These Are My Wishes For You
May you find serenity and tranquility
in a world you may not always understand.
May the pain you have known
and the conflict you have experienced
give you the strength to walk through life
facing each new situation with courage and optimism.
Always know that there are those
whose love and understanding will always be there,
even when you feel most alone.
May a kind word,
a reassuring touch,
and a warm smile
be yours every day of your life,
and may you give these gifts
as well as receive them.
May the teachings of those you admire
become part of you,
so that you may call upon them.
Remember, those whose lives you have touched
and who have touched yours
are always a part of you,
even if the encounters were less than
you would have wished.
It is the content of the encounter
that is more important than its form.
May you not become too concerned with material matters,
but instead place immeasurable value
on the goodness in your heart.
Find time in each day to see beauty and love
in the world around you.
Realize that what you feel you lack in one regard
you may be more than compensated for in another.
What you feel you lack in the present
may become one of your strengths in the future.
May you see your future as one filled
with promise and possibility.
Learn to view everything as a worthwhile experience.
May you find enough inner strength
to determine your own worth by yourself,
and not be dependent
on another's judgment of your accomplishments.
May you always feel loved.
[Sandra Sturtz Hauss]
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Sunday, August 31, 2008
A Million Dollar Question:
Why do bad things happen to good people?
Many tragic stories raise a vexing question
which we rarely find answers: why does God
let misfortune wreck the lives of so many good
people? why does he let suffering bring tears to
the eyes of so many fine individuals? The reasons
indeed are mysterious and only fools can define
the reasons which the wise may not.
Jesus gives us a hint: Whoever loses his life for
my sake will find it. Whoever accepts suffering
and misfortune for His sake will find a whole new life,
a far richer and meaningful life. God can use tragedy
and misfortune to guide us into a newer and better lives.
Today, whatever situations we are in - financial difficulties,
family problems and personal tragedy - we pick up our
cross and follow Jesus. He can mend our broken dreams
and lead us into a renewed appreciation of life that we
never dream possible. We trust in His assurance: whoever
loses his life for my sake will find it. We may never
understand the mystery of misfortune in this life but
certainly we will in the later years of our lives.
An old Poem: "The Folded Page"
Up in the attic of an old house, as raindrops pattered
on the roof, I sat paging through my old schoolbook.
I came to a page that was folded down. Across it was
written in my childish hand: "The teacher says we
should leave this for now. It's hard to understand."
I unfolded the page and read it. Then I smiled and
nodded my head and said: "The teacher was right;
now I understand."
There are many pages in the book of life that are
hard to understand. All we can do is fold them down
and write: "The Master says to leave this for now.
It's hard to understand."
Then, someday, somehow, in heaven, we 'll unfold
the pages , reread them and say, "The Master was
right; now I understand." [Unknown]
Crosses can turn out to be blessings in disguise
if we then understand. It really takes awhile.
If we pick up the cross and follow in the footsteps
of Jesus, our cross can become a blessing and a
stepping stone to greater things. Our cross can
serve as an agent of life - fullness of life.
The consolation of Jesus can be summarized in this poem:
I asked for health, that I might do greater things;
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.
I asked for riches, that I might be happy;
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.
I asked for power, that I might have the praise
of men; I was given weakness, that I might feel
the need of God.
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life;
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing I asked for, but everything I hoped
for. Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers
were answered. I am among all men most richly
blessed. [Unknown]
Why do bad things happen to good people?
Many tragic stories raise a vexing question
which we rarely find answers: why does God
let misfortune wreck the lives of so many good
people? why does he let suffering bring tears to
the eyes of so many fine individuals? The reasons
indeed are mysterious and only fools can define
the reasons which the wise may not.
Jesus gives us a hint: Whoever loses his life for
my sake will find it. Whoever accepts suffering
and misfortune for His sake will find a whole new life,
a far richer and meaningful life. God can use tragedy
and misfortune to guide us into a newer and better lives.
Today, whatever situations we are in - financial difficulties,
family problems and personal tragedy - we pick up our
cross and follow Jesus. He can mend our broken dreams
and lead us into a renewed appreciation of life that we
never dream possible. We trust in His assurance: whoever
loses his life for my sake will find it. We may never
understand the mystery of misfortune in this life but
certainly we will in the later years of our lives.
An old Poem: "The Folded Page"
Up in the attic of an old house, as raindrops pattered
on the roof, I sat paging through my old schoolbook.
I came to a page that was folded down. Across it was
written in my childish hand: "The teacher says we
should leave this for now. It's hard to understand."
I unfolded the page and read it. Then I smiled and
nodded my head and said: "The teacher was right;
now I understand."
There are many pages in the book of life that are
hard to understand. All we can do is fold them down
and write: "The Master says to leave this for now.
It's hard to understand."
Then, someday, somehow, in heaven, we 'll unfold
the pages , reread them and say, "The Master was
right; now I understand." [Unknown]
Crosses can turn out to be blessings in disguise
if we then understand. It really takes awhile.
If we pick up the cross and follow in the footsteps
of Jesus, our cross can become a blessing and a
stepping stone to greater things. Our cross can
serve as an agent of life - fullness of life.
The consolation of Jesus can be summarized in this poem:
I asked for health, that I might do greater things;
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.
I asked for riches, that I might be happy;
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.
I asked for power, that I might have the praise
of men; I was given weakness, that I might feel
the need of God.
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life;
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing I asked for, but everything I hoped
for. Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers
were answered. I am among all men most richly
blessed. [Unknown]
Saturday, August 30, 2008
F A M I L Y
Author Unknown
I ran into a stranger as he passed by,
"Oh excuse me please" was my reply.
