Saturday, December 29, 2007
A little thought!
F A M I L Y 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 goodbye. 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, A sound,a small voice cameto me and said"While dealing with a stranger, common courtesy you use, but the family 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 actedtoday; 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."
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Something to REALLY think about
The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.
My confession:
I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees.
It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu. If people want a créµhe, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away. I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.
Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we
should worship Nick and Jessica and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where Nick and Jessica came from and where the America we knew went to.
In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.
Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson
asked her 'How could God let something like this happen?' (regarding Katrina); Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response.
She said, 'I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?
In light of recent events...terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found recently) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools , and we said OK.
Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says
thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK. Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK. Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves. Think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.'
Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says . Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and work place.
Are you laughing?
Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on
your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it. Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.
Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not then just discard it...
No one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit
back and complain about what bad shape the world is in. My Best Regards.
Honestly and respectfully,
Ben Stein
Amen
Thank YOu Angie for passing this on!
My confession:
I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees.
It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu. If people want a créµhe, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away. I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.
Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we
should worship Nick and Jessica and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where Nick and Jessica came from and where the America we knew went to.
In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.
Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson
asked her 'How could God let something like this happen?' (regarding Katrina); Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response.
She said, 'I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?
In light of recent events...terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found recently) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools , and we said OK.
Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says
thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK. Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK. Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves. Think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.'
Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says . Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and work place.
Are you laughing?
Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on
your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it. Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.
Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not then just discard it...
No one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit
back and complain about what bad shape the world is in. My Best Regards.
Honestly and respectfully,
Ben Stein
Amen
Thank YOu Angie for passing this on!
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Merry Christmas!
I just wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! I hope everyone can find something to be happy about during this season.....Lots of love...Leslee
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Friday, December 14, 2007
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Friday, December 7, 2007
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Who Would Have Ever Believed This?
I would never have believed that I am 50/50 brained..But I took the test!
You Are 50% Left Brained, 50% Right Brained
The left side of your brain controls verbal ability, attention to detail, and reasoning.Left brained people are good at communication and persuading others.If you're left brained, you are likely good at math and logic.Your left brain prefers dogs, reading, and quiet.
The right side of your brain is all about creativity and flexibility.Daring and intuitive, right brained people see the world in their unique way.If you're right brained, you likely have a talent for creative writing and art.Your right brain prefers day dreaming, philosophy, and sportshttp://www.blogthings.com/areyourightorleftbrainedquiz/
You Are 50% Left Brained, 50% Right Brained
The left side of your brain controls verbal ability, attention to detail, and reasoning.Left brained people are good at communication and persuading others.If you're left brained, you are likely good at math and logic.Your left brain prefers dogs, reading, and quiet.
The right side of your brain is all about creativity and flexibility.Daring and intuitive, right brained people see the world in their unique way.If you're right brained, you likely have a talent for creative writing and art.Your right brain prefers day dreaming, philosophy, and sportshttp://www.blogthings.com/areyourightorleftbrainedquiz/
Saturday, December 1, 2007
LET GO!!
author unknown
LET GO of that
nagging feeling that
something could go wrong.
For whatever may happen,
you can always choose
a way to move forward.
LET GO of your resentment
and anger over things
that are beyond your control.
Do the very best
with where you are,
with what you have,
and that will be more than enough.
LET GO of the pain you carry
from things that happened long ago.
Allow yourself to experience
the glorious freedom of forgiveness.
LET GO of the needs
that you don't really need,
that keep your life
so anxious and complicated.
Find real fulfillment
not in getting, but in being.
LET GO of the regrets,
the disappointments and distress.
Choose to follow the very best
of the possibilities that
beckon you forward.
LET GO of all the excuses
you have for not living fully.
Give beauty and meaning
to the life and the world that
you're in right now.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
The Month Before Christmas
'Twas the month before Christmas when all through our land,
Not a Christian was praying nor taking a stand.
Why the PC Police had taken away,
The reason for Christmas - no one could say
The children were told by their schools not to sing,
About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.
It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say
December 25th is just a ' Holiday '.
Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit
Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!
CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod
Something was changing, something quite odd!
Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa
In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.
As Targets are hanging their trees upside down
At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.
At K-Mart and Staples and Penney's and Sears
You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.
Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver- si-ty
Are words that were used to intimidate me.
Now Obama, Now Pelosi, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen
On Boxer, on Reid, on Edwards, on Clinton !
At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.
And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace
The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded
The reason for the season, stopped before it started.
So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'DreamTree'
Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.
Choose your words carefully, choose what you say
Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday !
Not a Christian was praying nor taking a stand.
Why the PC Police had taken away,
The reason for Christmas - no one could say
The children were told by their schools not to sing,
About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.
It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say
December 25th is just a ' Holiday '.
Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit
Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!
CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod
Something was changing, something quite odd!
Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa
In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.
As Targets are hanging their trees upside down
At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.
At K-Mart and Staples and Penney's and Sears
You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.
Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver- si-ty
Are words that were used to intimidate me.
Now Obama, Now Pelosi, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen
On Boxer, on Reid, on Edwards, on Clinton !
At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.
And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace
The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded
The reason for the season, stopped before it started.
So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'DreamTree'
Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.
Choose your words carefully, choose what you say
Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday !
Monday, November 26, 2007
Written by a Marine..Worth Sharing!
A New Christmas Poem
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS,
HE LIVED ALL ALONE,
IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE MADE OF
PLASTER AND STONE.
I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY
WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE,
AND TO SEE JUST WHO
IN THIS HOME DID LIVE.
I LOOKED ALL ABOUT,
A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE,
NO TINSEL, NO PRESENTS,
NOT EVEN A TREE.
NO STOCKING BY MANTLE,
JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND,
ON THE WALL HUNG PICTURES
OF FAR DISTANT LANDS.
WITH MEDALS AND BADGES,
AWARDS OF ALL KINDS,
A SOBER THOUGHT
CAME THROUGH MY MIND.
FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT,
IT WAS DARK AND DREARY,
I FOUND THE HOME OF A SOLDIER,
ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY.
THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING,
SILENT, ALONE,
CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR
IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME.
THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE,
THE ROOM IN SUCH DISORDER,
NOT HOW I PICTURED
A UNITED STATES SOLDIER.
