him away. His name is Kevin Everett and he was playing for the Buffalo Bills football team. He was hurt-hurt very badly trying to make a tackle on a kickoff. The blow injured his spinal column causing a paralysis. He could not give the" thumbs up" to the crowd, no matter how hard he tried. Meanwhile, back home in a small town near Houston, Kevin's mother was watching the game in a sport's bar. Very few things in life are worse than watching your" baby" on television not being able to move. His fiancee was also near Houston washing her car. Soon she would find out the horrible news. Soon, everyone would find out the horrible news as the doctor reported in a ...

... counter and rang the buzzer. Several seconds later our friend James Ditty came out of the freezer." Hey guys ," he replied as he shook my hand." James, how about four of your best center cut pork chops, maybe one and a half inches thick ," Judy told him." You got it" Judy and I waited for James to cut and wrap the meat. When he returned I took the marking pen from his pocket and wrote" HAPPY ANNIVERSARY" on top of the white package." How are we going to do this without embarrassing them dad ?" Judy asked." Don't worry, I got it covered" Judy and I headed to the bread aisle, picked out a loaf of bread and headed to the check out counter. After paying for our groceries, I took the pork chops and wrapped them in a plastic bag. I pointed out the elderly couple to the cashier and told her to slip ...

... giving me your daughter" The room was quiet, except for muffled sobs. I returned to my seat and wiped the tears from my eyes. The afternoon flew by. We danced, hugged, and excepted words of encouragement. At one point during the festivities, I managed to find my mother-in-law alone. I crouched beside her chair and said," Mom, you made it. I'm so glad you're here" She hugged me," Michael, I'm very happy. All I ever wanted, was to see Georgia settled. Today saw it happen. I can go in peace"" Mom, hang in there" I said." I want you to see your grandchildren" She looked at me doubtfully." I'm happy now. I don't expect to see my grandchildren" I reached out, pulled her to me, and whispered in her ear," Mom, you will. I just know it" My mother-in-law did ...

... Magnolia I spent the week before my daughter's June wedding running last-minute trips to the caterer, florist, tuxedo shop, and the church about forty miles away. As happy as I was that Patsy was marrying a good Christian young man, I felt laden with responsibilities as I watched my budget dwindle... so many details, so many bills, and so little time. My son Jack was away at college, but he said he would be there to walk his younger sister down the aisle, taking the place of his dad who had died a few years before. He teased Patsy, saying he'd wanted to give her away since she was about three years old! To save money, I gathered blossoms from several friends who had large magnolia trees. Their luscious, creamy-white blooms and slick green leaves would make beautiful arrangements against the rich dark wood inside the church. After the rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding, we banked ...

... to sound both old and jolly at the same time. I was about 50 pounds heavier then so I had the round little belly part down fine. My beard, however, was another matter as it kept sliding halfway down my face. I think that more than a few of the kids recognized me, but it didn't matter. They still rejoiced in seeing Santa. They still laughed and delighted in their small gifts and candy canes. They still felt joyous and happy. They still knew that they were loved and that was all that mattered to them. If there is one thing that I could give to each of you at Christmas time and every day of the year, it would be that knowledge that you are loved. You are loved and watched over by a greater love than you could ever imagine. You are loved by God who made you, who delights in you, and who wants you to be happy. In all ...

... room was starving. Each person held a spoon that reached the pot but each spoon had a handle so much longer than their own arms that it could not be used to get the stew into their own mouths. The suffering was terrible." Come now, I will show you heaven" the Lord said. They entered a room identical to the first, the big pot of stew, the group of people and the same long-handled spoons. But here everyone was happy and well nourished." I don't understand" said the man." Why is everyone happy here and miserable in the other room? Everything is the same"" Here, said the Lord, they have learned to SERVE each other" Addendum-Galatians 5: 13-14 (NKJ)" For you brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love SERVE one another. For all the law is ...

... found department and He would claim me. I've had very frustrating days, too. Days when I felt like I wanted to run away. Recently it's been more like I just wanted to stop playing the game, make up my own rules and live the rest of my life doing what I believe God wants me to do. I want to do it without regard to income, corporate standards or a boss who thinks work is not the place to be social or happy. But life demands certain things. Like the need to pay bills. Like the need follow rules. Like the need to even have a boss. This all came to light when I spoke to a wonderful woman who plays the harp. I was told she would like to share her talent with hospice patients. I thought that was great. So I called her. She thought it was great, too. That is until we talked about life's demands." In ...

... I loved it! I was so excited to discover a young boy who would care that much for a friend. It was playing right before my eyes and I couldn't wait to hear how it ended. It wouldn't be until the next day that I would learn the outcome. I was like a kid at Christmas. I love this stuff. I wanted to jump up and clap my hands when I heard how it really turned out. I wanted to hear a happy ending. In the mean time, mom was struggling with it all. She felt the need to make her son play. Personally, I wanted to see a stand off like the scene from" High Noon" The coach at one end, Johnny at the other. It turns out that Jake called Johnny and told him to play anyway. I'm not sure how true that was, but Johnny showed up. No High Noon. In fact, in my eyes it ...

... whatever time he had spent on this earth, he most likely walked many rough roads and too many important miles. Now he should be apologizing for moving slower? My heart ached as I looked into his eyes. I wished that I could see what he had seen all those years. His face weathered from life itself, was creased and wrinkled. The small soft pockets under his eyes and the gentle lines that curved up and around them told me he had many happy moments, too. Those were traces left behind from laughter and a smiling, happy man." My friend, can I help you with those things ?" I asked. Hesitant at first, he finally said," Well, yes, thank you !" I placed my hand under his left arm and walked with him a safe distance away from the rush of people." So what are you shopping for, sir ?"" Oh, just a little something for my ...

... . Some places had dark stains that no amount of washing could ever remove. But the coat was warm and it was the only one she had, so the little raggedy girl wore it to school every day. Christmas was only a few days away now, and it was the last school day before the long vacation. On her way home that day, a wet snow was falling accompanied by a biting north wind. It was cold and miserable. She was happy about her old coat and the warmth it provided. Still she wanted to get home quickly to the warmth of her house. Several blocks from the school she saw three boys standing on the sidewalk. They seemed to be arguing, but she couldn't make out the words-just a lot of shouting. Then one of the boys suddenly snatched the coat off one the other boy's back. The boy tried to hold onto his coat, but the other one was stronger. ...

... on ingredients so their little entrepreneurs can shout~' LEMONADE-10 CENTS A GLASS !! ' The smell of backyard barbecues always bring to mind the memory of my dad attempting to grill hamburgers. We'd jump for joy even though we knew the hamburgers and hot dogs would be so well past done they'd be well on their way to burnt. Now it is my dear hubby who likes to play weekend chef. It is his turn to burn the burgers while leaving a happy memory of family time for our kids to recall in years to come. Many years from now the smell of freshly cut grass will bring the same aroma therapy of youth to our children as it does to us, their aging parents. Back in the summer of our youth every boy's bike had a baseball mitt hanging from the handle bars. On hot muggy nights moms and dads visited with neighbors on front porches while kids shared in the joy of catching lightening bugs in Mason ...

... wrong ” I realized that my reminding her of what I thought she should be doing was only pushing her away. I guess you could say it was a turning point for me. Having felt like a failure as a parent, as a role model, as a Christian woman, a heavy cloud had formed over my head. It affected every aspect of my life. I even stopped writing, assuming that there was nothing to write about since there was “ no happy ending ” There were, also, other family crises that contributed to my ongoing depression, as well. I knew that God was in control, and not me, but I was angry at Him for allowing things to go the way they did. Sometimes, we just have to learn the hard way, don't we? Now, my parental plight could have been worse, and pales in comparison to others, but the concept is still the same. Accepting the things ...

... how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me" After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. When one came to the first tree he said," This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter". and he began cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest. At the second tree a woodsman said," This looks like a strong tree, I should be able to sell it to the shipyard" The second tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship. When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true. ...

... , from the moment we met, I knew we would connect. His response was perfect. His answer was mine. It is that time of year when we reflect back on accomplishments and failures. It is a wrapping up and an unfolding all in one. The sentimental fool that I am keeps me deep in thought filling my days with mood swings easily compared to riding a roller coaster. Oddly, I love those ups and yes, even the downs. The happy thoughts remind me that life is good. The sad thoughts remind me that life is fragile. In the end I hope for more happy than sad, but still come out on top when the ball officially drops on New Years Eve, if I can at least find balance. You may think this strange, too, when I say some of my best years turned out to be the years when I struggled, lost, failed and retreated into the darkness of that final ...

... Hank ’ s dish maneuver was Josey sending a playful" stamp of approval" all the way from Rainbow Bridge. More tears tumbled! Hank was up for anything that involved being rough and tumble and he cared not that Shiloh was much larger. When they weren ’ t wrestling or playing chase, he would lavish me and my husband with kisses. From dawn until dusk his tail wagged and he bounced instead of walking. I often thought he should have been named Happy! Life was good.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Quite abruptly and with only a few subtle signs, Shiloh was blind by the time Hank turned one year of age. My husband, Jerry, and I were overwhelmed with anxiety and fear. I read everything I could find about living with a blind animal and had lengthy visits with our vet. Regardless of all I learned, in my mind I knew Shiloh would ...

