LIFE'S INSTRUCTION

1. Have a firm handshake.
2. Look people in the eye.
3. Sing in the shower.
4. Own a great stereo system.
5. If in a fight, hit first and hit hard.
6. Keep secrets.
7. Never give up on anybody. Miracles happen everyday.
8. Always accept an outstretched hand.
9. Be brave. Even if you’re not, pretend to be. No one can tell the difference.
10. Whistle.
11. Avoid sarcastic remarks.
12. Choose your life’s mate carefully. From this one decision will come 90 per cent of all your happiness or misery.
13. Make it a habit to do nice things for people who will never find out.
14. Lend only those books you never care to see again.
15. Never deprive someone of hope; it might be all that they have.
16. When playing games with children, let them win.
17. Give people a second chance, but not a third.
18. Be romantic.
19. Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.
20. Loosen up. Relax. Except for rare life-and-death matters, nothing is as important as it first seems.
21. Don’t allow the phone to interrupt important moments. It’s there for our convenience, not the caller’s.
22. Be a good loser.
23. Be a good winner.
24. Think twice before burdening a friend with a secret.
25. When someone hugs you, let them be the first to let go.
26. Be modest. A lot was accomplished before you were born.
27. Keep it simple.
28. Beware of the person who has nothing to lose.
29. Don’t burn bridges. You’ll be surprised how many times you have to cross the same river.
30. Live your life so that your epitaph could read, No Regrets
31. Be bold and courageous. When you look back on life, you’ll regret the
32. things you didn’t do more than the one’s you did.
33. Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them.
34. Remember no one makes it alone. Have a grateful heart and be quick to acknowledge those who helped you.
35. Take charge of your attitude. Don’t let someone else choose it for you.
36. Visit friends and relatives when they are in hospital; you need only stay a few minutes.
37. Begin each day with some of your favorite music.
38. Once in a while, take the scenic route.
39. Send a lot of Valentine cards. Sign them, ‘Someone who thinks you’re terrific.’
40. Answer the phone with enthusiasm and energy in your voice.
41. Keep a note pad and pencil on your bed-side table. Million-dollar ideas sometimes strike at 3 a.m.
42. Show respect for everyone who works for a living, regardless of how trivial their job.
43. Send your loved ones flowers. Think of a reason later.
44. Make someone’s day by paying the toll for the person in the car behind you.
45. Become someone’s hero.
46. Marry only for love.
47. Count your blessings.
48. Compliment the meal when you’re a guest in someone’s home.
49. Wave at the children on a school bus.
50. Remember that 80 per cent of the success in any job is based on your ability to deal with people.
51. Don’t expect life to be fair.

The forgotten friend

It was my 21 birthday and I would have the biggest party ever. The guest list, which I kept at the back of my homework assignment folder, began with a few close friends. But in the two weeks before that special Friday night, it had quickly grown from seven girls to a whopping total of seventeen. Nearly every girl in my college class had been invited to sleep over at my house for a big celebration. I was especially happy when each guest I invited excitedly accepted the invitation. It would be a night of scary stories, pizza and lots of presents. But as I later realized, I would truly treasure only one gift I received that night.

The family room was a flurry of shouts and bursts of laughter. We had just finished a game of Twister and were lining up for the limbo when the doorbell rang. I hardly paid attention to who might be at the door. What did it matter, really? Everyone I liked from college was there, in my family room, preparing to lean under the stick held by my sister. "Shankar, come here for a minute," Mom called from the front door.

I rolled my eyes and shrugged to my friends as if to say, 'Now who would dare bother me at a time like this?' What I really wanted to say was, 'It's tough being popular!' I rounded the bend toward the front door, then stopped. I know my mouth dropped open and I could feel my face turning red, For there on the front porch stood Sarah ...... - the quiet girl who sat beside me in business class and she was holding a gift.

I thought about the growing list in the back of my assignment folder. How had I forgotten to invite Sarah?

I remembered that I only added a name to the list when someone had shown an interest in me (like kids do when they know someone is having a party and they don't want to be left out). But Sarah had never done that. Never once had she asked me about my birthday party. Never once did she squeeze into the kids surrounding me at lunch time. And once she even helped me carry my backpack while I lugged my project to our third-floor lecture hall.

I guess I had forgotten to invite her simply because she wasn't pushing to be invited. I accepted the gift from Sarah and asked her to join the party.

"I can't stay," she said, looking down. "My dad's waiting in the car."

"Can you come in for a little while?" I nearly begged. By now I felt pretty bad about forgetting to invite her and really did want her to stay.

"Thanks, but I have to go," she said, turning toward the door. "See you soon."