He said, "Please excuse me too;
I wasn't watching for you."
We were very polite, this stranger and I.
We went on our way and we said good-bye.
But at home a different story is told,
How we treat our loved ones, young and old.
Later that day, cooking the evening meal,
My son stood beside me very still.
When I turned, I nearly knocked him down.
"Move out of the way," I said with a frown.
He walked away, his little heart broken.
I didn't realize how harshly I'd spoken.
While I lay awake in bed, God's still small voice
came to me and said, "While dealing with a stranger,
common courtesy you use, but the children you love,
you seem to abuse. Go and look on the kitchen floor,
You'll find some flowers there by the door.
Those are the flowers he brought for you.
He picked them himself: pink, yellow and blue.
He stood very quietly not to spoil the surprise,
you never saw the tears that filled his little eyes."
By this time, I felt very small, And now my tears began to fall.
I quietly went and knelt by his bed; "Wake up, little one, wake up,"
I said. "Are these the flowers you picked for me?"
He smiled, "I found 'em, out by the tree. I picked 'em
because they're pretty like you. I knew you'd like 'em,
especially the blue." I said, "Son, I'm very sorry for the way
I acted today; I shouldn't have yelled at you that way."
He said, "Oh, Mom, that's okay. I love you anyway."
I said, "Son, I love you too, and I do like the flowers,
especially the blue."
Author Unknown
I ran into a stranger as he passed by,
"Oh excuse me please" was my reply.
He said, "Please excuse me too;
I wasn't watching for you."
We were very polite, this stranger and I.
We went on our way and we said good-bye.
But at home a different story is told,
How we treat our loved ones, young and old.
Later that day, cooking the evening meal,
My son stood beside me very still.
When I turned, I nearly knocked him down.
"Move out of the way," I said with a frown.
He walked away, his little heart broken.
I didn't realize how harshly I'd spoken.
While I lay awake in bed, God's still small voice
came to me and said, "While dealing with a stranger,
common courtesy you use, but the children you love,
you seem to abuse. Go and look on the kitchen floor,
You'll find some flowers there by the door.
Those are the flowers he brought for you.
He picked them himself: pink, yellow and blue.
He stood very quietly not to spoil the surprise,
you never saw the tears that filled his little eyes."
By this time, I felt very small, And now my tears began to fall.
I quietly went and knelt by his bed; "Wake up, little one, wake up,"
I said. "Are these the flowers you picked for me?"
He smiled, "I found 'em, out by the tree. I picked 'em
because they're pretty like you. I knew you'd like 'em,
especially the blue." I said, "Son, I'm very sorry for the way
I acted today; I shouldn't have yelled at you that way."
He said, "Oh, Mom, that's okay. I love you anyway."
I said, "Son, I love you too, and I do like the flowers,
especially the blue."
Courage
Wish Belkin
When evening comes the shadows grow, as the sun begins to set.
Take care that you don't come to know, a thing that's called regret.
Not what you try or what you do, throughout a carefree youth.
It's what you don't you'll come to rue, when time reveals it's truth.
There is wisdom to be had from mistaken words and acts.
You'll find that failure's not so bad, it strengthens you in fact.
Rejection's fear or the fear of failure, that paralizes you.
Is the stuff of tears and that which keeps you dreams from coming true.
It takes a certain kind of nerve to tell someone you care.
But then nature tends to serve the person who would dare.
Bravery isn't something you can cultivate from seed.
It must be conjured up anew each time that there's a need.
So take these words and hold them close,
it's certain you'll find that, one second of courage to speak
from the heart will result in you hearing them back.
Wish Belkin
When evening comes the shadows grow, as the sun begins to set.
Take care that you don't come to know, a thing that's called regret.
Not what you try or what you do, throughout a carefree youth.
It's what you don't you'll come to rue, when time reveals it's truth.
There is wisdom to be had from mistaken words and acts.
You'll find that failure's not so bad, it strengthens you in fact.
Rejection's fear or the fear of failure, that paralizes you.
Is the stuff of tears and that which keeps you dreams from coming true.
It takes a certain kind of nerve to tell someone you care.
But then nature tends to serve the person who would dare.
Bravery isn't something you can cultivate from seed.
It must be conjured up anew each time that there's a need.
So take these words and hold them close,
it's certain you'll find that, one second of courage to speak
from the heart will result in you hearing them back.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Believe
Wish Belkin
Believe in rewards that await you,
believe in the harvest in store.
Believe that the spring will awaken,
believe you'll be sowing once more.
Believe that there's a tomorrow,
where no one cares if you can't dance.
Believe in the future's promise,
each new day brings a new chance.
Believe you can make you goals happen,
they're just dreams with a deadline attached.
Believe that you have the power,
believe that you're more than a match.
Believe in a shared existence,
you're not alone this is true.
Believe that right now there is someone,
who believes in the wonder that's you.
Wish Belkin
Believe in rewards that await you,
believe in the harvest in store.
Believe that the spring will awaken,
believe you'll be sowing once more.
Believe that there's a tomorrow,
where no one cares if you can't dance.
Believe in the future's promise,
each new day brings a new chance.
Believe you can make you goals happen,
they're just dreams with a deadline attached.
Believe that you have the power,
believe that you're more than a match.
Believe in a shared existence,
you're not alone this is true.
Believe that right now there is someone,
who believes in the wonder that's you.
Believe in yourself
There may be days when you get up in the morning
and things aren't the way you had hoped they would be,....
that's when you have to tell yourself that things will get better.
There are times when people disappoint you
and let you down, but those are the times
when you must remind yourself to trust your own judgments
and opinions, to keep your life focused on believing in yourself
and all that you are capable of.
