FOR PARENTS THE FIRST DAY THEIR GIRLS GO TO SCHOOL:

I TRUST YOU’LL TREAT HER WELL

DEAR WORLD,

I BEQUEATH TO YOU TODAY ONE LITTLE GIRL IN A CRISPY DRESS WITH TWO BLUE EYES AND A HAPPY LAUGH THAT RIPPLES ALL DAY LONG AND A FLASH OF LIGHT BLOND HAIR THAT BOUNCES IN THE SUN WHEN SHE RUNS. I TRUST YOU'LL TREAT HER WELL.

SHE'S SLIPPING OUT OF THE BACKYARD OF MY HEART THIS MORNING AND SKIPPING OFF DOWN THE STREET TO HER FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL. AND NEVER AGAIN WILL SHE BE COMPLETELY MINE. PRIM AND PROUD SHE'LL WAVE HER YOUNG AND INDEPENDENT HAND THIS MORNING AND SAY "GOODBYE" AND WALK WITH LITTLE LADY STEPS TO THE SCHOOLHOUSE.

NOW SHE'LL LEARN TO STAND IN LINES AND WAIT BY THE ALPHABET FOR HER NAME TO BE CALLED. SHE'LL LEARN TO TUNE HER EARS FOR THE SOUNDS OF SCHOOL-BELLS AND DEADLINES AND SHE'LL LEARN TO GIGGLE AND GOSSIP AND LOOK AT THE CEILING IN A DISINTERESTED WAY WHEN THE LITTLE BOY 'CROSS THE AISLE STICKS OUT HIS TONGUE AT HER. AND, NOW SHE'LL LEARN TO BE JEALOUS. AND NOW SHE'LL LEARN HOW IT IS TO FEEL HURT INSIDE.

AND NOW SHE'LL LEARN HOW NOT TO CRY.

NO LONGER WILL SHE HAVE TIME TO SIT ON THE FRONT PORCH STEPS ON A SUMMER DAY AND WATCH AN ANT SCURRY ACROSS THE CRACK IN THE SIDEWALK. NOR WILL SHE HAVE TIME TO POP OUT OF BED WITH THE DAWN AND KISS LILAC BLOOMS IN THE MORNING DEW. NO, NOW SHE'LL WORRY ABOUT THOSE IMPORTANT THINGS LIKE GRADES AND WHICH DRESS TO WEAR AND WHOSE BEST FRIEND IS WHOSE. AND THE MAGIC OF BOOKS AND LEARNING WILL REPLACE THE MAGIC OF HER BLOCKS AND DOLLS.

AND NOW SHE'LL FIND NEW HEROES.

FOR FIVE FULL YEARS NOW I'VE BEEN HER SAGE AND SANTA CLAUS AND PAL AND PLAYMATE AND FATHER AND FRIEND. NOW SHE'LL LEARN TO SHARE HER WORSHIP WITH HER TEACHERS WHICH IS ONLY RIGHT.

BUT, NO LONGER WILL I BE THE SMARTEST, GREATEST MAN IN THE WHOLE WORLD. TODAY WHEN THAT SCHOOL BELL RINGS FOR THE FIRST TIME SHE'LL LEARN WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A MEMBER OF THE GROUP WITH ALL ITS PRIVILEGES AND ITS DISADVANTAGES TOO.

SHE'LL LEARN IN TIME THAT PROPER YOUNG LADIES DO NOT LAUGH OUT LOUD OR KISS DOGS OR KEEP FROGS IN PICKLE JARS IN BEDROOMS OR EVEN WATCH ANTS SCURRY ACROSS CRACKS IN SIDEWALKS IN THE SUMMER.

TODAY SHE'LL LEARN FOR THE FIRST TIME THAT ALL WHO SMILE AT HER ARE NOT HER FRIENDS. AND I'LL STAND ON THE FRONT PORCH AND WATCH HER START OUT ON THE LONG, LONELY JOURNEY TO BECOMING A WOMAN.

SO, WORLD, I BEQUEATH TO YOU TODAY ONE LITTLE GIRL IN A CRISPY DRESS WITH TWO BLUE EYES AND A HAPPY LAUGH THAT RIPPLES ALL DAY LONG…AND A FLASH OF LIGHT BLOND HAIR THAT BOUNCES IN THE SUN WHEN SHE RUNS.



