Good night dear friends!
Many years ago, a rider came across some soldiers who were trying to move a heavy log without success. The corporal was standing by as the men struggled. The rider asked the corporal why he wasn't helping. The corporal replied, "I am the corporal; i give orders." The rider dismounted, went up and stood by the soldiers and as they were lifting the log, he helped them. With his help, the log got moved. The rider quietly mounted his horse and went to the corporal and said, "The next time your men need help, send for the Commander-in-Chief." After he left, the corporal and his men found out that the rider was George Washington.
The message is pretty clear. Success and humility go hand in hand. When others blow your horn, the sound goes further. Just think about it? Simplicity and humility are two hallmarks of greatness. Humility does not mean self-demeaning behavior. * In The Book of Virtues, edited by William J. Bennett, Simon & Schuster, New York, 1993, p. 204.
“To become truly great, one has to stand with people, not above them.” ~ Charles de Montesquieu
“The more you lose yourself in something bigger than yourself, the more energy you will have.” ~ Norman Vincent Peale
I smiled when Jeff sent me this quote…isn’t it easy to think to succeed that you must accomplish a million things? Well, maybe everyone doesn’t think that way but I know we Mothers do. I sometimes only look at all the things I didn’t get done, instead of what I accomplished. When I read this sweet list of successful things, I think I totally agree … and better yet, I need to remember it more often.
Still struggling with this terrible cold…I guess it is the season, still I need to get better to teach my class tomorrow. I love teaching! So I will head right to bed. Thank you for your friendship and love. It truly means the WORLD to me! Good night dear friends.
“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends. To appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson
I loved this story about Hope, Love and Life. I also believe the quote that says..."What goes around, comes around!" It is a great reminder for us to realize our live's experiences are here to teach us something, and to help mold us into who we need to become. Enjoy!
KalaiMoli was an orphan girl who grew up with her aunt and uncle. Her aunt was her mother’s sister, and she took her in only because no one else wanted her. Her cousins were about the same age as her, but they never got along. They always picked on her and made her feel unwelcome.
She didn’t go to the same private school. Instead, she went to a nearby public school. Sometimes, her aunt would make her do household chores all afternoon that she only had time to do her schools work late into the night. Sometimes, too, she would go without dinner as a punishment for something she didn’t do.
Through it all, one thing kept her going - the thought that someday she would earn enough money to support herself, and she can leave the house that has brought her so many heartaches and tears.
She never blamed anyone for her fate. She just accepted the fact that this was the life handed her and she had to make the best of it.
Her only friend was a schoolmate named Kanmani. Kanmani comes from a rich family, but she was very simple and good-hearted. KalaMoli’s plight made her feel sorry for her, but her friend’s determination to succeed and positive outlook on life are what Kanmani admired about her. Her friend’s strong character is something she respected.
“Someday, Kanmani, I can leave everything behind and start life on my own.” She would often tell her best friend. “Someday, I can be truly happy away from all the people that hurt me.”
Although she accepts the fact that she owed a lot to her aunt and uncle, and that she would always be grateful to them for taking her in, she also understands that they have no place in their family for her.
KalaiMoli recalls how hard her life had been back in her home town, but now that she has become a successful doctor, mostly helping the poor and going on medical missions to other impoverished countries, she acknowledges that, without those hardships, she wouldn’t be where she is now.
With the love of her best friend and the hope that kept burning in her heart for a better life, she has finally reached her dreams.
“Indeed, hardships and trials in life come to make us stronger and better persons,” she admits to herself.
She silently whispers a prayer of thanks as she tends to an orphaned little girl. At last, she has come full circle.
http://tamilostories.com/tamil-love-shortstories/hope-love-and-life/
"The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible." ~ Authur C. Clarke
"However mean your life is, meet it and live it; do not shun it and call it hard names." ~ Henry David Thoreau
"I learned this, at least, by my experiment; that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours." ~ Henry David Thoreau
Tonight Jeff and I went to a Marriage/Relationships class at church. I was dragging my heels going, because it was Friday night... and I could have think of a million other things that I would have liked to be doing! Jeff kept encouraging me to go, and now I am so grateful that he did. First, I was able to see many dear friends that I hadn't seen in awhile, and that was great to catch up with them. Second, many of the things that were mentioned tonight hit home to me. Why are choices so hard at times?
I will mention some of the points that the speaker made tonight. During his presentation, there were a lot of people laughing and shaking their heads, so I do know, we weren't the only couple that struggled at times. Here are a few of my notes...
...each of you, need to bring your best to your marriage
...it is important that you do not bring or carry old stuff ( habits, thought patterns, abuse and etc ) into your marriage. Some of your personal stuff from your past you are going to need to get rid of, or you could ruin your relationship/marriage.
...you need to forgive and let go. Each time you hold onto a hurt or an injustice done to you and you refuse to forget it or forgive the person for it. You essentially are tying an anchor around your leg and throwing yourself overboard. Holding on to past grudges or problems, will sink your marriage.
...we need to remember as Men and Women, we are suppose to be different. We don't think alike, we process things differently, we are not suppose to be the same. We need to understand this and be very patient, and accepting of each other.
...we are headed for tougher times in the future! Is our marriage strong enough for what lies ahead? It is vital that we make it strong now...before we need it. Just like our muscles, we need to strengthen them before we are physically challenged. The time to prepare is before we need it!
...can we try a little harder, give a little more, forgive quicker, be more patient, demand a little less, and listen a little more?
...we need to be more like the Savior in our responses. When we are accused, we need to stop, think about it, and then ask ourselves BEFORE reacting ..."Did I do anything to make them think this of me? Try to see it from the other person's perspective first. Think before we talk.
...if each of us would give a 150%, our marriages would be a lot happier. It is a lot of work, but soooo worth it!
It was a great reminder for us of the choices and things we need to do... to be a better, stronger and happier couple. I am glad I went tonight!
"When you almost obey a commandment, you almost receive a blessing!"
"Success in marriage does not come merely through finding the right mate, but through being the right mate." ~Barnett R. Brickner
"Life is to be enjoyed, not endured" ~ Gordon B. Hinckley
Some times I forget to DREAM! I get so caught up with the every day things of life that I forget there can be more...oh so much more. This poem hit the nail on the head for me. We all come with certain talents and abilities, we just need to discover and acknowledge them. ( Oh, and use them!)
It is late, just got home from my date night. Glad that I don't have a curfew! That's a bonus about being married! However if my mother was still alive, she probably would tell me that I need to be getting more sleep. Oh how I miss my mom and being mothered! :(
So read this poem and remember the talents you have, be grateful for them and remember to make the most of each situation in life! Remember there is always something to LEARN! Good night dear friends!
ABILITY
Ability is to look at a blank page, and create a poem.
Ability is to stare into the eyes of fear, and come out stronger because of it.
Ability is to walk into a room of strangers, and come out with friends.
Ability is to admit you are wrong, when you are wrong.
Ability is to get back up, when you fall down.
Ability is to believe, when everything seems lost.
Ability ---a simple word, with a complex meaning. For many, ability is never found, but for all ability is within. Ability stares everyone in the face at one time or another. Whether your ability is how well you shoot hoops, how well you flip at dancing, how smart you are at school. You have ability. For some, ability is lost by never trying. Whether never trying to shoot one more time, never trying to bend a little more, or never trying to score higher in school.
Ability is within.
Ability is yours. ~ Selina E. Matis (Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul III)
"Think BIG. There are unseen forces ready to support your dreams." ~ Cheryl Richardson
"For success, attitude is equally as important as ability" ~ Harry F. Banks
"Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it." ~ Lou Holtz
