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Belle
A Woman and a Fork


There was a young woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had been given three months to live.

Therefore, as she was getting her things "in order" she contacted her Pastor and had him come to her house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes. She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service,what scriptures she would like read, and what outfit she wanted to be buried in.

Everything was in order and the Pastor was preparing to leave when the young woman suddenly remembered something very important to her.

"There's one more thing," she said excitedly.

"What that?" the Pastor's reply.

"This is very important," the young woman continued. "I wanted to be buried with a fork in my right hand."

The Pastor stood looking at the young woman, not knowing quite what to say.

"That surprises you, doesn't it?" the young woman asked.

"Well to be honest, I'm puzzled by the request," said the Pastor.

The young woman explained "My grandmother once told me this story, and from that time on I have always tried to pass along its message to those I love and those who are in need of encouragement.

In all my years of attending socials and dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, 'Keep your fork.'

It was my favorite part because I knew that something better was coming... like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie.

Something wonderful, and with substance!

So I just wanted people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder, 'What's with the fork?'

Then I want you to tell them 'Keep your fork, the best is yet to come.'

The pastor's eyes welled up with tears of joy as he hugged the young woman good-bye. He knew this would be one of the last times he would see her before her death. But he also knew that the young woman had a better grasp ofheaven than he did. She had a better grasp of what heaven would be like than many people twice her age, with twice as much experience and knowledge.

She KNEW that something better was coming.

At the funeral people were walking by the young woman's casket, they saw the cloak she was wearing, and the fork placed in her right hand.

Over and over, the Pastor heard the question, "What's with the Fork?"

And over and over, he smiled.

During his message, the Pastor told the people of the conversation he had with the young woman shortly before she died. He also told them about the fork and about what it symbolized to her. He told the people how he could not stop thinking about the fork and told them that they probably would not be able to stop thinking about it either. He was right.

So the next time you reach down for your fork let it remind you ever so gently that the best is yet to come.

Friends are a very rare jewel, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share a word of praise, and they always want to open their hearts to us.

Show your friends how much you care. Remember to always be here for them, even when you need them more.

For you never know when it may be their time to "Keep their fork."

Cherish the time you have, and the memories, you share....being friends with someone is not an opportunity but a sweet responsibility.
Susy
Wish for Today


I wanted you to know that
I'm thinking about you today
and hoping the day brings
many wonderful things your way,
a hug, a warm touch,
kind words, a smile,
and all the things that
make life worthwhile.





"Wish for Today," Written and designed by Bobette Bryan, 2004
Tipsy
What You Do Does Make A Difference

One day, when I was a freshman in high school, I saw a kid from my class was walking home from school. His name was Kyle. It looked like he was carrying all of his Books.

I thought to myself, "Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday? He must really be a nerd."

I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on.

As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him. They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt.

His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him. He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes.

My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him and as he crawled around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye.

As I handed him his glasses, I said, "Those guys are jerks. They really should get lives." He looked at me and said, "Hey thanks!"

There was a big smile on his face. It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude. I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived.

As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before. He said he had gone to private school before now.

I would have never hung out with a private school kid before. We talked all the way home, and I carried some of his books.

He turned out to be a pretty cool kid. I asked him if he wanted to play a little football with my friends.

He said yes. We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him, and my friends thought the same of him.

Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again. I stopped him and said, "Boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday! " He just laughed and handed me half the books.

Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends. When we were seniors, we began to think About college. Kyle decided on Georgetown , and I Was going to Duke. I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never be a problem.

He was going to be a doctor, and I was going for business on a football scholarship.

Kyle was valedictorian of our class. I teased him all the time about being a nerd. He had to prepare a speech for graduation. I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak.

Graduation day, I saw Kyle. He looked great. He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school. He filled out and actually looked good in glasses. He had more dates than I had and all the girls loved him. Boy, sometimes I was jealous. Today was one of those days. I could see that he was nervous about his speech.

So, I smacked him on the back and said, "Hey, big guy, you'll be great!" He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled. "Thanks," he said.

As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began

"Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years.
Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach...but mostly your friends...
I am here to tell all of you that being a Friend to someone is the best gift you can give them. I am going to tell you a story."

I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the story of the first day we met.

He had planned to kill himself over the weekend. He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home. He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile. "Thankfully, I was saved. My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable." I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment. I saw his Mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile.

Not until that moment did I realize it's depth. Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one small gesture you can change a person's life. For better or for worse. God puts us all in each other's lives to impact one another in some way.