WAS THIS THE HERO
OF WHOM I'D JUST READ?
CURLED UP ON A PONCHO,
THE FLOOR FOR A BED?
I REALIZED THE FAMILIES
THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT,
OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE ! SOLDIERS
WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT.
SOON ROUND THE WORLD,
THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY,
AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE
A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY.
THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM
EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR,
BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS,
LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE.
I COULDN'T HELP WONDER
HOW MANY LAY ALONE,
ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE
IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME.
THE VERY THOUGHT
BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE,
I DROPPED TO MY KNEES
AND STARTED TO CRY.
THE SOLDIER AWAKENED
AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE,
"SANTA DON'T CRY,
THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE;
I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM,
I DON'T ASK FOR MORE,
MY LIFE IS MY GOD,
MY COUNTRY, MY CORPS."
THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER
AND DRIFTED TO SLEEP,
I COULDN'T CONTROL IT,
I CONTINUED TO WEEP.
I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS,
SO SILENT AND STILL
AND WE BOTH SHIVERED
FROM THE COLD NIGHT'S CHILL.
I DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE
ON THAT COLD, DARK, NIGHT,
THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOR
SO WILLING TO FIGHT.
THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER,
WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE,
WHISPERED, "CARRY ON SANTA,
IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL IS SECURE."
ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH,
AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT.
"MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND,
AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT."
This poem was written by a Marine. The following is his request. I
think it
is reasonable.
PLEASE. Would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as many
people as
you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our
U. S.
service men and women for our being able to celebrate these
festivities. Let's
try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people
stop and
think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for
us.
Please, do your small part to plant this small seed.
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS,
HE LIVED ALL ALONE,
IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE MADE OF
PLASTER AND STONE.
I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY
WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE,
AND TO SEE JUST WHO
IN THIS HOME DID LIVE.
I LOOKED ALL ABOUT,
A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE,
NO TINSEL, NO PRESENTS,
NOT EVEN A TREE.
NO STOCKING BY MANTLE,
JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND,
ON THE WALL HUNG PICTURES
OF FAR DISTANT LANDS.
WITH MEDALS AND BADGES,
AWARDS OF ALL KINDS,
A SOBER THOUGHT
CAME THROUGH MY MIND.
FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT,
IT WAS DARK AND DREARY,
I FOUND THE HOME OF A SOLDIER,
ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY.
THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING,
SILENT, ALONE,
CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR
IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME.
THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE,
THE ROOM IN SUCH DISORDER,
NOT HOW I PICTURED
A UNITED STATES SOLDIER.
WAS THIS THE HERO
OF WHOM I'D JUST READ?
CURLED UP ON A PONCHO,
THE FLOOR FOR A BED?
I REALIZED THE FAMILIES
THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT,
OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE ! SOLDIERS
WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT.
SOON ROUND THE WORLD,
THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY,
AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE
A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY.
THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM
EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR,
BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS,
LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE.
I COULDN'T HELP WONDER
HOW MANY LAY ALONE,
ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE
IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME.
THE VERY THOUGHT
BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE,
I DROPPED TO MY KNEES
AND STARTED TO CRY.
THE SOLDIER AWAKENED
AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE,
"SANTA DON'T CRY,
THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE;
I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM,
I DON'T ASK FOR MORE,
MY LIFE IS MY GOD,
MY COUNTRY, MY CORPS."
THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER
AND DRIFTED TO SLEEP,
I COULDN'T CONTROL IT,
I CONTINUED TO WEEP.
I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS,
SO SILENT AND STILL
AND WE BOTH SHIVERED
FROM THE COLD NIGHT'S CHILL.
I DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE
ON THAT COLD, DARK, NIGHT,
THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOR
SO WILLING TO FIGHT.
THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER,
WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE,
WHISPERED, "CARRY ON SANTA,
IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL IS SECURE."
ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH,
AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT.
"MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND,
AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT."
This poem was written by a Marine. The following is his request. I
think it
is reasonable.
PLEASE. Would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as many
people as
you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our
U. S.
service men and women for our being able to celebrate these
festivities. Let's
try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people
stop and
think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for
us.
Please, do your small part to plant this small seed.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Friday, November 23, 2007
What a wonderful guy!
Captain Mike Davis is going to take a few plunges for special olympics. Please go to this site and make a contribution to a great cause.
http://www.firstgiving.com/captaindavis
http://www.firstgiving.com/captaindavis
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Monday, November 19, 2007
Sunday, November 18, 2007
>Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Great Program From Kids Come First
As part of our Safety on the Internet Program, Kids Come First distributes this contract to be filled out by parents and their children at our seminars. We suggest that your family keeps this contract visibly displayed by your computer. We urge kids to set some rules for their parents as well.
After all, RULES AREN'T JUST FOR KIDS!
(Please note that this contract is to be used as a guideline in creating your own family contract.)
I have studied the rules about Internet Safety, and I know that following these rules will help to make the Internet a safer place for me. I know that using the computer is a privilege and I must obey certain family rules when I use the computer:
1. I will only enter Chat Rooms and other areas of Instant Messaging with my parents’ permission and I will give them my buddy list.
2. I will choose a safe screen name that can be for a boy or girl that will not reveal personal information about my family or me.
3. I will not communicate from my home computer or away from home with anyone on the Internet that I met online and do not know personally.
4. I will never meet anyone in person that I met on the Internet.
5. I will not share my password with anyone except my parents.
6. I will not register at ANY websites or create my own website without my parents’ permission.
7. I will not include personal information in a profile. I will not share any information about my family in any way with someone I have not met in person and have only met online. This includes things like my name, address, phone number, age, and school name.
8. I will treat others with respect when communicating online. I will use good language and will not pick fights or use threatening or mean words.
9. If I read or see something bad, I will tell my parents immediately.
10. I will not send my picture to anyone online without my parents’ permission.
11. I will always tell my parents about communicating in any way—email, phone call, or instant messaging—with any adults no matter who they are—even family friends.
12. I understand that my parents love me and do not want anything bad to happen to me and for that reason they may use software to monitor my computer or limit where I go online. I know that by protecting me they are protecting all of our family.