I TRUST YOU'LL TREAT HER WELL.

for more information of keeping your children safe on Facebook you can attend the workshop coming up this Monday night at The River Church near Arcadia. For more information you can visit www.140ology.com/protect

What does your sleep position reveal about your personality?


click here

Tax Day Freebies.... see local stores for participation

April 15, 2010


Boston Market: Individual dinner plates BOGO Free
04/15/2010 through 04/18/2010.
Cinnabon - 2 Free Cupcake Bites on 04/15/2010 between 6pm and 8pm.
HydroMassage - Free massages 04/15/2010 through 04/18/2010.
MaggieMoo's - Free sample of MaggieMia's Ice Cream Pizza on 04/15/2010 between 3pm and 7pm.
McCormick & Schmick's - $10.40 dinner specials & drink specials at the bar.
P.F. Chang's - 15% off food purchases all day
Starbucks - Bring in a reusable travel mug & get free brewed coffee
Taco Del Mar - Free taco per customer
McDonald's - Select restaurants to offer BOGO Free Southern Style Chicken Biscuit
Subway - Free cookie for all customers
Chick-fil-a - Return before April 30th to receive the same order for free
T.G.I. Friday's - Diners receive a $5 gift card w/purchase of $15-$25 or a $10 card w/purchases of $25 or more


Some offers may only be valid at select stores/restaurants. See your local businesses for details.

Easter Pick of the week

Resurrection Rolls
Ingredients:
• 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 8 large marshmallows
• Melted butter
• Cinnamon
• Sugar
Directions:
1. Give each child one triangle shaped section of crescent roll. This represents the tomb.
2. Each child takes one marshmallow which represents the body of Christ.
3. Dip the marshmallow in the butter and roll in cinnamon and sugar mixture. This represents the oils and
spices the body was anointed with upon burial.
4. Lay the marshmallow on the dough and carefully wrap it around the marshmallow.
5. Make sure all seams are pinched together well. (Otherwise the marshmallow will "ooze" out of the seams)
6. Bake according to package directions.
7. Cool.
8. Break open the tomb and the body of Christ is no longer there!!
9. Celebrate God's love!

Monday March 1, 2010

For details on all of the comedians featured on the Bananas Comedy DVD's visit www.BananasComedy.com This week we featured Tim Hawkins.

February 26, 2010

I read this story this week and thought it would be great for all to read. Hope you enjoy.

The Domino Effect of Sack Lunches

I put my carry-on in the luggage compartment and sat down in my assigned seat. It was going to be a long flight. 'I'm glad I have a good book to read. Perhaps I will get a short nap too,' I thought.

Just before take-off, a line of soldiers came down the aisle and Filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding me. I decided to start a conversation.

'Where are you headed?' I asked the soldier seated nearest to me. 'Petawawa. We'll be there for two weeks for special training, and then we're being deployed to Afghanistan.'

After flying for about an hour, an announcement was made that sack lunches were available for five dollars. It would be several hours before we reached the east, and I quickly decided a lunch would help pass the time.

As I reached for my wallet, I overheard soldier ask his buddy if he planned to buy lunch. 'No, that seems like a lot of money for just a sack lunch. Probably wouldn't be worth five bucks. I'll wait till we get to base '

His friend agreed.

I looked around at the other soldiers. None were buying lunch. I walked to the back of the plane and handed the flight attendant a fifty dollar bill. 'Take a lunch to all those soldiers.' She grabbed my arms and squeezed tightly. Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me. 'My son was a soldier in Iraq ; it's almost like you are doing it for him.'

Picking up ten sacks, she headed up the aisle to where the soldiers were seated. She stopped at my seat and asked,'Which do you prefer -- beef or chicken?'

'Chicken,' I replied, wondering why she asked. She turned and went to the front of plane, returning a minute later with a dinner plate from first class. 'This is your thanks.'

After we finished eating, I went again to the back of the plane, heading for the rest room. A man stopped me. 'I saw what you did. I want to be part of it. Here, take this.' He handed me twenty-five dollars.

