Blog Archives

HOMESICKNESS

9/23/2012

                                                                        HOMESICKNESS

                                                          The significance of the home has
                                                          been eulogized by philosophers from
                                                          the beginning of mankind.

                                                          There is, in all of us, a desire for a sense
                                                           of belonging, and wanting to belong, to
                                                           a family and home.

                                                           All of us feel as strangers here,
                                                           until our hearts are convinced that we
                                                           truly we believe that we
                                                           belong to ...an eternal home.

                                                           One of our favorite authors, Glen Clark,
                                                           wrote "that all mankind and womankind
                                                           suffer and will continue to suffer from
                                                           homesickness."

                                                           "No matter how old or how young we
                                                            are, homesickness is the thing that grips
                                                            us all."

                                                            "We are all born in the valley of the perfect
                                                            and we shall be homesick until we find our
                                                            way back whence we came forth."

                                                            Are you lonely this night, with great longing
                                                            to return to your Father's home?

                                                            Rest assured, He cares for you, and He is
                                                            continually making plans...for your homecoming.

CONTENTMENT

9/23/2012

                                                                          CONTENTMENT

                                                            Many have searched all their lives
                                                            for that contentment that leads
                                                            to peace of mind.

                                                            Perhaps contentment comes from giving up
                                                            those things we cannot keep...for those things
                                                            that money cannot buy.

                                                            It was said that "A tub was large enough
                                                            for Diogenes, but a world was too little for
                                                            Alexander."

                                                            As of late, we have become aware of the
                                                            pricelessness...
                                                            Of a silent starry sky.
                                                            Of the dawn's early blush.
                                                            Of children laughing innocently.
                                                            Of the burden lifting power of prayer.

                                                            Only as we learn to be content...shall
                                                            we be able to widen the channels of our
                                                            creativity.

   (First published on September 23, 2012)

IALAIC

9/21/2012

                                                                              IALAIC

                                                          Many years ago weadopted a slogan
                                                          around our home... "IALAIC" ...
                                                          which stands for... I Am Lovable And
                                                          I Count.

                                                          In our hustle and bustle, we tend to
                                                          forget that machines, cars, houses and
                                                          other "things" should usually take second
                                                          place to the needs, and wants, and feelings
                                                          of those members of our family.

                                                          While it is not too difficult to repair a broken
                                                          window, or a pice of broken furniture, it is
                                                          often difficutlt to mend a broken spirit.

                                                          High hopes and sweet dreams are fragile,
                                                          and so important

                                                          Whoever you are, wherever you are...
                                                          you are lovable and you surely do count.
                                                          You are important and you are needed
                                                          on this small raft we call our earthly home.

                                                          Grasp hold of this one idea and never let
                                                          it go... I Am Lovable And I Count...
                                                          Indeed you do!

WONDERFUL ME

9/21/2012

                                                           WONDERFUL ME

                                                      Wrote S. Lee Luchansky...

                                                      "Humility is the ability to act
                                                     embarrassed when you tell people
                                                      how wonderful you are."

                                                      Seriously though, there is something
                                                      to be said for humility...and honest
                                                      embarrassment...and being truly wonderful.

                                                      Even in this technological, overly sophisticated
                                                      age of ours, we still admire the humble man
                                                      or woman.

                                                      And, perhaps the mark of a
                                                      real man or lady is their ability
                                                      to blush in compromising situations.

                                                      One of the better character traits
                                                     of my father was his ability to humble
                                                      when others were complimenting him.

                                                      We also suspect that those fortunate
                                                      inhabitants of the Kingdom of God will
                                                      have to readily admit that they arrived
                                                      at their his station because, in this life,
                                                      they were surrounded...by humble souls.

COURTESY

9/21/2012

                                                                  COURTESY

                                                    Courtesy conquers crabbiness
                                                    Courtesy constitutes chivalry
                                                   in its finest form
                                                    Courtesy encourages kindness
                                                   in times of disagreement
                                                    Courtesy overcomes outrage
                                                    and instills confidence
                                                    Courtesy greets all people as friends
                                                    Courtesy graciously gives and
                                                    amiably appreciates
                                                    Courtesy eradicates impudence
                                                   while pursuing politeness
                                                    Courtesy never lost a client
                                                    Courtesy is gentility bathed
                                                    in the oil of elegance
                                                    Courtesy is not a natural pearl,
it must be cultivated.

