Moving Thoughts II

Just a continuation of what is left from the first 250 messages...

I believe we all need words of encouragement, support and etc to uplift our spirit and move on with life's adversity and challenges...

We all need but inspiring messages that somehow speaks closely in our hearts...


:R

inspiring messages indeed uplift the spirit and the soul...it motivates us to do more goodness and inspires us to pay forward that good that we receive that others may benefit from it....have a nice smiling day! :-)

Subject: A Carrot, an Egg and a Cup of coffee . . .

An Analogy - A carrot, an egg and a cup of coffee...

You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again........

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as though just as one problem was solved, a new one arose.

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to a boil. In the first, she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil, without saying a word. In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl.

Turning to her daughter, she asked, "Tell me what you see." Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied. Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did, and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it.

After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg. Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, "What does it mean, mother?"

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak.The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.

"Which are you?" she asked her daughter.

"When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?"

Think of this:

Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength? Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, ...but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and a hardened heart? Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.

This message is for those people who mean something to you; to those who have touched your life in one way or another; to those who make you smile when you really need it; to those who make you see the brighter side of things when you are really down; to those whose friendship you appreciate; to those who are so meaningful in your life.

I hope this message brightens your day!

It's easier to build a child than to repair an adult... This is so true - May we all be COFFEE BEANS!
:R

I just had my daily dose of vanilla coffee when I read this.
I know the coffee helps to wake me up but
I'm sure this story will keep me through this day!

i like the story chinita............

it inspire me to work.............kaya lang mcp muna he he he

The Mayonnaise Jar...and the 2 Cups of Coffee...
> >
> >When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a
>
> >day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar...and the 2 cups of coffee.
> >
> >A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front
> >of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and
> >empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then
> >asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
> >
> >The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar.
> >He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between
> >the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full.
> >They agreed it was.
> >
> >The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar.
> >Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the
> >jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous "yes."
> >
> >The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and
> >poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty
> >space between the sand. The students laughed. "Now," said the professor, as
>
> >the laughter subsided, " I want you to recognize that this jar represents
> >your life.
> >
> >The golf balls are the important things-your God, family, your children,
> >your health, your friends, and your favorite passions-things that if
> >everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be
> >full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your
> >house, and your car. The sand is everything else-the small stuff.
> >
> >"If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room
> >for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all
>
> >your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the
> >things that are important to you.
> >
> >Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with
> >your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to
> >dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and
> >fix the disposal." Take care of the golf balls first, the things that
> >really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."
> >
> >One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee
> >represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to
> >show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room
> >for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend." Please share this with
> >someone you care about.

very inspiring..................

Such an inspiring piece...

Keep 'em coming, guys!

:R

Put Down Your Burdens


A professor was giving a lecture to his students on stress management. He raised a glass of water and asked the audience, "How heavy do you think this glass of water is?"The students' answers ranged from 20g to 500gm. "It does not matter on the absolute weight. It depends on how long you hold it. If I hold it for a minute, it is OK. If I hold it for an hour, I will have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you will have to call an ambulance. It is the exact same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes.""If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, we will not be able to carry on, the burden becoming increasingly heavier.""What you have to do is to put the glass down, rest for a while before holding it up again."
We have to put down the burden periodically, so that we can be refreshed and are able to carry on.So before you return home from work tonight, put the burden of work down. Don't carry it back home. You can pick it up tomorrow.

Whatever burdens you are having now on your shoulders, let it down for a moment if you can.Pick it up again later when you have rested... Rest and relax.

Life is short, enjoy it!

:R

Candle of love

THIS IS A REALLY COOL STORY AND, AT THE END, NOTICE THE DATE THE CANDLE
WAS
STARTED.

Diane, a young university student, was home for the summer. She had
gone
to
visit some friends one evening and time passed quickly as each shared
their
various experiences of the past year.

She ended up staying longer than planned, and had to walk home alone.
She
wasn't afraid because it was a small town and she lived only a few
blocks
away. As she walked along under the tall elm trees, Diane asked "God"
to
keep her safe from harm and danger.

When she reached the alley, which was a short cut to her house, she
decided
to take it. However, halfway down the alley she noticed a man standing
at
the end as though he were waiting for her. She became uneasy and began
to
pray, asking for God's" protection. Instantly a comforting feeling of
quietness and security wrapped around her, she felt as though someone
was
walking with her. When she reached the end of the alley, she walked
right
past the man and arrived home safely.

The following day, she read in the newspaper that a young girl had been
raped in the same alley just twenty minutes after she had been there.
Feeling overwhelmed by this tragedy and the fact that it could have
been
her, she began to weep. Thanking the Lord for her safety and to help
this
young woman, she decided to go to the police station. She felt she
could
recognize the man, so she told them her story. The police asked her if
she
would be willing to look at a lineup to see if she could identify him.
She
agreed and immediately pointed out the man she had seen in the alley
the
night before. When the man was told he had been identified, he
immediately
broke down and confessed.

The officer thanked Diane for her bravery and asked if there was
anything
they could do for her. She asked if they would ask the man one
question.

Diane was curious as to why he had not attacked her. When the policeman
asked him, he answered, "Because she wasn't alone. She had two tall men
walking on either side of her."

Moral of the story ... Don't underestimate the power of Prayer! Gives
you
goose bumps doesn't it!

This is to all of you who mean something to me, I pray for your
happiness.

The Candle Of Love, Hope & Friendship was lit on the 15th of September,
1998. Someone who loves you has helped keep it alive by sending it to
you.
Don't let The Candle Of Love, Hope and Friendship die! Pass It On To
All
Of
your Friends and Everyone You Love! May God richly bless you as you
send
this story on.

Please keep this candle alive!

...Really?

