The Best Within You!!! Worth Reading!!

beachcottage

A Miscellaneous Sonnet - 1842


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

The most alluring clouds that mount the sky
Owe to a troubled element their forms,
Their hues to sunset. If with raptured eye
We watch their splendour, shall we covet storms,
And wish the Lord of day his slow decline
Would hasten, that such pomp may float on high?
Behold, already they forget to shine,
Dissolve - and leave, to him who gazed, a sigh.
Not loth to thank each moment for its boon
Of pure delight, come whencesoe'er it may,
Peace let us seek, - to stedfast things attune
Calm expectations - leaving to the gay
And volatile their love of transient bowers,
The house that cannot pass away be ours.

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


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

On Wisdom...

His high endeavors are an inward light
that makes the path before him always bright.

And on Kindness...

That best portion of a good man's life,
His little nameless, unremembered acts
Of kindness and of love.

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

by William Wordsworth





xoxo,
Patti

beachcottage

This says it All

Time passes.
Life happens.
Distance separates.
Children grow up.
Love waxes and wanes.
Hearts break.
Careers end.
Jobs come and go.
Parents die.
Colleagues forget favors.
Men don't call when they say they will.

BUT...........

Girlfriends are there, no matter how much time and how many miles
are between you.

A girlfriend is never farther away than needing her can reach.
When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you have to walk it
for yourself, your girlfriends will be on the valley's rim, cheering you
on, praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, and
waiting with open arms at the valley's end. Sometimes, they will even break
the rules and walk beside you. Or come in and carry you out.

Daughters, Daughter-in-laws, sisters, sisters-in-law, mother,
mother-in-law, aunties, nieces, cousins, extended family, and
friends bless our life!

The world wouldn't be the same without them, and neither would I.

When we began this adventure called womanhood, we had no idea of the
incredible joys or sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much
we would need each other.

Every day, we need each other still.

Pass this on to the women who help make your life work.
I just did.









You are all the best...xoxo,
Patti

MJB

TEARS

I saw a vision of Heaven
but could not hold it
as my eyes became dry
and blinking
I lost it to darkness.
Weeping at the loss
the tears restored my eyes
and the vision
was clearer than before.

It was not to be for long
because an evil splinter
blinded my eye.

I wept at this greater loss
with more tears than before.
The splinter was washed away
and the vision returned
with such beauty
that I died
of love...William E. Rushman
Love and warm thoughts.MJB

MJB

Another way that you love your enemy is this:

When the opportunity presents itself for you to defeat your enemy,
that is the time which you must not do it.
There will come a time, in many instances,
when the person who hates you most,
the person who has misused you most,
the person who has gossiped about you most,
the person who has spread false rumors about you most,
there will come a time when
you will have an opportunity to defeat that person.
It might be in terms of a recommendation for a job;
it might be in terms of helping that person
to make some move in life.
That's the time you must do it.
That is the meaning of love.

In the final analysis,
love is not this sentimental something that we talk about.
It's not merely an emotional something.
Love is creative, understanding goodwill for all men.
It is the refusal to defeat any individual.
When you rise to the level of love, of its great beauty and power,you seek only to defeat evil systems.
Individuals who happen to be caught up in that system, you love,but you seek to defeat the system,loving your enemies -Martin Luther King Jr.
Love and warm thoughts.MJB

beachcottage

The poem posted below

was written by Fanny Crosby.. Born March 24, 1820, Frances Jane Crosby had normal vision at birth

but at six weeks suffered eye inflammation which led to her loss of sight....

Miss Crosby spent 98 yrs/i] of her life

composing roughly 1,000 poems and over 9,000 songs/hymns..

Her songs demonstrate a deeper sight..Greater than that of any physical vision......At age 8, she wrote her first poem, expressing her feelings about her blindness.Resolve was her first poem..



Resolve

O what a happy soul am I!

Although I cannot see,

I am resolved that in this world,

Contented I will be.

How many blessings I enjoy,

That other people don't.

To weep and sigh because I'm blind,

I cannot and I won't!





xoxo,

Patti

MJB

Patti what a wonderful story,what we take for granted so many people do without. Thank you for sharing her story.

Give Us Hearts to Understand


Give us hearts to understand;
Never to take from creation's beauty more than we give;
never to destroy wantonly for the furtherance of greed;
Never to deny to give our hands for the building of earth's beauty;
never to take from her what we cannot use.
Give us hearts to understand
That to destroy earth's music is to create confusion;
that to wreck her appearance is to blind us to beauty;
That to callously pollute her fragrance is to make a house of stench;
that as we care for her she will care for us.
We have forgotten who we are.
We have sought only our own security.
We have exploited simply for our own ends.
We have distorted our knowledge.
We have abused our power.
Great Spirit, whose dry lands thirst,
Help us to find the way to refresh your lands.
Great Spirit, whose waters are choked with debris and pollution,
Help us to find the way to cleanse your waters.
Great Spirit, whose beautiful earth grows ugly with misuse,
help us to find the way to restore beauty to your handiwork.
Great Spirit, whose creatures are being destroyed,
help us to find a way to replenish them.
Great Spirit, whose gifts to us are being lost in
selfishness and corruption,
help us to find the way to restore our humanity.
Oh, Great Spirit, whose voice I hear in the wind,
whose breath gives life to the world, hear me;
I need your strength and wisdom.
May I walk in Beauty.