I stood in the foyer with Sarah's gift in my hands and an empty feeling in my heart.

I didn't open the gift until hours after the party had ended. Hours after the games, the food, the ghost stories, the pillow fights, the pranks on those first to fall asleep and the snores.

Inside the small box was a ceramic tabby cat about three inches tall with its tail in the air. In my mind, it was the best gift I had received, even though I was never really into cats. I later found out that the figurine looked exactly like Sarah's cat, the one she adopted from the streets.

I didn't know it then, but now I realize that Sarah was my one true friend. While the other girls drifted away, Sarah was always there for me, ever loyal and supportive. She was an unconditional friend who stood by me, always encouraging and understanding me.

Although I'll always feel bad about forgetting her, I also realize that I might not have discovered Sarah as a friend had I remembered to invite her to that unforgettable 21th birthday party.

I really miss you Sarah.

Helpless Love

Once upon a time all feelings and emotions went to a coastal island for a vacation. According to their nature, each was having a good time. Suddenly, a warning of an impending storm was announced and everyone was advised to evacuate the island.

The announcement caused sudden panic. All rushed to their boats. Even damaged boats were quickly repaired and commissioned for duty.

Yet, Love did not wish to flee quickly. There was so much to do. But as the clouds darkened, Love realised it was time to leave. Alas, there were no boats to spare. Love looked around with hope.

Just then Prosperity passed by in a luxurious boat. Love shouted, “Prosperity, could you please take me in your boat?”

“No,” replied Prosperity, “my boat is full of precious possessions, gold and silver. There is no place for you.”

A little later Vanity came by in a beautiful boat. Again Love shouted, “Could you help me, Vanity? I am stranded and need a lift. Please take me with you.”

Vanity responded haughtily, “No, I cannot take you with me. My boat will get soiled with your muddy feet.”

Sorrow passed by after some time. Again, Love asked for help. But it was to no avail. “No, I cannot take you with me. I am so sad. I want to be by myself.”

When Happiness passed by a few minutes later, Love again called for help. But Happiness was so happy that it did not look around, hardly concerned about anyone.

Love was growing restless and dejected. Just then somebody called out, “Come Love, I will take you with me.” Love did not know who was being so magnanimous, but jumped on to the boat, greatly relieved that she would reach a safe place.

On getting off the boat, Love met Knowledge. Puzzled, Love inquired, “Knowledge, do you know who so generously gave me a lift just when no one else wished to help?”

Knowledge smiled, “Oh, that was Time.”

“And why would Time stop to pick me and take me to safety?” Love wondered.

Knowledge smiled with deep wisdom and replied, “Because only Time knows your true greatness and what you are capable of. Only Love can bring peace and great happiness in this world.”

“The important message is that when we are prosperous, we overlook love. When we feel important, we forget love. Even in happiness and sorrow we forget love. Only with time do we realize the importance of love. Why wait that long? Why not make love a part of your life today?”

PEOPLE WHO LOVE PEOPLE

Life is too short to carry grudges. You're going to meet hundreds, even thousands of different people along the way. You wont like all of them; not all of them will like you.

If you accept this fact, your dealings with people will be a lot easier. In the same way you can't predict whom you'll meet and marry, you also can't predict whom you'll meet and make friends with. So walk through life with an open mind ; you'll have more pleasant surprises than disappointments.

Feel truly sorry for those who regard everyone as a potential enemy until proved otherwise. If you look for the good in people, you'll encourage other to do the same with you. Very often our best friendships are with people who don't agree with everything we think; they become our friends because they stick to their guns, and have strengths and loyalties which we can admire and respect.

There will always be a handful of people you REALLY don't like. Like the man who's always selfishly parking his car in your lot. Or that ang moh boss who seems to think he knows everything. Look at them again : are they kind to their children ? Do they give up their time to help others ? Do they have a talent which you can truly respect ? Once you find their good qualities, it won't be easy to dislike them.

Remember, in times of war, the most unlikely people become heroes. Ordinary men and women , even criminals , show enormous reserves of courage and compassion. Sadly, it is so often takes a crisis to bring it all to the surface.

Jessie's Girl

I wish that I had Jessie's girl......

The CD boy.

A boy walked into a CD store and saw a girl behind the counter.

She smiled and he thought it was the most beautiful smile he has ever seen before and wanted to kiss her right there.

He said "Uh... Yeah... Umm... I would like to buy a CD." He picked one out and gave her money for it.

"Would you like me to wrap it for you?" she asked, smiling her cute smile again.

He nodded and she went to the back.