... frazzled, much-loved rag doll hugged tightly to her chest. She paused in front of the box that held the toys, pressed her round little face into Lucy's flat, painted-on-face, gave her a final kiss, then laid her gently on top of the other toys." Oh, Honey ," I said." You don't have to give Lucy. You love her so much" Meghan nodded solemnly, eyes glistening with held-back tears." Lucy makes me happy, Mommy. Maybe she'll make that other little girl happy, too" Swallowing hard, I stared at Meghan for a long moment, wondering how I could teach the boys the lesson she had just taught me. For I suddenly realized that anyone can give their cast-offs away. True generosity is giving that which you cherish most. Honest benevolence is a three-year-old offering a treasured, albeit shabby doll to a little girl she doesn't know with the hope that it will bring this ...

... time there was a child ready to be born. So one day he asked God: They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless? Among the many angels, I chose one for you. She will be waiting for you and will take care of you. But tell me, here in Heaven, I don't do anything else but sing and smile, that's enough for me to be happy. Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you every day. And you will feel your angel's love and be happy. And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me, if I don't know the language that people talk? Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak. And what am I going ...

... Fast Pitch In Heaven I met Tracy the spring our youngest son was playing on the baseball travel team with her older brother. She was a thin, happy spirited little gal. Always with her parents to cheer for her brother and the team. She told me she had been playing softball with the girls ' team in the nine-year-old division, and they were pretty bad, but she did her best and loved the game. She wanted to play fast pitch when she got older. I told her she was making a good start playing, even if they didn't always win! As spring turned into summer and we traveled throughout the state playing against teams in our division, I noticed Tracy's Mom was quite watchful of her actions, always concerned if there was a chill in the air as we sat in the area where Moms sit during these games, mostly on hard bleachers! While Dads seemed to stand near the coach's corner, ...

... remember how I was and how I am now. Those who haven't experienced what I've been through won't know the difference and with all I've learned, I have to remember how I used to feel when I deal with them and I have to remember to understand. Monetary things are the next. I recently listened to a speaker at a conference and one of the questions she asked was," If given the choice, would you choose 30 million dollars or peace and happiness ?" I was in a room with close to 30 parents who had children with disabilities and not a one of them raised their hand for the 30 million. (Although I briefly thought that 30 million would buy some quality child care and help further the cause for equality) However, I did realize that it wouldn't make my daughter see, nor would it replace things many other children needed. Ten years ago I would have been convinced that the money was my answer to ...

... word. As it began to grow dark, the boy realized how tired he was and he got up to leave. He turned around, ran back to the old woman and gave her a hug. She gave him her biggest smile ever. When the boy opened the door to his own house a short time later, his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face. She asked him," What did you do today that made you so happy ?" He replied," I had lunch with God. You know what? She's got the most beautiful smile I've ever seen !" Meanwhile, the old woman, also radiant with joy, returned to her home. Her son was stunned by the look of peace on her face and he asked," Mother, what did you do today that made you so happy ?" She replied," I ate Twinkies in the park with God. You know, He's much younger ...

... played, soaking up the sun's penetrating rays. The late afternoon and evening, we spent at the ball field where our oldest son played Little League baseball. I noticed dizziness and a blurring of my vision but brushed it off thinking I had just over done in the heat of the day. Over the next weeks the symptoms only worsened and I was hospitalized and given the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. That conclusion was reached over thirty years ago. I was less than happy with the verdict but did not let it defeat me. I have never really blamed anything or anyone for the sentence that was doled out to me that day. I did question what the revenge of such a disease would mostly mean and what were my options for treatment. I then decided to live my life the best I could in spite of the likely conclusions I was apt to face. I have never been able to understand how people can blame God turning against Him ...

... season for a six year old filled with hopes, dreams and laughter. For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's" Winter Pageant" I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then. Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise. So, just as I promised, on the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in 10 minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats. As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform ...

... 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, realizing that God will never give up on me. And 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. [Author Unknown-from E-Mail Ministry (emailministry @emailministry.org)] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... else, all the small things in life. If we had first poured sand into the pot of jam, there wouldn't have been any room left for anything else such as the marbles or the golf balls. It's the same thing in Life. If we put all our energy and all our time into the small things, we will never have any time / space left for the things that really matter. Pay attention to the things that are really important to your happiness. Play with your children, take time to go to the doctor, have dinner with your spouse / partner, exercise or take time to enjoy your favorite pass-times. There will always be time to do the cleaning and fix the taps on the kitchen sink. Take care of the golf balls first, of the things that really matter. Choose your priorities, the rest is just sand" One of the students then raised a hand and asked what the coffee meant. ...

... and left home, I give you this one for courage" Then the Lord added an amethyst stone." I'll place a stone of garnet ," He said," For all the times you spent on your knees, When you asked me to take care of your children, And them for having faith in me"" I have a pearl for every little sacrifice, That you made without them knowing, For all the times you went without, To keep them happy, healthy, and growing"" And last of all I have a diamond, The greatest of all gems, For those mother's who lost their children, When they came home to heaven before them"" This is the most precious sacrifice, So I give the most precious stone, For I know just how you felt, I too lost a child of my own" After the Lord placed the last jewel in, He said," Heaven is now complete, ...

... head and asked in all sincerity that his 25 years could muster and asked," Should I put down blond or gray ?"" Blond" I told him, trying to hold onto my dignity as I reached over the desk and whispered," I'm due for a date with Clariol !" There's no denying the hands of time hold us all in their delicate grip. But I'm learning that having a sense of humor about it certainly can turn the tide from hopeless to happy. After all, age is just a number. No matter what your hair color or how many lines map a wrinkled face, you will always only be as old as you feel. And with that thought in mind I threw on my baggy sweats, slipped into my favorite slippers and headed right to the store for that much needed bottle of youth-the blond hair dye. There is comfort in time gone by; comfort in accepting the fact that, for most ...

... and her life. I talked with my husband and her. I prayed. Over and over I felt as though God were saying," Helen doesn't belong here. Bring her home" Before the next semester, Helen transferred to the same university her sister attended, just south of where we live. There, her talents are celebrated and encouragement and" hands on" teaching are the order of the day. The change has been miraculous. Helen has been so happy-until the day of the carnage at Virginia Tech. If Helen had stayed at Virginia Tech-if we had coerced her to stay in the big school with the big name-there is no doubt that Helen would have been in the Engineering Building, that moment, that day. At the time that I was praying and feeling the pressure of God on my heart, I would have moved Heaven and Earth to make her leave Virginia Tech. I was ready to ...

... the more she resembled Lassie. Kevin's mother opted to call the old man at the dog pound as her curiosity was overwhelmingly piqued." Hello ," the old man responded on the other end of the phone," Corbin County dog pound. My name is Joe and how can we help you today ?"" Hi Joe, I came in a month or so ago with my son and we got the dog you named" Fire"" Yes ma'am, he replied happily," I'm glad you called. been wondering how old" Fire" has been doing. How can I help you ?" She took a deep breath and asked," Well Joe, I'm curious about just one thing and thought you might know the answer. What kind of mutt is 'Fire ?" The old man softly chuckled before replying." Ma'am ", 'Fire ' isn't a mutt" Confused she continued," If she's not a mutt, what kind of dog is ...

... the sight of a clean kitchen and empty laundry hamper make for an evening of spontaneous romance? I know it works for me~the cleaner the house the more amorous I feel! Men and women; we define romance in different ways-but if we ever expect to have and to hold, the whimsy of wedded bliss, we need to really listen to the language of our husband's love. It will serve us well all the days of our married lives. HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY Roses are red, violets are blue, May the language of love be heard by you.~Kathy Whirity~Bio: Kathy Whirity lives in Chicago where she shares her life and love with her husband of 29 years, Bill, their two daughters, Jaime and Katie, and two rambunctious retrievers, Holly and Hannah. Kathy is a newspaper columnist who shares her sentimental musings on family life. [by: Kathy Whirity Copyright 2005-submitted by: Kathy ...

... this bank. But you said that I had you, and I say that you had me. The truth is that neither one of us had the other." What are you saying ," Jack asked, suddenly becoming very nervous." If you were all the way up there and I was all the way down here ," Jack asked," then who was holding our hands ?"" Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise" (James 5: 13 NIV) [by Ed Price-from 'Themestream '] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... oven ahead of time with a little bacon grease in the bottom of the pan. It made the cornbread crispy on the bottom and sides and also gave it a touch of bacon flavor. There was nothing better than a big hunk of Momma's hot cornbread sliced open with a dollop of butter on top. Bacon grease was used in many ways. Momma used it to make piecrusts, fry chicken, to make gravy, wilted lettuce, and she even made the dog happy by pouring a little bacon grease over the dry dog food. My husband, Mike, has his own uses for bacon grease. He likes eggs for breakfast, and he has always preferred his eggs basted in a little bacon grease, that is, he did until recently. The last time he asked for basted eggs in a restaurant it went something like this:" I would like my eggs basted, please"" Pasted? What are pasted eggs ?" the waitress ...

... . It had" Something for Stevie" printed on the outside. As he picked it up, two $10 bills fell onto the table. Stevie stared at the money, then at all the napkins peeking from beneath the tableware, each with his name printed or scrawled on it. I turned to his mother." There's more than $10, 000 in cash and checks on that table, all from truckers and trucking companies that heard about your problems. Happy Thanksgiving !" Well, It got really noisy about that time, with everybody hollering and shouting, and there were a few tears, as well. But you know what's funny? While everybody else was busy shaking hands and hugging each other, Stevie, with a big, big smile on his face, was busy clearing all the cups and dishes from the table. Best worker I ever hired! Plant a seed and watch it grow. At this point, you can ...

