On this page you will find: The Be Attitudes The Land of Beginning Again A time to Believe Never Give Up More Than She Asked For When The Good Lord Was Creating Fathers Why God Made Friends If You Came Across An Angel The Lil Girl in the Park Once upon A Time No Sad Tears Pennies From Heaven Symptoms of Inner Piece Park Bench Lessons The Old Fisherman Twinkies and Root Beer Don't Determine Your Worth Your Special Angel To: Lilltetown From: God Heavens Grocery Store Day Old Child

The Be Attitudes Be understanding to your perceived enemies. Be loyal to your friends. Be strong enough to face the world each day. Be weak enough to know you cannot do everything alone. Be generous to those who need your help. Be frugal with that you need yourself. Be wise enough to know that you do not know everything. Be foolish enough to believe in miracles. Be willing to share your joys. Be willing to share the sorrows of others. Be a leader when you see a path others have missed. Be a follower when you are shrouded by the mists of uncertainty. Be first to congratulate an opponent who succeeds. Be last to criticize a colleague who fails. Be sure where your next step will fall, so that you will not tumble. Be sure of your final destination, in case you are going the wrong way. Be loving to those who love you. Be loving to those who do not love you; they may change. Above all, be yourself. Unknown

The Land of Beginning Again Won't you travel with me on the highway of life? Down the road of Forgive and Forget That leads to the Land of Beginning Again Where old friends are better friends yet. I wish that there were some wonderful place Called the Land of Beginning Again Where all of our mistakes, and all of our heartaches, And all of our poor, selfish grief Could be dropped like a shabby old coat at the door And never be put on again. I wish we might come on it all unaware, Like a hunter who finds a lost trail And I wish that the one whom our blindness had done The greatest injustice of all, Could be at the gates like an old friend Who waits for the comrade he's gladdest to hail? We'd find all the things we intended to do But forgot and remembered too late Little praises unspoken, little promises broken, And all the thousand and one little duties neglected That might have perfected the day for one less fortunate. It wouldn't be possible not to be kind in that Land of Beginning again or the ones we misjudged, and the ones we grudged Their moments of victory here Would find in the grasp of our loving hand clasp More than penitent lip could explain. And what had seemed hardest, we'd find had been best, And what had seemed loss, had been gain. or there isn't a thing that will not take wing If you face it and laugh it away. And I think that the laughter is most what we're after In that Land of Beginning Again So I wish that there were some wonderful place Called the Land of Beginning Again Where all of our mistakes and all of our heartaches And all of our poor, selfish grief, Could be dropped like a shabby old coat at the door And never be put on again.

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

Never Give Up Though your Troubles may be many, And your Joys be very few, Never give up your Battles, There's Victory in store for you. Though you may try your best, And never Win or Gain, Remember you have a Purpose, A single Goal to Claim. Even when the Chips are down, And no one's on Your Side, You'll always have Something, You'll always have your Pride. And when your Dreams turn to Dust, And the Wind blows them away, There is always Tomorrow, Tomorrow's a New Day. So never think Life is worthless Never think of yourself as Poor For what lies ahead in the Future No one knows for sure... So Never Give Up

More Than She Asked For A woman was at work when she received a phone call that her daughter was very sick with a fever. She left her work and stopped by the pharmacy to get some medication for her daughter. When returning to her car she found that she had locked her keys in the car. She was in a hurry to get home to her sick daughter, she didn't know what to do, so she called her home and told the baby sitter what had happened and that she did not know what to do. The baby sitter told her that her daughter was getting worse. She said, "You might find a coat hanger and use that to open the door." The woman looked around and found an old rusty coat hanger that had been thrown down on the ground possibly by someone else who at some time or other had locked their keys in their car. Then she looked at the hanger and said, "I don't know how to use this." So she bowed her head and asked God to send her some help. Within five minutes an old rusty car pulled up, with a dirty, greasy, bearded man who was wearing an old biker skull rag on his head. The woman thought, "Dear God. This is what you sent to help me???" But, she was desperate, so she was also very thankful. The man got out of his car and asked her if he could help. She said, "Yes, my daughter is very sick......I stopped to get her some medication and I locked my keys in my car, I must get home to her. Please, can you use this hanger to unlock my car." He said, "SURE". He walked over to the car, and in less than one minute the car was opened. She hugged the man and through her tears she said, "THANK YOU SO MUCH..... You are a very nice man." The man replied, "Lady, I am not a nice man. I just got out of prison today. I was in prison for car theft and have only been out for about an hour." The woman hugged the man again and with sobbing tears cried out loud....."THANK YOU, GOD, FOR SENDING ME A PROFESSIONAL