There will be challenges to face and changes to make
in your life,and it is up to you to accept them.
Constantly keep yourself headed in the right direction for you.
It may not be easy at times, but in those times of struggle
you will find a stronger sense of who you are,
So when the days come that are filled with frustration
and unexpected responsibilities,
remember to believe in yourself
and all you want your life to be,
because the challenges and changes
will only help you to find the goals
that you know are meant
to come true for you.
Keep believing in yourself.
There may be days when you get up in the morning
and things aren't the way you had hoped they would be,....
that's when you have to tell yourself that things will get better.
There are times when people disappoint you
and let you down, but those are the times
when you must remind yourself to trust your own judgments
and opinions, to keep your life focused on believing in yourself
and all that you are capable of.
There will be challenges to face and changes to make
in your life,and it is up to you to accept them.
Constantly keep yourself headed in the right direction for you.
It may not be easy at times, but in those times of struggle
you will find a stronger sense of who you are,
So when the days come that are filled with frustration
and unexpected responsibilities,
remember to believe in yourself
and all you want your life to be,
because the challenges and changes
will only help you to find the goals
that you know are meant
to come true for you.
Keep believing in yourself.
Sculptor's Attitude
[Author Unknown]
"I woke up early today, excited over all I get
to do before the clock strikes midnight.
I have responsibilities to fulfill today.
I am important.
My job is to choose what kind of day I am going to have.
Today I can complain because the weather is rainy
or I can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free.
Today I can feel sad that I don't have more money
or I can be glad that my finances encourage me to plan
my purchases wisely and guide me away from waste.
Today I can grumble about my health
or I can rejoice that I am alive.
Today I can lament over all that my parents
didn't give me when I was growing up
or I can feel grateful that they allowed me to be born.
Today I can cry because roses have thorns
or I can celebrate that thorns have roses.
Today I can mourn my lack of friend
or I can excitedly embark upon a quest to discover new relationships.
Today I can whine because I have to go to work
or I can shout for joy because I have a job to do.
Today I can complain because I have to go to school
or eagerly open my mind and fill it with rich new tidbits of knowledge.
Today I can murmur dejectedly because I have to do housework
or I can feel honored because the Lord has provide
shelter for my mind, body and soul.
Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped.
And here I am, the sculptor who gets to do the shaping.
What today will be like is up to me.
I get to choose what kind of day I will have!
Have a GREAT DAY……unless you have other plans."
[Author Unknown]
"I woke up early today, excited over all I get
to do before the clock strikes midnight.
I have responsibilities to fulfill today.
I am important.
My job is to choose what kind of day I am going to have.
Today I can complain because the weather is rainy
or I can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free.
Today I can feel sad that I don't have more money
or I can be glad that my finances encourage me to plan
my purchases wisely and guide me away from waste.
Today I can grumble about my health
or I can rejoice that I am alive.
Today I can lament over all that my parents
didn't give me when I was growing up
or I can feel grateful that they allowed me to be born.
Today I can cry because roses have thorns
or I can celebrate that thorns have roses.
Today I can mourn my lack of friend
or I can excitedly embark upon a quest to discover new relationships.
Today I can whine because I have to go to work
or I can shout for joy because I have a job to do.
Today I can complain because I have to go to school
or eagerly open my mind and fill it with rich new tidbits of knowledge.
Today I can murmur dejectedly because I have to do housework
or I can feel honored because the Lord has provide
shelter for my mind, body and soul.
Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped.
And here I am, the sculptor who gets to do the shaping.
What today will be like is up to me.
I get to choose what kind of day I will have!
Have a GREAT DAY……unless you have other plans."
If You Wish
Joseph Addison
If you wish success in life,
Make perseverance your bosom friend,
Experience your wise counselor,
Conscience your elder brother,
And hope your guardian genius.
Success Quote
"Success is to be measured
Not so much by the position that one has reached in life
As by the obstacles
Which he has overcome while trying to succeed."
[Booker T. Washington]
Achievement
Robert Louis Stevenson
That man is a success who has lived well,
Laughed often and loved much;
Who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of children;
Who has filled his nice and accomplished his task;
Who leaves the world better than he found it,
Whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem or a rescued soul,
Who never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty or failed to express it;
Who looked for he best in others and gave the best he had.
Success Quote
"Would you like me to give you a formula for...success?
It's quite simple, really.
Double your rate of failure...
You're thinking of failure as the enemy of success.
But it isn't at all...
You can be discouraged by failure-or you can learn from it.
So go ahead and make mistakes.
Make all you can.
Because, remember that's where you'll find success.
On the far side."
[Thomas John Watson, Sr]
The Real Successes
Edgar A. Guest
You think that the failures are many,
You think the successes are few,
But you judge by the rule of the penny,
And not by the good that men do.
You judge men by standards of treasure
That merely obtain upon earth,
When the brother you're snubbing may measure
Full-length to God's standard of worth.
The failures are not in the ditches,
The failures are not in the ranks,
They have missed the acquirement of riches,
Their fortunes are not in the banks.
Their virtues are never paraded,
Their worth is not always in view,
But they're fighting their battles unaided,
And fighting them honestly, too.
There are failures to-day in high places
The failures aren't all in the low;
There are rich men with scorn in their faces
Whose homes are but castles of woe.
The homes that are happy are many,
And numberless fathers are true;
And this is the standard, if any,
By which we must judge what men do.
Wherever loved ones are awaiting
The toiler to kiss and caress,
Though in Bradstreet's he hasn't a rating,
He still is a splendid success.
If the dear ones who gather about him
And know what he's striving to do
Have never a reason to doubt him,
Is he less successful than you?
You think that the failures are many,
You judge by men's profits in gold;
You judge by the rule of the penny-
In this true success isn't told.
