From the New York Times:
"A book is proof that humans are capable of working magic: the cosmologist Carl Sagan once said, 'It's a flat object made from a tree with flexible parts on which are imprinted lots of funny dark squiggles. But one glance at it and your're inside the mind of another person, maybe somebody dead for thousands of years.' As a physical object and a feat of technology, the printed book is hard to improve upon. Apart from minor cosmetic tweaks, the form has barely evolved since the codex first arose as an appealing alternative to scrolls around 2,600 years ago."
I have loved books all of my life. They could transport me anywhere in the world. I could get to know the lifestyle, environment, family and friends of someone from another culture, country or faith.
Books can be the means to express our deepest feelings, our love of people, our love of the world, our faith, hope and dreams. I have a paperback book, e book and audio book. I was talking to a potential buyer and she said, "I like a book I can hold in my hands and take my time reading it." Others like to read a book on the computer, tablet, or electronic means. Others like to download an audio book and listen to it as they travel or have lost their vision and need to "hear" their books. Books are our friends and a great source of comfort, education, mind traveling, and our window to the world!
Check out my e book, audio book and book, "The Dying Teach Us How to Live" on Amazon
From the Author
Friday, November 9, 2018
Monday, October 29, 2018
Baking a Cake
Baking a Cake
A young man is telling his Grandma how everything is going wrong. School problems, friend problems, family problems, financial problems, severe health problems, etc.,
Meanwhile, Grandma is baking a cake. She asks her grandson if he would like a snack, which, of course, he does.
"Here, have some cooking oil." "Yuck", says the young man. "How about a couple of raw eggs?" "Gross, Grandma!" "Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?" "Grandma, those are all yucky!"
To which Grandma replies: "Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake! God works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in his order, they always work for good."
"We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful!"
"God is crazy about you. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He can live anywhere in the world, and He chooses your heart."
Anonymous on internet.
The cake you create is one of a kind and delicious! Hang in there!
A young man is telling his Grandma how everything is going wrong. School problems, friend problems, family problems, financial problems, severe health problems, etc.,
Meanwhile, Grandma is baking a cake. She asks her grandson if he would like a snack, which, of course, he does.
"Here, have some cooking oil." "Yuck", says the young man. "How about a couple of raw eggs?" "Gross, Grandma!" "Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?" "Grandma, those are all yucky!"
To which Grandma replies: "Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake! God works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in his order, they always work for good."
"We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful!"
"God is crazy about you. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He can live anywhere in the world, and He chooses your heart."
Anonymous on internet.
The cake you create is one of a kind and delicious! Hang in there!
Wednesday, October 17, 2018
Life Goes On
"What I've Learned:
I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.
I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: 1) a rainy day, 2) lost luggage, 3) tangled Christmas Tree lights.
I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you will miss them when they are gone from your life.
I've learned that "making a living is not the same as "making a life."
I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.
I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the best you can, happiness will find you.
I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision .
I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone.
People love that human touch--holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.
Finally, always remember: people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.....
Anonymous from the internet
Remember how special you are and how many opportunities you have to make a difference in someone's life!
I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.
I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: 1) a rainy day, 2) lost luggage, 3) tangled Christmas Tree lights.
I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you will miss them when they are gone from your life.
I've learned that "making a living is not the same as "making a life."
I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.
I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the best you can, happiness will find you.
I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision .
I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone.
People love that human touch--holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.
Finally, always remember: people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.....
Anonymous from the internet
Remember how special you are and how many opportunities you have to make a difference in someone's life!
Friday, October 5, 2018
How Much Am I Worth?
A well-known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20 bill.
In the room of 200, he asked, Who would like this $20 bill?" Hands started going up.
He said, "I am going to give this to one of you. But first, let me do this."
he proceeded to crumple the bill up. He then asked, "Who still wants it?" Still the hands were in the air.
"Well," he replied, "what if I do this?" He dropped it on the ground, and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty.
"Now who still wants it?" Still hands went into the air.
"My friends, you all have learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it, because, it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20."
"Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel we are worthless, but, no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value. Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to those who love you."