... stronger so they play chasing butterflies and each other through fields filled with daises, buttercups and buzzing bees. Over a hill there is surprising, eye-catching splendor of an orchard. The tree limbs bent low heavy with the tart, tangy apples ready to be picked to pucker and please our lips waiting in anticipation. Peaches sweet and succulent ready to fill a pie makers dream.Can you visualize leaves playing tag along a sun-washed road? How about a brook playing leap-frog as it splashes happily over sun dappled rocks? Can you see the ducks playing follow-the-leader in a near by pond, as frogs sun themselves on fragrant flower-filled lily pads? Oh, look! The sun is playing hide and seek with the clouds. The clouds win! Now it is raining. Raining on our sun-washed road. Raining on the orchards and fields Life-giving, thirst-quenching rain. Enjoy the fresh, clean smell of the earth being cleansed by the warm summer rain. Ribbons of water draw ...

... instructions, we placed it between the back tire and frame and clamped it together with a few heavy duty plastic strip ties. Even though this vinyl covering causes an annoying sound, like a kid's bike with cards stuck in the spokes, nothing compares to the melody of hearing my darling grand baby girl oohing and aahhing while patting my back as we pedal through the park. It's a tune I hope will be heard all summer long. I look forward to sharing more happy, joyful memories with my precious little passenger, on our own special version of a bicycle built for two.~Kathy Whirity~Kathy is a newspaper columnist who shares her sentimental musings on family life. Life Is A Kaleidoscope is Kathy's first published book which is a compilation of some of her most popular columns. She is also a contributor to the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series. She and her husband, Bill, live in Chicago. You can visit her ...

... we are loved with a Love far beyond human understanding, a Love that enables us to accept and love others in return" Then tenderly he added," Let ’ s pray together" That wise pastor-under the guise of a homeless" nobody"-did not preach a sermon that day, but every person left with plenty to think about. By: Bonnie Bruno" It is a sin to hate your neighbor. But being kind to the needy brings happiness" (Proverbs 14: 21) [By: Bonnie Bruno Copyright 1997-from KJ-{ Used with Permission}] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... do you say that you envy me ?" The driver answered," You know, every morning for the past week, a fine looking gentleman in a military uniform has been standing across the corner watching you when you get off the bus. He makes sure you cross the street safely and he watches you until you enter your office building. Then he blows you a kiss, gives you a little salute and walks away. You are one lucky lady" Tears of happiness poured down Susan's cheeks. For, although she couldn't physically see him, she had always felt Mark's presence. She was lucky, so lucky, for he had given her a gift more powerful than sight, a gift she didn't need to see to believe-the gift of love that can bring light where there had been darkness. God watches over us in just the same way. We may not know He is present. We may not be able to see His ...

... and decided to move in. At the end of the semester I had planned to find other living arrangements, since the daughter was to return home. But they asked if I wanted to stay on another term, suggesting I move across the hall and share a room with their son. By this time I seemed to have been adopted into their family-her people became my people, as it was put so beautifully in the old biblical story of Ruth. I happily accepted the offer. As I vacated the daughter's bedroom, I thought it might be nice to have a little sister to look after. But when I later met my new sister, I realized that this idea of looking after her might be more interesting than I first imagined. We eventually fell in love, married, and have looked after one another for many years. There have been times that life turned out to be more challenging than either of us could have known ...

... it first. Go ahead, read it"" My God, I have never thanked Thee for my thorn! I have thanked Thee a thousand times for my roses, but never once for my thorn. Teach me the glory of the cross I bear, teach me the value of my thorns. Show me that I have climbed to Thee by the path of pain. Show me that my tears have made my rainbow. -George Matheson" Jenny said," Happy Thanksgiving, Sandra ," handing her the Special." I look forward to our knowing each other better" Sandra smiled. She turned, opened the door, and walked toward hope! [Author Unknown-from: Aniceprsn @aol.com, via Bill Rayborn] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... and laughed about the situation the wife came in carrying the basket of apples. They looked kind of stunned as she asked if she could see her husband and deliver his basket. Sure, they agreed as they watched her slip past into his room. Curiosity consumed them over the next few weeks as they tended to the elderly man. He was eaten with cancer and the doctors had given him no hope of survival. He turned out to be a very calm, happy man once he had his basket. His wife, they noticed, would come in with apples and go out with apples and the curiosity grew even more till one nurse couldn't stand the suspense. One night as he was nearing the end, the nurse sat down in a chair by the wife" May I ask why do you have that apple basket? I just don't understand the significance"" I am an apple farmer by trade he sighed. From the time I ...

... outside the doors of the university, and feel like the weight of the world has been lifted off your shoulders for at least a little while. I can't even begin to imagine what it felt like for Kim after so many years. I love you, Kim, and I want you to know that I admire you for that symbolic piece of paper that will soon adorn a wall in your house. In the words of Caleb, my three year old:" HAPPY 'GRADULATION AUNT KIMMY !" Copyright 1999 by Michael T. Powers [by: Michael T. Powers Copyright 1999 (HeartTouchers @aol.com)-submitted by: Michael T. Powers] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... warm blanket of prayers." Lord, help me love Rose. Lord, bless Rose" Over the next few days an amazing thing began to happen. As I prayed for this irritating woman, my focus shifted from what she was doing to me, and I started seeing Rose as the hurting person she was. The icy tension began to melt away. Throughout the rest of the summer, we had numerous opportunities to work together. Each time she seemed genuinely happy to see me. As I worked with this lonely woman, I listened to her -something no one else had done. I learned that she was burdened by elderly parents who needed her care, her own health problems, and an alcoholic husband she was thinking of leaving. The days slipped by quickly as I finished the last several weeks of my summer job. Leaves were starting to turn yellow and red, and there was a cool, crispness in the air. I ...

... them to her friends. Nothing feels better after a hard day at the office, dentist, or tax accountant, than a big hug and sticky" tootsie roll" kiss from your favorite kid. The best presents are not made of gold or silver, but consist of uncooked macaroni noodles glued to a jar and sprayed with paint. Being a Mom is the best job in the world, and it's truly worth the spider veins, extra pounds and extra wrinkles. Happy Mothers Day! [by Darlene Buechel (rljersey @tcei.com)-from 'Heartwarmer '] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... I love you both, Mother" That night I paged through the Bible in a hotel room and found the verses:" I am leaving you with a gift: peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't fragile like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid. Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again. If you really love me, you will be very happy for me, for now I can go to the Father, who is greater than I am. I have told you these things before they happen so that when they do, you will believe in me" The shirt was Mother's final gift. She had known for three months that she had terminal Lou Gehrig's disease. Mother died the following year at age 57. I was tempted to send the yellow shirt with her to her grave. But I'm glad I didn't, ...

... air just outside the doors of the university, and feel like the weight of the world has been lifted off your shoulders for at least a little while. I can't even begin to imagine what it felt like for Kim after so many years. I love you, Kim, and I want you to know that I admire you for that symbolic piece of paper that will soon adorn a wall in your house. In the words of Caleb, my three-year-old:" HAPPY GRADULATION, AUNT KIMMY !" [By: Michael T. Powers, 2000 (HeartTouchers @aol.com)-from (the-inspired-buffalo @yahoogroups.com)] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... of the baby Jesus. We always thought that these were the things that meant Christmas. After the Christmas service young people received gifts of special chocolate, special cookies, and special crackers. Young people were told that the gifts come from Father Christmas, and this always meant Christmas for us. They also received new clothes and perhaps new pairs of shoes. Meanwhile throughout the celebration, everyone was greeted with the special greeting word," Afishapa" meaning Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Oh how I wish that those memories were real tonight in order to bring us Christmas. However, this Christmas Eve things were different and I knew Christmas would never come. Every one was sad and desperate because of what happened last April when the so-called Army of Liberation attacked our village and took all the young boys and girls away. Families were separated and some were murdered. We were forced to march and work for many miles without food. We were ...

... Where Two Ways Met The boys were so excited and happy as we shopped all day before our Doctor appointment at three that afternoon. My husband Charlie had the job of keeping them busy while I picked out gifts to put under the tree. We had purchased new coats, gloves, and snow boots for both boys and a pram suit for our little daughter. Charlie and I also had new warm winter coats. Our car was piled with gifts and food in the trunk and our old coats were in the back seat with the boys. My wait was much longer than expected as the doctor had been called to an emergency at the hospital earlier in the day. I came out of the office to face a terrible snowstorm. The blizzard conditions were growing worse all the time. My husband was concerned as to our making it back to our country home about seven miles from town. He thought about us staying in a motel for the ...

... took the five-dollar bill, stuffed it inside his glove and put the glove back on his hand. I passed him my husband's gloves and watched him put them on. A big smile, the first one I'd seen, spread across his face." Thanks! These are great !"" Glad you like them kiddo ," were the only words I could get past the lump in my throat. The gloves were way too big for him. and he was so very happy to have them. Most kids his age wouldn't be caught wearing them, period, let alone in public. He looked over his shoulder, towards McDonalds." Are you hungry ?" I asked. He looked down at the ground," Yes"" Me too !" I said. He started to pull the glove off." Do you want your money back ?" he asked, with genuine concern in his voice." No, no. I just meant I ...