She came back with the wrapped CD and gave it to him. He took it and walked out of the store. He went home and from then on, he went to that store everyday and bought a CD, and she wrapped it for him. He took the CD home and put it in his closet. He was still too shy to ask her out and he really wanted to but he couldn't. His mother found out about this and told him to just ask her.

So the next day, he took all his courage and went to the store. He bought a CD like he did everyday and once again she went to the back of the store and came back with it wrapped. He took it and when she wasn't looking, he left his phone number on the desk and ran out...

!!!RRRRRING!!!

The mother picked up the phone and said, "Hello?"

It was the girl!!! She asked for the boy and the mother started to cry and said, "You don't know? He passed away yesterday...

" The line was quiet except for the cries of the boy's mother. Later in the day. The mother went into the boy's room because she wanted to remember him. She thought she would start by looking at his clothes. So she opened the closet. She was face to face with piles and piles and piles of unopened CDs. She was surprised to find all those CDs and she picked one up and sat down on the bed and she started to open one.

Inside, there was a CD and as she took it out of the wrapper, out fell a piece of paper. The mother picked it up and started to read it.

It said: Hi... I think you are really cute. Do you wanna go out with me? Love, Kaitlyn.

-Pick out from Readers Digest

The Story Of A Blind Girl

There was a blind girl who hated herself just because she’s blind. She hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend. He’s always there for her. She said that if she could only see the world, she would marry her boyfriend.

One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her and then she can see everything, including her boyfriend. Her boyfriend asked her, “now that you can see the world, will you marry me?” The girl was shocked when she saw that her boyfriend is blind too, and refused to marry him. Her boyfriend walked away in tears, and later wrote a letter to her saying. “Just take care of my eyes dear.”

---

This is how human brain changes when the status changed.

Only few remember what life was before, and who’s always been there even in the most painful situations.

Life is A Gift.

Today before you think of saying an unkind word – Think of someone who can’t speak.

Before you complain about the taste of your food – Think of someone who has nothing to eat.

Before you complain about your husband or wife – Think of someone ho’s crying out for a companion.

Today before you complain about life – Think of someone who went too early to heaven/hell.

Before you complain about your children – Think of someone who desires children but they’re barren.

Before you argue about your dirty house, someone didn’t clean or sweep – Think of the people who are living in the streets.

Before whining about the distance you drive – Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.

And when you are tired and complain about your job – Think of the unemployed, the disabled and those who wished they had your job.

But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another – Remember that not one of us are without sin and we all answer to one maker.

And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down – Put a smile on your face and thank — you’re alive and still around

Life is a gift – Live it, Enjoy it, Celebrate it, And Fulfill it.

Don't Be Afraid.

Here we are, afraid of losing what we have all the time, holding on to it so tight that not a soul can touch it. We think by hiding it from the world, it’s hidden and it’s ours. Nothing is. Nothing ever will be. For, nothing ever was.

If you think there is anything that you have, that’s yours, be it money, a house, a job, or a girlfriend… it’s nothing but an illusion. It’ll all disappear… in one blow. One blow, my man.

Here we are, so insecure that we are afraid of re-starting our lives, so we just carry on trying to sort out the current mess. The thought that we should give it all up and just start all over – with nothing – might cross our minds some time, sure, but we get scared and we push away anything that scares us.

There is nothing I can ever achieve or gain that I cannot lose, in a matter of seconds. You have never gained enough to not be able to lose it all, in just a few minutes. What you think is yours, was never yours and will never be yours. Whatever you make here, you leave here. You came naked and you’re going to go back naked.

So what are you afraid of?

Let all be lost. Let them take away everything. As long as you have your heart beating strong, as long as you have your nostrils working fine, as long as the blood flows in your veins, you will live, you will breathe and you can get it all back… again and again. For, if you can do it once, you can damn well do it again. It’s just a game we play – Life.

No act of love is ever wasted

Today, I was talking about you with my good friend, the universe.

Since the universe doesn’t have a mouth with which to speak, the conversation was pretty one-sided. Nonetheless, we came to the conclusion that each and every time that you expressed love – no matter how small or seemingly insignificant – you changed everything.

No act of love is ever wasted. In fact, it’s just the opposite; each act of love shakes the very foundations of time and space, and bears fruits in ways we couldn’t even dream possible.

Yesterday, someone asked me if the amount of the love in the world is increasing or decreasing. I don’t know the answer, and quite frankly – I don’t care.

I do know that the amount of love that I contribute to the world is increasing. In my humble opinion, that’s really all that matters. And the universe agrees.

I've learned.

I've learned that you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is be someone who can be loved. The rest is up to them.

I've learned that no matter how much I care, some people just don't care back.