Soon after I returned to my seat, I saw the Flight Captain coming down the aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he walked, I hoped he was not looking for me, but noticed he was looking at the numbers only on my side of the plane. When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held out his hand, and said, 'I want to shake your hand.'

Quickly unfastening my seat belt, I stood and took the Captain's hand. With a booming voice he said, 'I was a soldier and I was a military pilot. Once, someone bought me a lunch. It was an act of kindness I never forgot.' I was embarrassed when applause was heard from all of the passengers.

Later I walked to the front of the plane so I could stretch my legs. A man who was seated about six rows in front of me reached out his hand, wanting to shake mine. He left another twenty-five dollars in my palm.

When we landed I gathered my belongings and started to deplane. Waiting just inside the airplane door was a man who stopped me, put something in my shirt pocket, turned, and walked away without saying a word. Another twenty-five dollars!

Upon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their trip to the base. I walked over to them and handed them seventy-five dollars. 'It will take you some time to reach the base. It will be about time for a sandwich. God Bless You.'

Ten young men left that flight feeling the love and respect of their fellow travelers. As I walked briskly to my car, I whispered a prayer for their safe return. These soldiers were giving their all for our country. I could only give them a couple of meals.

It seemed so little... after all, these were courageous souls who are writing a blank check made payable to their country, for any amount 'up to and including my life'.

Pick of the week

January 29, 2010

Technologically Challenged Senior
At a certain age, everyone will understand this poor guy . . .

I thought about the 30 year business I ran with 1800 employees, all without a Blackberry that played music, took videos, pictures and communicated with Facebook and Twitter.

I signed up under duress for Twitter and Facebook, so my seven kids, their spouses, 13 grand kids and 2 great grand kids could communicate with me in the modern way. I figured I could handle something as simple as Twitter with only 140 characters of space.

That was before one of my grand kids hooked me up for Tweeter, Tweetree, Twhirl, Twitterfon, Tweetie and Twittererific Tweetdeck, Twitpix and something that sends every message to my cell phone and every other program within the texting world.

My phone was beeping every three minutes with the details of everything except the bowel movements of the entire next generation.

I am not ready to live like this.

I keep my cell phone in the garage in my golf bag.

The kids bought me a GPS for my last birthday because they say I get lost every now and then going over to the grocery store or library.

I keep that in a box under my tool bench with the Blue tooth [it's red] phone I am supposed to use when I drive.

I wore it once and was standing in line at Barnes and Noble talking to my wife as everyone in the nearest 50 yards was glaring at me.

Seems I have to take my hearing aid out to use it and I got a little loud.

I mean the GPS looked pretty smart on my dash board, but the lady inside was the most annoying, rudest person I had run into in a long time..

Every 10 minutes, she would sarcastically say, "Re-calc-ul-ating" You would think that she could be nicer.

It was like she could barely tolerate me.

She would let go with a deep sigh and then tell me to make a U-turn at the next light.

Then when I would make a right turn instead, it was not good.

When I get really lost now, I call my wife and tell her the name of the cross streets and while she is starting to develop the same tone as Gypsy, the GSP lady, at least she loves me.

To be perfectly frank, I am still trying to learn how to use the cordless phones in our house. We have had them for 4 years, but I still haven't figured out how I can lose three phones all at once and have to run around digging under chair cushions and checking bathrooms and the dirty laundry baskets when the phone rings.

The world is just getting too complex for me.

They even mess me up every time I go to the grocery store.

You would think they could settle on something themselves but this sudden "Paper or Plastic?" every time I check out just knocks me for a loop.

I bought some of those cloth reusable bags to avoid looking confused, but I never remember to take them in with me.

Now I toss it back to them. When they ask me, "Paper or Plastic?" I just say, "Doesn't matter to me. I am bi-sacksual.."

Then it's their turn to stare at me with a blank look.

Bath Note

Don't be alarmed, the world isn't coming to an end. I am simply taking a bath. It will take about thirty minutes and will involve soap and water. Yes, I know how to swim. Even if I didn't, forcing myself to drown in a half-inch of lukewarm water is more work than I've got energy for. (Which reminds me, I'm all for science projects, but the next time you want to see if Play-Doh floats, use cold water.)

