CONTENTMENT 

                                                            Many have searched all of 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. 

                                                           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

                                                    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

                                                        "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)
                                                                   
                                                                    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
                                                
                                                                      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.