This falsely man's story is telling,
For wealth often brings on distress,
But wherever love brightens a dwelling,
There lives; rich or poor, a success.
Joseph Addison
If you wish success in life,
Make perseverance your bosom friend,
Experience your wise counselor,
Conscience your elder brother,
And hope your guardian genius.
Success Quote
"Success is to be measured
Not so much by the position that one has reached in life
As by the obstacles
Which he has overcome while trying to succeed."
[Booker T. Washington]
Achievement
Robert Louis Stevenson
That man is a success who has lived well,
Laughed often and loved much;
Who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of children;
Who has filled his nice and accomplished his task;
Who leaves the world better than he found it,
Whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem or a rescued soul,
Who never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty or failed to express it;
Who looked for he best in others and gave the best he had.
Success Quote
"Would you like me to give you a formula for...success?
It's quite simple, really.
Double your rate of failure...
You're thinking of failure as the enemy of success.
But it isn't at all...
You can be discouraged by failure-or you can learn from it.
So go ahead and make mistakes.
Make all you can.
Because, remember that's where you'll find success.
On the far side."
[Thomas John Watson, Sr]
The Real Successes
Edgar A. Guest
You think that the failures are many,
You think the successes are few,
But you judge by the rule of the penny,
And not by the good that men do.
You judge men by standards of treasure
That merely obtain upon earth,
When the brother you're snubbing may measure
Full-length to God's standard of worth.
The failures are not in the ditches,
The failures are not in the ranks,
They have missed the acquirement of riches,
Their fortunes are not in the banks.
Their virtues are never paraded,
Their worth is not always in view,
But they're fighting their battles unaided,
And fighting them honestly, too.
There are failures to-day in high places
The failures aren't all in the low;
There are rich men with scorn in their faces
Whose homes are but castles of woe.
The homes that are happy are many,
And numberless fathers are true;
And this is the standard, if any,
By which we must judge what men do.
Wherever loved ones are awaiting
The toiler to kiss and caress,
Though in Bradstreet's he hasn't a rating,
He still is a splendid success.
If the dear ones who gather about him
And know what he's striving to do
Have never a reason to doubt him,
Is he less successful than you?
You think that the failures are many,
You judge by men's profits in gold;
You judge by the rule of the penny-
In this true success isn't told.
This falsely man's story is telling,
For wealth often brings on distress,
But wherever love brightens a dwelling,
There lives; rich or poor, a success.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Reach
Trixie Asirvatham
Dreams, aspirations, goals ...
they are the guiding forces
that propel you through life,
through the realm of thought.
The Inner Dialogue is where it all begins.
It shapes your actions and your life.
Catch your thinking when it gets into the grey, dark,
negative area, and talk to yourself with uplifting thoughts.
In a world that is artificial and self-serving,
you need to be true to yourself
and to invest in real and rewarding relationships.
This will give you the inner strength
you need to withstand life's challenges.
This poem/song expresses the yearning for
self-actualisation, which is a God-sent feeling
that encourages you as an individual to reach
your highest state. You have God within you
and have immense potential.
You are capable of huge achievements
if you use the opportunities and talents given to you by Him.
Reachin' up, reachin' high
Reachin' higher than the sky
Reachin' out for a goal you've never tried before
Push your body to the brink
You've got more strength than you think
You've got it in you, you're gonna make it if you try.
And when the going gets rough
And when the playing gets tough
Just keep on trying...
For life is a game and the aim is to succeed
And when you reach your dream, it's not the end
There's another goal beyond the bend...
Another race to run, another hill to climb
And you can do it all over again"
Cause you've got what it takes,
You've got what it takes to succeed.
Reachin' out - reachin' wide
Reachin' wider than the oceanside
Reachin' out to others to give and to receive
Put away your foolish pride
Let their counsel be your guide
And you can ride their strength as you ride the ocean-tide
And when the strong winds blow
And when the waves lash below
You'll keep on sailing
For their strength is yours if you only will receive
And when they let you down
Don't let it get you down,
they're only human, just like you,
Leave the hurt behind
Look around, you'll find
You can love all over again
Because you've got what it takes,
You've got what it takes to give.
Reachin' down, deep inside
Into the hidden wealth of your mind
Where your thoughts and feelings and hopes and dreams abide...
You could come up with mud or slime
Or you could strike gold in time
In the dark you'll see your true self shining through.
And when problems surround you,
Don't let them confound you,
Look within you...
You know that steel is melted in the furnace before it's strong;
So work on your weakness, and build on your strengths
There's no end to what you can do
You've got a lot to give
You've got a lot to live
And you can do it all over again
'Cause you've got what it takes,
You've got what it takes to be you.
Reachin' up -
reachin' higherReachin' out -
reachin' widerReachin' in - deep within you
You can do it ...all over again
Because you've got what it takes
You've got what it takes to be you.
Every Minute has a Lot of Livin' in It
Trixie Asirvatham
Every minute, every minute
Has a lot of livin' in it
I make the most of everything
Catch opportunity on the wing
I'm getting closer to my dreams, oh…
Every minute, every minute
Has a lot of living in it.
Give Me Dreams
Trixie Asirvatham
Think of all the songs and poems written about dreams.
Endlessly fascinating, aren't they?
A dream is where your life actually begins taking shape.
It stirs your emotions, fills you with inner longings
and the urge to make your dreams manifest.
In fact all action and human achievement begins with a dream.
In a material world filled with cynicism, we need a return to the pure,
unspoilt dreams of our childhood, where we listened
to the voice of God revealed in the shape and scope of our imagination.
Give me dreams!
Give me dreams.