Don't panic if I'm not out right on time. I've heard that people don't dissolve in water and I'd like to test the theory. While I'm in the tub, I'd like you to remember a few things. The large slab of wood between us is called a door. Do not bang to hear my voice. I promise that even though you can't see me, I *am* on the other side. I'm not digging an escape tunnel and running for the border,no matter what I said a while ago. I didn't mean it. Honest. There will be plenty of time later to tell me about your day.

"Later" means at a time when I am no longer naked, wet, and contemplating bubble gum in the blow dryer. I know you have important things to tell me. Please let one of them be that you have invented a new way to blow bubbles, not a new way to add gum to your hair.

Believe it or not, shouting, "TELEPHONE!" through the closed bathroom door will *not* make the phone stop ringing. Answer it and take a message. Since Amazing Mind-Reading Mom has the day off, you'll need to write that message down. Use paper and a pencil. Do not use your brother and the laundry marker. We can't send him to school with telephone number tattoos.

Water makes me wet, not deaf. I can still tell the difference between the sound of "nothing" and the sound of a child playing the piano with a basketball. I can also hear you tattling at the top of your lungs. I'm *choosing* NOT to answer you.

Don't call your dad at work and tell him I am unconscious in the bathroom. He didn't appreciate it last time. He won't appreciate it more this time. Trust me.

No matter how much I would like it, water does not make me forgetful. I remember who you are and why you are grounded. No, you can't go to Shelby's house to play. No, you can't go to Shelby's house to use the bathroom. If someone is in our other bathroom, you will just have to think dry thoughts and wait. Unless you have four feet and a tail, do not think of going outside to "water" the lawn. I know the dog does it. The neighbors don't feel the need to call me when the dog does it.

Unless the house catches on fire, stay inside and keep the doors locked. Do not go outside and throw rocks at the bathroom window to get my attention. I know it works in the movies. This is reality, the place where people don't like to sit in a tub while rocks and broken glass rain in on them. Do not set the house on fire. Call me if there is an emergency.

Emergencies ARE:

1. Dad has fallen off the roof.

2. Your brother and/or sister is bleeding.

3. There's a red fire truck in front of our house.

Emergencies are NOT:

1. Dad has fallen asleep.

2. Someone on TV is bleeding.

3. There's a red pickup truck in front of our house.

One other thing: Being forced to use the last roll of toilet paper for a towel does not make me happy. It makes me sticky with little white polka dots. In the future, when the tub overflows, use a mop to clean up the water instead of every towel in the house. For my sanity's sake, let's pretend it was the tub, Okay? No, I don't want to hear the real story. Ever. Especially not while I'm standing in the pool of water you missed.

By the way, all Play-Doh experiments are hereby canceled.

Be good. Entertain yourselves. Yes, you can do both at the same time. Try coloring, playing a game, or paying that stack of bills on the coffee table.

I'll be out soon. Maybe.

Love,
Your Mom

January 13, 2010

Watching Tami this morning and recalling several times that I have over-done it myself sometimes causing me to feel pain got me to thinking about what it would be like to feel no pain. Believe it or not, it really happens. I’m currently ready “Quiet Strength” by Former NFL Coach Tony Dungy and talks about the first child He and his wife Laura adopted is missing a critical gene which would allow him to feel pain. Since the child cannot feel pain, his parents must watch the child at all times to make sure he is not doing anything which may unknowingly harm him. Think about that for a moment, You wouldn't be able to tell if your bath water was too hot, or the food and drink you put in your mouth. You may not die from the burn, but possibly from an ensuing infection you might remain unaware of. Most of us have never cut ourselves badly enough to bleed to death, but if you did, you might not notice. Likewise if you were to be shot or stabbed. How would you be able to tell?

If you damaged a knee or ankle, you would keep walking on it until you caused permanent damage. God forbid you broke something that was covered by clothing; it could be hours before it came to your attention. Worst of all, you would probably never even learn to avoid accidents. We stop doing things as children because of the negative consequences of pain.



Sometime in the midst of pain, we can question why we do things that causes pain to us, why others do things to cause us pain and why God would allow us to go through times of pain. I’m not saying that we should look forward to pain, but know that not feeling pain could actually be worse.