When the good Lord was creating Fathers ... He started with a tall frame. An angel nearby said, "What kind of Father is that? If you're going to make children so close to the ground, why have you put the Fathers up so high? He won't be able to shoot a marble without kneeling, play pretend drinking tea, tuck a child in bed without bending, or even kiss a child without a lot of stooping." God smiled and said, "Yes, but if I make him child-size, who would children have to look up to?" And when God made a Father's hands, they were large. The angel shook her head sadly and said, "Do you know what you are doing? Large hands are clumsy. They can't manage diaper pins, small buttons, rubber bands on pony tails, or even remove splinters caused by baseball bats." Again God smiled and said, "I know, but they're large enough to hold everything a small boy empties from his pockets, all his daughter's paper dolls, jump rope, yet small enough to cup a child's face in his hands." Then God molded long slim legs and broad shoulders. The angel nearly had a heart attack. "Do you realize you just made a Father without a lap? How is he going to pull a child close to him without the kid falling between his legs?" God smiled and said, "A Mother needs a lap. A Father needs strong shoulders to pull a wagon, to balance a child on a bicycle, or to hold a sleepy head on the way home from the circus." When God was in the middle of creating two of the largest feet anyone had ever seen, the angel giggled and could not contain herself any longer. "That's not fair. Do you honestly think those large boats are going to get out of bed early in the morning when the baby cries? Or walk through a birthday party without crushing one or two of the guests?" Again God smiled and said, "It will work, you'll see. It will support a small child who wants to ride a horse to Banbury Cross, or scare mice away from a summer cabin, or walk in shoes that will be a challenge to fill." God worked throughout the night, giving the Father few words, but a firm authoritative voice; eyes that could see everything, yet remain calm and tolerant. Finally, almost as an afterthought, He added tears. Then he turned to the angel and said, "Now are you satisfied that he can love as much as a Mother can?" The angel said nothing more.

Why God Made Friends God made the world with a heart full of love, Then He looked down from Heaven above, And saw that we all need a helping hand, Someone to share with, who'll understand. He made special people to see us through The glad times and the sad times, too; A person on whom we can always depend, Someone we can call a friend. God made friends so we'll carry a part Of His perfect love in all our hearts. ~ author unknown ~

~If You Come Across an Angel~ Every day, in the world around us, real-life angels are doing the things they do... and bringing more smiles to the world around them. Real-life angels build bridges instead of walls. They don't play hide-and-seek with the truth, they do whatever they can to help you. Real-life angels understand difficulties and always give the benefit of the doubt. They don't hold others up to the standards they can't live by themselves. Real-life angels are what "inner beauty" is all about. Real-life angels don't hold things against you; the only thing they hold...is you. They take your hand in theirs when you could use a little reassurance. They walk beside you when you could do with a little guidance and direction in your life. And they support you in your attempts to do what is right. Real-life angels multiply your smiles and add to you interegrity. They make you feel like, "Hey, I really am somebody who matters." Then they quietly prove to you how beautiful and true that feeling really is. If you come across an angel like this, you are one of the luckiest people of all. If someone in your life is wonderfully like an angel to you, it's important to let them know. It's the nicest compliment you could ever give in all the days of your life and in all the years that you live. ~Author Unknown~