13. I will teach my parents and siblings how to use the Internet safely.
14. I will act responsibly and make my safety and the safety of my family a priority.
I agree to the above.
Your signature ________________________________Date__________
Parents:
I promise to learn the rules about Internet Safety. I promise to protect my child’s safety online by making sure our family rules are posted where everyone in the family can see them and by making sure they are followed. I will place computers in our home in a public area such as a den or kitchen.
If my child encounters an unsafe situation or gives away personal information while using the Internet, I will calmly learn how this happened and will not blame my child without knowing all of the details. I will work to ensure their safety and their trust.
Parent Signature(s) ____________________________Date____________
Kids Come First, www.kidscomefirstonline.org
After all, RULES AREN'T JUST FOR KIDS!
(Please note that this contract is to be used as a guideline in creating your own family contract.)
I have studied the rules about Internet Safety, and I know that following these rules will help to make the Internet a safer place for me. I know that using the computer is a privilege and I must obey certain family rules when I use the computer:
1. I will only enter Chat Rooms and other areas of Instant Messaging with my parents’ permission and I will give them my buddy list.
2. I will choose a safe screen name that can be for a boy or girl that will not reveal personal information about my family or me.
3. I will not communicate from my home computer or away from home with anyone on the Internet that I met online and do not know personally.
4. I will never meet anyone in person that I met on the Internet.
5. I will not share my password with anyone except my parents.
6. I will not register at ANY websites or create my own website without my parents’ permission.
7. I will not include personal information in a profile. I will not share any information about my family in any way with someone I have not met in person and have only met online. This includes things like my name, address, phone number, age, and school name.
8. I will treat others with respect when communicating online. I will use good language and will not pick fights or use threatening or mean words.
9. If I read or see something bad, I will tell my parents immediately.
10. I will not send my picture to anyone online without my parents’ permission.
11. I will always tell my parents about communicating in any way—email, phone call, or instant messaging—with any adults no matter who they are—even family friends.
12. I understand that my parents love me and do not want anything bad to happen to me and for that reason they may use software to monitor my computer or limit where I go online. I know that by protecting me they are protecting all of our family.
13. I will teach my parents and siblings how to use the Internet safely.
14. I will act responsibly and make my safety and the safety of my family a priority.
I agree to the above.
Your signature ________________________________Date__________
Parents:
I promise to learn the rules about Internet Safety. I promise to protect my child’s safety online by making sure our family rules are posted where everyone in the family can see them and by making sure they are followed. I will place computers in our home in a public area such as a den or kitchen.
If my child encounters an unsafe situation or gives away personal information while using the Internet, I will calmly learn how this happened and will not blame my child without knowing all of the details. I will work to ensure their safety and their trust.
Parent Signature(s) ____________________________Date____________
Kids Come First, www.kidscomefirstonline.org
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Thank You Veterans!
I would like to wish all of you a good and safe Veterans Day this year. To all of you who have served our country, THANK YOU. And thank you to all of our troops currently in the field as well, may God bless you and bring you home safely.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Thank You Veterans!
.
It is the VETERAN , not the preacher,
who has given us freedom of religion.
It is the VETERAN , not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the VETERAN , not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the VETERAN , not the campus organizer,
who has given us freedom to assemble.
It is the VETERAN , not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is the VETERAN , not the politician,
Who has given us the right to vote.
It is the VETERAN ,
who salutes the Flag,
It is the veteran ,
who serves under the Flag,
ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.
We can be very proud of our young men and women in the service no matter where they serve.
God Bless them
It is the VETERAN , not the preacher,
who has given us freedom of religion.
It is the VETERAN , not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the VETERAN , not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the VETERAN , not the campus organizer,
who has given us freedom to assemble.
It is the VETERAN , not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is the VETERAN , not the politician,
Who has given us the right to vote.
It is the VETERAN ,
who salutes the Flag,
It is the veteran ,
who serves under the Flag,
ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.
We can be very proud of our young men and women in the service no matter where they serve.
God Bless them
Friday, November 9, 2007
A DEDICATION
This is a wonderful video. Please Pray for our Soldiers and Respect our Veterans!!
Dedication to our soldiers.
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Dedication to our soldiers.
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Thursday, November 8, 2007
What is a Veteran
Some Veterans bear the visible signs of their service...a missing limb, a jagged scar, a certain look in the eye. Others may carry evidence inside them: a pin holding a bone together, a piece of shrapnel in the leg, or perhaps another sort of inner steel-the soul's alloy, forged in the refinery of adversity. Except in parades, however, the men and women who have kept America safe wear no badge or emblem. You can't tell a Vet just by looking. What is a Vet? He is the cop on the beat who spent six months in Saudi Arabia sweating two gallons a day, making sure armored personnel carriers didn't run out of fuel. He is the barroom loudmouth, dumber than five wooden planks, whose overgrown frat boy behaviour is outweighed a hundred times in the cosmic scales by four hours of exquisite bravery near the 38th parallel. She - or he- is the nurse who fought against futility and went to sleep every night sobbing for two long years in Danang. He is the POW who went away one person and came back another--or didn't come back at all. He is the Quantico Drill Instructor who has never seen combat--but has saved countless lives by turning slouchy, no account rednecks and gang members into Marines, and teaching them to watch each others backs. He is the Parade riding Legionaire who pins on his ribbons and medals with a prosthetic hand. He is the career Quartermaster who watches the ribbons and medals pass him by. He is the three anonymous heros in the Tomb of the Unknowns, whose presence at the Arlington National Cemetery must forever preserve the memory of all the anonymous heros whose valor died unrecognized with them on the battlefield or in the ocean's sunless deep. He is the old guy bagging groceries at the supermarket--palsied now and aggravatingly slow--who helped liberate the Nazi Death Camps and who wishes all day long that his wife were still alive to hold him when his nightmares come. He is an ordinary, and yet an extraordinary, human being. A person who suffered some of his life's most vital years in the service of his country, and who sacrificed his ambitions so others would not have to sacrifice theirs. He is a Soldier and a Saviour and a Sword against the darkness, and he is nothing more than the finest, greatest testimony on behalf of the finest, greatest nation every known. So remember, each time you see someone who has served our country, to just lean over and say, Thank you. That's all most people need, and in most cases, it will mean more than any medals they could have been awarded, or were awarded. Two little words that mean a lot, "THANK YOU".