... was pure white now. Pre-maturely white, I would think since he is only in his early 40's. These were my thoughts as we approached each other. It wouldn't be until after our conversation that I would understand. Life has a way of aging us." Where have you been, my friend ?" I asked." I haven't gone far but I've been there and back ," he replied with a smile. It just didn't seem right. He was always happy and upbeat. He walked like a man in love with the world. Today he dragged himself across the room as if he were now angry at it." So, how long has it been, five, ten years since we last spoke ?" I asked. He shook his head slowly as if it really didn't matter." Time is lost on those who stop looking at the clock ," he said." So, you are living a care free life now ...

... made my first trek to walk with her at her favorite spot-a woodland path around a pond. I used to walk there with her every day... before. It was emotionally brutal seeing my old dog amble so lamely now. With her head down, she tried her best to walk a straight line, but she couldn't. The next day, something wondrous happened. Gracie remembered her calling. Renewed as if granted a second life, she became happy and purposeful in her ever-vigilant new role as" Grand Protector of My Mom" If another dog jumps up to greet me, I fall. So, on that second day, a dog about 30 pounds bigger and many years younger than Gracie raced in my direction. Gracie, barking" I'll get him !" moved as fast as she could to shield me. She planted her old, weak body right in front of me as a barrier. She faced the ...

... a look of anger on his face. Grandfather said," Come, sit, tell me what has happened today" The child sat and leaned his chin on his Grandfather's knee. Looking up into the wrinkled, nut brown face and the kind dark eyes; the child's anger turned to quiet tears. The boy said," I went to the town today, with my father, to trade the furs he has collected over the past several months. I was happy to go, because father said that since I had helped him with the trapping, I could get something for me. Something that I wanted. I was so excited to be in the trading post, I have not been there before. I looked at many things and finally found a metal knife! It was small, but good size for me, so father got it for me" Here the boy laid his head against his grandfather's knee and became silent. The ...

... unwrapped the box, careful not to rip the paper for she was sure that this was a keeper, a moment she will never forget. Removing the lid she found a chocolate heart that was broken into pieces along with a note:" The lady said all she had left was a broken heart. I told her so did we"" I am so sorry that Dad left us Mom. But I just wanted you to know we still have each other" Happy Valentines Day, Love, Your son, Adam What better love on Valentine's Day then the love of a mother and child." I believe in You !"~Bob Perks~" Reflect upon your present blessings-of which every man has many-not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some"-Added by Editor: SkyWriting.Net [by: Bob Perks Copyright 2009 (2believe @comcast.net)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All ...

... You Are Not Alone It was Valentine's Day. I was in a new job. My boss walked up to me and handed me a red, heart-shaped balloon," Happy Valentine's Day, Mike !" My cubicle is one of hundreds in an acre of cubes. If I go to the bathroom, the lunchroom, or am just coming in to start my day, I'm lost. Every cubicle looks the same. I tied the balloon to the wall of my cubicle," There !" I thought to myself." Now I'll be able to find my cube" An hour later, I stood up and looked around. Every cubicle had a red, heart-shaped balloon tied to it. For a short time I thought I was different, but I was wrong. I was not the only balloon. Memories from the past came flashing back." Stop shaking the floor !" Dad yelled. We were three boys in a four room house ...

... Your Wake Up Call! You've already heard about her. Perhaps you have even seen her. If you haven't you should. Above all the roar and thunder. Above all the praise and cheering. Far above all else, there is a message here for all of us. I love happy endings. I love when the under dog wins against all odds. The David and Goliath stories take my heart and squeezes it until I can no longer restrain myself. I will jump up and cheer. I will shout to roof tops in celebration. Every once in awhile the world is reminded that we put frivilous, fake and superficial ahead of reason, compassion and dignity. Then God steps in and says" look .you are a masterpiece. You are a bright shining example of my work. Lift up your head and hold it high! Your gifts may not be obvious to the world, but who are they to judge my creation !" ...

... he turned. and ran. He was sad and so very disappointed. He began to cry. All he wanted to do was tell the King wonderful things, and see all the beautiful things in the King's house. But he couldn't even get near the castle! The boy finally stopped running and sat down and just cried. A young man happened to be coming down the path at that very moment. He was carrying a sack over his shoulder and whistling a happy tune. He saw the little boy and stopped." What's wrong, young man? Why are you so sad ?" he asked." Sir, I've been walking for several days just to see the King, but the gate-keeper wont let me in. I just wanted to tell the King how lovely everything is and see all the neat things in his castle. If only I could tell the King that I just wanted to see him !" wailed the little boy. ...

... Wouldn't Change A Thing Have you ever dreamed of running away and joining the circus? At age twenty-four, my childhood fantasy came true when I seized the opportunity to do just that. Every morning when I woke up, I marveled at my blessings." People aren't supposed to be this happy when they grow up, are they ?" It all started one hot August night when a skydiving buddy invited me to try trapeze at a local YMCA. The first time that I stood high above the floor on a small wooden pedestal, wrapped my fingers around a freshly taped" fly-bar" and swung out over a giant net, I was hooked! This led to a five-year love affair with the circus. Occasionally, a sight or sound or smell catapults me back to the days when my husband, Gary, and I trooped with the circus. Last night, while rummaging through some papers, I unearthed an old photo of us. Grinning ...

... when suddenly the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, and you feel a surge of the Spirit. Somehow you just know: Others have chosen, when talking to the Author of all creation, to lift us up,-to speak of us! This is love of a very special order. But so is the ability to sit back and appreciate the wonder of every created thing. The mere thought of death somehow makes every blessing vivid, every happiness more luminious and intense. We may not know how our contest with sickness will end, but we have felt the ineluctable touch of God. What is man that Thou are mindful of him? We don't know much, but we know this: No matter where we are, no matter what we do, no matter how bleak or frightening our prospects, each and every one of us who believe each and every day, lies in the same safe and impregnable place, ...

... . There in front of the house was the work team, already hitched to the big sled. Whatever it was we were going to do wasn't going to be a short, quick, little job. I could tell. We never hitched up the big sled unless we were going to haul a big load. Pa was already up on the seat, reins in hand. I reluctantly climbed up beside him. The cold was already biting at me. I wasn't happy. When I was on, Pa pulled the sled around the house and stopped in front of the woodshed. He got off and I followed." I think we'll put on the high sideboards ," he said." Here, help me" The high sideboards! It had been a bigger job than I wanted to do with just the low sideboards on, but whatever it was we were going to do would be a lot bigger with the high sideboards on. When ...

... the Mt. Greenwood community. With five daughters close in age, and a son, there was, no doubt, never a dull moment for their patient parents. And I thought having two daughters less than two years apart was a challenge! Like any other family overflowing with females, they fought, snuck each others clothes and, in coming of age years, shared the all important teen-age secrets. They supported each other in bad times and shared the laughter in happy times. Not much has changed in the years since they have grown into adults. I recently read an empowering story about the Powers women. They have joined forces to fight breast cancer with what they call Team KA-POW. Membership to this team includes many friends and family who support Annie and Kathleen, both cancer patients who are dedicated to raising funds to find a cure for this dreaded disease. Breast cancer is not the only medical affliction affecting women in the Powers family. ...

... . Then your crates arrived. When my staff removed the covers, they found a pair of glasses wedged between two blankets. The missionary paused long enough to let his words sink in. Then, still gripped with the wonder of it all, he continued:" Folks, when I tried on the glasses, it was as though they had been custom made just for me! I want to thank you for being a part of that" The people listened, happy for the miraculous glasses. But the missionary surely must have confused their church with another, they thought. There were no glasses on their list of items to be sent overseas. But sitting quietly in the back, with tears streaming down his face, an ordinary carpenter realized the Master Carpenter had used him in an extraordinary way. There are times we want to blame God instead of thanking him! Perhaps it is something we ought to try more often," Thank you ...

... enemy-whether he knows it or not" I've come to realize that genuine forgiveness is crucial if any of us will find peace. Whether or not it restores a broken relationship, it sets our own hearts free. Those who will be bound by the promise to sincerely forgive, will be freed from the bonds of the past. Those are Fr. Jenco's words:" We're all bound to forgive" And those who are bound to forgive are bound to be happy.~Steve Goodier~[ by: Steve Goodier Copyright 2008 (LifeSupport @yahoogroups.com)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... long, and I've tried so hard. Forgive me if I've failed to find something worthy to do. I fear that now it's too late" But just then the cactus felt a strange stirring and unfolding, and it knew a surge of joy that erased all despair. At its very tip, like a sudden crown, a glorious flower suddenly opened in bloom. Never had the desert known such a blossom. Its fragrance perfumed the air far and wide and brought happiness to all passing by. The butterflies paused to admire its beauty, and that night even the moon smiled when it rose to find such a treasure. The cactus heard a voice." You have waited long ," the Lord said." The heart that seeks to do good reflects My glory, and will always bring something worthwhile to the world, something in which all can rejoice-even if for only a moment" [Author Unknown-from Nancy Cantafio (InspiredBuffalo ...