The Lil' Girl in the Park" There was this lil' girl sitting by herself in the park. Everyone passed by her and never stopped to see why she looked so sad. Dressed in a worn pink dress, bare foot and dirty, the girl just sat and watched the people go by. She never tried to speak, she never said a word. Many people passed, but no one would stop. The next day I decided to go back to the park, in curiosity, to see if the lil' girl would still be there. Yes, she was there, right in the very spot as she was yesterday, and still with the sad look in her eyes. Today I was to make my own move and walk over to the lil' girl. For as we all know, a park full of strange people is not a place for young children to play alone. As I got closer I could see the back of the lil' girl's dress was obscenely shaped. I figured that was a reason the people just passed by and made no effort to help. Deformities are a low blow to our society and so help you if you make a step toward assisting someone who is different. As I got closer the lil' girl lowered her eyes slightly to avoid my intent stare. As I approached her, I could see the obscene shape of her back more clearly, grotesquely shaped in a humped over form. I smiled to let her know it was OK, and I was there to help, to talk. I sat down beside her and opened with a simple Hello. The lil' girl acted shocked, and stammered a 'hi,' after a long stare into my eyes. I smiled and she shyly smiled back. We talked till darkness fell and the park was completely empty. I asked the girl why she was so sad. The lil' girl looked at me and, with a sad face said, "Because I'm different." I immediately said, "That you are!" and smiled. The lil' girl acted even sadder. She said, "I know." "Lil' girl," I said, "you remind me of an angel, sweet and innocent." She looked at me and smiled. Slowly she got to her feet, and said, "Really?" "Yes, you're like a Lil' Guardian Angel sent to watch over all those people walking by." She shook her head, yes and smiled. With that she spread her wings and said, "I am, I'm your Guardian Angel," with a twinkle in her eye. I was speechless, sure I was seeing things. She said, "For once you thought of someone other than yourself, my job here is done." I got to my feet and said, "Wait, so why did no one stop to help an angel?" She looked at me and smiled, "You're the only one that could see me" and then she was gone. And with that my life was changed dramatically. So, when you think you're all you have, remember, your angel is always watching over you.

Once upon a time ... a child who was ready to be born was talking to God He asked "How will I live on Earth; I'm so small?" "How will I sing when I'm there?" "How will I understand when they talk?" How will I talk to you, God?" "Who will protect me?" And God answered the baby ... "I have chosen an angel for you who will take care of you as you grow. Your angel will sing to you and teach you to smile. Your angel will say the most beautiful things to you and teach you to talk. Your angel will put your hands together and teach to you pray. And Your angel will protect you from all harm." Just then voices from Earth were heard calling the Baby, and he said "Oh God, I am about to leave you - Please! Tell me my Angel's name!" and God said, "Your angel's name is not important. Just call her "MOMMY"

NO SAD TEARS Don't cry if there was no goodbye, if someone slipped away the minute that your back was turned when you'd been there all day Don't sigh and wish you had been there to help them on their way a kiss, a hug, a gentle word perhaps a little prayer Be glad instead that they were helped across that great abyss Now they are free to come and go and visit who they miss So think of them quite often ask them how they are look up into the Heavens and see the Evening Star Their love burns just as brightly They will not go away They are your Guardian Angel and with you night and day. Bridget Pluis

Pennies From Heaven I found a penny today just laying on the ground But its not just a penny this little coin I've found Found pennies come from heaven that's what my Grandpa told me He said Angels toss them down oh, how I loved that story He said when an Angel misses you they toss a penny down Sometimes just to cheer you up make a smile out of your frown So don't pass by that penny when you're feeling blue It may be a penny from heaven that an Angels tossed to you Author unknown

SYMPTOMS OF INNER PEACE · an unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment · loss of interest in judging others · loss of interest in interpreting actions of others · loss of interest in conflict · loss of ability to worry · frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation · contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature · frequent attacks of smiling through the eyes from the hear · tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen · tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than from fear based on past experiences · susceptibility to love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend love Author Unknown