Lessons on Life
There was a man who had four sons. He wanted his sons
to learn not to judge
things too quickly. So he sent them each on a quest,
in turn, to go and
look at a pear tree that was a great distance away.
The first son went in the winter, the second in the
spring, the third in
summer and the youngest son in the fall.
When they had all gone and come back, he called them
together to describe
what they had seen. The first son said that the tree
was ugly, bent, and
twisted. The second son said no it was covered with
green buds and full of
promise.
The third son disagreed; he said it was laden with
blossoms that smelled
so sweet and looked so beautiful, it was the most
graceful thing he had
ever seen.
The last son disagreed with all of them; he said it
was ripe and drooping
with fruit, full of life and fulfillment.
The man then explained to his sons that they were all
right, because they
had each seen but only one season in the tree's life.
He told them that you cannot judge a tree, or a
person, by only one season,
and that the essence of who they are and the pleasure,
joy, and love that
come from that life can only be measured at the end,
when all the seasons
are up.
If you give up when it's winter, you will miss the
promise of your spring,
the beauty of your summer and the fulfillment of your
fall.
Don't let the pain of one season destroy the joy of
all the rest.
Don't judge life by one difficult season. Endure. Stay
steadfast. Continue
on to the end and fulfill the plans God has for your
life.
to learn not to judge
things too quickly. So he sent them each on a quest,
in turn, to go and
look at a pear tree that was a great distance away.
The first son went in the winter, the second in the
spring, the third in
summer and the youngest son in the fall.
When they had all gone and come back, he called them
together to describe
what they had seen. The first son said that the tree
was ugly, bent, and
twisted. The second son said no it was covered with
green buds and full of
promise.
The third son disagreed; he said it was laden with
blossoms that smelled
so sweet and looked so beautiful, it was the most
graceful thing he had
ever seen.
The last son disagreed with all of them; he said it
was ripe and drooping
with fruit, full of life and fulfillment.
The man then explained to his sons that they were all
right, because they
had each seen but only one season in the tree's life.
He told them that you cannot judge a tree, or a
person, by only one season,
and that the essence of who they are and the pleasure,
joy, and love that
come from that life can only be measured at the end,
when all the seasons
are up.
If you give up when it's winter, you will miss the
promise of your spring,
the beauty of your summer and the fulfillment of your
fall.
Don't let the pain of one season destroy the joy of
all the rest.
Don't judge life by one difficult season. Endure. Stay
steadfast. Continue
on to the end and fulfill the plans God has for your
life.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
A Strong Woman Vs. A Woman of Strength
A strong woman works out every day to keep her body in shape...
but a woman of strength kneels in prayer to keep her soul in shape...
A strong woman isn't afraid of anything...
but a woman of strength shows courage in the midst of her fear...
A strong woman won't let anyone get the best of her...
but a woman of strength gives the best of her to everyone...
A strong woman walks sure footedly...
but a woman of strength knows God will catch her if she falls...
A strong woman wears the look of confidence on her face...
but a woman of strength wears grace...
A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey...
but a woman of strength has faith that it is in the journey that she will become strong...
but a woman of strength kneels in prayer to keep her soul in shape...
A strong woman isn't afraid of anything...
but a woman of strength shows courage in the midst of her fear...
A strong woman won't let anyone get the best of her...
but a woman of strength gives the best of her to everyone...
A strong woman walks sure footedly...
but a woman of strength knows God will catch her if she falls...
A strong woman wears the look of confidence on her face...
but a woman of strength wears grace...
A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey...
but a woman of strength has faith that it is in the journey that she will become strong...
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
GOD BLESS THE PARENTS THAT DRUGGED US!!
The other day, someone at a store in our town read that a
Methamphetamine lab had been found in an old farmhouse in the
adjoining
county and he asked me a rhetorical question.
'Why didn't we have a drug problem when you and I were growing up?'
I replied, I had a drug problem when I was young:
I was drug to church on Sunday morning.
I was drug to church for weddings and funerals.
I was drug to family reunions and community socials no matter the
weather.
I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults.
I was also drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a
lie,
brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke
ill of the teacher or the preacher,
or if I didn't put forth my best effort in everything that was asked
of me.
I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap
if I uttered a profanity.
I was drug out to pull weeds in mom's garden and flowerbeds and
cocklebur's out of dad's fields.
I was drug to the homes of family, friends and neighbors
to help out some poor soul who had no one to mow the yard, repair
the clothesline,
or chop some firewood; and, if my mother had ever known that I took
a single dime
as a tip for this kindness, she would have drug me back to the
woodshed.
Those drugs are still in my veins and they affect my behavior in
everything
I do, say, or think.
They are stronger than cocaine, crack, or heroin; and if today's
children had this kind of drug problem,
America would be a better place.
God bless the parents who drugged us.
Methamphetamine lab had been found in an old farmhouse in the
adjoining
county and he asked me a rhetorical question.
'Why didn't we have a drug problem when you and I were growing up?'
I replied, I had a drug problem when I was young:
I was drug to church on Sunday morning.
I was drug to church for weddings and funerals.
I was drug to family reunions and community socials no matter the
weather.
I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults.
I was also drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a
lie,
brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke
ill of the teacher or the preacher,
or if I didn't put forth my best effort in everything that was asked
of me.
I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap
if I uttered a profanity.
I was drug out to pull weeds in mom's garden and flowerbeds and
cocklebur's out of dad's fields.
I was drug to the homes of family, friends and neighbors
to help out some poor soul who had no one to mow the yard, repair
the clothesline,
or chop some firewood; and, if my mother had ever known that I took
a single dime
as a tip for this kindness, she would have drug me back to the
woodshed.
Those drugs are still in my veins and they affect my behavior in
everything
I do, say, or think.
They are stronger than cocaine, crack, or heroin; and if today's
children had this kind of drug problem,
America would be a better place.
God bless the parents who drugged us.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Blue Friday's
Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing
blue every Friday. The reason? Americans who support
our troops used to be called the 'silent majority' We
are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for
God, country and home in record breaking numbers. We
are not organized, boisterous or overbearing.
Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends,
simply want to recognize that the vast majority of
America supports our troops. Our idea of showing
solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and
respect starts this Friday -- and continues each and
every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a
deafening message that ... every red-blooded American
who supports our men and women afar, will wear
something blue.
By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United
States on every Friday a sea of blue much like a
homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every
one of us who loves this country will share this with
acquaintances, coworkers, friends, and family, it will
not be long before the USA is covered in BLUE and it
will let our troops know the once 'silent' majority is
on their side more than ever, certainly more than the
media lets on.
The first thing a soldier says when asked 'What can
we do to make things better for you?' is ...'We need
your support and your prayers.' Let's get the word out
and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear
something blue every Friday.
blue every Friday. The reason? Americans who support
our troops used to be called the 'silent majority' We
are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for
God, country and home in record breaking numbers. We
are not organized, boisterous or overbearing.
Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends,
simply want to recognize that the vast majority of
America supports our troops. Our idea of showing
solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and
respect starts this Friday -- and continues each and
every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a
deafening message that ... every red-blooded American
who supports our men and women afar, will wear
something blue.
By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United
States on every Friday a sea of blue much like a
homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every
one of us who loves this country will share this with
acquaintances, coworkers, friends, and family, it will
not be long before the USA is covered in BLUE and it
will let our troops know the once 'silent' majority is
on their side more than ever, certainly more than the
media lets on.
The first thing a soldier says when asked 'What can
we do to make things better for you?' is ...'We need
your support and your prayers.' Let's get the word out
and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear
something blue every Friday.
Friday, November 2, 2007
Confide in a Friend
When you’re tired and worn at the close of day,
And things just don’t seem to be going your way,
When even your patience has come to an end,
Try taking time out and confide in a friend.
Perhaps she too may have walked the same road,
With a much troubled heart and burdensome load,
To find peace and comfort somewhere near the end,
When she stopped long enough to confide in a friend.
For then are most welcome a few words of cheer,
For someone who willingly lends you an ear,
No troubles exist that time cannot mend,
But to get quick relief, just confide in a friend.
And things just don’t seem to be going your way,
When even your patience has come to an end,
Try taking time out and confide in a friend.
Perhaps she too may have walked the same road,
With a much troubled heart and burdensome load,
To find peace and comfort somewhere near the end,
When she stopped long enough to confide in a friend.
For then are most welcome a few words of cheer,
For someone who willingly lends you an ear,
No troubles exist that time cannot mend,
But to get quick relief, just confide in a friend.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Things God Will Not Ask You
God won't ask what kind of car you drove, He'll ask
how many people you drove who didn't have
transportation.
God won't ask the square footage of your house,
He'll ask how many people you welcomed into your home.
God won't ask about the clothes you had in your
closet, He'll ask how many you helped clothe.
God won't ask what your highest salary was, He'll
ask if you gave some to help others.
God won't ask what your job title was, He'll ask if
you performed your job to the best of your ability.
God won't ask how many friends you had, He'll ask
how many people to whom you were a friend.
God won't ask in what neighborhood you lived, He'll
ask how you treated your neighbors.
God won't ask about the color of your skin, He'll
ask about the content of your character.
How will you answer??
how many people you drove who didn't have
transportation.
God won't ask the square footage of your house,
He'll ask how many people you welcomed into your home.
God won't ask about the clothes you had in your
closet, He'll ask how many you helped clothe.
God won't ask what your highest salary was, He'll
ask if you gave some to help others.
God won't ask what your job title was, He'll ask if
you performed your job to the best of your ability.
God won't ask how many friends you had, He'll ask
how many people to whom you were a friend.
God won't ask in what neighborhood you lived, He'll
ask how you treated your neighbors.
God won't ask about the color of your skin, He'll
ask about the content of your character.
How will you answer??
Thursday, October 25, 2007
This should make you smile
Two little boys, ages 8 and 10, are excessively mischievous. They are
always getting into trouble and their parents know all about it. If any
mischief occurs in their town, the two boys are probably involved. The
boys' mother heard that a preacher in town had been successful in
disciplining children, so she asked if he would speak with her boys.
The preacher agreed, but he asked to see them individually. So the
mother sent the 8 year old first, in the morning, with the older boy to
see the preacher in the afternoon.
The preacher, a huge man with a booming voice, sat the younger boy down
and asked him sternly, 'Do you know where God is, son?'
The boy's mouth dropped open, but he made no response, sitting there
wide-eyed with his mouth hanging open. So the preacher repeated the
question in an even sterner tone, 'Where is God?!' Again, the boy made
no attempt to answer.
The preacher raised his voice even more and shook his finger in the
boy's face and bellowed, 'Where is God?!'
The boy screamed & bolted from the room, ran directly home & dove into
his closet, slamming the door behind him.
When his older brother found him in the closet, he asked, 'what
happened?'
The younger brother, gasping for breath, replied, 'We are in BIG trouble
this time. (I just LOVE reading this next line again and again)
'GOD is missing, and they think we did it!'
always getting into trouble and their parents know all about it. If any
mischief occurs in their town, the two boys are probably involved. The
boys' mother heard that a preacher in town had been successful in
disciplining children, so she asked if he would speak with her boys.
The preacher agreed, but he asked to see them individually. So the
mother sent the 8 year old first, in the morning, with the older boy to
see the preacher in the afternoon.
The preacher, a huge man with a booming voice, sat the younger boy down
and asked him sternly, 'Do you know where God is, son?'
The boy's mouth dropped open, but he made no response, sitting there
wide-eyed with his mouth hanging open. So the preacher repeated the
question in an even sterner tone, 'Where is God?!' Again, the boy made
no attempt to answer.
The preacher raised his voice even more and shook his finger in the
boy's face and bellowed, 'Where is God?!'
The boy screamed & bolted from the room, ran directly home & dove into
his closet, slamming the door behind him.
When his older brother found him in the closet, he asked, 'what
happened?'
The younger brother, gasping for breath, replied, 'We are in BIG trouble
this time. (I just LOVE reading this next line again and again)
'GOD is missing, and they think we did it!'
