WORDS OF WISDOM

MUSIC: FROM POCOHONTAS "LISTEN WITH YOUR HEART"

THOUGHT PROVOKING TIMELESS WORDS OF WISDOM DESIDERATA GO PLACIDLY amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. AS FAR as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. SPEAK your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story. AVOID loud and aggressive persons; they are vexations to the spirit. IF you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. ENJOY your achievements as well as your plans. KEEP interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. EXERCISE caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. BUT let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism. BE yourself! ESPECIALLY, do not feign affection! NEITHER be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass. TAKE kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth! NURTURE strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. BUT do not distress yourself with imaginings. MANY fears are born of fatique and loniliness. BEYOND a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. YOU are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. AND whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. THEREFORE be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations! IN the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. WITH all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams it is still a beautiful world! BE cheerful! STRIVE TO BE HAPPY!
SERENITY PRAYER
GOD GRANT ME THE SERENITY TO ACCEPT THE THINGS I CANNOT CHANGE, THE COURAGE TO CHANGE THE THINGS I CAN, THE WISDOM TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE!
TWO DAYS
TWO DAYS There are two days in every week about which we should not worry, two days which should be kept from fear and apprehension. One of these days is yesterday, with it's mistakes and cares, it's faults and blunders, it's aches and pains. Yesterday has passed forever beyond our control. All the money in the world cannot bring back yesterday. We cannot erase a single word we said. Yesterday is beyond recall. The other day we should not worry about is tomorrow, with it's possible adversities, it's burdens, it's large promises, and perhaps its poor performance. Tomorrow is also beyond our immediate control. Tomorrow's sun will rise, either in splendor or behind a mask of clouds, but it will rise. Until it does, we have no stake in tomorrow, for it is yet unborn. This leaves only one day - today. Anyone can fight the battles of just one day. It is only when you and I add the burden of those two awful eternity's, yesterday and tomorrow, that we break down. It is not the experience of today that drives us mad. It is the remorse or bitterness for something which happened yesterday or the dread of what tomorrow may bring. Let us therefore do our best to live but one day at a time.
JUST A DOG

From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up,
it's just a dog," or, "that's a lot of money for just a dog." They don't
understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved
for "just a dog."

Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog." Many hours
have passed and my only company was "just a dog," but I did not once feel
slighted.

Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog," and in
those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave me comfort
and reason to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you will probably understand
phrases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a promise."

"Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and
pure unbridled joy.

"Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that makes me a better
person.

Because of "just a dog", I will rise early, take long walks and look
longingly to the future. So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a
dog" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the
fond
memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.

"Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away
from myself and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog", but
the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being
"just a man or woman."
So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog", just smile -- because
they "just don't understand."

"Musings" by Richard Biby, Contributing
Editor, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma Roca (C) 2006

A DOG'S PRAYER

By Beth Norman Harris

Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me.. do.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.

When it is cold and wet, please take me inside … for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements. . .and I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. . . though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land… for you are my god. . . and I am your devoted worshiper.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger.

And, beloved master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest. . .

And. I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.

KAREN THOMPSON & LAZARUS

Dr. Karen Thompson 9400 Tunstall Road New Kent, Virginia 23124 (USA) DAYLIGHT # 804 357-8059; NIGHT TIME # 804 932-4413 prior to 9:00 p.m. EST; fax # 804 932-4636
EMAIL: drkarent@aol.com

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MUSIC: FROM POCOHONTAS "LISTEN WITH YOUR HEART"

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