Parkbench Lesson Long ago and seasons past, there lived a man of age, Who hid himself quite secretly behind his worldly cage, His hopes and dreams lay far behind , as goals he never reached, Were captured by the hands of time and oftentimes beseeched. Now he sits alone and sad on a park bench worn and cold, He wonders if there's but one dream to suddenly unfold, The leaves of Autumn's bitter wind brush before his feet, Despair and anguish fill the night as raindrops turn to sleet. I touched his arm, he gazed at me and then he shook his head, I asked him if he'd care to talk and this is what he said, "I've traveled far, I've traveled wide, to find some peace of mind, In search of all the treasures that one man could hope to find. And in the midst of all I saw, were treasures far too few, For I had not the knowledge and did well to misconstrue, The paths I chose to follow were too narrow and too steep, The rivers that I came to cross, too wide and oh, so deep, I yearned to wear a rich man's robe, to eat the food of kings, With servants by the many there to shine my diamond rings, Old I grew and weary too, my life was all but scarred, I searched the world to find the wealth that lay in my backyard." As he finished speaking, a tear rolled down his cheek, He stood and turned away from me as I began to speak, "Oh feeble man of sad despair, your life is precious true, While you've searched for riches gran, they've waited here for you." This night is but a special one, for as you walk away, Just know that you have helped someone that may have gone astray. I too had dreams of treasures gold, the world I'd yet to roam, Yes you have helped but one to know--life's treasures lie at home. A smile broke his aged skin, the message there was clear, I smiled with thanks of wisdom told and watched him disappear. Melanie Trondson

THE OLD FISHERMAN Our house was directly across the street from the clinic entrance of Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. We lived downstairs and rented the upstairs rooms to outpatients at the clinic. One summer evening as I was fixing supper, there was a knock at the door. I opened it to see a truly awful looking man. "Why, he's hardly taller than my eight-year-old," I thought as I stared at the stooped, shriveled body. But the appalling thing was his face-lopsided from swelling, red and raw. Yet his voice was pleasant as he said, "Good evening. I've come to see if you've a room for just one night. I came for a treatment this morning from the eastern shore, and there's no bus 'til morning." He told me he'd been hunting for a room since noon but with no success; no one seemed to have a room. "I guess it's my face...I know it looks terrible, but my doctor says with a few more treatments..." For a moment I hesitated, but his next words convinced me: "I could sleep in this rocking chair on the porch. My bus leaves early in the morning." I told him we would find him a bed, but to rest on the porch. I went inside and finished getting supper. When we were ready, I asked the old man if he would join us. "No thank you. I have plenty." And he held up a brown paper bag.When I had finished the dishes, I went out on the porch to talk with him a few minutes. It didn't take a long time to see that this old man had an oversized heart crowded into that tiny body. He told me he fished for a living to support his daughter, her five children, and her husband, who was hopelessly crippled from a back injury. He didn't tell it by way of complaint; in fact, every other sentence was preface with a thanks to God for a blessing. He was grateful that no pain accompanied his disease, which was apparently a form of skin cancer. He thanked God for giving him the strength to keep going. At bedtime, we put a camp cot in the children's room for him. When I got up in the morning, the bed linens were neatly folded and the little man was out on the porch. He refused breakfast, but just before he left for his bus, haltingly, as if asking a great favor, he said, "Could I please come back and stay the next time I have a treatment? I won't put you out a bit. I can sleep fine in a chair." He paused a moment and then added, "Your children made me feel at home. Grownups are bothered by my face, but children don't seem to mind." I told him he was welcome to come again. And on his next trip he arrived a little after seven in the morning. As a gift, he brought a big fish and a quart of the largest oysters I had ever seen. He said he had shucked them that morning before he left so that they'd be nice and fresh. I knew his bus left at 4:00 a.m. and I wondered what time he had to get up in order to do this for us. In the years he came to stay overnight with us, there was never a time that he did not bring us fish or oysters or vegetables from his garden. Other times we received packages in the mail, always by special delivery; fish and oysters packed in a box of fresh young spinach or kale, every leaf carefully washed. Knowing that he must walk three miles to mail these, and knowing how little money he had made the gifts doubly precious. When I received these little remembrances, I often thought of a comment our next-door neighbor made after he left that first morning. "Did you keep that awful-looking man last night? I turned him away! You can lose roomers by putting up such people!" Maybe we did lose roomers once or twice. But oh! If only they could have known him, perhaps their illness' would have been easier to bear. I know our family always will be grateful to have known him; from him we learned what it was to accept the bad without complaint and the good with gratitude to God. Recently I was visiting a friend who has a greenhouse. As she showed me her flowers, we came to the most beautiful one of all, a golden chrysanthemum, bursting with blooms. But to my great surprise, it was growing in an old dented, rusty bucket. I thought to myself, "If this were my plant, I'd put it in the loveliest container I had!" My friend changed my mind. "I ran short of pots," she explained, "and knowing how beautiful this one would be, I thought it wouldn't mind starting out in this old pail. It's just for a little while, till I can put it out in the garden." She must have wondered why I laughed so delightedly, but I was imagining just such a scene in heaven. "Here's an especially beautiful one," God might have said when he came to the soul of the sweet old fisherman. "He won't mind starting in this small body." All this happened long ago-and now, in God's garden, how tall this lovely soul must stand.