... store for the occasion had all you could want for the fall festivities. Caramel apples covered in peanuts to sink your teeth into, cider to sip, and popcorn balls to crunch. No trip to the pumpkin patch would be complete without a good old fashioned hay ride. The farmer's tractor pulled the long, wooden seated vehicle out into the middle of the patch as the children sang songs.The ride was bumpy, the songs were severely off key, but the giggle of happy children always made for a joyful ride. When we reached our destination the kids were instructed to only pick a pumpkin they were able to carry. Of course it never failed-Bill and I would each be lugging an oversized Jack-O-Lantern back to where the tractor waited. I fondly remember all the fun on a far away piece of farmland where the weather signaled the end of summer and the beginning of frost filled nights. The other day Bill and I took a ride that ...

... . I was wrong. As she was getting ready for the party, arranging her long white hair in a French twist, my grandma commented," I'm always surprised when I look in the mirror and see all these wrinkles" Holding her hand over her heart, she added," In here, I'm still a young woman" She applied bright red lipstick. I sat on the bed watching her primp." So, what is the secret of a long happy marriage ?" She sprayed floral cologne on her wrists." Don't settle" I must have looked puzzled." Don't settle. That is all you need to know" She tucked a stray wisp of hair in place. I twisted my own hair around my fingers hoping to coax it into curl. Turning the page of Grandma's photo album, I saw an out-of-focus photo of nondescript steps." Where's this ?"" That is where your grandpa proposed to me; we had ...

... The Wedding Dress When a mother dreams of her daughter's wedding day she has visions of the flowing white gown and a beautiful bouquet. She pictures her husband, the father of the bride, walking their daughter down the aisle, arm in arm while tears of happiness blur her view. Never in those days of anticipating her daughter's Cinderella day did she once think about something equally important-the shopping for the wedding dress. But, as the mother of the bride soon learns there are many tedious steps that need to be taken before the glorious event of walking down the aisle. As a newcomer to the bridal scene I pretty much thought that if you've seen one white wedding dress you've pretty much seen them all. Did I not learn anything from the past experience of shopping for Prom gowns? This, I was to learn, would be an experience like no other. The hangers each held a variety of styles. There were the poofy-foo-foo ...

... was and that my father was also a former Marine and 100 percent disabled from the Korean War. I explained that he was in the hospital, alone, without anyone to visit and asked if Sergeant Vanes would please go and see him. Without hesitation, he answered," Absolutely" Then I asked," If I send flowers to the recruiting station, would you deliver them to my dad when you go to the hospital ?"" Ma'am, I will be happy to take the flowers to your dad. I'll give you my address. You send them, and I will make sure that he receives them ," he replied. The next morning, I sent the flowers to Sergeant Vane's office just as we had planned. I went to work, and that evening, I returned home and phoned my dad to inquire about his surprise visitor. If you have ever talked with a small child after that child has just seen Santa Claus, ...

... toppled over and landed on her back in the grass. Helena fought, but the feeling of love and peace that now surrounded her stopped her struggles. It took a few moments before Helena opened her eyes. She was covered from head to foot in a flowing robe of the finest, heavenly blue. Though it was thin and there was now quite a strong wind coming from the black hole in the sky, Helena felt warm and comfortable. She felt loved and happy and safe. Helena smiled and looked up at the sky. Softly she called up," I don't understand what just happened" Then there came a voice like no other she had ever heard. It seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere. It sang through the trees, and rumbled through the earth and sighed in the long grass" You prayed for help and help has come ," said the voice." You have been given back what you lost. Piece by ...

... public telephone and hurriedly dialed 911. Because funding for the police, paramedic and fire rescue services had all been drastically cut, being woefully under-staffed there was no unit available to send, especially not to such an out-of-the-way place. The emergency dispatcher immediately gave the sympathetic Samaritan a referral list of private ambulance companies to contact. One-by-one the Samaritan called each of the ambulance companies, but all required a cash deposit prior to actual transport of the patient, which they would be happy to charge to the" financially responsible party" on any valid American Express, MasterCharge or Visa Card. In lieu of a cash deposit, only a limited number of health insurance plans were accepted, providing they could obtain prior authorization from the health care provider for ambulance services (but no HMO's or PPO's). In vain, the Samaritan tried to explain that the thieves had stripped the man naked and left him penniless without his wallet; there was no way to show ...

... He took her money in one hand and with the other hand he grasped her mitten and said" Take me to where you live. I want to see your brother and meet your parents. Let's see if I have the kind of miracle you need" That well dressed man was Dr. Carlton Armstrong, a surgeon, specializing in neuro-surgery. The operation was completed without charge and it wasn't long until Andrew was home again and doing well. Mom and Dad were happily talking about the chain of events that had led them to this place." That surgery," her Mom whispered." was a real miracle. I wonder how much it would have cost ?" Tess smiled. She knew exactly how much a miracle cost. one dollar and eleven cents. plus the faith of a little child. A miracle is not the suspension of natural law, but the operation of a higher law. [Thanks to Lady Alberta-from Aiken ...

... every bend in the road. Only God has given me the answers that I have sought. Peace. Love. Fulfillment. The change in my life is not a complicated one. It ’ s not about how good I am or how I pray or how often I go to church. It ’ s not about money or fame or popularity. I cannot speak for others. They must decide for themselves. I only know that the world has given me no happiness. After searching my entire life, I have only been able to find the answers to my questions on my knees at the foot of the Cross.~Jaye Lewis~Jaye Lewis is an award winning writer, who looks at life from a unique perspective, celebrating the miraculous in the everyday. She lives and writes in the beautiful mountains of Virginia. Jaye is currently editing her book, Entertaining Angels, which she hopes to submit to a publisher before the first of ...

... -a song that Bill and I have been listening to for months." I Saw God Today" is a country tune crooned by George Strait. It tells the sentimental tale of a father witnessing the birth of his baby girl. It gets me every time, never failing to bring tears to my eyes. That day in the hospital as I witnessed my first grandchild being born I can't help but remember the sounds of her very first cries that blended with the happy sobs of the new mommy-my own baby-and I knew that I would keep that memory in my heart forever. Even as I write this, the tears still fall so easily, especially as the last line of George Strait's song continues to touch my soul." My brand new baby girl, she's a miracle. I saw God today" I am now the mother of a mother and I hear that nothing in life is as special or fulfilling. As ...

... can see that he has grown to be the father and man; you would have hoped him to be and you would be very proud! So, if you're celebrating Father's Day in Heaven, I hope there's something extra special up there for you. Cause, if there ever was a," special Daddy ", it was you! I love you and miss you and till we meet again, keep that smile in your heart and a song on your lips. Happy Father's Day, Daddy!~Barbara J. Ervin-Weymouth~All Rights Reserved [by Barbara J. Ervin-Weymouth 2004 (weymouth @cwnet.com)-submitted by: Barbara J. Ervin-Weymouth] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... wouldn't have to share them at all. I had a great big smile on my face as I took the box from the shelf and confidently walked to the cash register, satisfied in my gift selecting expertise. My mom was going to love this. Christmas morning came, and my mother, the most kind-hearted person in the world, loved the tissues. Aren't moms just the best? That satisfied feeling I had in the drug store returned again when I saw her happiness. The joy we felt couldn't have been any greater, even if it had been a necklace of gold. Sadly, I believe it was her only gift. That year, I learned how to give a gift to someone special by selecting it with painstaking consideration and thoughtfulness, and wrapping it with ribbons of love. Today, as I looked at that tissue on top of the folded towels, I remembered what I had learned. I realized just how far I've come ...

... They stressed the importance of creating desire in particular characters. In fact, they went as far as to say" desire" was superior to" passion" in a person. I totally disagreed. I have found that when I am speaking with someone who is sharing their dreams and plans for the future, there is little drive in the" wanting to be ,"" planning to be" or certainly not in the" wishing to be ," goals set for becoming happy and successful in their life. Wanting, planning and wishing are words for children." I have a passion for !" is a powerful statement. It says" I want it bad enough to work for it ,"" Do whatever it takes to get it ,"" It is a part of who I am" Wow! Which one of those people do you think will succeed? The" wisher" or the one with a" passion" for it? My friend ...

... setting sun, the shining stars, the colorful rainbows, the falling snow, and the glowing moon. We can hear these gifts in the songs of a thousand birds and in the wind whistling through the trees. We can feel these gifts in the hugs of our loved ones and in the smiles of strangers. We can even share these gifts ourselves by choosing to give our own soul's love, joy, laughter, delight, peace, goodness, kindness, and happiness to everyone we meet. God's glorious love for us makes everyday holy. God's endless love for us makes everyday a gift. Let's all join God then in giving the gifts of love and joy to the world. [By: Joseph J. Mazzella-from 'Inspired Buffalo ' (InspiredBuffalo @lighthouse.net)] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... Junior and Sammy This is the story of Junior, the cat, and his" daughter" Sammie, the Pomeranian. We were blessed with Junior, an oversized cat, who sees himself as delicate and fragile, and expects to be treated as such. Junior was given to my son and we think he was about two years old. He had ruled the house alone and happily so for many months. I had told my son about seeing a story on the news regarding some" meth head" that had burned his dog alive because the poor thing wouldn't quit barking, and it had no water or food. This must have made a huge impression on him. He had attended an auction with several of his friends, which was to benefit Toys for Tots. A local woman had donated a registered Red Pomeranian puppy, not quite 6 weeks old. Two of the folks who were bidding were known to be drug users, and ...

