Teach Our Sons and Daughters

*image sources: 1) my.opera.com; 2) unknown other than fellow blogger

Now more than ever each
parent needs to teach

Their son or daughter
whether mother or father

The right way to act
the meaning of tact

The way to treat each other
boyfriend, girlfriend, sister, brother

Society is falling apart
lost is the kindness art

Boys, girls, women and men meet
but fail with dignity them to treat

The other as a living soul
who deserves respect on a whole

At least until they’re busted
as one to not be trusted

I think the magic charm
is to teach “do no harm”

If we do, then just maybe
the way to treat a lady

Will not be totally lost
at such an expensive cost!

Teresa Marie 2/15/12 ©

The Day’s Result

*image source: google.com/images

The Day’s Result

Is anybody happier because you passed his way?
Does anyone remember that you spoke to him today?
The day is almost over and its toiling time is through;
Is there anyone to utter now a kindly word of you?
Did you give a cheerful greeting to the friend who came along,
Or a churlish sort of “Howdy”; then vanish in the throng?
Were you selfish, pure and simple, as you rushed along your way,
Or is someone mighty grateful for a deed you did today?
Can you say tonight, in parting with the day that’s slipping fast,
That you helped a single brother of the many that you passed?
Is a single heart rejoicing over what you did or said?
Does the man whose hopes were fading now with courage look ahead?
Did you waste the day or lose it, was it well or poorly spent?
Did you leave a trail of kindness, or a scar of discontent?
As you close your eyes in slumber, do you think that God would say,
“You have earned one more tomorrow by the work you did today?”

 

-Unknown

A Blue Rose Via My Mother – Most Excellent Story!!

(image source: google.com/images)

A Blue Rose
Having four visiting family members, my wife was very busy, so I offered to go to the store for her to get some needed items, which included light bulbs, paper towels, trash bags, detergent and Clorox.

So off I went.  I scurried around the store, gathered up my goodies and headed for the checkout counter, only to be blocked in the narrow aisle by a young man who appeared to be about sixteen-years-old.

–
I wasn’t in a hurry, so I patiently waited for the boy to realize that I was there. This was when he waved his hands excitedly in the air and declared in a loud voice, “Mommy, I’m over here.”

–
It was obvious now, he was mentally challenged and also startled as he turned and saw me standing so close to him, waiting to squeeze by. His eyes widened and surprise exploded on his face as I said, “Hey Buddy, what’s your name?”

–
“My name is Denny and I’m shopping with my mother,” he responded proudly.

–
“Wow,” I said, “that’s a cool name; I wish my name was Denny, but my name is Steve.”

–
“Steve, like Stevarino?” he asked. “Yes,” I answered. “How old are you Denny?”

–
“How old am I now, Mommy?” he asked his mother as she slowly came over from the next aisle.

–
“You’re fifteen-years-old Denny; now be a good boy and let the man pass by.”

–
I acknowledged her and continued to talk to Denny for several more minutes about summer, bicycles and school. I watched his brown eyes dance with excitement, because he was the center of someone’s attention. He then abruptly turned and headed toward the toy section.

–
Denny’s mom had a puzzled look on her face and thanked me for taking the time to talk with her son. She told me that most people wouldn’t even look at him, much less talk to him.

–
I told her that it was my pleasure and then I said something I have no idea where it came from, other than by the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

–

I told her that there are plenty of red, yellow, and pink roses in God’s Garden; however, “Blue Roses” are very rare and should be appreciated for their beauty and distinctiveness.

–
You see, Denny is a Blue Rose and if someone doesn’t stop and smell that rose with their heart and touch that rose with their kindness, then they’ve missed a blessing from God.

–
She was silent for a second, then with a tear in her eye she asked, “Who are you?”

–
Without thinking I said, “Oh, I’m probably just a dandelion, but I sure love living in God’s garden.”

–
She reached out, squeezed my hand and said, “God bless you!” and then I had tears in my eyes.

–
May I suggest, the next time you see a BLUE ROSE, don’t turn your head and walk off. Take the time to smile and say Hello. Why? Because, by the grace of GOD, this mother or father could be you. This could be your child, grandchild, niece or nephew. What a difference a moment can mean to that person or their family.