TWINKIES AND ROOT BEER There once was a little boy who wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip to where God lived, so he packed his suitcase with Twinkies and a six-pack of root beer, and he started on his journey. When he had gone about three blocks, he met an old woman. She was sitting in the park, staring at some pigeons. the boy sat down next to her and opened his suitcase. He was about to take a drink from his root beer when he noticed that the old lady looked hungry, so he offered her a Twinkie. She gratefully accepted it and smiled at him. Her smile was so pretty that the boy wanted to see it again, so he offered her a root beer. Once again, she smiled at him. The boy was delighted. They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling, yet they never said a word. As it grew dark, the boy realized how tired he was and he got up to leave. Before he had gone more than a few steps, he turned around, ran back to the old woman and gave her a hug. She gave him her biggest smile ever. When the boy opened the door to his own home a short time later, his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face. She asked him, "What did you do today that made you so happy?" He replied, "I had lunch with God." But before his mother could respond, he added, "You know what? She's got the most beautiful smile I've ever seen!" Meanwhile, the old woman, also radiant with joy, returned to her home. Her neighbor was stunned by the look of peace on her face, and she asked, "What did you do today that made you so happy?" She replied, "I ate Twinkies in the park with God." But before her neighbor responded, she added, "You know, he's much younger than I expected."Will someone see God in your smile or kind deeds? Maybe they're not even looking for God, but may see Him in the kindness you show. Isn't that what we're here for? It might be a stranger, someone you work with, a family member of friend. Let them see God in you. Show His love in all you do today.

Don't determine your worth by comparing yourself with others. It is because we are different that each of us is special. Don't set your goals by what other people deem important. Only you know what is best for you. Don't take for granted the things closest to your heart; cling to them as you would your life, for without them life is meaningless. Don't let your life slip through your fingers by living in the past or for the future. By living your life ONE DAY AT A TIME you live all the days of your life. Don't give up when you still have something to give. Nothing is really over until the moment you stop trying. Don't be afraid to admit that you are less than perfect; it is this fragile thread that binds us to each other. Don't be afraid to encounter risks. It is by taking chances that we learn how to be brave. Don't shut LOVE out of your life by saying it's impossible to find. The quickest way to receive LOVE is to give LOVE, the fastest way to lose LOVE is to hold it too tightly, and the best way to keep LOVE is to give it wings. Don't dismiss your dreams. To be without dreams is to be without HOPE; to be without HOPE is to be without purpose. Don't run through life so fast that you forget not only WHERE YOU'VE BEEN, but also WHERE YOU'RE GOING. Life is not a race, BUT A JOURNEY- TO BE SAVOURED EACH STEP OF THE WAY. Author Unknown

Your Special Angel! When you hear an Angel softly whisper to you, In the light of the day, or the darkness of the night. When you feel the presence of an Angel caress you, And see their beautiful wings spread in graceful flight. When something inside you just makes you smile, Or you feel a warmth suddenly wash over your heart. When your dreams are beautiful and include an Angel, As you lay with your head on your pillow, in the dark. When you're alone, and everything is quiet around you,  Yet you can hear the sweetest lullaby being sung. When waking up in the morning, any troubles feel lighter, From speaking with an Angel, before a new day has begun. Then you know I am the Angel who you can feel and hear; Your special Angel from Heaven who will always be so near. I'm no longer able to be here in body, but I'm with you everyday, As my loving heart, my soul, and my spirit, will never be far away.