Give me the roseate hue of sunrise on the clouds.
The silver of stardust in the velvet blue sky.
The eager hope in a youthful face.
The spirit to tackle problems unknown.
The fire in the heart, the joy in the soul.
Give me these … I'd take them all
Rather than the dull clods of reality
that keep me fixed in status quo.
Give me make-believe.
The mischievous pranks of an elfin sprite.
The daring exploits of Captain Midnight.
Give me walks on the planets with Mr. Spock
Or the bold and brave world of Wonder Woman.
Far better these, than the dreary tread of habit
Leading time apace into one more day that's gone,
With nothing accomplished, nothing done.
Give me romance.
The tenderness of a loved one's touch;
Stars spangled on a princess' dress
A prince of men, handsome and loving
And happily-ever-aftering.
Far better these, than hurtful words
Abuses, curses, blood and tears
Cold indifference, trembling fears.
Give me music.
The melody that calls to mind
The whisper of wind on mountain pine
That soothes you by its lilting sound
Or lifts you up like an eagle proud.
I'd rather have these than the noise and shriek
The mad frenzy of today's sound… the dull drugged rhythm
of the stoned ---or raucous voices raised up to enflame.
Give me dance.
The liquid grace of a swan poised for flight.
The breathless wonder of a pirouette,the leaps and lifts,
the synchrony
Of dancers floating butterfly-light on air.
Give me these, than vulgar gyrations'
mid psychedelic lights and ear-shattering din.
Give me friendship.
The uncritical mindset that accept you as you are
The faith and trust that tells you you'll go far…
The happy times, the laughter and the chatter
Companionship that understands when you want to be alone.
I'd rather have a few friends like these
Than a hundred smooth-tongued flatterers
That tell me what I want to hear, when they need me,
And leave me flat when things go wrong and I need them.
Give me life.
For there must be more to life than
back-and-forthingnine-to-five-ingand conniving
penny-pinchingmoney-splurgingladder-climbingorder-giving
and all the humdrum nitty-gritty of everyday living.
Give me the pulsing, throbbing, heady excitement
of climbing the mountain and crossing the sea;
The uncertainty of new discovery---
The hopes, the fears, the dreams.
Yes, were I bereft of all the world has to give,
I would still dare to dream… and breathe life into my dreams
Trixie Asirvatham
Dreams, aspirations, goals ...
they are the guiding forces
that propel you through life,
through the realm of thought.
The Inner Dialogue is where it all begins.
It shapes your actions and your life.
Catch your thinking when it gets into the grey, dark,
negative area, and talk to yourself with uplifting thoughts.
In a world that is artificial and self-serving,
you need to be true to yourself
and to invest in real and rewarding relationships.
This will give you the inner strength
you need to withstand life's challenges.
This poem/song expresses the yearning for
self-actualisation, which is a God-sent feeling
that encourages you as an individual to reach
your highest state. You have God within you
and have immense potential.
You are capable of huge achievements
if you use the opportunities and talents given to you by Him.
Reachin' up, reachin' high
Reachin' higher than the sky
Reachin' out for a goal you've never tried before
Push your body to the brink
You've got more strength than you think
You've got it in you, you're gonna make it if you try.
And when the going gets rough
And when the playing gets tough
Just keep on trying...
For life is a game and the aim is to succeed
And when you reach your dream, it's not the end
There's another goal beyond the bend...
Another race to run, another hill to climb
And you can do it all over again"
Cause you've got what it takes,
You've got what it takes to succeed.
Reachin' out - reachin' wide
Reachin' wider than the oceanside
Reachin' out to others to give and to receive
Put away your foolish pride
Let their counsel be your guide
And you can ride their strength as you ride the ocean-tide
And when the strong winds blow
And when the waves lash below
You'll keep on sailing
For their strength is yours if you only will receive
And when they let you down
Don't let it get you down,
they're only human, just like you,
Leave the hurt behind
Look around, you'll find
You can love all over again
Because you've got what it takes,
You've got what it takes to give.
Reachin' down, deep inside
Into the hidden wealth of your mind
Where your thoughts and feelings and hopes and dreams abide...
You could come up with mud or slime
Or you could strike gold in time
In the dark you'll see your true self shining through.
And when problems surround you,
Don't let them confound you,
Look within you...
You know that steel is melted in the furnace before it's strong;
So work on your weakness, and build on your strengths
There's no end to what you can do
You've got a lot to give
You've got a lot to live
And you can do it all over again
'Cause you've got what it takes,
You've got what it takes to be you.
Reachin' up -
reachin' higherReachin' out -
reachin' widerReachin' in - deep within you
You can do it ...all over again
Because you've got what it takes
You've got what it takes to be you.
Every Minute has a Lot of Livin' in It
Trixie Asirvatham
Every minute, every minute
Has a lot of livin' in it
I make the most of everything
Catch opportunity on the wing
I'm getting closer to my dreams, oh…
Every minute, every minute
Has a lot of living in it.
Give Me Dreams
Trixie Asirvatham
Think of all the songs and poems written about dreams.
Endlessly fascinating, aren't they?
A dream is where your life actually begins taking shape.
It stirs your emotions, fills you with inner longings
and the urge to make your dreams manifest.
In fact all action and human achievement begins with a dream.
In a material world filled with cynicism, we need a return to the pure,
unspoilt dreams of our childhood, where we listened
to the voice of God revealed in the shape and scope of our imagination.
Give me dreams!
Give me dreams.
Give me the roseate hue of sunrise on the clouds.
The silver of stardust in the velvet blue sky.
The eager hope in a youthful face.
The spirit to tackle problems unknown.
The fire in the heart, the joy in the soul.