When Robin was about three years old, we got into a fuss over her eating the soil out of the flowerpots, and I told her she needed to go to her room for a while. She left fussing at me how she hated living in our house and how she hated me, I told her that regardless I would love her to the end of time…

Minutes later, there appeared her little head around the corner and she asked, “Really?” I told her, “yes, really.” I will never forget that moment for the rest of my life.


:R

If you're not married yet, share this with a friend.

If you are married, share it with your spouse or other married couples
And reflect on it.

An African proverb states, "Before you get married, keep both eyes open,
and after you marry, close one eye."

Before you get involved and make a commitment to someone, don't let
lust,desperation, immaturity, ignorance, pressure from others or a low
self-esteem, make you blind to warning signs. Keep your eyes open, and
don't fool yourself that you can change someone or that what you see as
faults aren't really important.

Once you decide to commit to someone, over time his or her flaws,
vulnerabilities, pet peeves, and differences will become more obvious.
If you love your mate and want the relationship to grow and evolve,
you've got to learn to close one eye and not let every little thing bother you.
You and your mate have many different expectations, emotional needs, values,
dreams, weaknesses, and strengths. You are two unique individual
children of God who have decided to share a life together.

Neither of you are perfect, but are you perfect for each other? Do you
bring out the best in each other? Do you compliment and compromise with
each other, or do you compete, compare, and control? What do you bring
to the relationship? Do you bring past relationships, past hurt, past
mistrust, past pain? You can't take someone to the altar to alter him or
her. You can't make someone love you or make someone stay.

If you develop self-esteem, spiritual discernment, and "a life", you
won't find yourself making someone else responsible for your happiness
or responsible for your pain.

Manipulation, control, jealousy, neediness, and selfishness are not the
ingredients of a thriving, healthy, loving and lasting relationship!
Seeking status, sex, wealth, and security are the wrong reasons to be in
a relationship. What keeps a relationship strong?

Communication, intimacy, trust, a sense of humor, sharing household
tasks, some getaway time without business or children and daily
exchanges (a meal, shared activity, a hug, a call, a touch, a note). Leave a nice
message on their voicemail or send a nice email.

Sharing common goals and interests. Growth is important. Grow together,
not away from each other, giving each other space to grow without
feeling insecure. Allow your mate to have outside interest. You can't
always be together. Give each other a sense of belonging and assurances
of commitment. Don't try to control one another. Learn each other's family
situation. Respect his or her parents regardless. Don't put pressure on
each other for material goods. Remember for richer or for poorer. If
these qualities are missing, the relationship will erode as resentment,
withdrawal, abuse, neglect, dishonesty, and pain replace the passion.

The difference between 'United' and 'Untied' is where you put the i.

Communication, intimacy, trust, a sense of humor, sharing household
tasks, some getaway time without business or children and daily
exchanges (a meal, shared activity, a hug, a call, a touch, a note). Leave a nice
message on their voicemail or send a nice email.

* * * * * * *

ladies...i know you'll hate me for this. though i may have agreed to all that's said, except for the bold letters i've stated.
the house is to be run and managed by the female, i agree. the house ... not me !!! :) ;) :)

Ladies are great managers and guys are lousy ones.
I like this thread, quite inspiring.

Ladies are great managers and guys are lousy ones.
I like this thread, quite inspiring.


Ma'am, ladies are great household managers, I guess that's what they are supposed to do, right?.. But I hate to disagree that guys are lousies.. Hmmmmnnn another Royal Rumble in the making hehehe... =b (Is this kind of rumble Guys vs. the Witches?):L

hhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmm................i smell somethings cooking.......

Ma'am, ladies are great household managers, I guess that's what they are supposed to do, right?.. But I hate to disagree that guys are lousies.. Hmmmmnnn another Royal Rumble in the making hehehe... =b (Is this kind of rumble Guys vs. the Witches?):L


hala...lousy daw ba kayo? taranee is indeed an excellent house manager, a working mom... mother ng grupo namin nyan...

Talking of being great managers...
Why Women ARE so Special

Mum and Dad were watching TV when Mum said, "I'm tired, and it's getting late. I think I'll go to bed."

She went to the kitchen to make sandwiches for the next day's lunches.

Rinsed out the popcorn bowls, took meat out of the freezer for supper the following evening, checked the cereal box levels, filled the sugar container, put spoons and bowls on the table and started the coffee pot for brewing the next morning.

She then put some wet clothes in the dryer, put a load of clothes into the washer, ironed a shirt and secured a loose button.

She picked up the game pieces left on the table, put the phone back on the charger and put the telephone book into the drawer.

She watered the plants, emptied a wastebasket and hung up a towel to dry.

She yawned and stretched and headed for the bedroom.

She stopped by the desk and wrote a note to the teacher, counted out some cash for the excursion and pulled a text book out from hiding under the chair.

She signed a birthday card for a friend, addressed and stamped the envelope and wrote a quick note for the grocery store. She put both near her bag.

Mum then washed her face with 3 in 1 cleanser, put on her Night Solution & age fighting moisturizer, brushed and flossed her teeth and filed her nails.

Dad called out, "I thought you were going to bed." "I'm on my way," she said. She put some water into the dog's dish and put the cat outside, then made sure the doors were locked and the patio light was on.

She looked in on each of the kids and turned out their bedside lamps and radios, hung up a shirt, threw some dirty socks into the hamper, and had a brief conversation with the one up still doing homework.

In her own room, she set the alarm; laid out clothing for the next day, straightened up the shoe rack. She added three things to her 6 most important things to do list.

She said her prayers, and visualized the accomplishment of her goals.

About that time, Dad turned off the TV and announced to no one in particular. "I'm going to bed." And he did...without another thought.

Anything extraordinary here?

Wonder why women live longer...?