"The worth of our lives come not in what we do or who we know, but by who we are. You are special. Don't ever forget it!" Copied from the internet
All of you are special!
In the room of 200, he asked, Who would like this $20 bill?" Hands started going up.
He said, "I am going to give this to one of you. But first, let me do this."
he proceeded to crumple the bill up. He then asked, "Who still wants it?" Still the hands were in the air.
"Well," he replied, "what if I do this?" He dropped it on the ground, and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty.
"Now who still wants it?" Still hands went into the air.
"My friends, you all have learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it, because, it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20."
"Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel we are worthless, but, no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value. Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to those who love you."
"The worth of our lives come not in what we do or who we know, but by who we are. You are special. Don't ever forget it!" Copied from the internet
All of you are special!
Tuesday, October 2, 2018
Friends
I recently had a visit from a friend who is very special because she has survived an incredibly difficult childhood. She has evolved into a very compassionate human being with a warm heart, ability to listen, and the will to reach out to others who are hurting.
What would life be like without friends? Friends are are defenders of our sanity, protectors of our reputations, cushions through the fear of new situations, loyal over many years of life crisis, active listeners as we pour out deep emotions, present when we need support, provide shoulders to cry on, are champions of our successes, and models of inspiration.
I have many friends that I have been privileged to interact with for many years. I have also met individuals that I met only briefly in my life but the friendship was instantaneous and timeless. The world is full of potential friends who do not want anything from you except for your friendship.
I hope that we can all look for all the relationships that are possible among individuals, family, acquaintances, neighbors, fellow parishioners, and co-workers. Our governments have the opportunity to look for the good people in other cultures, other countries, and in the world in general. If we all have a goal to make the world safe, peaceful, pristine, beautiful, productive (with jobs, homes, nutrition, health and commerce), collaborative while sharing resources, diplomatic to reduce war, famine, homeless refugees and turmoil, creative while conserving beauty, and friendly with our world neighbors.
In movies and literature, we are considered a primitive society because we do not trust each other, we have constant wars, we do not protect our environment, we are not reliable stewards of the gifts we have been given, we are not friendly and protect each other's backs. We are king and queen of manipulation, terror, fear, lack of integrity, unethical standards, intimidation, discrimination, murder, war mongers, death and destruction, pain and suffering and loss of hope.
Friends on the other hand, look out for each other in the pitfalls of life, provide timely and efficient assistance, are lifelong supporters without compensation, are loving, kind, and giving. I hope we can be open to finding friendships among others that we have already met but haven't taken time to know, with new friends we have not yet met, and with ourselves so we know we have a huge opportunity to serve and be served by friends.
What would life be like without friends? Friends are are defenders of our sanity, protectors of our reputations, cushions through the fear of new situations, loyal over many years of life crisis, active listeners as we pour out deep emotions, present when we need support, provide shoulders to cry on, are champions of our successes, and models of inspiration.
I have many friends that I have been privileged to interact with for many years. I have also met individuals that I met only briefly in my life but the friendship was instantaneous and timeless. The world is full of potential friends who do not want anything from you except for your friendship.
I hope that we can all look for all the relationships that are possible among individuals, family, acquaintances, neighbors, fellow parishioners, and co-workers. Our governments have the opportunity to look for the good people in other cultures, other countries, and in the world in general. If we all have a goal to make the world safe, peaceful, pristine, beautiful, productive (with jobs, homes, nutrition, health and commerce), collaborative while sharing resources, diplomatic to reduce war, famine, homeless refugees and turmoil, creative while conserving beauty, and friendly with our world neighbors.
In movies and literature, we are considered a primitive society because we do not trust each other, we have constant wars, we do not protect our environment, we are not reliable stewards of the gifts we have been given, we are not friendly and protect each other's backs. We are king and queen of manipulation, terror, fear, lack of integrity, unethical standards, intimidation, discrimination, murder, war mongers, death and destruction, pain and suffering and loss of hope.
Friends on the other hand, look out for each other in the pitfalls of life, provide timely and efficient assistance, are lifelong supporters without compensation, are loving, kind, and giving. I hope we can be open to finding friendships among others that we have already met but haven't taken time to know, with new friends we have not yet met, and with ourselves so we know we have a huge opportunity to serve and be served by friends.