What Do You Do All Day?

A man came home from work and found his three Children outside, still In their pajamas, playing in the mud, with empty Food boxes and wrappers Strewn all around the front yard.

The door of his wife's car was open, as was The front door to the house And there was no sign of the dog. Proceeding Into the entry, he found An even bigger mess. A lamp had been knocked Over, and the throw rug was Wadded against one wall.

In the front room the TV was loudly blaring a Cartoon channel, and the family room was strewn with toys And various items of clothing.

In the kitchen, dishes filled the sink, Breakfast food was spilled on the Counter, the fridge door was open wide, dog Food was spilled on the floor, a broken glass lay under the table, and a Small pile of sand was spread By the back door.

He quickly headed up the stairs, stepping over Toys and more piles of Clothes, looking for his wife. He was worried She might be ill, or that Something serious had happened.

He was met with a small trickle of water as it Made its way out the bathroom door.

As he peered inside he found wet towels, Scummy soap and more toys Strewn over the floor. Miles of toilet paper lay in a Heap and toothpaste had been Smeared over the mirror and walls.

As he rushed to the bedroom, he found his wife Still curled up in the bed In her pajamas, reading a novel. She looked up At him, smiled, and asked how his day went. He looked at her bewildered and asked, "What Happened here today?"

She again smiled and answered, "You know every Day when you come home From work and you ask me what in the world I do all Day?"

"Yes," was his incredulous reply.

She answered, "Well, today I didn't do it."

Christmas Tree Drop off Sites for area residents

In Guilford County, these sites are open until Jan. 15.

Guilford County Prison Farm: 7315 Howerton Road, Gibsonville. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. From Highway 61, take County Farm Road then turn right onto Howerton Road. The drop-off point is one-quarter mile on the right. Call 449-4720 for more information.

Piedmont Triad Farmers' Market: off I-40 at Sandy Ridge Road. Open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week. Call 605-9157 for more information.

Tabernacle United Methodist Church: behind the ball field at the corner of Woody Mill Road and Methodist Road. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.



In Forsyth County, these sites are open until Jan. 30.

Crawford Park: 4226 Oak Ridge Dr.

Hanes Hosiery Recreation Center: 501 Reynolds Blvd.

Hanes Park: tennis court parking lot, 625 West End Blvd.

Little Creek Recreation Center: 610 Foxcroft Dr.

Old Town Recreation Center: tennis court parking lot, 4550 Shattalon Dr.

Parkland Park: tennis courts, 1660 Brewer Road

Polo Park: swimming pool parking lot, 1850 Polo Road

Salem Lake: at the gate, 1001 Salem Lake Road

Sprague Street Recreation Center: 1350 E. Sprague St.

Winston Lake: swimming pool parking lot, 3535 Winston Lake Road

December 24, 2009

There is one Christmas Carol that has always baffles us.
What in the world do leaping lords, French hens,
Swimming swans, and especially the partridge who won't come out of the pear tree have to do with Christmas?


From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics.
It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.


-The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.


-Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.

-Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.

-The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.

-The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.

-The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.

-Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership and Mercy.

-The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.

-Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control.

-The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.

-The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.

-The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

So there is your history for today. This knowledge was shared with me and I found it interesting and enlightening and now you know how that strange song became a Christmas Carol...

Wednesday November 25, 2009

What a great morning! Just talked with St Louis Cardinals rookie C.J. Beatty in studio with us about his upcoming Hitting Clinic on Saturday Dec. 5th at High Point Batting Center. for information contact Heather Soles @ 336 240-1303 or email her HeatherSoles15@aol.com C.J also offers one-on-one instruction as well d...etails available at his website www.cjbeatty.com or call 336 655-7729.

Controlling The Tongue


It was a particularly tough football game, and nerves were on edge. The home team had been the victim of three or four close calls, and they were now trailing the visitors by a touchdown and a field goal. When the official called yet another close one in the visitors' favor, the home quarterback blew his top.

"How many times can you do this to us in a single game?" he screamed. "You were wrong on the out-of-bounds call, you were wrong on that last holding call, and you failed to say anything about a late hit in the first quarter."