NLRPAL HAUNTED HOUSE
The PAL Haunted Hospital is going great!! The remaining schedule is Thurs-Sat. 6:30p.m.-11:00p.m. and then next week Mon-Wed 6:30p.m.-12:00a.m.
This has been a wonderful fundraiser and we have had a lot of great volunteers. Matt Grace has done a wonderful job of putting this together. All the volunteers he has found since opening the first night have done a wonderful job!!If you have not been through it yet you really should go. All proceeds will go to the youth athletic programs offered by pal at no cost to the participants. If you don't want to go through it you can also make a donation. You can find more information about pal and it programs by going to arkansaspal.com or www.myspace.com/nlrpal
This has been a wonderful fundraiser and we have had a lot of great volunteers. Matt Grace has done a wonderful job of putting this together. All the volunteers he has found since opening the first night have done a wonderful job!!If you have not been through it yet you really should go. All proceeds will go to the youth athletic programs offered by pal at no cost to the participants. If you don't want to go through it you can also make a donation. You can find more information about pal and it programs by going to arkansaspal.com or www.myspace.com/nlrpal
THE NLRPAL
NLRPAL's mission is to help kids get on the right track in life and stay right. The feelings of belongingness and importance drive the participants to involve themselves in our programs. Our volunteers administer guidance, encouragement and inspiration to our participants. Keeping the children captivated in the sport is an utmost concern for our organization.
The North Little Rock Police Athletic League, after 7 years of operation, has transformed a community of troubled youth into responsible, motivated young adults. Rose City was once one of North Little Rock 's most elevated juvenile crime areas. In 1997 (a year before NLRPAL joined the community), police reports reveal 94 juvenile arrest records in Rose City alone. The children complained of nothing to do with their time. Criminal mischief ranged from curfew violations to premeditated batteries with knives. Arrest numbers climbed even higher during the scholastic summer break. Clearly, something had to change.
When the NLRPAL pledged to open and operate a facility geared to turn around the fate of Rose City youth, arrest numbers dropped dramatically. In NLRPAL's first year, the previous year's arrest figures divided to less than half. Forty-five arrests were made in 1998, then 1999 saw only 27 arrests for the entire year in Rose City . These numbers still hold true today; since NLRPAL's inception, arrest rates have not escalated above those witnessed before PAL came to the community. Along with this decline, the children underwent a noticeable change in attitude toward the police. Where once there brewed animosity and anger, grew respect and friendship.
The North Little Rock Police Athletic League, after 7 years of operation, has transformed a community of troubled youth into responsible, motivated young adults. Rose City was once one of North Little Rock 's most elevated juvenile crime areas. In 1997 (a year before NLRPAL joined the community), police reports reveal 94 juvenile arrest records in Rose City alone. The children complained of nothing to do with their time. Criminal mischief ranged from curfew violations to premeditated batteries with knives. Arrest numbers climbed even higher during the scholastic summer break. Clearly, something had to change.
When the NLRPAL pledged to open and operate a facility geared to turn around the fate of Rose City youth, arrest numbers dropped dramatically. In NLRPAL's first year, the previous year's arrest figures divided to less than half. Forty-five arrests were made in 1998, then 1999 saw only 27 arrests for the entire year in Rose City . These numbers still hold true today; since NLRPAL's inception, arrest rates have not escalated above those witnessed before PAL came to the community. Along with this decline, the children underwent a noticeable change in attitude toward the police. Where once there brewed animosity and anger, grew respect and friendship.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Beginning Today
Beginning today I will no longer worry about yesterday. It is in the past and the past will
never change. Only I can change by choosing to do so.
Beginning today I will no longer worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow will always be there,
waiting for me to make the most of it. But I cannot make the most of tomorrow without
first making the most of today.
Beginning today I will look in the mirror and I will see a person worthy of my respect and
admiration. This capable person looking back at me is someone I enjoy spending time with and
someone I would like to get to know better.
never change. Only I can change by choosing to do so.
Beginning today I will no longer worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow will always be there,
waiting for me to make the most of it. But I cannot make the most of tomorrow without
first making the most of today.
Beginning today I will look in the mirror and I will see a person worthy of my respect and
admiration. This capable person looking back at me is someone I enjoy spending time with and
someone I would like to get to know better.
Friday, October 19, 2007
MESS WITH MOM
MESS WITH MOM
The Childs Comments and Thoughts
My son came home from school one day,
with a smirk upon his face.
He decided he was smart enough,
to put me in my place.
"Guess what I learned in Civics Two,
that's taught by Mr. Wright?
It's all about the laws today,
The 'Children's Bill of Rights.'
It says I need not clean my room,
don't have to cut my hair
No one can tell me what to think,
or speak, or what to wear.
I have freedom from religion,
and regardless what you say,
I don't have to bow my head,
and I sure don't have to pray.
I can wear earrings if I want,
and pierce my tongue & nose.
I can read & watch just what I like,
get tattoos from head to toe.
And if you ever spank me,
I'll charge you with a crime.
I'll back up all my charges,
with the marks on my behind.
Don't you ever touch me,
my body's only for my use,
not for your hugs and kisses,
that's just more child abuse.
Don't preach about your morals,
like your Mama did to you.
That's nothing more than mind control,
And it's illegal too!
Mom, I have these children's rights,
so you can't influence me,
or I'll call Children's Services Division,
better known as C.S.D."
Mom's Reply and Thoughts
Of course my first instinct was
to toss him out the door.
But the chance to teach him a lesson
made me think a little more.
I mulled it over carefully,
I couldn't let this go.
A smile crept upon my face,
he's messing with a pro.
Next day I took him shopping
at the local Goodwill Store..
I told him, "Pick out all you want,
there's shirts & pants galore.
I've called and checked with C.S.D.
who said they didn't care
if I bought you K-Mart shoes
instead of those Nike Airs.
I've canceled that appointment
to take your driver's test.
The C.S.D. is unconcerned
so I'll decide what's best."
I said "No time to stop and eat,
or pick up stuff to munch.
And tomorrow you can start to learn
to make your own sack lunch.
Just save the raging appetite,
and wait till dinner time.
We're having liver and onions,
a favorite dish of mine."
He asked "Can I please rent a movie,
to watch on my VCR?"
"Sorry, but I sold your TV,
for new tires on my car.