I've learned that it takes years to build up trust and only seconds to destroy it.

I've learned that it's not what you have in your live, but who you have in your life that counts.

I've learned that you can get by on charm for about fifteen minutes, after that, you'd better know something.

I've learned that you shouldn't compare yourself to the best others can do, but to the best you can do.

I've learned that it's not what happens to people, it's what they do about it.

I've learned that no matter how thin you slice it, there are always two sides.

I've learned that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you'll see them.

I've learned that you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I've learned that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the

consequences.

I've learned that there are people, who love you dearly, but just don't know how to show it.

I've learned that sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry but that doesn't give me the right to be

cruel.

I've learned that true friendship continues to grow even over the longest distance same goes for true love.

I've learned that no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must

forgive them for that.

I've learned that it isn't always enough to be forgive by others, sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I've learned that no matter how bad your heart is broken, the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I've learned that just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other and just because they

don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.

I've learned that sometimes you have to put the individual ahead of their actions.

I've learned that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

I've learned that no matter the consequences, those who are honest with themselves get farther in life.

I've learned that your life can be changed in a matter of hours when a friend cries out to you, you will find the

strength to help.

I've learned that writing, As well as talking, Can ease emotional pains.

I've learned that the people you care most about in life are taken from you too soon.

I've learned that it's hard to determine where to draw the line between being nice and not hurting people's feelings

and standing up for what you believe.

I've learned to love and be loved. I've learned.

-shankar

That Empty Feeling.

One Broken Heart

Too Many Unwiped Tears

That E m p t y Feeling

Pain. Lots and lots and lots and lots of pain. So deep it cuts into your very being. Leaving scars that will last long after the pain.

When more time is spent on the person you love than you would ever spend on yourself. Even if they would never give you the same sacrifice, and couldn't care less what your time is spent on.

No matter what you will always believe there is hope. And you despise yourself for it.

When your Heart has been ripped out, and ignored, yet still can't let go.

When you would do anything for your love... Even if it means that you can't love them.

When you try to find new ways to hate them. Becuase then at least it wouldn't hurt so much.

When everything is out of your control.

When you can't say why you love them, and to you that's the strongest love anyone can ever have.

When you realize that you can never, ever have them...again...

When you have finally hit the lowest low. And no one can bring you up, and anyone who can will never be there.

When you care so much about the person you forget about everything else completely, even your health and wellbeing.

When you sit and write something like this crying to yourself, and wondering why you are so pathetic.

When you can't sleep at night becuase when you close your eyes, they are standing there to remind you that you are alone.

When you feel all these feelings, but are too afraid to tell them, becuase you're scared they might not care. And the truth is they probably won't.

When you feel their presence everywhere. But you don't want to because it's just another reminder of how far away they really are.

When the pain is so great, you feel that giving up altogether is th only choice, when really you have so much to live for.

When they have told you that they don't love you. And you would do anything to say those same words...and mean it.

But the only words that you can say are:

I love you, and no matter what happens I will still love you and I still think of you all the time. I know it means nothing to you, but you mean everything to me.

Please if anyone ever falls in love with you and feels this strongly. Don't shrug it off like it is nothing, I'm not asking you to love them back, I'm just asking you to care.

And if anyone ever falls in love with someone this strongly and they don't love you the same way, hold on to every last bit of sanity you have. Don't let it completely ruin who you are. You are a wonderful person and can pull through. You will have some very rough times. But, it will get better...

I hope. At least that's what I've been told.

Just a friend

Have you ever met a gurl that you thought was perfect you waited for her years 'cause you know she worth it

here's a lil' story bout this gurl i knew

since wayback in pre-school sometime in '82

she had 'em two pony tails and a front tooth missin'

wit' freckles on her cheeks cause the moms caucasian

up on a tree house is where we chilled together

with carvings on the trunk saying friends forever, she the type who laugh when the normally cried
and when they busy playing house we playin' bonnie and clyde

in grade school everybody knew we partners in crime

we useta bully kids in playgrounds like all the time

we always seen holdin' hands to the principal's office

the naughtiest in town and could no other kid stop us

in highskool she switched her desk next to mine

so we could cheat while doing pop quizes all the time


14th of February '93

little Jenny said she had a big suprise for me gave me the very kiss and plus a ring and a card
and said I love you, so I gave her the rest of my heart.

a coupla weeks later called her house at 10 the mama said I thought you suppose to be with Jen
I quickly rushed to the crib, she just got out of a van
I'm like yo who was that? oh he's just a friend....


so I took Jenny's word for it at this time
I thought just having a friend it couldnt be no crime