Food for thought mga guys.:)

Talking of being great managers...
Why Women ARE so Special...

wow, this is so very true! I can really relate to this..

in addition, let me give you a scenario when a atypical family goes out during a weekend... let's just say pupuntang mall- si husband, manonood lang muna ng tv habang si wifey wud start preparing na the kids- aayusin ang isusuot na clothings, then papaliguan ang toddlers, aayusan after- (ever imagined how hard it is to put in shoes to a toddler?) complete with gel sa buhok pag boy, and hair accessories naman sa girls... then pag ok na mga kids, mom wud prepare extra clothings for the kids again, plus milk kung meron pang nagfo formula sa mga bata..and while mom is doing all these things si husband nakaupo pa din sa kanyang lazyboy habang nanonood ng tv- after everything is done, that's the only time wifey wud take a bath. At habang nag aayos si wifey, maliligo na si husband- siempre mabilis lang ang guys mag ayos kaya mauunahan pa din si wifey- now guess what?-- ang next dialogue ni husband - "please hurry up, kanina ko pa sinabing magma-mall tau, di ba?" :eek: :eek: ggrrr, di ba kakainis?!: :nuts: now guys, dont tell me never pang nagyari sa inyo ang scenariong 'to?

He he he .. nice one ..

But personally, I beg to differ ... he he he ...

I hate looking at my wife doing all those things while I'm just watching the darn TV .. he he he .. sorry .. again .. but I beg to differ!

He he he .. nice one ..

But personally, I beg to differ ... he he he ...

I hate looking at my wife doing all those things while I'm just watching the darn TV .. he he he .. sorry .. again .. but I beg to differ!



haha, good for u, s&l! at least u chose to be different.... ur probably a hands-on dad, too! no wonder u were askin' for the first name of mr. snuffle... siguro anak mong nagtatanong noh, haha! name is aloysius, btw...in case u havent read the other thread...


Bt really now, di ba madalas talga ganun ang mga guys?? kapag meron lakad, lahat ng preparations si wifey gagawa, tapos me gana pang magsalita ng -- ang tagal nyo naman!!:eek:

Got this from my email...just want to share this to all the DADs out there.



Dear Dad,

Ipagpaumanhin nyo ni Mommy ang pagsulat ko sa
inyo para ipaalam na akoy aalis na sa inyong
poder.
Ako'y sasama na sa aking bagong boyfriend na si
Mark dahil gusto kong takasan na kayo ni
Mommy. Natagpuan ko na kay Mark and tunay na
pagmamahal at napakabait nya sa akin, napaka
malambing nya hindi tulad ng iba kong naging
boyfriend. Alam ko na pag nakilala nyo sya ay
magugustuhan nyo din siya, lalo na ang kanyang
mga hikaw, tattoo nya sa lahat ng parte ng
kanyang katawan at ang pang motorsiklo nyang
damit.

Hindi lang sa pagkakaiba nya Dad kaya ko sya
mahal na mahal, eto ay dahil sa buntis ako at sabi
ni Mark na gusto nyang magkaanak sya sa akin
para lalo kaming sumaya sa aming pagsasama.
Kahit na matanda sya sa akin (42 na sya Dad, di
pa naman matanda sa ngayon and edad nya diba?)
kahit na wala syang pera, di naman eto hadlang sa
aming relasyon, hindi ba Dad? Syanga pala Dad,
maraming CD collection si Mark, meron din syang
trailer na truck na kung saan doon kami
magsasama, pinakang bahay na namin ang trailer,
at marami na rin syang stock na panggatong para
magamit namin sa buong buwan ng taglamig.
Totoo na meron pa syang ibang girlfriend pero alam
ko na magiging tapat sya sa akin sa kanyang
sariling pamamaraan, sa katunayan gusto nyang
marami kaming anak at eto ang isa sa aking
ambisyon. Tinuruan na nga pala nya akong
humithit ng marijuana at masarap ang
pakiramdam, sa katunayan nagtanim na sya para
ipagpalit sa aming mga kaibiga! n ng shabu,
ecstasy na gusto namin.

Dad, sana ipagdasal mo na matuklasan na ang
gamot sa AIDS para gumaling na si Mark, kasi
deserving naman sya na gumaling!! Huwag kang
mag alala Dad 15 years old na ako at alam ko na
kung paano pangalagaan ang aking sarili. Makikita
mo Dad, ipagmamalaki mo rin ako at balang araw
bibisita kami sa inyo para naman makilala mo ang
iyong mga apo.

Nagmamahal mong anak,

Clarence



PS: Dad, hindi totoo mga sinabi ko sa sulat.
Nandito lang ako sa kapitbahay, pinapaalala ko
lang sa iyo na mas marami pang dapat ikatakot sa
buhay kesa aking report card na nasa drawer.
Pakipirmahan na lang po at tawagan ako kung safe
na akong umuwi dyan sa bahay.

I love you
:o

ayaw ko na i-quote...hahahahaha...tatawa na lang ako...:O :O :O

Little Tom

Devotional Scripture : Ephesians 2:10
(God's Little Devotional Book)

10 "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them"
(New King James Version )

A partially deaf boy trudged into his home one day after school. In his hands, he carried a note. It was a note from school officials, suggesting that his parents remove him from school. According to those wise officials, the boy was "too stupid to learn."

Upon reading the note, the boy's mother vowed, "My son Tom isn't too stupid to learn. I'll teach him myself." And that exactly what she did.

Many years later when Tom died, many Americans paid tribute to him by turning off their lights for one full minute. This was a fitting tribute, for Tom Edison invented the light bulb - along with motion pictures and phonograph. In all, he was credited with more than a thousand patents. He also had a gift for powerful, motivating words.

Neither you nor anyone you work with is beyond learning. No one is beyond discovering new ways to express talent, enthusiasm, creativity, and love. No one is beyond receiving affection and encouragement.