TO: L I T T L E T O N FROM: G O D DATE: A P R I L 2 1, 1 9 9 9 Dear Parents, Friends and Loved Ones, Of these precious youth you've lost, I see your broken spirits, I know the terrible cost. Though evil reigned at Columbine, And horror filled the air, I wanted all of you to know, I left Heaven and came there. I summoned Heaven's Angels, Long before the call came in, To share the dreadful warning, Of what would soon begin. The angels' wings were folded, They knew what was to come, When I said, "I'll lead this mission." They followed one by one. "I will go and get these babies, And bring them home with me, Where they'll live in Heaven's Schoolhouse, Where it's safe and terror free." Yes, I've prepared a Special Schoolhouse, It stands out from all the rest, The Welcome Mat reads, "Columbine," It's reserved for Heaven's best. I was hovering all around them, In the Library and the Hall, When the evil forces entered, Your children heard me call. I wrapped my arms around them, Pulled them close unto my breast, "I've come to take you with me, We must go and leave the rest." "Your friends will long remember, All the cool times that we shared, And the Angels will remind them, How very much you cared." Yes, I took those precious children, In the twinkling of an eye, We were on our way to Heaven, To their Schoolhouse in the sky. I know your hearts are broken, I know the pain you bear, My heart is also broken, By the evil everywhere. Please help me fight this battle, To keep our children safe, Through prayers and love and sharing, And holding to the Faith, That Peace will surely reign one day, In schools throughout the lands, For all our future hopes and dreams, Rest in our students' hands. I'll give you peace to fill your heart, Send sun to break the night, Provide the strength to move beyond, The wrongs and do what's right. You ask how I can know your pain, From the loss of your dear one, It's because it seems like yesterday, When I, too gave up a Son.

HEAVEN'S GROCERY STORE I was walking down life's highway a long time ago. One day I saw a sign that read, "Heaven's Grocery Store". As I got closer, the door came open wide, And when I came to myself I was standing inside. I saw a host of ANGELS. They were standing everywhere. One handed me a basket and said, "My Child, shop with care". Everything a human needed was in that grocery store. And all you couldn't carry, you could come back the next day for more. First, I got some PATIENCE. LOVE was in the same row. Further down was UNDERSTANDING, you need that everywhere you go. I got a box or two of WISDOM, a bag or two of FAITH. I just couldn't miss the HOLY GHOST, for it was all over the place. I stopped to get some STRENGTH, and COURAGE to help me run this race. By then my basket was getting full, But I remembered I needed some GRACE. I didn't forget SALVATION, for SALVATION was free, So I tried to get enough of that to save both you and me. Then I started up to the counter to pay my grocery bill, for I thought I had everything to do with the MASTER'S will. As I went up the aisle, I saw PRAYER: And I just had to put that in, For I knew when I stepped outside, I'd run into sin. PEACE AND JOY were plentiful; they were last on the shelf. SONG AND PRAISE were hanging near, so I just helped myself. Then I said to the Angel, "Now, how much do I owe?" He smiled and said, "Just take them everywhere you go." Again, I smiled and said, "How much do I really owe?" He smiled again and said, "MY CHILD, GOD PAID YOUR BILL A LONG, LONG TIME AGO."

DAY OLD CHILD My day-old child lay in my arms, With my lips against her ear. I whispered strongly, "How I wish - I wish that you could hear." "I've a hundred wonderful things to say, (A tiny cough and a nod). Hurry, hurry, hurry and grow So I can tell you about God"! My day-old baby's mouth was still And my words only tickled her ear. But a kind of light passed through her eyes, And I saw this thought appear. "How I wish I had a voice and words; I've a hundred things to say. Before I forget I'd tell you of God -- I left Him yesterday." Author Unknown

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