'cause even I have friends and babys that for sho
just like Watson, Hailee, Baby Tash and Joe

so we never talked about that late snack with van man

we rather talk about the future we have planned and
what to name our kids, al-Tarique or Shaymar?
Ayesha, or Tisha for a gurl and maybe even bring our
kids to that little tree house that we chilled at

but then in '94 I couldnt help it but feel sad
Jenny had to leave me to go get a little knowledge
100 miles away in this place they call college

first coupla months it was cool but then it changed yo
she never called and really acted like a strange ho

one day I called it was picked up by a man
I called again, she picked it up and said hey that's just a friend....




this guy in her study group's the one who picked up the call
helpin' her in chemistry wit cyclohexanol

I got curious and asked her who else in ya team?
she said Ali, Hassan, Noreen and Kareem

the next week I thought of givin' her a little suprise
but when in front of Jenny's dorm I cound't believe my eyes

I say the same ugly van I saw in '93
I found her room but guess what a brother had to see?

a fella half naked with my gurl on the couch

so please listen to the message that I sing

don't ever talk to a gurl who says she just has a friend......


you, you got what I need
but you say he's just a friend,
but you say he's just a friend

IT'S 7TH GRADE..

I stared at the girl next to me... She was my so called "best friend"... I stared at her... Long, silky hair... And I wished she was mine... But she didn't notice me like that... I knew it... After class she walked up to me and asked me for the notes she had missed the day before... And I handed them to her... She said "thanks"... And gave me a kiss on the cheek... I wanted to tell her... I want her to know that I don't want to be "just friends"... I love her but I'm too shy to tell her... And I don't know why...

IT'S JUNIOR YEAR..

My phone rang... On the other end it was her... She was in tears... Mumbling on and on about how her love had broken her heart... She asked me to come over because she didn't want to be alone... So I did... As I sat next to her on the sofa... I stared at her soft eyes... Wishing she was mine... After 2 hours... I Drew Barrymore movie... And 3 bags of chips... She decided to go to sleep... She looked at me.. Said "thanks" and gave me a kiss on the cheek... I wanted to tell her... I want her to know... That I don't want to be "just friends"... I love her but I'm too shy to tell her... And I don't know why...

IT'S SENIOR YEAR..

The day before prom... She walked to my locker... "My date is sick" she said... He's not going to go... Well... I didn't have a date and in 7th grade... We made a promise that if neiter of us had dates... We'd go together just as "best friends"... And so we did...

IT'S PROM NIGHT..

After everything was over with... I was standing at her front door step... I stared at her ... She smiled at me... I wanted her to be mine... But she doesn't think of me like that... And I know it... Then she said "I had the best time... Thanks!"... And she gave me a kiss on the cheek... I wanted to tell her... I wanted her to know that I don't want to be "just friends"... I love her but I'm just too shy... And I don't know why...

IT'S GRADUATION DAY..

A day passed... And then a week... And then a month... Before I could blink... It was graduation day... I watched her... Perfect body... Floated like an angel up on stage to get her diploma... I wanted her to be mine... But she doesn't think of me that way... And I know it... Before everyone went home... She came to me in her smock and hat... And cried as I hugged her... Then she lifted her head from my shoulders and said "you're my best friend"... "Thanks!"... And gave me a kiss on the cheek... I wanted to tell her.. I wanted to know that I wanted to be more than "just friends"... I love her but I'm too shy... And I don't know why...

IT'S A FEW YEARS LATER..

Now I sit in the pews of the church... A church that she is getting married in now... I watched her say "I do" an drive off to her new life... Married to another man... I wanted her to be mine... But she didn't see me like that... And I knew it... But before she drove away... She came to me and said "You came!... Thanks!"... And she kissed me on the cheek... I wanted to tell her... I wantd her to know that I didn't want to be "just friends"... I love her but I'm just too shy... And I don't know why...

YEARS PASSED..

I looked down at the coffin of a girl who used to be my "best friend"... At the service they read a diary entry she had wrote in her high school years... This is what it said... "I stare at him... Wishing he was mine... But he doesn't notice me like that... And I know it... I wanted to tell him... I wanted him to know... That I don't want to be "just friends"... I love him but I'm just too shy... And I don't know why... I wish he would tell me he loved me"... I wish I did too... I thought to myself and I cried...
rest in peace my Love

Don't we all?

One evening I was parked in front of the mall wiping off my car. I had just come from the car wash and was waiting for my wife to finish work. Coming my way from across the parking lot was what society would consider a bum. From the looks of him he had no car, no home, no clean clothes and no money. There are times when you feel generous, but there are times that you just don't want to be bothered. This was one of the "Don't want to be bothered" times! "Hope he doesn't ask me for money," I thought. He didn't.