Never give up on yourself, no matter what anyone else says. Stand up for others, and encourage them to stay the course as well. Your heavenly Father hasn't give up on any of you. And He never will.

=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*
The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits.
=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*

Nice thoughts, Sam...;)

Thanks my ChinaEyes .. I'm pretty much inspired today and excited as well ..

Here's another one!


"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men."
(New King James Version )

Long ago, a band of minstrels tried to make a living by traveling from village to village, performing music. However, even though the band's fee was small, the common folk to whom their music appealed could not afford admission to their performances.

Discouraged, one of the musicians said, "I see no reason to perform tonight. It's snowing, and no one will come out on an evening like this."

One of the others agreed. "He's right. Only a handful of people came last night."

However the leader of the troupe disagreed: "I know you're discouraged. I am too. But we have a responsibility to those who might come tonight. We will give our best performance. It's not the fault of those who come that others do not.

Heartened by their leader's words, the minstrels played to their sparse crowd with passion and energy. After the show, the leader again addressed the troupe. In his hand he held a note handed to him by one of the few audience members. The leader read the note: "Thank you for the beautiful performance." It was signed simple, "Your King."

Everything that you do is performed before your King - the King of kings. Are your words and deeds worthy of His audience?

=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*
Every job is a self-portrait of the one who does it. Is your work a masterpiece or a hack-job?
=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*

God Bless :)

Good Afternoon to all!


"The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you."
(New King James Version )

Four men stood in a church lobby. They were arguing over which Bible translation was the best. One argued for the "King James Version", citing its beautiful, eloquent old English.

The second man advocated the "American Standard Bible", noting its literalism and the confidence he felt in its commitment to accurately representing the message of the original texts. The third man praised the "The Living Bible" for its conversational, easy-to-understand prose.

After giving thought to each of his friends' impassioned arguments, the fourth man said with certainty, "Frankly, I prefer my boss's translation."

"What do you mean?" the first man asked incredulously. "Your boss is just a foreman. He doesn't even have a college degree."

"I stand by my claim," the fourth man said. "My boss has translated the pages of the Bible into his life. He has lived the message. And it has been the most convincing translation I have ever witnessed."

All the scholarly theological pursuits can't match the life lived through love and marked by kindness, truthfulness, and humility. That, in fact is the way of living that is taught in every translation of the Scriptures.

=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*
A Good Expample Is The Best Sermon.
=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*

God Bless :)

Thank you so much, Sam....I like reading them. :R ;)

Anyway

People are unreasonable, illogical and self-centered ...
Love them anyway.

If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives
Do good anyway.

If you are successful you win false friends and true enemies ...
Succeed anyway.

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow ...
Do good anyway.

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable ...
Be honest and frank anyway.

People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs ...
Fight for some underdogs anyway.

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight ...
Build anyway.

People really need help but may attack you if you help them ...
Help people anyway.

Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth
Give the world the best you've got ... ANYWAY.

The question is CAN YOU?

-- Unknown

wow..............i don't think so, but sometimes its true..........

we can...honestly its quite difficult but trying to for the sole purpose of happiness at the end...you've got nothing to lose by being good and postive:D

A man's daughter had asked the local minister to come

and pray with her father.

When the minister arrived, he found the man lying in bed

with his head propped up on two pillows.

An empty chair sat beside his bed.

The minister assumed that the old fellow had been

informed of his visit.

"I guess you were expecting me, he said.

'No, who are you?"

said the father.

The minister told him his name

and then remarked,

"I saw the empty chair

and I figured

you knew I was going to show up,"

"Oh yeah, the chair,"

said the bedridden man.

"Would you mind closing the door?"


Puzzled,

the minister shut the door.

"I have never told anyone this,

not even my daughter,"

said the man.

"But all of my life I have never known how to pray.

At church I used to hear the pastor talk about prayer,

but it went right over my head."

I abandoned any attempt at prayer,"

the old man continued,

"until one day four years ago,

my best friend said to me,

"Johnny, prayer is just a simple matter

of having a conversation with Jesus.

Here is what I suggest."

"Sit down in a chair;

place an empty chair in front of you,

and in faith see Jesus on the chair.

It's not spooky because he promised,

'I will be with you always'.

"Then just speak to him in the same way

you're doing with me right now."

"So, I tried it and I've liked it so much that I do it

a couple of hours every day.


I'm careful though

If my daughter saw me talking to an empty chair,

she'd either have a nervous breakdown

or send me off to the funny farm."


The minister was deeply moved by the story

and encouraged the old man to continue on the journey

Then he prayed with him,

anointed him

with oil,

and returned to the church.


Two nights later the daughter called

to tell the minister that her daddy had died that afternoon.

Did he die in peace?" he asked.

Yes, when I left the house about two o'clock,

he called me over to his bedside,

told me he loved me

and kissed me on the cheek.

When I got back from the store an hour later,

I found him dead.

But there was something strange about his death.

Apparently, just before Daddy died,

he leaned over and rested his head

on the chair beside the bed.

What do you make of that?"


The minister wiped a tear from his eye and said,

"I wish we could all go like that."

---------------------------------------------------

Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive.


I asked God for water,

*

He gave me an ocean.

*

I asked God for a flower,

*

He gave me a garden.

*

I asked God for a friend,

*

He gave me all of YOU...



If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

Happy moments, praise God.

Difficult moments, seek God.

Quiet moments, worship God.

Painful moments, trust God.

Every moment, thank God.

inspiring.....................

Mouse Story ...
A mouse looked through the
crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife open a package.

"What food might this contain?" The mouse wondered -
he was devastated to discover it was a mousetrap.

Retreating to the farmyard,
the mouse proclaimed the
warning.

"There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap
in the house!"

The chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and
said, "Mr. Mouse, I can tell this is a grave concern to you
but it is of no consequence to me.
I cannot be bothered by it."