Give me these … I'd take them all
Rather than the dull clods of reality
that keep me fixed in status quo.
Give me make-believe.
The mischievous pranks of an elfin sprite.
The daring exploits of Captain Midnight.
Give me walks on the planets with Mr. Spock
Or the bold and brave world of Wonder Woman.
Far better these, than the dreary tread of habit
Leading time apace into one more day that's gone,
With nothing accomplished, nothing done.
Give me romance.
The tenderness of a loved one's touch;
Stars spangled on a princess' dress
A prince of men, handsome and loving
And happily-ever-aftering.
Far better these, than hurtful words
Abuses, curses, blood and tears
Cold indifference, trembling fears.
Give me music.
The melody that calls to mind
The whisper of wind on mountain pine
That soothes you by its lilting sound
Or lifts you up like an eagle proud.
I'd rather have these than the noise and shriek
The mad frenzy of today's sound… the dull drugged rhythm
of the stoned ---or raucous voices raised up to enflame.
Give me dance.
The liquid grace of a swan poised for flight.
The breathless wonder of a pirouette,the leaps and lifts,
the synchrony
Of dancers floating butterfly-light on air.
Give me these, than vulgar gyrations'
mid psychedelic lights and ear-shattering din.
Give me friendship.
The uncritical mindset that accept you as you are
The faith and trust that tells you you'll go far…
The happy times, the laughter and the chatter
Companionship that understands when you want to be alone.
I'd rather have a few friends like these
Than a hundred smooth-tongued flatterers
That tell me what I want to hear, when they need me,
And leave me flat when things go wrong and I need them.
Give me life.
For there must be more to life than
back-and-forthingnine-to-five-ingand conniving
penny-pinchingmoney-splurgingladder-climbingorder-giving
and all the humdrum nitty-gritty of everyday living.
Give me the pulsing, throbbing, heady excitement
of climbing the mountain and crossing the sea;
The uncertainty of new discovery---
The hopes, the fears, the dreams.
Yes, were I bereft of all the world has to give,
I would still dare to dream… and breathe life into my dreams
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Heart Prints
Author Unknown
Whatever our hands touch...we leave
fingerprints on.
On walls, on furniture, on door knobs,
dishes and books.
As we touch we leave our identity..
Oh please where ever I go today...
help me leave heart prints.
Heart prints of compassion,
understanding and love.
Heart prints of kindness and genuine concern.
May my heart touch a lonely neighbor...
or a runaway daughter...
or an anxious mother...
or perhaps a dear friend!
I shall go out today...
to leave heart prints...
and if some one should say...
"I felt your touch!"
Author Unknown
Whatever our hands touch...we leave
fingerprints on.
On walls, on furniture, on door knobs,
dishes and books.
As we touch we leave our identity..
Oh please where ever I go today...
help me leave heart prints.
Heart prints of compassion,
understanding and love.
Heart prints of kindness and genuine concern.
May my heart touch a lonely neighbor...
or a runaway daughter...
or an anxious mother...
or perhaps a dear friend!
I shall go out today...
to leave heart prints...
and if some one should say...
"I felt your touch!"
The Swan
Rilke
There's a faith in loving fiercely the one who is rightfully yours
especially if you have waited years and especially if part of you never
believed you could deserve this loved and beckoning hand held
out to you this way.
I am thinking of faith now and the testaments of loneliness
and what we feel we are worthy of in this world.
Years ago in the Hebrides I remember an old man
who would walk every morning on the gray stones
to the shore of baying seals, who would press his hat to his chest
in the blustering salt wind and say his prayer to the turbulent
Jesus hidden in the waters.
And I think of the story of the storm and the people
waking and seeing the distant, yet familiar figure,
far across the water calling to them.
And how we are all preparing for that abrupt waking
and that calling and that moment when we have to say yes!
Except it will not come so grandly, so Biblically,
but more subtly, and intimately in the face
of the one you know you have to love.
So that when we finally step out of the boat
toward them we find, everything holds us,
and everything confirms our courage.
And if you wanted to drown, you could,
But you don't, because finally, after all
this struggle and all these years,
you don't want to anymore.
You've simply had enough of drowning
and you want to live, and you want to love.
And you'll walk across any territory,
and any darkness, however fluid,
and however dangerous to take the one
hand and the one life, you know belongs in yours.
Rilke
There's a faith in loving fiercely the one who is rightfully yours
especially if you have waited years and especially if part of you never
believed you could deserve this loved and beckoning hand held
out to you this way.
I am thinking of faith now and the testaments of loneliness
and what we feel we are worthy of in this world.
Years ago in the Hebrides I remember an old man
who would walk every morning on the gray stones
to the shore of baying seals, who would press his hat to his chest
in the blustering salt wind and say his prayer to the turbulent
Jesus hidden in the waters.
And I think of the story of the storm and the people
waking and seeing the distant, yet familiar figure,
far across the water calling to them.
And how we are all preparing for that abrupt waking
and that calling and that moment when we have to say yes!
Except it will not come so grandly, so Biblically,
but more subtly, and intimately in the face
of the one you know you have to love.
So that when we finally step out of the boat
toward them we find, everything holds us,
and everything confirms our courage.
And if you wanted to drown, you could,
But you don't, because finally, after all
this struggle and all these years,
you don't want to anymore.
You've simply had enough of drowning
and you want to live, and you want to love.
And you'll walk across any territory,
and any darkness, however fluid,
and however dangerous to take the one
hand and the one life, you know belongs in yours.
IF
Joseph Rudyard Kipling
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
Or being hated, don’t give way to hating,
And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise:
If you can dream – and not make dreams your master;
If you can think – and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build’em up with worn-out tools:
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold-on!’