THE HIGHEST OF ARTS

9/21/2012

                                                                THE HIGHEST OF ARTS

                                                        "To affect the qualitly of the day,"
                                                        wrote Thoreau, "that is the highest
                                                        of arts."

                                                        How shall we affect the quality of our
                                                        day? We may do this...

                                                        Through kind words...
                                                        especially for and toward others...
                                                        kind words that bless, that lift,
                                                        that love.

                                                        Through prayer...
                                                        that powerful avenue of communication
                                                        that transcends and overcomes all
                                                        earthly barriers.

                                                        Through adoration...
                                                        both vocal and silent...of our
                                                        Creator...for this joyous journey
                                                        called life.

                                                        And, might we add...
                                                        To uplift the spirit of another human
                                                        being...that too, is the Highest of Arts.

ON RAISING CHILDREN (THOUGHT TWO)

9/17/2012

                                                                 ON RAISING CHILDREN (THOUGHT TWO)

                                                                    If you were to visit our home, and we
                                                       gave you the "grand tour" of our humble
                                                       abode, you would notice, a few choice
                                                      paintings by our grandchildren.

                                                       Now, these paintings probably would not
                                                       bring the top price at a New York art
                                                       auction,nevertheless, they are part of our
                                                       personal "priceless collection."

                                                       We believe that when our small grand-
                                                       children proudly show us their first attempts
                                                      at creativity, their works should be highly
                                                       complimented and conspicuously exhibited.

                                                       By applauding the efforts of our children at
                                                      an early age, we prepare them for success
                                                       in their later years. For indeed, success breeds
                                                       success.

                                                       Ah yes, you may keep your "priceless Rebrandts,"
                                                       we'd prefer a "Morgan" canvas any day.

PRAYER

9/13/2012

                                                                        PRAYER

                                                                      As far as we know, prayer is...
                                                                      the simplest
                                                          the truest
                                                          the most direct and
                                                          the most glorifying way
                                                          of communicating
                                                          our trust in God

                                                         We are waware that this
                                                         glorious adventure of life
                                                         does not really begin until
                                                         the spark of prayer
                                                         ignites the soul aflame

                                                         Sincere prayer yields our will
                                                         to the will of God...giving Him
                                                         permission to do with our lives
                                                         what He already planned to do
                                                         with them, anyway.

                                                         When pressures around us attain
                                                         new heights...
                                                         Prayer within us should fathom
                                                         new depths.

                                                         Perhaps wisdom should not be
                                                         measured by our monetary monuments,
                                                         but by...our moments in prayer.

LAUGHTER

9/13/2012

                                                                                LAUGHTER

                                                                Laughter lightens the load
                                                                 Laughter creates pearls from perils
                                                                 Laughter sends hundres of hope-rays
                                                                 into the hearts of others
                                                                 Laughter peeks out from behind the clouds
                                                                to say "Ah-ha, I told you so."
                                                                 Laughter   defeats gloom while delighting
                                                                 in gentle gaiety
                                                                 Laughter opens the door to contemplation
                                                                 Laughter focuses on our foibes
                                                                 and keeps us humble
                                                                 Laughter is the wise man's answer
                                                                 to despondency
                                                                 Laughter adds needed spice to the bland
                                                                 man's life
                                                                 Laughter is relief to the decent man and
                                                                ridicule to the despot
                                                                 Laughter is oil for the worn and weary soul.

COME UP HIGHER

9/13/2012

                                                                        COME UP HIGHER

                                                                Whether some of us desire
                                                                to admit it or not, there is within
                                                                each of us...a small, quiet voice,
                                                                continually whispering...come up
                                                                higher.

                                                                Wrote Thomas J. Shelton...

                                                                "I saw the mountains stand
                                                                Silent, wonderful and grand,
                                                                Looking out across the land.

                                                                When the golden light was falling
                                                                On distant dome and spire,
                                                                I heard a soft voice calling
                                                                Come up higher, come up higher.

                                                                From the lowland and the mire,
                                                                From the midst of earth's desire,
                                                                From the vain persuit of pelf,
                                                                From the attitude of self,
                                                                Come up higher, come up higher."

                                                                Now and always, the Higher Way
                                                                Is the Better Way.