Show your friends how much you care. Send this to everyone you consider a FRIEND.
Tipsy
GOD WANTED ME TO TELL YOU

a family member sent this to me via email and I thought I'd share

It shall be well with you from this forth on.

No matter how much your enemies try this year, they will not succeed.

You have been destined to make it and you shall surely achieve all your goals this year.

For the remaining months of the year, All your agonies will be diverted and
victory and prosperity will be incoming in abundance.

Today God has confirmed the end of your sufferings sorrows and pains because HE that sits on the throne has remembered you.

He has taken away the hardships and given you JOY. He will never let you down.

I knocked at heaven's door this morning, God asked me...

My child! What can I do for you?

And I said,

Father, please protect and bless the person reading this post...


God smiled and answered... Request granted.


Have a Blessed Day!!
AlertClerk
THE LORD'S PRAYER
Rather cleverly done.
This is in two parts, the prayer (in blue type)
and GOD (in red type) in response.
It is very, very good.
**********

Our Father Who Art In Heaven.
Yes?
Don't interrupt me. I'm praying.
But -- you called ME!
Called you?
No, I didn't call you.
I'm praying.
Our Father who art in Heaven.
There -- you did it again!
Did what?
Called ME.
You said,
"Our Father who art in Heaven"
Well, here I am.
What's on your mind?
But I didn't mean anything by it.
I was, you know, just saying my prayers for the day.
I always say the Lord's Prayer.
It makes me feel good,
kind of like fulfilling a duty.
Well, all right.
Go on.
Okay, Hallowed be thy name .
Hold it right there.
What do you mean by that?
By what?
By "Hallowed be thy name"?
It means, it means . . good grief,
I don't know what it means.
How in the world should I know?
It's just a part of the prayer.
By the way, what does it mean?
It means honored, holy, wonderful.
Hey, that makes sense.
I never thought about what 'hallowed' meant before.
Thanks.
Thy Kingdom come,
Thy will be done,
on earth as it is in Heaven.
Do you really mean that?
Sure, why not?
What are you doing about it?
Doing? Why, nothing, I guess.
I just think it would be kind of neat if you got control,
of everything down here like you have up there.
We're kinda in a mess down here you know.
Yes, I know;
but, have I got control of you?
Well, I go to church.
That isn't what I asked you.
What about your bad temper?
You've really got a problem there, you know.
And then there's the way you spend your money --
all on yourself.
And what about the kind of books you read?
Now hold on just a minute!
Stop picking on me!
I'm just as good as some of the rest of those people at church!
Excuse ME.
I thought you were praying
for my will to be done.
If that is to happen,
it will have to start with the ones
who are praying for it.
Like you -- for example.
Oh, all right. I guess I do have some hang-ups.
Now that you mention it,
I could probably name some others.
So could I.
I haven't thought about it very much until now,
but I really would like to cut out some of those things.
I would like to, you know, be really free.
Good.
Now we're getting somewhere.We'll work together -- You and ME.
I'm proud of You.
Look, Lord, if you don't mind,
I need to finish up here.
This is taking a lot longer than it usually does.
Give us this day, our daily bread.
You need to cut out the bread.
You're overweight as it is.
Hey, wait a minute! What is this?
Here I was doing my religious duty,
and all of a sudden you break in
and remind me of all my hang-ups.
Praying is a dangerous thing.
You just might get what you ask for.
Remember,
you called ME -- and here I am.
It's too late to stop now.
Keep praying. ( . . pause . . )
Well, go on.
I'm scared to.
Scared? Of what?
I know what you'll say.
Try ME.
Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
What about Ann?
See? I knew it!
I knew you would bring her up!
Why, Lord, she's told lies about me, spread stories.
She never paid back the money she owes me.
I've sworn to get even with her!
But -- your prayer --
What about your prayer?
I didn't -- mean it.
Well, at least you're honest.
But, it's quite a load carrying around all that bitterness
and resentment isn't it?
Yes, but I'll feel better as soon as I get even with her.
Boy, have I got some plans for her.
She'll wish she had never been born.
No, you won't feel any better.
You'll feel worse.
Revenge isn't sweet.
You know how unhappy you are --
Well, I can change that.
You can? How?
Forgive Ann.
Then, I'll forgive you;
And the hate and the sin,
will be Ann's problem -- not yours.
You will have settled the problem
as far as you are concerned.
Oh, you know, you're right.
You always are.
And more than I want revenge,
I want to be right with You . . (sigh).
All right . all right . .
I forgive her.
There now!
Wonderful!
How do you feel?
Hmmmm. Well, not bad.
Not bad at all!
In fact, I feel pretty great!
You know, I don't think I'll go to bed uptight tonight.
I haven't been getting much rest, you know.
Yeah, I know.
But, you're not through with your prayer are you? Go on.
Oh, all right.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Good! Good! I'll do that.
Just don't put yourself in a place
where you can be tempted.
What do you mean by that?
You know what I mean.
Yeah. I know.
Okay.
Go ahead. Finish your prayer.
For Thine is the kingdom,
and the power,
and the glory forever.
Amen.
Do you know what would bring me glory --
What would really make me happy?
No, but I'd like to know.
I want to please you now.
I've really made a mess of things.
I want to truly follow you.
I can see now how great that would be.
So, tell me . . .
How do I make you happy?
YOU just did.
______________________________
Now Please pass this on!!!
Sophieca
One evening an old Cherokee Indian told his grandson about a "battle" that goes on inside people.
He said, "My son, the battle is between 2 "wolves" inside us all.
One is Evil. It is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.
The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather:
"Which wolf wins?"
The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."
Belle
I think that right now this applies to a few of us who are allowing other peoples negativity to affect how we see ourselves and how we pursue our lives..