The mouse turned to the pig and told him, "There is a
mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"

The pig sympathized, but said,
"I am so very sorry, Mr. Mouse,
but there is nothing I can do about it but pray.
Be assured you are in my prayers."

The mouse turned to the cow and said, "There is a
mousetrap in the house!
There is a mousetrap in the house!"

The cow said, "Wow, Mr. Mouse.
I'm sorry for you,
but it's no skin off my nose."

So, the mouse returned to the house, head down and dejected,
to face the farmer's mousetrap-- alone.

That very night a sound was heard throughout the house --
like the sound of a mousetrap catching its prey.

The farmer's wife rushed to see what was caught. In the
darkness, she did not see it was a venomous snake
whose tail the trap had caught.

The snake bit the farmer's wife.
The farmer rushed her
to the hospital and she returned home with a fever.
Everyone knows you treat a fever with fresh chicken soup,
so the farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard for the soup's
main ingredient.

But his wife's sickness continued,
so friends and neighbors came
to sit with her around the clock.
To feed them, the farmer butchered the pig.

The farmer's wife did not get well; she died.
So many people came
for her funeral, the farmer
had the cow slaughtered to provide enough meat for all of them.

The mouse looked upon it all from his crack in the wall with great sadness.

So, the next time you hear someone is facing a problem and think it doesn't concern you,
remember --
when one of us is threatened,
we are all at risk.

We are all involved in this journey called life. We must keep an eye out
for one another and make an extra effort to encourage one another.

nice one Sam&Luise...touch ako talaga...and I feel good:) thanks for that:)

Touching.....


:R

Thanks ...


"Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to finish it?"

The owner of a Mexican restaurant in the California thought they had devised a clever promotion. They began offering free lunch for life to anyone who would get a tattoo of the restaurant's logo - a red-sombrero-clad fellow riding a jet-powered ear of corn. The manager reasoned, "What sane person would want Jimmy the Corn Man permanently inked into his or her skin?"

In the weeks that followed, forty-plus people were sporting Jimmy on various parts of their anatomy. In a panic, the manager did some quick math, calculating that just to feed those already emblazoned with Jimmy would cost the restaurant $5.8 million over the course of next fifty years (Sorry I think I mentioned only 5 years). With a face as red as Jimmy's sombrero, the manager halted the promotion at fifty people.

The California eatery could have learned a lesson from The Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo, Texas. This establishment offers a free 72-ounce steak dinner to any patron who can wolf down the steak - plus a salad, shrimp cocktail, potato, and roll - in an hour or less.

While a few people have accomplished this feat, most fail and have to pay $54.13 for their meals. On the average, only one person in eight succeeds. That means for every one meal it gives away, The Big Texan racks up $378.91.

=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*
If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.
=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*

There was a blind girl who hate herself because of being blind. She hate everyone except her bf. One day the girl said that if she can only see the world, she will marry her bf.

One day someone donated eyes to her and she saw everything including his bf. Her bf asked her, "Now that you can see, will you marry me? The girl was shocked when she saw that her bf is also blind and refused to marry him.

Her bf walked away with tears and said, " JUST TAKE CARE OF MY EYES, I LOVE YOU".

:?

Touched po si ako ma'am.. Thanks for the post.. ako siguro isang mata lang ang ibibigay ko para happy ending ang story...

There was a blind girl who hate herself because of being blind. She hate everyone except her bf. One day the girl said that if she can only see the world, she will marry her bf.

One day someone donated eyes to her and she saw everything including his bf. Her bf asked her, "Now that you can see, will you marry me? The girl was shocked when she saw that her bf is also blind and refused to marry him.

Her bf walked away with tears and said, " JUST TAKE CARE OF MY EYES, I LOVE YOU".

:?


bakit may ganyang mga babae....................:rolleyes:

Sad nga....:?

Sad nga....:?

Gagawin mo kaya yun ma'am?:?

Gagawin mo kaya yun ma'am?:?


I'll know when I'm gone blind too...:D =b Kidding! :nuts:

Ako ma'am bulag na.. bulag na sa inyong kagandahan heheheh.... Ang sarap sigurong magmahal ni Ms chinita hayyyy!

:) HI all,

please read below story and post inspirational one.

thanks and enjoy.....God Bless:clap: :clap: :clap:


Sacrifice!!!!!


Somewhere in Milaor, Camarines Sur, there lived a fourth grader boy who would follow this route to school everyday: He has to cross the rugged plains and cross the dangerous highway where vehicles are recklessly driving endlessly.


Once past this highway, the boy would take a short cut, passing by the Church every morning just to say Hi to God, and faithfully say his, "Magandang umaga po" in Bicol dialect. He was faithfully being watched by a Priest who was happy to find innocence so uplifting in the morning.
"Kamusta, Andoy? Papasok ka na?"


"Opo padre ... "


he would flash his innocent grin, the priest would be touched. He was so concerned that one day he talked to Andoy.


"From school...", he advised "Do not cross the highway, you can pass through the Church and I can accompany you to the other side of the road ...that way I can see that you are home safe...."


"Thank you father ..."
"Why don't you go home ... do you stay in this church right after school?"


"I just want to say "Hi" to my friend, God,"


and the priest would leave the boy to spend time beside the altar, talking to himself, but the priest was hiding behind the altar to listen to what this boy has to say to his heavenly FATHER.