–
From an old dandelion! Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.

–
“People will forget what you said, People will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel!” ANON.

All – Love Letter Poem For Kelley

 

The world’s made up

of all different kinds 

From the ordinary people

to the “great minds”

Some who are short

where others are tall

Some of us round

while others are small

We see some people

bound to wheelchairs

While others are able

to climb the stairs 

With all different races

and nations and creed

It’s acceptance and kindness

that we all need

All of those living

here on the earth

Have a defined purpose

and measure of worth

And when for us

life’s over and done

All that will matter

is the judgement of One!

Teresa Marie  1/11/12 ©

The Love Letter requests for January are out:

Meet Kelley

If you ever known the “mean girls” and the trouble they cause, then this request will be a quick stitch on your heart today.

Kelley, 21, is going through a rough time—emotionally, socially and physically. Much of her drain comes from recent harassment by the “mean girls” at work who constantly harass Kelley about her weight, making it nearly impossible for her to feel comfortable or able to shine.  Kelley’s sister wrote in her love letter request, “She was always my strong, independent little sister, but now she is falling into a downward spiral. I can tell her she’s beautiful, that she’s smart, that she deserves the best out of life. But I think she needs to hear it from someone else.”

If you would like to join in on spreading some love around the world, click here:

http://www.moreloveletters.com/

 

 

Be Joyful Always

Be joyful now and always
especially when feeling the worst

‘Tis the very best way
those dark clouds to burst

Develop a cheerful air that
you carry through every day

Add a flavor of kindness
to everything that you say

It truly isn’t that hard
to spread some love around

And one day you’ll find
their love for you abound

As Christians we are charged
to walk in His Way

It takes a little practice
give it a try today!

Teresa Marie  10/4/11

Plenty Hugs To Share

I have plenty hugs to share

Just to let you know I care

Even from a big ole’ Polar Bear

Are there hugs galore to spare

To be found most anywhere

Even kitty wants to share

I don’t worry if people stare

‘Cause I will hug you just beware!

If more hugs people would share

A world of hate we could repair!!

Teresa Marie  9/17/11

For all those who need a hug today!!!!!!

Love And Kindness

For generosity and kindness
has America been known

Love of fellow-man
we have always shown

Although this is truly
what we’ve always done

Today I must wonder
has the time begun

To look after those
here at home in need

In the world today
how many can we feed?

With all of the disasters
that have come to pass

Who will take care of
 the weak and huddled mass?

If we continue to give
our food and money away

To  the starving at home
what will we ever say?

It’s the way I feel
think not of me less

But I believe it’s time
those at home we bless

And this is what I pray
to the Father up above

Shower us again with prosperity
so we can spread the love!

Teresa Marie   9/2/11

The Old Phone On The Wall

 

This e-mail was so touching that I had to share it:

THE OLD PHONE ON THE WALL.  

 
When I was a young boy, my father had one of the first telephones in our neighborhood. I remember the polished, old case fastened to the wall. The shiny receiver hung on the side of the box. I was too little to reach the telephone, but used to listen with fascination when my mother talked to it. 

Then I discovered that somewhere inside the wonderful device lived an amazing person. Her name was “Information Please” and there was nothing she did not know. Information Please could supply anyone’s number and the correct time.

My personal experience with the genie-in-a-bottle came one day while my mother was visiting a neighbor. Amusing myself at the tool bench in the basement, I whacked my finger with a hammer, the pain was terrible, but there seemed no point in crying because there was no one home to give sympathy.

  

I walked around the house sucking my throbbing finger, finally arriving at the stairway. The telephone! Quickly, I ran for the footstool in the parlor and dragged it to the landing. Climbing up, I unhooked the receiver in the parlor and held it to my ear.

“Information, please” I said into the
Mouthpiece just above my head.

 A click or two and a small clear voice spoke into my ear.

 

“Information.”

 “I hurt my finger…” I wailed into the phone, the tears came readily enough
Now that I had an audience.

“Isn’t your mother home?” came the question.

“Nobody’s home but me,” I blubbered. 

“Are you bleeding?” the voice asked.

 
“No,” I replied. “I hit my finger with the hammer and it hurts.”

 

“Can you open the icebox?” she asked.

  

I said I could.