... would head to Hanson's Park, which was located right on the lake. My first roller coaster ride was with my Uncle Al. I couldn't speak for hours afterwards. By today's ride standards that coaster would be a kiddie ride. But in the eyes of an 7 year old in 1957, it was the scariest ride on earth. I really can't remember what I did all day long back at the rented cottage, but I managed to keep myself busy and very happy. I had no video games, no electronic toys. I had my imagination, which now as I think back, may have been the foundation for what I do today. This was vacation. We traveled almost 12 miles to get there. That's right about 12 miles. I lived in Kingston we vacationed at Harvey's Lake. It was the best we could do. It was the most my family could afford. I'm 55 now and I've traveled to some of the ...

... tell, there was one particular story that always held special meaning, even carrying her into adulthood. It was the presumed true tale of a certain species of butterfly, one that was seen by very few. What made the butterfly highly sought after was its emerald green wings which housed two small heart shapes, one on each wing, thus its coined name," the elusive butterfly of love" It was said that the person who finds the elusive butterfly would live happily ever after, thus, it is no wonder the maiden searched ardently for the rare insect. As a child, the fair maiden would prance about the woods with a butterfly net; laughing, smiling, and dancing about in glee, certain she would soon catch the elusive butterfly, but, to no avail. Weeks turned into months, and months into years, and the fair maiden grew older and wiser, wondering if perhaps the elusive butterfly of love was just a ...

... protested the other." Who else gave us nourishment? Who else created this world for us ?"" We get our nourishment from this cord-and our world has always been here ?" said the one." And if there is a mother-where is she? Have you ever seen her? Does she ever talk to you? No! We invented the mother when we were young because it satisfied a need in us. It made us feel secure and happy" Thus, while the one raved and despaired, the other resign himself to birth and placed his trust in the hands of his mother. Hours turned into days, and days into weeks. And soon it was time. They both knew their birth was at hand, and they both feared what they did not know. As the one was first to be conceived, so he was the first to be born, the other following. They cried as they were born ...

... time to worry about Mary that first hour. I took attendance, settled Mary into her new desk and introduced her. The children seemed subdued and confused when she failed to acknowledge the introduction or even raise her head. Quickly, in order to divert them, I distributed materials for the envelopes and suggested ways to construct and decorate them. I placed materials on Mary's desk, too, and asked Kristie, her nearest neighbor, to offer help. With the children happily engrossed, I escaped to the office." Sit down ," my principal said," and I'll fill you in" The child, she said, had been very close to her mother, living alone with her in a Detroit suburb. One night, several weeks ago, someone had broken into their home and shot and killed the mother in Mary's presence. Mary escaped, screaming, to a neighbor's. Then the child went into shock. She hadn't cried or mentioned ...

... mother rises up strong in Karen, and the usually mild-mannered lady glares steel-eyed into the head nurse's face, her lips a firm line." He is not leaving until he sings to his sister !" Karen tows Michael to his sister's bedside. He gazes at the tiny infant losing the battle to live. And he begins to sing. In the pure hearted voice of a 3-year-old, Michael sings:" You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy when skies are gray" Instantly the baby girl responds. The pulse rate becomes calm and steady. Keep on singing, Michael." You never know, dear, how much I love you, Please don't take my sunshine away" The ragged, strained breathing becomes as smooth as a kitten's purr. Keep on singing, Michael." The other night, dear, as I lay sleeping, I dreamed I held you in my arms" Michael's little sister relaxes as ...

... " Spiritual Connection" The" Spiritual Connection" remains a part of who we are forever. In a sense it stays on our" hard drive" and cannot be removed or deleted. It's God inside each of us. In the darkest of days it's the little spark that ignites within us a desire for a better outlook. It causes us to reach out for that bright spot on the horizon or to touch the beauty of the moment longing for a return to happier times or hope for a better future. While visiting a State Park recently I saw along the edge of the still ice covered lake, a red ladder, rope and a long stick mounted on two poles. At first I thought it odd. Could they be leftovers from summer days or maintenance tools for park employees? No, they were mounted there as rescue equipment for the possibility of someone falling through the ice. As I looked further down along a shoreline I saw ...

... hold of the moments I lost so many times before as words rolled off my tongue penetrating the ears and hearts of those whom I wanted to hurt and did. In this day I will make up for time lost by living between my thoughts and my action. I will live up to my potential, which through God's Grace is unlimited. In this day I will help someone else find the greatest secret of all .While we spend our lives in pursuit of success and happiness, we have all that we will ever need from the moment of conception until our last breath. In this day I will acknowledge that I am a magnificent creation capable of the greatest accomplishments. I am one of a kind. Never before in the history of human existence and never again will there be another me. I have a purpose, a mission and with that a responsibility to fulfill those goals. The key to success is in" knowing" and" believing ...

... me who wanted to go. I expected to take two or three kids in my truck. Instead I ended up having to fire up the White House Church of Christ van as 11 of us made the short trek to Two Rivers. I wish I could have recorded the looks on the faces of everyone we passed in the parking lot at Two Rivers as our van, with all its Church of Christ lettering, motored to a resting place. Shock. Disbelief. Happiness. I'd be a rich man if I had a dime for every person I saw mouthing the words," Church of Christ ???" as we passed. I guess we broke traditional protocol, but we had a face-to-face meeting with God we would never have had if we hadn't. The service was unbelievable. Just five short months after the April 20 tragedy, Mr. Scott shared the" untold" stories from Columbine, the stories the liberal media may never tell, the ...

... I am powerful and strong. Adjusting my goggles, I dive beneath the surface. Insecurities are washed away as I set and reach new goals, like actually swimming under water! Refreshed after each swim, I spend my afternoons enthusiastically rolling out sticky pink play dough and playing countless games of Candyland with my girls. Bubble wand in one hand, sidewalk chalk in the other, I laugh more and worry less. I lost a few unwanted pounds and feel healthier and happier both inside and out. Long after my back pain subsided, swimming continues to be the balm that heals both my body and soul. In the water, I am a confident athlete, a woman of strength. And someday, someday very soon, I will master that impossible flip turn.~Stefanie Wass~< swass @adelphia.net >Stefanie lives in Hudson, Ohio, with her husband and two girls. She is a member of the International Women's Writers Guild. ...

... , today, had any use for such a thing? There were a few halfhearted bids. Then the pastor was seized with what he thought was a great idea. He bid it in for $6.50. He carried the cloth back to the church and tacked it up on the wall behind the altar. It completely hid the hole! And the extraordinary beauty of its shimmering handwork cast a fine, holiday glow over the chancel. It was a great triumph. Happily he went back to preparing his Christmas sermon. Just before noon on the day of Christmas Eve, as the pastor was opening the church, he noticed a woman standing in the cold at the bus stop." The bus won't be here for 40 minutes !" he called, and invited her into the church to get warm. She told him that she had come from the city that morning to be interviewed for a job as governess to the children of one of the ...

... year old, we were finally shipped back to American soil. It was a bitter sweet home coming because my beloved grandmother wouldn't be there to welcome us back. My two younger children would never know her or be held and hugged by her. While showing off my three children to my favorite uncle, he asked me if I'd like a" trinket" from Grammie's jewelry box. I was thrilled to be able to visit Grammie's house once again. I'd spent many happy childhood hours there-playing the piano, playing Monopoly with Uncle Reggie, or exploring the magical upstairs of Grammie's sea captain type house and marveling over the beautiful hand pieced quilts and crocheted bedspreads, the oak dresser with oval mirror, and bath tub with feet. I loved looking from the alcove window in Grammie's downstairs bedroom to watch fishermen as they came to sell their lobsters at my uncle's wharf. I loved sitting at the window seat in the dining room and looking out ...

... though my children begged me not to. Even after the divorce, my husband tried for two years to win me back. I refused to have anything to do with him. He had struck first; now I was striking back. All I wanted was to make him pay. Finally he gave up and married a lovely young widow with a couple of small children. He began rebuilding his life — without me. I see them occasionally, and he looks so happy. They all do. And here I am — a lonely, old, miserable woman who allowed her selfish pride and foolish stubbornness to ruin her life. Unfaithfulness is wrong. Revenge is bad. But the worst part of all is that, without forgiveness, bitterness is all that is left. The state of your heart dictates whether you harbor a grudge or give grace, seek self-pity or seek Christ, drink human misery or taste God ’ s mercy. No wonder ...

... I Hope Your Box Is Empty! It was on the sixteenth day of the 12th month celebrating his 75th birthday when he decided it was time. Having been happily married, raising three boys, and continuing with great success, the family business handed down from generations before him, this now frail man had to make a decision. His health had not been good over the past few years and the stress of keeping the business on course was beginning to wear on him. The challenge was in deciding which one of his sons would take his place. Each boy had the experience. Each one was capable of helping it grow in the future. But each had different personal values. As they gathered together to celebrate Father's birthday, he quietly pulled them aside from the rest of the family to announce his retirement." Father, I can't imagine a day without you as the head of the business ," one said." We are sure ...

... the local newspaper and Montis Inn, I discovered what was within my core, and began composing, along with my novels, a life of meaning, a life that would make my mother proud. My first novel was completed in four months, and with divine intervention by my friends, the monks of New Skete Monastery, I was signed by Yorkville Press and the publishing wheels started. The day I received my author copies of The Lumby Lines was one of the happiest in my life. The following morning, I took several copies and drove down to see my mother. She had since moved from her home to an assisted care facility. When I walked in, her eyes danced with delight. Although she couldn ’ t remember my name, she knew who I was. I gave her the book and together we looked at it for hours. She slowly began to read the first sentences, frequently stumbling over the words, and then ...