Monday, September 17, 2018
Trials and Struggles
I have been keeping in touch with relatives who are weathering the hurricanes in the Carolinas. While I am grateful for their safety, I am concerned about all of those whose lives have been upended. It is so sad to think of the lives that have been lost; the homes, livelihood, and security that have been compromised.
"The most beautiful people I've known are those who have know trials, have known struggles, have known loss, and have found their way out of the depths." Elizabeth Kubler-Ross
It is these individuals who have triumphed over adversity who are everyday, powerful examples of true heroes. They are taking one day at a time to make the best out of a difficult situation. The other heroes are the individuals who are risking their lives to rescue all of the people who are victims of this violence of nature.
The greed of a world places lives at increasing risk because of financial disparity, of disdain for our environment, and lack of resources for the devastation of natural and unnatural disasters. I hope that, as a country, we will allocate money, workers, supplies, and assistance with resettling for all who are left homeless, without power, safe water, food, clothing and hope.
Please remember all of those who are suffering in our prayers and provide whatever help we can including donations and support. I hope that in the midst of suffering, we can find our humanity and "a way out of the depths".
"The most beautiful people I've known are those who have know trials, have known struggles, have known loss, and have found their way out of the depths." Elizabeth Kubler-Ross
It is these individuals who have triumphed over adversity who are everyday, powerful examples of true heroes. They are taking one day at a time to make the best out of a difficult situation. The other heroes are the individuals who are risking their lives to rescue all of the people who are victims of this violence of nature.
The greed of a world places lives at increasing risk because of financial disparity, of disdain for our environment, and lack of resources for the devastation of natural and unnatural disasters. I hope that, as a country, we will allocate money, workers, supplies, and assistance with resettling for all who are left homeless, without power, safe water, food, clothing and hope.
Please remember all of those who are suffering in our prayers and provide whatever help we can including donations and support. I hope that in the midst of suffering, we can find our humanity and "a way out of the depths".
Thursday, September 6, 2018
How Much You Care
"There's an old saying: "Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care." I've discovered that this is an accurate statement, and one that is worth remembering." Gordon W., Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
"It was my first night caring for an elderly patient. When he grew sleepy, I wheeled his chair as close to the bed as possible and, using the techniques I'd learned in school, grasped him in a bear hug to lift him onto the bed. But I couldn't clear the top of the mattress. So I grabbed him again, summoned all my might, and hoisted him onto the bed.
When the night shift nurse arrived, I recounted what had happened. "Funny," she said, looking puzzled. "Usually I just ask him to get in bed, and he does." Erin Dockery, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
Caring means looking deeper than facts and "book knowledge" and explore the feelings involved in day to day decisions.
"Every day, I recognize the power of kindness to change the world. I've never been so convinced that kindness is the essential antidote to the divisions and disconnections we're seeing."
Daniel Lubetzky, founder of Kind Healthy snacks and the Kind Foundation which fosters communities that are healthier and more empathetic worldwide
Remember to be kind first and knowledgeable second! If we can change our immediate world now, maybe change is possible for the rest of the world in the future.
"It was my first night caring for an elderly patient. When he grew sleepy, I wheeled his chair as close to the bed as possible and, using the techniques I'd learned in school, grasped him in a bear hug to lift him onto the bed. But I couldn't clear the top of the mattress. So I grabbed him again, summoned all my might, and hoisted him onto the bed.
When the night shift nurse arrived, I recounted what had happened. "Funny," she said, looking puzzled. "Usually I just ask him to get in bed, and he does." Erin Dockery, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
Caring means looking deeper than facts and "book knowledge" and explore the feelings involved in day to day decisions.
"Every day, I recognize the power of kindness to change the world. I've never been so convinced that kindness is the essential antidote to the divisions and disconnections we're seeing."
Daniel Lubetzky, founder of Kind Healthy snacks and the Kind Foundation which fosters communities that are healthier and more empathetic worldwide
Remember to be kind first and knowledgeable second! If we can change our immediate world now, maybe change is possible for the rest of the world in the future.
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