I dont think anyone wishes to become deaf but maybe earplugs will help...Do we really need to hear it...






Once upon a time there was a bunch of tiny frogs ... who arranged a running competition.

The goal was to reach the top of a very high tower.

A big crowd had gathered around the tower to see the race and cheer on the contestants ...

The race began ...

Honestly, no one in the crowd really believed that the tiny frogs would reach the top of the tower.

You heard statements such as:

"Oh, WAY too difficult!"

"They will NEVER make it to the top!"

or:

"Not a chance that they will succeed. The tower is too high!"




The tiny frogs began collapsing. One by one ...

Except for those, who in a fresh tempo, were climbing higher and higher ...

The crowd continued to yell,



"It is too difficult! No one will make it!"

More tiny frogs got tired and gave up ...

But ONE continued higher and higher and higher ...

This one would NOT give up!




At the end everyone else had given up climbing the tower, Except for the one tiny frog who, after a big effort, was the only one who reached the top!

THEN all of the other tiny frogs naturally wanted to know how this one frog managed to do it?


A contestant asked the tiny frog how he had found the strength to succeed and reach the goal?

It turned out ...

That the winner was DEAF!




The wisdom of this story is:

Never listen to other people's tendencies to be negative or pessimistic ... because they take your most wonderful dreams and wishes away from you -- the ones you have in your heart!

Always think of the power words have.

Because everything you hear and read will affect your actions!

Therefore:

ALWAYS be ...

POSITIVE!

And above all:

Be DEAF when people tell YOU that YOU cannot fulfill your dreams!

Always think:

God and I CAN do this!
Tipsy
Thank you Belle for that story... It has a lot of meaning for me. Thanks smile.gif
Enchanted
Thank you so much for sharing this belle bear_wub.gif bear_wub.gif bear_wub.gif bear_wub.gif
sir rob
Today is International Disturbed People's Day

Please send an encouraging message to a disturbed friend...
just as I've done.

I don't care if you lick windows,
take the special bus or occasionally pee on yourself..
You hang in there sunshine, you're awful special!

Every sixty seconds you spend angry, upset or mad,
is a full minute of happiness
you'll never get back.

Life is short, Break the rules, Forgive quickly,
Kiss slowly, Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably,
And never regret anything that made you smile!
Susy
QUOTE
An angel here, an angel there,
I'm surrounded by angels everywhere.
When I'm in the middle of a terrible storm
They come with their candles to keep me warm.

An angel to comfort, an angel to guide,
An angel to fill that dark hole inside.
An angel to cry on, an angel who cares,
Angels, angels, everywhere!

The angels who reach out when times are rough
Who'll listen to all of my heartache and stuff,
In the bright sunshine and the dark of night,
The angels surround me with comforting light.

I guess God is busy and can't come on down
To give me a smile and take care of my frown,
So He sent a few angels to brighten my day,
And help to carry my burdens away.

So thank you, dear angels (my friends),
more than you'll know,
For watering my happiness and making it grow!


http://www.kim-arts.com/postcard/angels_everywhere.htm


Angels come in all sizes and shapes, all forms, and are all around us. We have some floating around Affiliates Delight, too. And I, for one, am very thankful for them.
liana
Live your life in such a way that when
your feet hit the floor in the morning,
Satan shudders & says.....

"Oh shit...she's awake !!'
Sophieca
Oh I love that one Liana ... poor Satan, when you go to bed, Susy wakes up ... tongue.gif
Susy
angwish.gif angwish.gif
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