He came and sat on the curb in front of the bus stop and he didn't look like he could have enough money to even ride the bus. After a few minutes he spoke. "That's a very nice car," he said. He was ragged, but had an air of dignity around him. I said "Thanks," and continued wiping off my car. He sat there quietly as I worked. The expected plea for money never came. As the silence between us widened, something inside said, "Ask him if he needs any help." I was sure that he would say yes, but I held true to the inner voice. "Do you need any help?" I asked.



He answered in three simple but profound words that I shall never forget. We often look for wisdom in great accomplishments. I expect it from those of higher learning and accomplishments. I expected nothing but an outstretched grimy hand. He spoke three words that shook me, "Don't we all?" he said.


I needed help. Maybe not for bus fare or a place to sleep, but I needed help. I reached in my wallet and gave him not only enough for bus fare but enough to get a warm meal and shelter for the day. Those three little words still ring true. No matter how much you have, no matter how much you have accomplished, you need help too.


No matter how little you have, no matter how loaded you are with problems, even without money or a place to sleep, you can give help. Even if it's just a compliment, you can give that! You never know when you may see someone that appears to have it all. They are waiting on you to give them what they don't have. A different perspective on life, a glimpse of something beautiful, a respite from daily chaos, that only you, through a torn world can see.



Maybe the man was just a homeless stranger wandering the streets. Maybe he was more than that. Maybe he was sent by a power that is great and wise to minister to a soul too comfortable in himself. Maybe God looked down, called an Angel, dressed him like a bum and then said, "Go minister to that man cleaning the car, that man needs help."

You are a DOG!

Sometimes back, a person came to me and told, "You know one thing, you are a DOG". I said, 'I am too happy as a Human Being and I have not done anything big or great to be called as DOG". It is simple; if you reverse the spellings of DOG it will become GOD. Now, whenever I pass through those big societies and bungalows and see those boards, "Dog is on Duty" or "Beware to dogs", I just cannot stop myself from smiling.



Color of this world is based on the color of your eyes, color of your glasses. The way you perceive the things; your understand, your thoughts and your experiences. Good and Bad people you will find everywhere in the world, in every country, in every society it is up to us, what we are looking for.

One glass of milk.

One day, a poor boy who was selling goods from door to door to pay his way through school, found he had only one thin dime left, and he was hungry.

He decided he would ask for a meal at the next house. However, he lost his nerve when a lovely young woman opened the door. Instead of a meal he asked for a drink of water. She thought he looked hungry so brought him a large glass of milk. He drank it slowly, and then asked, "How much do I owe you?" "You don't owe me anything," she replied. "Mother has taught us never to accept pay for a kindness." He said..... "Then I thank you from my heart."

As Howard Kelly left that house, he not only felt stronger physically, but his faith in God and man was strong also. He had been ready to give up and quit.

Year's later that young woman became critically ill. The local doctors were baffled. They finally sent her to the big city, where they called in specialists to study her rare disease. Dr. Howard Kelly ! was called in for the consultation. When he heard the name of the town she came from, a strange light filled his eyes. Immediately he rose and went down the hall of the hospital to room. Dressed in his doctor's gown he went in to see her. He recognized her at once. He went back to the consultation room determined to do his best to save her life. From that day he gave special attention to the case. After a long struggle, the battle was won.

Dr. Kelly requested the business office to pass the final bill to him for approval. He looked at it, then wrote something on the edge and the bill was sent to her room. She feared to open it, for she was sure it would take the rest of her life to pay for it all. Finally she looked, and something caught her attention on the side of the bill. She read these words..... "Paid in full with one glass of milk"

Signed Dr. Howard Kelly. Tears of joy flooded her eyes as her happy heart prayed: "Thank You, God, that Your love has spread abroad through human hearts and hands."

-shankar

How rich are you?

One day a rich father took his son on a trip to the country with the firm purpose to show him how poor people can be. They spent a day and a night on the farm of a very poor family.

When they got back from their trip the father asked his son, "How was the trip?"

"Very good Dad!"

"Did you see how poor people can be?" the father asked.

"Yeah!"

"And what did you learn?"

The son answered, "I saw that we have a dog at home, and they have four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of the garden, they have a creek that has no end.We have imported
lamps in the garden, they have the stars. Our patio reaches to the front yard, they have a whole horizon."

When the little boy was finishing, his father was speechless.

His son added, "Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we can be!"