The official just stared. The quarterback seethed, but he tried to suppress language that might get him tossed out of the game. "What it comes down to," he bellowed, "is that YOU STINK!"

The official stared a few more seconds. Then he bent down, picked up the ball, paced off 15 yards, and put the ball down. He turned to face the steaming quarterback. "And how do I smell from here?" he asked.

There are so many times when it is hard to "bite the tongue" and say nothing. The urge to say "something" seems so overpowering that the words sometimes erupt before we have a chance to think them through. Unfortunately, those words have consequences. The minor offenses result in 15-yard penalties. The more serious offenses result in years of regret and heartache, or perhaps broken relationships that take years to rebuild. No wonder James had such strong words of praise concerning the person who is always able to control what he says (James 3:2).

"He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit. Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive."
(Prov. 17:27-28)

May your words today be few, calm, and carefully thought out.

October 4th 2009

A Stroke of Luck
by: Michele Starkey, Copyright © 2003


I stopped for my morning coffee at the local donut shop and was pleasantly pleased to find no other cars in the parking lot. My usual routine is to wait in a long line to get my morning dose of caffeine. Opening the door, I noticed only one fellow at the counter.

The gentleman was obviously struggling to explain his order to a seemingly impatient young woman, "S-m-a-l-l c-o-f-f-e-e, b-a-g-e-l w-i-t-h c-r-e-a-m c-h-e-e-s-e." He spoke so slowly, some words slurred together, and I noticed that he held his left arm limply against his chest. It was obvious to me that he had suffered a stroke - so had I just four years earlier. Unlike this fellow, my deficits are few and unnoticeable. The fact that I sometimes can't remember what I had for dinner the night before has never bothered me. I am lucky enough to remember that I did eat, that there was food on the table and I did not go to bed hungry like so many others in this world of ours. No, the fact that I can't recall the menu is a small matter in an otherwise very blessed life.

I quickly stepped to the counter in time to hear the young woman ask again, "What was that you wanted?" I glanced at the man, then the young woman, and then I interrupted, "I believe the gentleman wants a small coffee and a bagel with cream cheese." The young lady nodded at me, glanced at the gentleman, who also nodded and quickly turned to prepare the order. The man turned slowly towards me and smiled.

When the order was placed in front of the man, the young woman took his money and placed the change on the counter. He gingerly tried to pick up the coins with his trembling hand. "Can I help the next person in line?" I couldn't believe that she was oblivious to his struggle and only concerned with getting my order filled.

"The next person, the only OTHER person in this line is me. I will be with you in a minute as soon as I assist this gentleman." I picked up his change and placed it in his hand. Then, as he gingerly tried to lift up his bagel, I reached for his coffee and motioned towards a small table in the corner, "How's this?" I placed the coffee on the table and reached for a few napkins. He sat down slowly, positioning himself with his left arm resting on the table. "T-h-a-n-k y-o-u. G-o-d s-e-n-t m-e a-n a-n-g-e-l t-o-d-a-y."

He smiled as I answered, "No, God sent ME the angel. You see, I suffered a stroke, too. I survived a ruptured brain aneurysm four years ago. It was a stroke of luck that God put you in my path this morning to remind me how blessed I really am. Blessed to be here to help you. Blessed because I can use both of my arms. Blessed because I have been given a gift of compassion which has opened my eyes to others in a world that is blind to suffering."

I returned to the counter to place my coffee order. The young woman was unaware of the conversation that had just transpired between my newfound friend and myself. I wanted to share it with her. I thought perhaps it would open her eyes to his misfortune. "He had a stroke and that's why he is moving and speaking so slowly." She nodded and said, "$1.29. Will that be all today?" I handed her the money, took my coffee and waved goodbye to my new friend who was smiling and enjoying his bagel.

Why is it that we cannot see the suffering around us? Have we become too wrapped up in our daily routine, our chores and our jobs that we do not recognize the need to stop or slow down and help the less fortunate? A simple smile. A kind word. A helping hand for those who may have only one hand. Let us not be so wrapped up in getting through the day that we see clear through the veil of suffering around us. Let us give thanks for the little things like being able to help someone in need.