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings – nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
And – which is more – you’ll be a Man, my son!
Joseph Rudyard Kipling
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
Or being hated, don’t give way to hating,
And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise:
If you can dream – and not make dreams your master;
If you can think – and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build’em up with worn-out tools:
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold-on!’
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings – nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
And – which is more – you’ll be a Man, my son!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
THE DISAPPOINTED
There are songs enough for the hero
Who dwells on the heights of fame;
I sing of the disappointed -
For those who have missed their aim.
I sing for the breathless runner,
The eager, anxious soul,
Who falls with his strength exhausted,
Almost in sight of the goal;
For the hearts that break in silence,
With a sorrow all unknown,
For those who need companions,
Yet walk their ways alone.
There are songs enough for the lovers
Who share love's tender pain,
I sing for the one whose passion
Is given all in vain.
And I know the solar system
Must somewhere keep in space
A prize for that spent runner
Who barely lost the race.
For the plan would be imperfect
Unless it is held some sphere
That paid for the toil and talent
And love that are wasted here.
[Ella Wheeler Cox]
There are songs enough for the hero
Who dwells on the heights of fame;
I sing of the disappointed -
For those who have missed their aim.
I sing for the breathless runner,
The eager, anxious soul,
Who falls with his strength exhausted,
Almost in sight of the goal;
For the hearts that break in silence,
With a sorrow all unknown,
For those who need companions,
Yet walk their ways alone.
There are songs enough for the lovers
Who share love's tender pain,
I sing for the one whose passion
Is given all in vain.
And I know the solar system
Must somewhere keep in space
A prize for that spent runner
Who barely lost the race.
For the plan would be imperfect
Unless it is held some sphere
That paid for the toil and talent
And love that are wasted here.
[Ella Wheeler Cox]
Thursday, July 10, 2008
YOU
It isn't the money you are making,
It isn't the clothes you wear;
It isn't the skill of your good right hand
That makes folks really care.
But it's the smile on your face
And the light of your eyes,
And the burdens that you bear;
It's how do you live, and neighbor,
It's how d you work and play,
And it's how do you say "Good morning"
To the people along the way;
And it's how do you face your troubles
Wherever the skies are gray.
[Byrne]
It isn't the money you are making,
It isn't the clothes you wear;
It isn't the skill of your good right hand
That makes folks really care.
But it's the smile on your face
And the light of your eyes,
And the burdens that you bear;
It's how do you live, and neighbor,
It's how d you work and play,
And it's how do you say "Good morning"
To the people along the way;
And it's how do you face your troubles
Wherever the skies are gray.
[Byrne]
Saturday, May 17, 2008
HOW TO BE RICH
(In all the ways that matter most)
Always take time for...
Big Smiles. Sunday mornings. Long walks.
Warm appreciation. Precious memories. Things
that bring a sense of joy to your heart. Stay in touch...
With people who will always mean so much.
Find a way to...
Be good to yourself (really good.)
Build the bridges that will take you everywhere
you've ever wanted to go. Write out your own
definition of success, and then do your absolute best
to make that story come true. Get closer and closer
to the summit of every mountain you've ever wanted
to climb. Make the most... of your moment...
of this moment in time.
Make plans to...
Slow down the days. Find your perfect pace.
Be strong enough. Be gentle enough.
Reap the sweet rewards that will come from
all the good things you do and all the great things
you give. Keep things in perspective.
Remember to...
Invest wisely in the best riches of all.
Share invaluable words over warm cups in quiet places.
Treasure time spent in heart-to-heart conversations.
Laugh a lot. Work it all out. Move ahead every worry.
Move beyond any sorrows. Have yourself a wealth of
beautiful tomorrows.
And (last, but not least,)
Never underestimate the power of...
Friendship. Family. Chocolate.
And love.
[Douglas Pagels]
(In all the ways that matter most)
Always take time for...
Big Smiles. Sunday mornings. Long walks.
Warm appreciation. Precious memories. Things
that bring a sense of joy to your heart. Stay in touch...
With people who will always mean so much.
Find a way to...
Be good to yourself (really good.)
Build the bridges that will take you everywhere
you've ever wanted to go. Write out your own
definition of success, and then do your absolute best
to make that story come true. Get closer and closer
to the summit of every mountain you've ever wanted
to climb. Make the most... of your moment...
of this moment in time.
Make plans to...
Slow down the days. Find your perfect pace.
Be strong enough. Be gentle enough.
Reap the sweet rewards that will come from
all the good things you do and all the great things
you give. Keep things in perspective.
Remember to...
Invest wisely in the best riches of all.
Share invaluable words over warm cups in quiet places.
Treasure time spent in heart-to-heart conversations.
Laugh a lot. Work it all out. Move ahead every worry.
Move beyond any sorrows. Have yourself a wealth of
beautiful tomorrows.
And (last, but not least,)
Never underestimate the power of...
Friendship. Family. Chocolate.
And love.
[Douglas Pagels]
HOPE'S SONG
I hear it singing, singing sweetly,
Softly in an undertone, -
Singing as if God had taught it,
"It is better farther on!"
Night and day it sings the same song,
Sings it while I sit down,
Sings so that the heart may hear it,
"It is better farther on!"
Sits upon the grave and sings it,
Sings it when the heart would groan,
Sings it when the shadows darken,
"It is better farther on!"
Farther on? Oh, how much farther?
Count the milestone one by one -
No, not counting, only trusting,
"It is better farther on!'
[Anonymous]
I hear it singing, singing sweetly,
Softly in an undertone, -
Singing as if God had taught it,
"It is better farther on!"
Night and day it sings the same song,
Sings it while I sit down,
Sings so that the heart may hear it,
"It is better farther on!"