The Boy Who Did Not Believe In Ghosts

I had been in Malaysia for three years and I was getting ready to return to France. I spent the last two weeks of my stay in Malaysia visiting all my Malaysian friends. Various people had invited me to thier homes for dinner. My old classmates had held a small classroom party for me. Nina invited me to her house one evening to have dinner with her.

It was a delicious meal and, when we had finished eating, Nina and I went outside to sit on the porch while her mother served coffee. I chatted with Nina about the previous three years and told her that I would be very sad to leave Malaysia. Nina recalled the first time we met and how Cikgu Zahrin had told me what a bomoh was.

"I remember you seemed quite surprised when Cikgu Zahrin told you that one of my jobs was to help people who had been disturbed by ghosts. I also remember that you told me you had an open mind about ghosts."

I said nothing. I just grinned.

"I'd liketo tell you one more story before you leave Malaysia," she said.

"Its about a young boy who didn't believe in ghosts.

I put my coffee cup down and sat back in the rotan armchair. I knew that I would miss Nina and her stories when I got back to France.

''There was once a group of schoolboys who were playing football in a small field on the edge of a rubber estate," she began.

"The boys had brought food and drinks with them and, when the game was over, they had a little picnic. One of the boys was a very good story-teller and he started telling his friends a ghost story which he had heard from his grandfather. The other boys listened to him and enjoyed the story. However, when the boy had finished telling his story, a boy called Chan stood up and said, 'What a stupid story!' All the other boys were surprised. 'What's wrong Chan?' they asked. 'There are no such things as ghosts,' he answered, ' and people who believe in them are stupid.'

'You'd better be careful,Chan,' one of the other boys said. 'Some people say if you dont believe in ghosts, the ghosts will get angry. One of them might appear to you on the way home.' 'Yes,' said another boy. 'You might meet a pontianak!'

"Chan laughed at them. 'Rubbish!' he said. 'Don't be so stupid!' and he walked over to an old tree stump that was a few yards away from them. 'You see this tree stump?' he said. 'If any ghosts appears to me I'll give it a kick, like this,' and he kicked the tree stump.

Chan felt proud of himself. He turned towards the other boys with a big grin. Then he turned towards the tree stump again. He was just about to kick it the second time when,suddenly,he stopped. His face turned white and the smile disappeared from his lips. He stood staring at the tree stump with a look of terror in his eyes.

"Whats the matter,Chan?" asked one of the other boys. Chan tried to speak but no words came out of his mouth. The boys crowded around him. 'Come on, Chan,' they said. 'Tell us what's wrong.'

"Finally Chan managed to say something. 'Look! Look!' he said, pointing at the tree stump.

"Yes,' one of the boys said, 'its an old tree stump.

Whats so special about it?'

'But.......look!' said Chan. 'Cant you see.......'

'See what, Chan?' There's nothing there.

'Nothing there!' exclaimed Chan. What about the gravestone!

'Whats are you talking about, Chan? There's no gravestone,' the others said.

'There is!' screamed Chan. Then he trembled as he said, 'aaannd its got mmmmyy name on it!'

The boys told Chan to clam down. They told him that there was no gravestone but Chan refused to listen to them. In the end, two of the boys took Chan home and told his father what had happened.

Later that evening, Chan became feverish. He sat in an armchair, trembling and talking about the gravestone which had his name written on it. His fathe sent for the doctor and the doctor gave Chan a sedative and asked his father to put him to bed.

"At three o'clock in the morning, his father looked into Chan's room to make sure the boy was all right. He received a terrible shock when he realised that his son wasn't there. The bed was empty! Chan had two older brothers and the father woke them up. They took a couple of tourches and started seaching all over the kampung but they could not find the missing boy anywhere. The next day Chan's father reported his son's disappearence to the police and offered a reward to anyone who found his son.

A few days later, two rubber tappers were walking across a field near a rubber estate. It was the same field where Chan and his friends had been playing football. The rubber tappers had just finnished thier morning's work and they were on thier way home. Suddenly, one of them stopped. 'What's that?' he asked. He had seen something near a group of trees close to the edge of the feild. The two rubber -tappers walked over to have a closer look. It was a young boy. He was lying beside an old tree stump and the boy was dead.

One of the rubber tappers stayed with the boy while the other ran to the estate manager's house. The manager telephoned the police. Ten minutes later, a police car arrived and took away the body. The police sent for Chan's father and he went to the police-station to identify the boy.

Nina leaned forward. "can you guess who it was?'' she asked

"I think so," I replied.

"It was the body of his son, the boy who didn't believe in ghosts!'' said Nina

Nina said nothing for a few seconds. There was a smile on her face as she looked at me straight in the eyes.

"Now tell me something," she said "Do you believe in ghosts?''