I also rented out your room,
you'll take the couch instead.
The C.S.D. requires
just a roof over your head.
Your clothing won't be trendy now,
I'll choose what we eat.
That allowance that you used to get,
will buy me something neat.
I'm selling off your jet ski,
dirt-bike & roller blades.
Check out the 'Parents Bill of Rights',
It's in effect today!
Hey hot shot, are you crying,
Why are you on your knees?
Are you asking God to help you out,
instead of C.S.D..?"
The Childs Comments and Thoughts
My son came home from school one day,
with a smirk upon his face.
He decided he was smart enough,
to put me in my place.
"Guess what I learned in Civics Two,
that's taught by Mr. Wright?
It's all about the laws today,
The 'Children's Bill of Rights.'
It says I need not clean my room,
don't have to cut my hair
No one can tell me what to think,
or speak, or what to wear.
I have freedom from religion,
and regardless what you say,
I don't have to bow my head,
and I sure don't have to pray.
I can wear earrings if I want,
and pierce my tongue & nose.
I can read & watch just what I like,
get tattoos from head to toe.
And if you ever spank me,
I'll charge you with a crime.
I'll back up all my charges,
with the marks on my behind.
Don't you ever touch me,
my body's only for my use,
not for your hugs and kisses,
that's just more child abuse.
Don't preach about your morals,
like your Mama did to you.
That's nothing more than mind control,
And it's illegal too!
Mom, I have these children's rights,
so you can't influence me,
or I'll call Children's Services Division,
better known as C.S.D."
Mom's Reply and Thoughts
Of course my first instinct was
to toss him out the door.
But the chance to teach him a lesson
made me think a little more.
I mulled it over carefully,
I couldn't let this go.
A smile crept upon my face,
he's messing with a pro.
Next day I took him shopping
at the local Goodwill Store..
I told him, "Pick out all you want,
there's shirts & pants galore.
I've called and checked with C.S.D.
who said they didn't care
if I bought you K-Mart shoes
instead of those Nike Airs.
I've canceled that appointment
to take your driver's test.
The C.S.D. is unconcerned
so I'll decide what's best."
I said "No time to stop and eat,
or pick up stuff to munch.
And tomorrow you can start to learn
to make your own sack lunch.
Just save the raging appetite,
and wait till dinner time.
We're having liver and onions,
a favorite dish of mine."
He asked "Can I please rent a movie,
to watch on my VCR?"
"Sorry, but I sold your TV,
for new tires on my car.
I also rented out your room,
you'll take the couch instead.
The C.S.D. requires
just a roof over your head.
Your clothing won't be trendy now,
I'll choose what we eat.
That allowance that you used to get,
will buy me something neat.
I'm selling off your jet ski,
dirt-bike & roller blades.
Check out the 'Parents Bill of Rights',
It's in effect today!
Hey hot shot, are you crying,
Why are you on your knees?
Are you asking God to help you out,
instead of C.S.D..?"
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
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)
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)
Sunday, October 7, 2007
CHILDREN LIVE WHAT THEY LEARN
If a child lives with criticism,she learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility,he learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule,she learns to be shy.
If a child lives with jealousy,he learns to feel guilty.
If a child lives with tolerance,she learns to be patient.
If a child lives with encouragement,he learns confidence.
If a child lives with praise,she learns to appreciate.
If a child lives with fairness,he learns justice.
If a child lives with security,she learns to have faith.
If a child lives with approval,he learns to like himself.
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship,she learns to find love in the world.
(AUTHOR UNKNOWN)
If a child lives with hostility,he learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule,she learns to be shy.
If a child lives with jealousy,he learns to feel guilty.
If a child lives with tolerance,she learns to be patient.
If a child lives with encouragement,he learns confidence.
If a child lives with praise,she learns to appreciate.
If a child lives with fairness,he learns justice.
If a child lives with security,she learns to have faith.
If a child lives with approval,he learns to like himself.
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship,she learns to find love in the world.
(AUTHOR UNKNOWN)
Friday, October 5, 2007
HOW TO INSTALL LOVE
How to Install Love by Richard Burnett
Customer Service Rep: Yes, Ma'am, how can I help youtoday?
Customer: Well, after much consideration, I've decidedto install love. Can you guide me through the process?
CS Rep: Yes, I can help you. Are you ready to proceed?
Customer: Well, I'm not very technical, but I thinkI'm ready to install now. What do I do first?
CS Rep: The first step is to open your HEART. Have youlocated your HEART ma'am?
Customer: Yes I have, but there are several otherprograms running right now. Is it okay to installwhile they are running?
CS Rep: What programs are running ma'am?
Customer: Let's see, I have PAST-HURT.EXE,LOW-ESTEEM.EXE, GRUDGE.EXE, and RESENTMENT.COM runningright now.
CS Rep: No problem. LOVE will gradually erasePAST-HURT.EXE from your current operating system. It may remain in your permanent memory, but it will nolonger disrupt other programs. LOVE will eventuallyoverwrite LOW-ESTEEM.EXE with a module of its owncalled HIGH- ESTEEM.EXE. However, you have tocompletely turn off GRUDGE.EXE and RESENTMENT.COM.Those programs prevent LOVE from being properlyinstalled. Can you turn those off ma'am?
Customer: I don't know how to turn them off. Can youtell me how?
CS Rep: My pleasure. Go to your Start menu and invokeFORGIVENESS.EXE. Do this as many times as necessaryuntil GRUDGE.EXE and RESENTMENT.COM have beencompletely erased.
Customer: Okay, done. LOVE has started installingitself automatically. Is that normal?CS Rep: Yes. You should receive a message that says itwill reinstall for the life of your HEART. Do you seethat message?
Customer: Yes I do. Is it completely installed?
CS Rep: Yes, but remember that you have only the baseprogram. You need to begin connecting to other Heart'sin order to get the upgrades.
Customer: Oops. I have an error message already. Whatshould I do?
CS Rep: What does the message say?
Customer: It says "ERROR 412 - PROGRAM NOT RUN ONINTERNAL COMPONENTS." What does that mean?