Sits upon the grave and sings it,
Sings it when the heart would groan,
Sings it when the shadows darken,
"It is better farther on!"
Farther on? Oh, how much farther?
Count the milestone one by one -
No, not counting, only trusting,
"It is better farther on!'
[Anonymous]
THE TIDE WILL WIN
On the far reef the breakers
Recoil in shattered foam,
While still the sea behind them
Urges its forces home;
Its song of triumph surges
O'er all the thunderous din,
The wave may break in failure;
But the tide is sure to win!
The reef is strong and cruel;
Upon its jagged wall
One wave, a score, a hundred,
Broken and beaten fall;
Yet in defeat they conquer,
The sea comes flooding in,
Wave upon wave it routed,
But the tide is sure to win.
O mighty sea! thy message
In clanging spray is cast;
Within God's plan of progress
It matters not at last
How wide the shores of evil,
How strong the reefs of sin,
The wave may be defeated,
But the tide is sure to win!
[Priscilla Leonard]
On the far reef the breakers
Recoil in shattered foam,
While still the sea behind them
Urges its forces home;
Its song of triumph surges
O'er all the thunderous din,
The wave may break in failure;
But the tide is sure to win!
The reef is strong and cruel;
Upon its jagged wall
One wave, a score, a hundred,
Broken and beaten fall;
Yet in defeat they conquer,
The sea comes flooding in,
Wave upon wave it routed,
But the tide is sure to win.
O mighty sea! thy message
In clanging spray is cast;
Within God's plan of progress
It matters not at last
How wide the shores of evil,
How strong the reefs of sin,
The wave may be defeated,
But the tide is sure to win!
[Priscilla Leonard]
THE ARROW
The life of men
Is an arrow's flight,
Out of darkness
Into light,
And out of the light
Into darkness again;
Perhaps to pleasure,
Perhaps to pain.
There must be Something,
Above, or below;
Something unseen
A mighty Bow,
A Hand that tires not,
A sleepless Eye
That sees the arrow
Fly, and fly;
One who knows
Why we live - and die.
[Richard Henry Stoddard]
The life of men
Is an arrow's flight,
Out of darkness
Into light,
And out of the light
Into darkness again;
Perhaps to pleasure,
Perhaps to pain.
There must be Something,
Above, or below;
Something unseen
A mighty Bow,
A Hand that tires not,
A sleepless Eye
That sees the arrow
Fly, and fly;
One who knows
Why we live - and die.
[Richard Henry Stoddard]
LITTLE ROADS TO HAPPINESS
The little roads to happiness,
they are not hard to find;
They do not lead to great success -
but to a quiet mind.
They do not lead to mighty power,
nor to substantial wealth.
They bring one to a book, a flower,
a song of cheer and health.
The little roads to happiness
are free to everyone;
They lead one to the wind's caress,
to kiss of friendly sun.
These little roads are shining white,
for all the world to see;
Their sign-boards, pointing left and right,
are love and sympathy.
The little roads of happiness have this
most charming way;
No matter how they may digress throughout
the busy day;
No matter where they twist and wind
through fields of rich delight,
They're always of the self same mind to
lead us home at night.
[Wilhelmina Stitch]
The little roads to happiness,
they are not hard to find;
They do not lead to great success -
but to a quiet mind.
They do not lead to mighty power,
nor to substantial wealth.
They bring one to a book, a flower,
a song of cheer and health.
The little roads to happiness
are free to everyone;
They lead one to the wind's caress,
to kiss of friendly sun.
These little roads are shining white,
for all the world to see;
Their sign-boards, pointing left and right,
are love and sympathy.
The little roads of happiness have this
most charming way;
No matter how they may digress throughout
the busy day;
No matter where they twist and wind
through fields of rich delight,
They're always of the self same mind to
lead us home at night.
[Wilhelmina Stitch]
PROFIT AND LOSS
I counted dollars while God counted crosses;
I counted gains while He counted losses!
I counted my worth by things gained in the Store,
But He sized me up by the scars that I bore;
I coveted honors and sought for degrees;
He wept as He counted the hours on my knees.
And I never knew till one day by a grave
How vain are the things that we spend life to save.
I did not yet know until Jim went above
That richest is he who is rich in God's love!
[Anonymous]
I counted dollars while God counted crosses;
I counted gains while He counted losses!
I counted my worth by things gained in the Store,
But He sized me up by the scars that I bore;
I coveted honors and sought for degrees;
He wept as He counted the hours on my knees.
And I never knew till one day by a grave
How vain are the things that we spend life to save.
I did not yet know until Jim went above
That richest is he who is rich in God's love!
[Anonymous]
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
ON YOUTH
The whole secret of remaining young in spite of years,
and even of gray hairs, is to cherish the enthusiasm in
oneself, by poetry, by contemplation, by charity -
that is, in fewer words, by the maintenance of harmony
in the soul. When everything is in its right place within us,
we ourselves are in equilibrium with the whole work of God.
Deep and grave enthusiasm for the eternal beauty and
the eternal order, reason touched with emotion and
a serene tenderness of heart - these surely are
the foundations of wisdom.
[Henri Frederic Amiel]
The whole secret of remaining young in spite of years,
and even of gray hairs, is to cherish the enthusiasm in
oneself, by poetry, by contemplation, by charity -
that is, in fewer words, by the maintenance of harmony
in the soul. When everything is in its right place within us,
we ourselves are in equilibrium with the whole work of God.
Deep and grave enthusiasm for the eternal beauty and
the eternal order, reason touched with emotion and
a serene tenderness of heart - these surely are
the foundations of wisdom.
[Henri Frederic Amiel]
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