... answer right away, I am out of here" He walked across the street and rang the bell. He could hear some noise inside. A man's voice yelled out," Who is it? What do you want ?" Then the door opened before the young man could get away. The man was standing there in his jeans and t-shirt. He looked like he'd just gotten out of bed. He had a strange look on his face and he didn't seem too happy to have some stranger standing on his doorstep." What is it ?" The young man thrust out the gallon of milk." Here, I brought this to you ," he said nervously. The man took the milk and rushed down a hall way speaking loudly in Spanish. Then from down the hall came a woman carrying the milk toward the kitchen. The man was following her holding a baby. The baby was crying. The man had tears streaming down his face ...

... doesn't know what it means to be discontent. His life is simple. He will never know the entanglements of wealth of power, and he does not care what brand of clothing he wears or what kind of food he eats. He recognizes no differences in people, treating each person as an equal and a friend. His needs have always been met, and he never worries that one day they may not be. His hands are diligent. Kevin is never so happy as when he is working. When he unloads the dishwasher or vacuums the carpet, his heart is completely in it. He does not shrink from a job when it is begun, and he does not leave a job until it is finished. But when his tasks are done, Kevin knows how to relax. He is not obsessed with his work or the work of others. His heart is pure. He still believes everyone tells the truth, promises must be kept ...

... cinders in my head ” Grandpa bent his head over to show me. “ The doctor took out a whole handful but I guess he missed some ” “ He missed some alright ,” I said as I saw the purple spots on his head. “ Now you have little souvenirs from your freight hopping days ,” I laughed. “ Were you glad to get home ?” I asked. “ Oh, were we ever !” Grandpa said, “ And Carl was sure one happy man to see Betty Jean ” “ What did you learn from your experience ?” I asked. Grandpa laughed, “ I learned that there ’ s no place like home and that I didn ’ t want anymore of hopping freights !” Millard Blaine ’ s “ Hopping Freights ” is his story as he told it to me.~Pamela Perry Blaine~February 9, 2007 pamyblaine @blaines.us About Pamela: She enjoys writing, music, and country living. She writes" ...

... Then he said," They give me three months" How odd that my first reaction was," It can't be. Three is my favorite number" How perfectly selfish and stupid. Why would I think that at this time? He's dying and I'm upset because they chose to tell him he had three months. Why not four? Five or six are good numbers, too. I realized afterwards that three was perfection to me. Everything about that number meant happy things in my life. Nobody should make three a bad number. The truth is it is just a number. There is power in one. There is friendship and love in two. In the Bible, the number three often times reflects divine perfection. Okay, he could have it. Divine perfection. The sum of all he was, all I ever knew him to be as a friend, a husband and a father could be described as divinely perfect. I ...

... on their show Dancing with the Stars. It was a gamble that hit the jackpot. Don't let ABC know this, but I don't get it. Perhaps it's because I've always had two left feet. Couple that with the fact that I was almost killed in an injury when I was 19 resulting in right side paralysis, and I guess you could say I now have" 1-1 / 2 left feet" Regardless, I still don't get the phenomenon and I am happy for the show's millions of viewers. Some time ago, after I was injured, I tried to dance. My father was retiring as Senior Rabbi of his synagogue and the synagogue was having a party for him at a hotel ballroom with a band and, you guessed it, there was dancing. Everyone was there, everyone was dancing, everyone was having a good time. Though most might have questioned my attempt to dance, I never let that get to me. ...

... can read all about them. You see them on television daily. But what about those who love them? Soldiers. I have forced myself to watch news reports of units being deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. I say" forced" because it always pains me. You know I hate goodbyes. I run to the television when I hear about a returning soldier or unit. You couldn't stop me from smiling if you hit me with a baseball bat. I love happy endings. Until last weekend though, I had never been up close, face to face with anyone who had served over there or whose loved one was presently deployed there. I was about to speak to nearly one hundred family members of the New Jersey National Guard. Their loved ones just left a few days before. What could I say that would make a difference?" I could only imagine" No, I couldn't." I understand how you must feel" ...

... with an envelope in her hand. We asked what it was, but she didn't say a word. She opened the envelope and out fell a bunch of money. There were three crisp $20 bills, one $10 and seventeen $1 bills. Mom put the money back in the envelope. We didn't talk, just sat and stared at the floor. We had gone from feeling like millionaires to feeling like poor white trash. We kids had such a happy life that we felt sorry for anyone who didn't have our Mom and Dad for parents and a house full of brothers and sisters and other kids visiting constantly. We thought it was fun to share silverware and see whether we got the spoon or the fork that night. We had two knifes that we passed around to whoever needed them. I knew we didn't have a lot of things that other people had, but I'd never thought we were poor. That Easter day I ...

... very depressed. But as I thought about all of the stories of failures brought back from the past, it occurred to me that this trip and subsequent" pity parties" COULD be canceled by ME! I started to realize that I did not have to be there. And I didn't have to be depressed. One thing kept going through my mind, I CAN'T CHANGE YESTERDAY, BUT I DO HAVE THE POWER TO MAKE TODAY A WONDERFUL DAY. I can be happy, joyous, fulfilled, encouraged, as well as being encouraging. Knowing this, I left Regret City immediately, and didn't leave a forwarding address. Am I sorry for mistakes I've made in the past? YES! But there is no way to undo them. So, if you're planning a trip back to Regret City, please cancel all those reservations now. Instead, take a trip to a nice place called:" Starting Again" I like it so much ...

... author J. H. Brennan." While the burden remains, personal success is as difficult to achieve as the conquest of Everest with a sack of rocks tied to your back" It IS a burden, isn't it? Like a sack of rocks. Some people carry the burden that they will never be able to pursue a passion or achieve a cherished dream. And some tote around the idea that other people can experience good things of life, or simply be happy, but they never will. Our thinking itself can be as much a burden as climbing a mountain with a sack of rocks tied to our backs. When I feel" confined" by my thinking, I sometimes ponder these words from Darwin P. Kingsley, past president of New York Life Insurance Company:" You have powers you never dreamed of. You can do things you never thought you could do. There are no limitations in what you can do except the ...

... over the next several years, he tended the flowers and vegetables just as Carl had done. In that time, he went to college, got married, and became a prominent member of the community. But he never forgot his promise to Carl's memory and kept the garden as beautiful as he thought Carl would have kept it. One day he approached the new minister and told him that he couldn't care for the garden any longer. He explained with a shy and happy smile," My wife just had a baby boy last night, and she's bringing him home on Saturday." Well, congratulations !" said the minister, as he was handed the garden shed keys." That's wonderful! What's the baby's name ?"" Carl ," he replied. [Author Unknown-from 'Mountian Wings ' (www.mountainwings.com)] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... defied all odds by first surviving and then returning to college. He then earned two degrees with honors, married his high school sweetheart, Sharon, and became a father to their daughter Shawn. Mike is a social worker at Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston and an author (currently he has two book projects he's working on: an autobiography and an anthology of his short stories). He also is a very popular inspirational speaker sharing his" recipe" for recovery, happiness, and success. Please visit his website, www.InspirationByMike.com or call, toll free in the USA / Canada, 1-877-226-1003 for more information. [By: Mike Segal Copyright 2006 (msegalhope @aol.com)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... sleeve now means that it is easy for other people to know how you are feeling. In some countries, a young woman may receive a gift of clothing from a young man. If she keeps the gift, it means she will marry him. Some people used to believe that if a woman saw a robin flying overhead on Valentine's Day, it meant she would marry a sailor. If she saw a sparrow, she would marry a poor man and be very happy. If she saw a goldfinch, she would marry a millionaire. A love seat is a wide chair. It was first made to seat one woman and her wide dress. Later, the love seat or courting seat had two sections, often in an S-shape. In this way, a couple could sit together-but not too closely! [Author Unknown-from 'Grac*e-mail ' (johnlynnbright @gmail.com)] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... to be lifting the birds, instead of the birds carrying the burdens. When they arrived at their destination, they discovered that when they removed their loads, there were wings in their place, wings which enabled them to fly to the sky and the tree tops. They had learned how to carry their burdens, and their loads had become wings to carry them nearer to God. Burdens we carry for others may become wings of the spirit, to lift us into happiness such as we have never known. [Author Unknown-from 'E-Mail Ministry, via Peggie C. Bohanon] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... Thanksgiving was more casual and after eating we often played board games or sang songs around the piano. The smell of good things cooking would awaken us on Thanksgiving morning and we ’ d make our own breakfast taking turns helping out when needed in the kitchen. As I think back, I don ’ t ever remember it being a chore, rather a fun time with laughter and talking with my cousins, aunts and grandmother. My grandfather had been in good spirits and happy to have his family around. It was fun to talk with him, because he had so much history to share about “ the olden days ” But after the food had been prepared, and the turkey was roasting in the oven, Grandpa gathered us all around and said he had a surprise. We knew most every inch of the old house, and couldn ’ t imagine what the surprise could be, or if something was hidden! But soon we heard it …….the ...