CS Rep: Don't worry ma'am, that's a common problem. Itmeans that the LOVE program is set up to run onexternal HEARTS but has not yet been run on yourHEART. It is one of those complicated programmingthings, but in nontechnical terms it means you have to"LOVE" your own machine before it can "LOVE" others.
Customer: So what should I do?
CS Rep: Can you pull down the directory called"SELF-ACCEPTANCE"?
Customer: Yes, I have it.
CS Rep: Excellent. You're getting good at this.Customer: Thank you.CS Rep: You're welcome. Click on the following filesand then copy them to the "MY HEART" directory:FORGIVE-SELF.DOC, REALIZE-WORTH.TXT, andACKNOWLEDGE-LIMITATIONS.DOC. The system will overwriteany conflicting files and begin patching anyprogramming. Also, you need to deleteVERBOSE-SELF-CRITIC.EXE from all directories, and thenempty your recycle bin afterwards to make sure it iscompletely gone and never comes back.
Customer: Got it. Hey! My HEART is filling up with newfiles. SMILE.MPG is playing on my monitor right nowand it shows that PEACE.EXE, and CONTENTMENT.COM arecopying themselves all over my HEART. Is this normal?
C Rep: Sometimes. For others it takes a while, buteventually everything gets downloaded at the propertime. So, LOVE is installed and running. You should beable to handle it from here. One more thing before Igo.
Customer: Yes?
CS Rep: LOVE is free ware. Be sure to give it and itsvarious modules to everybody you meet. They will inturn share it with other people and they will returnsome similarly cool modules back to you.
Customer: I will. Thanks for your help. By the way,what's your name?
CS Rep: You can call me the Divine Cardiologist, alsoknown as The Great Physician, but most call me God.Most people feel all they need is an annual checkup tostay heart-healthy, but the manufacturer (Me) suggestsa schedule of daily maintenance for maximumefficiency. Put another way... keep in touch.
Customer Service Rep: Yes, Ma'am, how can I help youtoday?
Customer: Well, after much consideration, I've decidedto install love. Can you guide me through the process?
CS Rep: Yes, I can help you. Are you ready to proceed?
Customer: Well, I'm not very technical, but I thinkI'm ready to install now. What do I do first?
CS Rep: The first step is to open your HEART. Have youlocated your HEART ma'am?
Customer: Yes I have, but there are several otherprograms running right now. Is it okay to installwhile they are running?
CS Rep: What programs are running ma'am?
Customer: Let's see, I have PAST-HURT.EXE,LOW-ESTEEM.EXE, GRUDGE.EXE, and RESENTMENT.COM runningright now.
CS Rep: No problem. LOVE will gradually erasePAST-HURT.EXE from your current operating system. It may remain in your permanent memory, but it will nolonger disrupt other programs. LOVE will eventuallyoverwrite LOW-ESTEEM.EXE with a module of its owncalled HIGH- ESTEEM.EXE. However, you have tocompletely turn off GRUDGE.EXE and RESENTMENT.COM.Those programs prevent LOVE from being properlyinstalled. Can you turn those off ma'am?
Customer: I don't know how to turn them off. Can youtell me how?
CS Rep: My pleasure. Go to your Start menu and invokeFORGIVENESS.EXE. Do this as many times as necessaryuntil GRUDGE.EXE and RESENTMENT.COM have beencompletely erased.
Customer: Okay, done. LOVE has started installingitself automatically. Is that normal?CS Rep: Yes. You should receive a message that says itwill reinstall for the life of your HEART. Do you seethat message?
Customer: Yes I do. Is it completely installed?
CS Rep: Yes, but remember that you have only the baseprogram. You need to begin connecting to other Heart'sin order to get the upgrades.
Customer: Oops. I have an error message already. Whatshould I do?
CS Rep: What does the message say?
Customer: It says "ERROR 412 - PROGRAM NOT RUN ONINTERNAL COMPONENTS." What does that mean?
CS Rep: Don't worry ma'am, that's a common problem. Itmeans that the LOVE program is set up to run onexternal HEARTS but has not yet been run on yourHEART. It is one of those complicated programmingthings, but in nontechnical terms it means you have to"LOVE" your own machine before it can "LOVE" others.
Customer: So what should I do?
CS Rep: Can you pull down the directory called"SELF-ACCEPTANCE"?
Customer: Yes, I have it.
CS Rep: Excellent. You're getting good at this.Customer: Thank you.CS Rep: You're welcome. Click on the following filesand then copy them to the "MY HEART" directory:FORGIVE-SELF.DOC, REALIZE-WORTH.TXT, andACKNOWLEDGE-LIMITATIONS.DOC. The system will overwriteany conflicting files and begin patching anyprogramming. Also, you need to deleteVERBOSE-SELF-CRITIC.EXE from all directories, and thenempty your recycle bin afterwards to make sure it iscompletely gone and never comes back.
Customer: Got it. Hey! My HEART is filling up with newfiles. SMILE.MPG is playing on my monitor right nowand it shows that PEACE.EXE, and CONTENTMENT.COM arecopying themselves all over my HEART. Is this normal?
C Rep: Sometimes. For others it takes a while, buteventually everything gets downloaded at the propertime. So, LOVE is installed and running. You should beable to handle it from here. One more thing before Igo.
Customer: Yes?
CS Rep: LOVE is free ware. Be sure to give it and itsvarious modules to everybody you meet. They will inturn share it with other people and they will returnsome similarly cool modules back to you.
Customer: I will. Thanks for your help. By the way,what's your name?
CS Rep: You can call me the Divine Cardiologist, alsoknown as The Great Physician, but most call me God.Most people feel all they need is an annual checkup tostay heart-healthy, but the manufacturer (Me) suggestsa schedule of daily maintenance for maximumefficiency. Put another way... keep in touch.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
What is it with everybody?
I keep reading blogs that say send the kids to another neighborhood. We need to all learn that one of the biggest problems here is that is what everbody does to the kids. Schools send them home. Parents send them outside. They are looking for leadership, love and discipline and if they can't find it in their role models they will go out and get together and create IT.. What does that mean?? It means they will form cliques and groups of peers that all want the same thing to be noticed. If they are not getting attention they will find a way to get it. Sometimes to them negative attention is better than none at all. We have to start showing these kids that we do care and that we want them to succeed and that there is people willing to listen to them.
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