"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it." (Hebrews 13:2)

[ by: Michele Starkey, Copyright © 2003

Two Horses

There is a field, with two horses in it.

From a distance, each horse looks like any other horse.
But if you stop your car, or are walking by, you will
notice something quite amazing. Looking into the eyes
of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner
has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a
good home for him.

This alone is amazing.

If you stand nearby and listen, you will hear the
sound of a bell. Looking around for the source of
the sound, you will see that it comes from the
smaller horse in the field.

Attached to the horse's halter is a small bell.
It lets the blind friend know where the other
horse is, so he can follow.


As you stand and watch these two horses, you'll see
that the horse with the bell is always checking on the
blind horse, and that the blind horse will listen for
the bell and then slowly walk to where the other
horse is, trusting that he will not be led astray.

When the horse with the bell returns to the shelter
of the barn each evening, it stops occasionally and
looks back, making sure that the blind friend isn't
too far behind to hear the bell.


Like the owners of these two horses, God does not
throw us away just because we are not perfect or
because we have problems or challenges.

He watches over us and even brings others into our
lives to help us when we are in need.

Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by
the little ringing bell of those who God places in
our lives.

Other times we are the guide horse, helping others
to find their way....

Good friends are like that... you may not always
see them, but you know they are always there.

Please listen for my bell and I'll listen for yours.

And remember...be kinder than necessary - everyone
you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

Live simply
Care deeply,
Speak kindly.....
Leave the rest to God...

Science...As Seen By Kids
Answers from kids to science test questions:
Q: What is one horsepower?
A: One horsepower is the amount of energy it takes to drag a horse 500 feet in one second.


Q: How can one determine how close to them a lightening strike was?
A: You can listen to thunder after lightening and tell how close you came to getting hit. If you don't hear it you got hit, so never mind.


Q: What makes up molecules?
A: When they broke open molecules, they found they were only stuffed with atoms. But when they broke open atoms, they found them stuffed with explosions.


Q: What is an orbit?
A: When people run around and around in circles we say they are crazy. When planets do it we say they are orbiting.


Q: Is the sun a star?
A: Most books now say our sun is a star. But it still knows how to change back into a sun in the daytime.


Q: What is a vibration?
A: A vibration is a motion that cannot make up its mind which way it wants to go.


Q: What is a fossil?
A: Many dead animals of the past changed to fossils, others preferred to be oil.


Q: Define a vacuum.
A: Vacuums are nothings. We only mention them to let them know we know they're there.


Q: What is exaporation?
A: We say the cause of perfume disappearing is evaporation. Evaporation gets blamed for a lot of things people forget to put the top on.


Q: How are clouds formed?
A: I am not sure how clouds get formed. But the clouds know how to do it, and that is the important thing.


Q: What makes it rain?
A: Rain is saved up in cloud banks.


Q: What is the average temperature in the tropics?
A: It is so hot in some parts of the world that the people there have to live other places.

Why Did God Make Dogs?



An elderly woman was trying to recover from a stroke. Her brain was damaged, and her arm was weak, so her therapist brought, of all things, a dog to help out. Instead of completing monotonous drills, the elderly patient threw a bright red Frisbee across the room, and the dog bounced over, picked it up, and brought it back, his eyes begging, "Throw it again, please!" And she did, over and over and over, forgetting that she was actually working quite hard.

What possessed God to make dogs anyway? Certainly there are exceptions, and certainly people can breed dogs to bring out the worst in them, but in general, there is nothing more selfless, loving or patient than a dog. Mistreat it and it comes back to you anyway. Ignore it and it never gives up hope that you will be its friend again. Make it wait days to go play, and it will still be ready. It offers you friendship and companionship and in return asks only for food, water and an occasional scratch behind the ears. Why would God bother to make such a creature?

I suppose that if dogs were like people they would eventually give up on us ... but they never do. A dog’s love is almost impossible to destroy, because it’s not a love you earn; it’s simply a love you are given. In other words, dogs love unconditionally.

Unconditional love; unending patience; faithfulness to the very end. Do you suppose, just perhaps, that God made dogs to show us a little something about Himself? Do you think maybe "man's best friend" is really pointing us to the One who is truly our very Best Friend?

You could learn a lot about God from a dog.