"You know my math exam was pretty bad today, but I did not cheat although my seatmate is bullying me for notes... I ate one cracker and drank my water, Itay had a bad season and all I can eat is this cracker. Thank you for this! I saw a poor kitten who was hungry and I know how he feels so I gave my last cracker to him ... funny but I am not that hungry. Look, this is my last pair of slippers ...I may have to walk barefoot next week, you see this is about to be broken... but it is okay
....at least I am still going to school.... Some say we will have a hard season this month, some of my classmates have already stopped going to school ... please help them get to school again, please God? ...Oh, you know, Inay hit me again, it is painful, but I know this pain will pass away, at least I still have a mother.... God, you want to see my bruises? I know you can heal them.... Here... here and .... oh ...blood ... I guess you knew about this one huh? Please don't be mad at Inay, she is just tired and she worries for the food in our table and my
schooling that is why she hits us ....Oh, I think I am in love ...
there's this pretty girl in my class, her name is Anita ... do you think she will like me? Anyway, at least I know you will always like me, I don't have to be anybody just to please you, you are my very best friend! Hey your birthday is two days from
now!!! Aren't you excited? I am! Wait till you see, I have a gift for you .... but it is a surprise! I hope you will like it! Oooops, I have to go ..." then he stood up and calls out, "Padre, padre, I am finished talking to my friend ... you can accompany me to the other side of the road now"


This routine happens everyday. Andoy never fails. Father Agaton shares this every Sunday to the people in his church because he has not seen a very pure faith and trust in God, a very positive look at negative situations.


One Christmas day, Father Agaton was sick so he could not make it in the Church, he was sent to the hospital. The Church was left to 4 manangs who would chant the rosary in 1000 miles per hour, would not smile and would always find fault in what you do, they were also very well versed in cursing and swearing if you irritate them!
They were kneeling, saying their kilometric rosary when Andoy, coming from his Christmas party, playfully dashed in.


"Hello God! I ...."


"P----!! (a curse) bata ka!! Alam mo nang may nagdadasal!! Alis!!"


Poor Andoy was so terrified, "Where's Father Agaton? He is supposed to help me cross the street .... and to be able to cross the street I will have to pass by the back door of this church ...not only that, I have to greet Jesus. It is His birthday, I have a gift right here...."


Just as he was about to get the gift out of his shirt, the manang pulled his shirt and threw him out of the church.
"Susmaryosep!!! (does the sign of the cross fervently) Alis kang bata ka, kung hindi matatamaan ka!!!


So the boy had no choice but to cross the dangerous side of the road in front of the church. He crossed. A fast moving bus came in. There was a blind curve. The boy was protecting his gift inside his shirt, so he was not looking. There was so little time. Andoy died on the spot! A lot of people crowded the poor boy, the body of a lifeless young boy ...


Suddenly, out of nowhere a tall man in a pure white shirt and pants, a face so mild and gentle, but with eyes full of tears... He came and carried the boy in His arms. He was crying. Curious bystanders nudged the man in white, and asked,


"Excuse me sir, are you related to this child? Do you know this child?"


The man in white, His face mourning and in agony, looked up and answered,


"He was my best friend .... " was all he said. He took the badly wrapped gift in the bloody chest of the lifeless boy, and placed it near His heart.


He stood up and carried the boy away and they both disappeared in sight. The crowd was curious ...


On Christmas Eve, Father Agaton learned of the shocking news. He visited the house, and wanted to verify about the man in white. He consulted the parents of Andoy.
"How did you know that your son died?"
"A man in white brought him here." sobbed the mother.
"What did he say?"
The father answered, "He did not say anything. He was mourning. We do not know him and yet he was very lonely about our son's death, as if he knew our son very well. But there was something peaceful and unexplainable about him. He gave me my son, and then he smiled peacefully. He brushed my son's hair away from his face and kissed him
on his forehead, then he whispered something ..."


"What did he say?"
"He said to my boy..." the father began, "Thank you for the gift ... I will see you soon ... you will be with me..." and the father of the boy continued, "and you know for a while, it felt so wonderful ... I cried, but I do not know why....all I know is I cried tears of joy ... I could not explain it, Father, but when that man left, something peaceful came over me, I felt a deep sense of love inside ... I could not explain the joy in my heart, I knew my boy is in heaven now but...tell me, Father, who is this man that my son talks to everyday in your church, you should know because you are always there ... except at the time of his death...."


Father Agaton suddenly felt the tears welling in his eyes, with
trembling knees, he murmurred, " ... He was talking to no one ..... but .. GOD...."

Hi there...

I just want to inform you that there is already a thread that is existing the same as this one you just opened. And this story has already been posted. :)

Refer to thread: MOVING THOUGHTS (page 2) You can post there too. :)


Thanks,
Chinita
Ladies Forum Moderator

Stay on the topic please.


=b :D

I got this from another site. I like it and i want to share it all to you. :R


Coffee and Chaos : Ang Pagkamatay ng Ideyalismo
Contributed by apocalypse

Unti-unti akong pinapatay ng aking konsensiya.

Halos masuka-suka na ako sa aking ginagawang job-hunting, paglipat-lipat ng opisina sa Ortigas para sa mga job interview, at pagikot-ikot sa kagubatan ng Ayala. Nakakahilo. Nakakapanghina. Nakakapanghinayang. Hanggang ngayon di ko pa rin matanggap na ito ang naging kahinanatnan ko, na sa di kalayuang panahon magiging alipin rin pala ako ng mga kapitalista. Wala pa ring kawala.

Matapos ikasuklam, kalabanin, banggain sa klasrum at lansangan ang konsepto ng kapitalismo, neo-kolonyalismo at ang samu’t saring manipestasyon nito sa Pilipinas, heto ako kumakatok sa pinto ng mga korporasyon, naghahanap ng trabaho. Nakakatawa kung tutuusin, parang isang absurdong bangungot.

“Welcome to the real world,” sabi ng tibak kong kaibigan, na ngayo’y isang disgruntled employee. “Buti ka pa, papasok pa lang, may panahon ka pang pumili at umayaw. Samantala ako, wiz! Heto, isang baklang nagpapakaputa. Nakakatawa, bakla na nga, **** pa. Mas keri pa nga kong tumalon na lang ako mula sa tuktok churva ng building. At least, namatay akong intact ang dignidad at hindi nagpapalamon sa sistema.”