 
“Then chip off a little bit of ice and hold it to your finger,” said the voice. 

After that, I called “Information Please” for everything. I asked her for
help with my geography, and she told me where Philadelphia was. She helped me with my math.

 
She told me my pet chipmunk that I had caught in the park just the day before, would eat fruit and nuts.

 
Then, there was the time Petey, our pet canary, died. I called,  Information Please,” and told her the sad story. She listened, and then said things grown-ups say to soothe a child. But I was not consoled. I asked her, “Why is it that birds should sing so beautifully and bring joy to all families, only to end up as a heap of feathers on the bottom of a cage?”

  

She must have sensed my deep concern, for she said quietly, ” Wayne , always remember that there are other worlds to sing in.”

 
Somehow I felt better.

 

Another day I was on the telephone, “Information Please.”

  

“Information,” said in the now familiar voice. “How do I spell fix?”

I asked.

  

All this took place in a small town in the Pacific Northwest . When I was nine years old, we moved across the country to Boston . I missed my friend very much.
“Information Please” belonged in that old wooden box back home and I somehow never thought of trying the shiny new phone that sat on the table in the hall. As I grew into my teens, the memories of those childhood conversations never really left me.

 

Often, in moments of doubt and perplexity I would recall the serene sense of security I had then. I appreciated now how patient, understanding, and kind she was to have spent her time on a little boy.

 
A few years later, on my way west to college, my plane put down in Seattle . I had about a half-hour or so between planes. I spent 15 minutes or so on the phone with my sister, who lived there now. Then without thinking what I was doing, I dialed my hometown operator and said, “Information Please.”

 
Miraculously, I heard the small, clear voice I knew so well.

  

“Information.”

 

I hadn’t planned this, but I heard myself saying,

“Could you please tell me how to spell fix?”

 

There was a long pause. Then came the soft spoken answer, “I guess your finger must have healed by now.”

 

I laughed, “So it’s really you,” I said. “I wonder if you have any
Idea how much you meant to me during that time?” 

I wonder,” she said, “if you know how much your calls meant to me.

  

I never had any children and I used to look forward to your calls.”

 

 I told her how often I had thought of her over the years and I asked if I could call her again when I came back to visit my sister.

  

“Please do”, she said. “Just ask for Sally.”

 
Three months later I was back in Seattle .  A different voice answered,

 

“Information.”
I asked for Sally.

  

“Are you a friend?” she said. 

“Yes, a very old friend,” I answered.

  

“I’m sorry to have to tell you this,”She said. “Sally had been working part time the last few years because she was sick. She died five weeks ago.”

  

Before I could hang up, she said, “

Wait a minute, did you say your name was Wayne ?”

 

Yes.” I answered. 

 

“Well, Sally left a message for you.

She wrote it down in case you called. 

Let me read it to you.”

 

The note said,

“Tell him there are other worlds to sing in.

He’ll know what I mean.”

 

I thanked her and hung up. I knew what Sally meant. 

 

 

Never underestimate the impression you may make on others.

 

 

Whose life have you touched today?

 

Lifting you on eagle’s wings.

May you find the joy and peace you long for.

 

 

Life is a journey… NOT a guided tour.

  

I loved this story and just had to pass it on.

I hope you enjoy it too.

 

 

Wasn’t that story great?  I loved it so much that I couldn’t resist putting it on here for you to read!

Teresa Marie

To Everyone You Meet

Just to give one smile
 only takes a little while

To everyone that you meet
as you walk down the street

Because you do not know
as through this life you go

What they have been through
or what they have to do

And they might need a smile
to carry them that extra mile

As it becomes a treasure
that is without any measure

Now show them a bit of
our God in heaven’s love

Then you just might see
what you get for free

With that act of kindness
that’s so easy to express!

Teresa Marie   5/20/11

 

 

Kind Words

Kind words can be short
no need for many to use
even still to which we resort
being stingy with those we choose

Yet they are easy to speak
if we only take the time to
here or there throughout the week
just spare a moment to do

And we’ll find that they echo
as ripples spread on a pond
through people’s lives they’ll go
spreading love to others beyond.

This is how a believer
the image of Christ displays
earning the name of Christian
for he walks in His ways.

Teresa Marie  5/9/11