... I have to take just to get through the day" I have overheard older folks trying to out do their friends by claiming their pain is worse or they have had more operations than the other. The winner is the one who is in worse shape, I guess. Then there are those at any age, who use physical and emotional scars as an excuse. The kind of excuse that holds them back, limits them, provides a crutch for why they are'nt happy or where they would like to be at this point in life." Too tall"" too short"" too fat"" too thin"." my parents"" my family"" ever since my divorce"" ever since we had children" and on and on. All scars that never heal because we keep picking at them. I swore I would never do that, yet, today I didn't even hesitate to show Doc my scar. It's ...

... to be lifting the birds, instead of the birds carrying the burdens. When they arrived at their destination, they discovered that when they removed their loads, there were wings in their place, wings which enabled them to fly to the sky and the tree tops. They had learned how to carry their burdens, and their loads had become wings to carry them nearer to God. Burdens we carry for others may become wings of the spirit, to lift us into happiness such as we have never known. [Author Unknown-from 'E-Mail Ministry ' (EMailMinistry @yahoogroups.com)] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... Christmas Crayons My childhood was filled with laughter, love, and happy memories-especially during the holidays, but the yuletide that stands out most is the year of the Christmas Crayons. I was nine that December, little sis Diane was eight and big brother Dennis was 10. Since all of us were sophisticated non-believers in the man in the big red suit, Mom thought she'd be straight with us." Money's tight so you're each getting one small gift so I can get your dad the dresser he needs ," Mom warned. Dennis made a grumpy face, but Diane and I weren't too upset. After all, we had plenty of Barbies and board games to occupy our free time. One day, about a week before Christmas, Dad was at work so Mom brought out a huge box and a gigantic roll of red wrapping paper." I need you kids to help wrap but remember, Dad's dresser is our secret ," Mom ...

... from this woman. I looked over and Maddie was already sitting next to the woman and was holding her hand. The woman looked down at Maddie and she smiled. For that split second this woman was no longer dirty and smelly, she was beautiful !!! All the other kids finally left and Maddie gave the woman a hug and she too left. On the way home Maddie was humming a little song and skipping a little bit. Her usual self, she was happy-not a care in the world. I was waiting for her to say something about the woman, but she didn't. Finally, when we got home I could not wait any longer. I went to Maddie and I asked her," Maddie, why did you do that ?" She said," Do what Julie ?" I said," Why did you go up to that woman like that and hold her hand Maddie? All the other kids were either laughing ...

... took a wife. Bernie had saved some money and decided on a dry goods and grocery store combined. He and Marie found an empty building to rent and proceeded to fill it with inventory. There was an apartment upstairs. They were not blessed with children, so the two of them worked side by side to become established and build a trade. Marie had a knack for arranging the merchandise to appeal to customers and Bernie didn't mind the long hours. He was happy, life was good. The business thrived until the great depression hit the entire country. No one had money to purchase pretty things or even food. In 1930, Marie had a heart attack and left Bernie alone. Following Marie's death, which Bernie felt was brought about from worry about the store, he lost interest in everything. He was keeping odd hours of opening and closing the store. He had few customers and did not make them feel welcome. Bernie wandered ...

... Making A Life I have so much going on in my head. Too much going on in my heart. A hundred times a day something new jumps in front of me begging for me to tell you about it. But, my mind can't hold onto everything, that's when it ends up in my heart. It turns from a thought to a wish there. My heart is home to a million wishes for you to be happy, full of life and in particular, hopeful. So, when suddenly I realized the other day that I can't save the entire world, it was overwhelming. I want to. But then, as quickly as it came, another more satisfying thought took its place. I can save one person at a time. Just one person. Maybe today that person is you. This is what I held onto today. I have heard and believed at times that we need to just live for today. ...

... were because he was such a blessing to me today. From the famous childhood nursery rhyme:" There Was a Crooked Man" There was a crooked man Who walked a crooked mile He found a crooked sixpence Against a crooked stile He had a crooked cat Who caught a crooked mouse And they all lived together In a little crooked house (I add these lines to that famous rhyme) But then this crooked man wore a crooked smile that made me aware he was happy all the while This crooked little man stood taller then the rest He took what life had given him and in return gave his best.~Bob Perks~2believe @comcast.net [by: Bob Perks Copyright 2006 (2believe @comcast.net)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... Mom". I still have it and wear it, and I also have the Mother's Day card she gave me. All treasures. My babies are now growing up and having babies. Soon I'll get to have" Nana" experiences. It doesn't matter that we don't share the same genes. What we do share is a lot of love. Truth is, I'm having a hard time finding 40 things I've never done. It's hard to find them when you're happy, productive and living your dream! [Corrina Hyde (crina_37 @yahoo.com)-from 'Heartwarmers '] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... Midlife Crisis A glance in the mirror. Simple. Yet altering somehow. I am not the child I once was-yet I can still see him there-bright-happy-outgoing. But wait, I pause to truly see the me I am today-lines and crevices mar the unspoiled face of childhood mirroring the many paths I could have chosen. I am not sixteen, I am not twenty, and I am no longer thirty-five. Time has marched across my features and I can scarcely remember the Never Neverland of childish imaginings. Yet as I continue to gaze in the reflection I see the features of family older and wiser in the shape and contour of my face. These family members gaze at me knowingly and understand the path I tread. A few of these family members remain while others reside in my memory only. One day these gathered in my mind will be the stuff of legend with a bit of fable thrown ...

... “ M is for the Million Things She Gave Me ” It doesn ’ t matter where I live when May comes calling with colorful flowers and the newness of spring time, and the soon to be Mother ’ s Day celebration, I ’ m happily transported back to a small town in Michigan and a little white church on Main Street. Although we lived in the city, each Mother ’ s Day weekend we ’ d make the trip to my grandparent ’ s home for the annual Mother and Daughter Banquet at the church where my mother, grandparents and their parents before them had attended. My mother would bring a basket of spring flowers, either home grown or bought at the City Market, and colored ribbons with accessories. While grandmother prepared a covered dish, we ’ d make corsages for my great-grandmother, her twin sister, my grandmother, and one for my mother and a smaller one for me. My youngest recollection of going ...

... , seemingly pointing us to the Western Pennsylvania border, past miles of roadside pumpkin stands and endless fields of late season sweet corn. Finally, my husband turns down the familiar gravel road. I spot the lake, glistening in the warm October sun." We're here !" I rustle my girls from the back seat." Hurry and say hello to everyone" The small white cottage reminds me of a doll house-the good cozy kind, where friends and family happily gather, spilling out into the yard when the quarters get a bit tight. I smile as I walk past the well manicured lawn, bedecked for fall with orange and yellow mums peeking from cast iron buckets. As always, dried cornstalks climb the back porch rails. I spy a row of perfectly orange pumpkins, gifts from my uncle's garden. I wonder if my girls will remember to take one home at day's end. For years, my uncle has sent home a ...

... , would believe. Just like the Mother bird who looks after her babies allowing them to be on their own, Mary had to allow Jesus to do what God ordained, letting Him go. We celebrate His resurrection and new life on Easter Sunday. All who make a personal commitment in their heart to believe that Christ was born, and died for our sins will someday be with Him in Paradise. He is always here for us. What an awesome gift! Happy Easter !!~Diane Dean White~Thelamb212 @aol.com Diane is a freelance writer and the author of Beach Walks and Carolina in the Morning, and she contributes to a wide range of publications. She and her husband of 37 years live on the Carolina Coast. They are the parents of three grown children and three grandgals. You may visit Diane's nice website at: www.DianeDeanWhite.com. Please take a minute to let Diane know what you think of this story: Thelamb212 @aol.com ...

... I guess I know as much about the Fourth of July as nearly anyone, unless it's Willis or Jay, or Casey, of course. Casey was the engineer who drove the big locomotive from Mt. Vernon to Miller every week to unload grain at the mill, and then backed up the whole nine miles to Mt. Vernon. I don't know that his name was really Casey, but all train engineers are called Casey. Everyone knows that, and he seemed happy enough with it. Casey wore striped overalls, and a striped engineer's hat, always clean in the morning, but black with coal dust at night, his face and hands, too, so that he looked sort of like a big friendly panther by the time to start home. It was July 4, 1944, and Willis, Jay and I had ridden our bicycles the two miles north on highway 39 to Copeland's store to buy our fireworks, and now we had ...

... wondering what I should order. I took out my wallet and looked inside. All I had was twelve dollars. I took out the money. “ What would you like ?” she asked again. “ Believe it or not, all I want is an empty cup ,” I told her. Slowly she reached over and handed me a small empty coke cup. When I held out the twelve dollars she, looking puzzled, reached out and took the money. “ Happy Grandparents day and tell Mark hello from Roger and Judy and that he is in our prayers ” The woman covered her face and turned away. “ Thank you, thank you, thank you ,” she said. “ No, thank you for being such wonderful Grandparents to Mark ,” I replied. I turned and headed back to my truck. Sometimes in our own joy we forget just how lucky we are.~Roger Dean Kiser~True stories from The Life and Times ...

... . She has every reason to be proud of the life that she lives today. Yet she finds herself at another crossroad in her life and I don't have any question that if she keeps doing what she's been taught that she'll get through this one just fine too. I have all the faith in the world!~Trish~Trish is from California, and says," I am a grateful woman in recovery, living a life beyond my wildest dreams. I'm happily married with two grown daughters, a fabulous grandson with a second grandchild on the way" [By: Trish, Copyright 2008-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...