Isa lang siya sa marami kong kakilala na araw-araw, segu-segundo ay digmaan: digmaan sa pagitan ng kanilang pinaniniwalaan at realidad. At gaya sa rally at malawakang pagkilos sa lansangan, madugo at marahas ang bawat sagupaan. Di mo malaman kung sino ang nagwagi, kung sino ang talunan sa araw na iyon dahil parehong ayaw magpatinag. At sa paglubog ng araw, may panibagong bukas namang kakalabanin, may panibagong giyera. Mahirap talaga mamuhay sa sinapupunan ng demonyo. Pero ikanga ng bandang Garbage, “the trick is to keep breathing.”

“Pero makakaraos din tayo,” seryoso niyang sinabi, “hangga’t buhay ang diwa sa iyong kaloob-looban, hanggang naniniwala ka, magkakaroon ka ng sapat na lakas upang makayanan mong mabuhay dito sa mundo. At ito ang katatandaan mo, huwag na huwag kang magpapalamon. Mabubulok ka lang sa sistema. Remember Leo, darating din ang rebolusyon.”

Darating din ang rebolusyon. Bigla akong natahimik at natulala nang narinig ko ‘yon. Darating din ang rebolusyon. Parang isang himig na napakasarap pakinggan. Pero kailan ito darating? Buhay pa ba ako no’n? Ano ang gagawin ko habang hinihintay ang rebolusyon?

Mahirap habulin ang isang mailap na pangarap. Mahirap maniwala sa isang ideolohiyang kumukontra sa dominanteng hegemonya. Mahirap baguhin ang sistema kung kunti lang kayo at mardyinalisado. Unti-unti ka kasi nilang sinasakal, pinapatay ‘di lang katawan pati diwa’t kaluluwa, pati panaginip. Mahirap pala maging isang progresibong peti-burgis ngayon sa panahon ng ligalig.

Ayoko ko kasi maging isang robot at alipin ng bundy clock. Ayoko maging bahagi ng dambuhalang assembly line ng mga kompanyang multi-national. Ayoko maging sunod-sunuran sa mga alagad, propeta at mga pantas ng kapitalismo. Pero kahit saan man ako mapadpad, nandoon sila, hinihikayat akong sumakay sa kanilang magic carpet ride.

Sa madaling salita, ayoko maging isang makina. Gusto kong manatiling isang tao.

Napagisip-isipan ko, heto na siguro ang hamon sa amin sa kasalukuyan, paano kami mamumuhay habang nakikipagsagupaan sa kalaban, paano namin dadalhin ang laban sa pinili naming career, paano namin ipagpapatuloy ang paggiba sa status quo, sa dominante at mapang-aping sistema, paano namin bubuwagin ang elite democracy, paano namin ipaglalaban ang mga mardyinalisadong sektor ng ating lipunan. Isang malaking hamon na hindi namin pwedeng atrasan.

Madali lang ang buhay ko noong ako’y estudyante pa lamang. Malayo kasi ako sa galamay ng kalaban, prinoprotektahan pa ako ng mapagkalingang yakap ng akademya. Pero ngayong ako’y parang isang sanggol na iniluwal sa mundo nang walang kalaban-laban, paano ako mamumuhay at makikipagtunggali sa bago at mas malupit na tereyn ng kontensyon?

Gaya ng mga kaibigan ko, araw-araw ko’y magiging isang digmaan na rin.

At habang ako’y unti-unting pinuputakte ng aking konsensiya, magtitiis muna ako. Magkukunwari, maghahanap, magpapatangay, susuong sa rumaragasang agos ng buhay habang unti-unti kong hinuhukay ang aking libingan.

Balang araw, makakalaya rin ako/tayo. Balang araw. ...............................................

:?

Jack&Dianne

They'd known each other since their school days and had since
become the best of friends. They shared everything and anything and
spent lots of time together in and after school. But the friendship never developed into anything deeper.

Diane kept a secret: her admiration and love for Jack. She had
her reasons for keeping it a secret. FEAR. Fear of rejection... fear that he
might not feel the same... fear that he might not want to be her best
friend anymore... fear of losing someone that she could always find
comfort in. At least if she kept her feelings to herself she would still be
able to spend time with him... and hopefully, he would be the one to tell her how he felt towards her.

Time passed, and soon school was over. Jack and Diane went separate ways. Jack continued his studies overseas, while Diane got herself a job. They still kept in touch though...penned letters, sent each other photographs, and mailed each other gifts.
Diane longed for Jack to be back. She decided that she would tell him her feelings once he got back. And then out of the blue... the mails from Jack stopped coming.
Diane wrote to him, but there was never a reply. Where was he? What
happened?
Lots of questions ran through her mind...

Two years passed and Diane was still hopeful that Jack would come
back... or at least send her a note. And then her prayers were answered.
One mid-August day, she received a note from Jack. It
said: Diane, I have a surprise for you. I'm flying over. Meet me at the airport. My flight comes in at 4pm on Saturday. I can't wait to see you
again! There's something I need to tell you, something I've been
keeping inside all this time.