-shankr ;)

The Present.

Imagine there is a Bank that credits your account every morning with $86,400.However, it carries over no balance from day to day and every night the bank deletes whatever part of the balance you failed to use during the day.What would you do? Draw out every cent, of course!Each of us has such a bank. Its name is TIME.









Every morning, it credits you with 86,400 seconds. Every night it writes off, as lost, whatever of this you have failed to invest to good purpose. It carries over no balance and it allows no overdraft.Each day it opens a new account for you. Each night it burns the remains of the day. If you fail to use the day's deposits, the loss is yours.There is no going back. There is no drawing against the "tomorrow." You must live in the present solely on today's deposits. So invest it wisely each day to get from it the utmost in health, happiness, and success!The clock is running. Make the most of today.








To realise the value of ONE YEAR, ask a student who failed the HSC.








To realise the value of ONE MONTH, ask a mother who gave birth to a premature baby.








To realise the value of ONE WEEK, ask the editor of a weekly newspaper.







To realise the value of ONE HOUR, ask the lovers who are waiting to meet.








To realise the value of ONE MINUTE, ask a person who missed the train.








To realise the value of ONE-SECOND, ask a person who just avoided an accident.









To realise the value of ONE MILLISECOND, ask the person who won a medal in the Olympics.







Treasure every moment that you have! And treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time.And remember that TIME waits for no one.Friends are very rare jewels indeed.They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share a word of praise, and they always want to open their heart to us.Show your friends how much you care.







Send this to everyone you consider a FRIEND. If it comes back to you from someone else, then you'll know you have a CIRCLE OF FRIENDS.









Yesterday, is history.Tomorrow, is a mystery.Today is a gift.That's why it's called,The present.

The Miracle

Tess was a precocious eight years old when she heard her Mom and Dad talking about her little brother, Andrew. All she knew was that he was very sick and they were completely out of money. They were moving to an apartment complex next month because Daddy didn't have the money for the doctor bills and our house. Only a very costly surgery could save him now and it was looking like there was no-one to loan them the money.

She heard Daddy say to her tearful Mother with whispered desperation, "Only amiracle can save him now."Tess went to her bedroom and pulled a glass jelly jar from its hiding place in the closet. She poured all the change out on the floor and counted it carefully. Three times, even. The total had to be exactly perfect. No chance here for mistakes. Carefully placing the coins back in the jar and twisting on the cap, she slipped out the back door and made her way 6 blocks to Rexall's Drug Store with the big red Indian Chief sign above the door.

She waited patiently for the pharmacist to give her some attention but he was too intently talking to another man to be bothered by an eight year old at this moment. Tess twisted her feet to make a scuffing noise. Nothing. She cleared her throat with the most disgusting sound she could muster. No good. Finally she took a quarter from her jar and banged it on the glass counter. That did it!"And what do you want?" the pharmacist asked in an annoyed tone of voice. "I'm talking to my brother from Chicago whom I haven't seen in ages," he said without waiting for a reply to his question."Well, I want to talk to you about my brother," Tess answered back in the same annoyed tone. "He's really, really sick ... and I want to buy a miracle."

"I beg your pardon?" said the pharmacist."His name is Andrew and he has something bad growing inside his head and my Daddy says only a miracle can save him now. So how much does a miracle cost?""We don't sell miracles here, little girl. I'm sorry but I can't help you." the pharmacist said, softening a little."Listen, I have the money to pay for it. If it isn't enough, I will get the rest. Just tell me how much it costs."The pharmacist's brother was a well dressed man. He stooped down and asked the little girl, "What kind of a miracle does you brother need?""I don't know," Tess replied with her eyes welling up. "I just know he's really sick and Mommy says he needs a operation. But my Daddy can't pay for it, so I want to use my money. "How much do you have?" asked the man from Chicago."One dollar and eleven cents," Tess answered barely audibly. "And it's all the money I have, but I can get some more if I need to."

"Well, what a coincidence," smiled the man. "A dollar and eleven cents -- the exact price of a miracle for little brothers." He took her money in one hand and with the other hand he grasped her and said "Take me to where you live. I want to see your brother and meet your parents. Let's see if I have the kind of miracle you need."That well dressed man was Dr. Carlton Armstrong, a surgeon, specializing in neuro-surgery. The operation was completed without charge and it wasn't long until Andrew was home again and doing well. Mom and Dad were happily talking about the chain of events that had led them to this place.

"That surgery," her mom whispered. " it was a real miracle. I wonder how much it would have cost?"Tess smiled. She knew exactly how much a miracle cost... one dollar and eleven cents... plus the faith of a little child.