Love & Kisses,
Jack

Diane's fingers shook as she read the note. Her heart soared. Diane
was thrilled. Love and kisses... it meant a lot for a lady who had
waited so long for those words. She was ecstatic!
The day arrived, and Diane waited anxiously for Jack. She had slipped into
her best dress, and did her best to look as pretty as she could.
She looked around... but Jack was nowhere in sight. She waited and
waited, wondering what she would say to Jack when he got there, what their
meeting would be like. Would there be love in his eyes? Would there be
longing, bred from years of separation and hiding each others' feelings?
Oh, how she longed to see him! How she longed to throw her arms around
him and tell him she was a fool to ever let him go without ever telling him
how she felt! And she was certain Jack felt it too.
There was always a certain magic about them when they were together.
Then a lady in a sexy, tight, blue dress approached her. She had a very
concerned look on her face,
"Hi! I'm Lynn, Are youDiane?" she asked.
Diane just nodded her head.
"I'm afraid I... I have bad news for you. Jack is not coming... he won't be coming back anymore," said the lady, placing a hand on Diane's shoulder.
Diane shook her head in confusion. She felt her heart constrict.
What could possibly have happened? Diane felt an overwhelming fear inside
her. Her hands turned cold.
Her voice shook as she asked:
"Where... where's Jack? What happened to him? Please tell me..."
Diane begged the lady...
The lady looked intently at Diane... and then she gave Diane a
nudge on the shoulder and said...

"HOY GAGA! IT'S ME, JACK... JACKILYN!! DI MO VAH AKO NAKILALA?!
ANG GANDA-GANDA KO NGAYON, DI VAAAAH?! ECHUSERA KA NAMAN MASYADO SISTER!
KAKALOKA KAH HUH!! TEKA, SANDALI... MEET MY 'PAPA'!!"

Nice one,Extreme...keep posting! :R

The Call at Midnight
By Christie Craig
We all know what's it like to get that phone call in the middle of the night. This night's call was no different. Jerking up to the ringing summons, I focused on the red illuminated numbers of my clock. Midnight. Panicky thoughts filled my sleep-dazed mind as I grabbed the receiver.
"Hello?"
My heart pounded, I gripped the phone tighter and eyed my husband, who was now turning to face my side of the bed.
"Mama?" I could hardly hear the whisper over the static. But my thoughts immediately went to my daughter. When the desperate sound of a young crying voice became clearer on the line, I grabbed for my husband and squeezed his wrist.
"Mama, I know it's late. But don't . . . don't say anything, until I finish. And before you ask, yes, I've been drinking. I nearly ran off the road a few miles back and. . . ."
I drew in a sharp shallow breath, released my husband and pressed my hand against my forehead. Sleep still fogged my mind, and I attempted to fight back the panic. Something wasn't right.
"And I got so scared. All I could think about was how it would hurt you if a policeman came to your door and said I'd been killed. I want . . . to come home. I know running away was wrong. I know you've been worried sick. I should have called you days ago, but I was afraid . . . afraid. . . ."
Sobs of deep-felt emotion flowed from the receiver and poured into my heart. Immediately I pictured my daughter's face in my mind and my fogged senses seemed to clear. "I think -"
"No! Please let me finish! Please!" She pleaded, not so much in anger, but in desperation.
I paused and tried to think what to say. Before I could go on, she continued. "I'm pregnant, Mama. I know I shouldn't be drinking now . . . especially now, but I'm scared, Mama. So scared!"
The voice broke again, and I bit into my lip, feeling my own eyes fill with moisture. I looked at my husband who sat silently mouthing, "Who is it?"
I shook my head and when I didn't answer, he jumped up and left the room, returning seconds later with the portable phone held to his ear.
She must have heard the click in the line because she continued, "Are you still there? Please don't hang up on me! I need you. I feel so alone."
I clutched the phone and stared at my husband, seeking guidance. "I'm here, I wouldn't hang up," I said.
"I should have told you, Mama. I know I should have told you. But when we talk, you just keep telling me what I should do. You read all those pamphlets on how to talk about sex and all, but all you do is talk. You don't listen to me. You never let me tell you how I feel. It is as if my feelings aren't important. Because you're my mother you think you have all the answers. But sometimes I don't need answers. I just want someone to listen."
I swallowed the lump in my throat and stared at the how-to-talk-to-your-kids pamphlets scattered on my nightstand. "I'm listening," I whispered.
"You know, back there on the road, after I got the car under control, I started thinking about the baby and taking care of it. Then I saw this phone booth, and it was as if I could hear you preaching about how people shouldn't drink and drive. So I called a taxi. I want to come home."
"That's good, Honey," I said, relief filling my chest. My husband came closer, sat down beside me and laced his fingers through mine. I knew from his touch that he thought I was doing and saying the right thing.
"But you know, I think I can drive now."
"No!" I snapped. My muscles stiffened, and I tightened the clasp on my husband's hand. "Please, wait for the taxi. Don't hang up on me until the taxi gets there."
"I just want to come home, Mama."
"I know. But do this for your mama. Wait for the taxi, please."
I listened to the silence in fear. When I didn't hear her answer, I bit into my lip and closed my eyes. Somehow I had to stop her from driving.
"There's the taxi, now."
Only when I heard someone in the background asking about a Yellow Cab did I feel my tension easing.
"I'm coming home, Mama." There was a click, and the phone went silent.
Moving from the bed, tears forming in my eyes, I walked out into the hall and went to stand in my sixteen-year-old daughter's room. The dark silence hung thick. My husband came from behind, wrapped his arms around me and rested his chin on the top of my head.
I wiped the tears from my cheeks. "We have to learn to listen," I said to him.
He pulled me around to face him. "We'll learn. You'll see." Then he took me into his arms, and I buried my head in his shoulder.
I let him hold me for several moments, then I pulled back and stared back at the bed. He studied me for a second, then asked, "Do you think she'll ever know she dialed the wrong number?"
I looked at our sleeping daughter, then back at him. "Maybe it wasn't such a wrong number."
"Mom, Dad, what are you doing?" The muffled young voice came from under the covers.
I walked over to my daughter, who now sat up staring into the darkness. "We're practicing," I answered.
"Practicing what?" she mumbled and laid back on the mattress, her eyes already closed in slumber.
"Listening," I whispered and brushed a hand over her cheek.