Tonight I ask God to look after our sisters all over the world especially in the United Kingdom as they deal with the bombings in their underground.
Love and warm thoughts. MJB

MJB

In April, Oprah interviewed Maya Angelou on her
70+ birthday.Oprah asked her what she thought of growing
older.She said, "it was "exciting."
Regarding body changes, she
said "there were many, occurring every day...like
her breasts.They seem to be in a race to see which will
reach her waist first." She is such a simple and honest woman, with so much wisdom in her words!
Maya Angelou said this:
"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today,life does go on, and it will be better
tomorrow. I've learned that you can tell a lot about a
person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day,lost luggage,and tangled Cristmas tree lights."
"I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life. "I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as "making a life."
"I've learned that life sometimes gives you a
second chance.
"I've learned that you shouldn't go through
life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back." "I've learned that when ever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision." "I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one."
"I've learned that every day you should reach
out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a
friendly pat on the back." "I've learned that I still have a lot to learn." "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
Love and warm thoughts.MJB

beachcottage

MJ I love Maya...Thank you for sharing this stroy...It was great! xoxo,

Patti



For him in vain the envious seasons roll

Who bears eternal summer in his soul.

- Oliver Wendell Holmes, The Old Player







What wondrous life is this I lead!

Ripe apples drop about my head;

The luscious clusters of the vine

Upon my mouth do crush their wine;

The nectarine and curious peach

Into my hands themselves do reach;

Stumbling on melons, as I pass,

Ensnared with flowers, I fall on grass.

- Andrew Marvell, Thoughts in a Garden









"I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.

I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.

I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.

I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much

bigger.

I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.

I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.

I wish enough "Hello's" to get you through the final "Goodbye."



by

Bob Perks--Found on a greeting card





Wishing you all enough of

everything in life to make you happy,loved and safe...

xoxo,

Patti

beachcottage

I believe in miracles
and dreams that will come true.
I believe in tender moments
and friendship, through and through.

I believe in stardust
and moonbeams all aglow.
I believe there's magic
and more there than we know.

I believe in reaching out
and touching from the heart.
I believe that if we touch,
a gift we can impart.

I believe that if you cry
your tears are not in vain.
And when you're sad and lonely,
others know your pain.

I believe that when we laugh
a sparkle starts to shine.
And I just know that spark will spread
from more hearts than just mine.

I believe that hidden
in the quiet of the night.
There's magic moths and gypsies,
a fairy and a sprite.

I believe that if you dance
the dances of your heart,
that greater happiness will find
a brand new way to start.

I believe the gifts you have,
are there for you to share.
And when you give from the heart,
the whole world knows you care.

I believe that if you give,
even just to one.
That gift will grow in magnitude,
before the day is done.

I believe that comfort comes
from giving part of me.
And if I share with others,
there's more for all to see.

I believe that love is still
the greatest gift of all.
And when it's given from the heart,
then not one of us will fall.

~ Author - Ruth Bourdon ~

beachcottage

John Muir(1838-1914) was a naturalist, writer and conservationist......

He founded the Sierra Club

and helped preserve Yosemite Valley in California.



I stummbled across some of his work....

Enjoy..

xoxo,

Patti



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Quote by John Muir---



Everybody needs beauty as well as bread,

places to play in

and pray in,

where nature may heal

and give strength to body

and soul alike.







As long as I live, I’ll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing. I’ll interpret the rocks, learn the language of flood, storm and the avalanche. I’ll acquaint myself with the glaciers and wild gardens, and get as near to the heart of the world as I can.



Only by going alone in silence, without baggage, can one truly get into the heart of the wilderness. All other travel is mere dust and hotels and baggage and chatter.



The world’s big, and I want to have a good look at it before it gets dark.



The grand show is eternal. It is always sunrise somewhere; the dew is never all dried at once; a shower is forever falling; vapor is ever rising. Eternal sunrise, eternal sunset, eternal dawn and gloaming, on sea and continents and islands, each in its turn, as the round earth rolls.



But we little know until tried how much of the uncontrollable there is in us, urging across glaciers and torrents, and up dangerous heights, let the judgment forbid as it may.

- The Mountains of California



glaciers and wild gardens, and get as near to the heart of the world as I can.



Only by going alone in silence, without baggage, can one truly get into the heart of the wilderness. All other travel is mere dust and hotels and baggage and chatter.



The world’s big, and I want to have a good look at it before it gets dark.



The grand show is eternal. It is always sunrise somewhere; the dew is never all dried at once; a shower is forever falling; vapor is ever rising. Eternal sunrise, eternal sunset, eternal dawn and gloaming, on sea and continents and islands, each in its turn, as the round earth rolls.



But we little know until tried how much of the uncontrollable there is in us, urging across glaciers and torrents, and up dangerous heights, let the judgment forbid as it may.

- The Mountains of California









Climb the mountains,

get their good tidings

Nature's peace will flow into you

like sunshine flowing into trees.

The winds will blow

their own freshness unto you

And the storms their energy

While cares will drop off

like autumn leaves.



By John Muir...



xoxo,

Patti

MJB

"Touched by An Angel"

We, unaccustomed to courage
exiles from delight
live coiled in shells of loneliness
until love leaves its high holy temple
and comes into our sight
to liberate us into life.

Love arrives
and in its train come ecstasies
old memories of pleasure
ancient histories of pain.
Yet if we are bold,
love strikes away the chains of fear
from our souls.

We are weaned from our timidity
In the flush of love's light
we dare be brave
And suddenly we see
that love costs all we are
and will ever be.
Yet it is only love
which sets us free...Maya Angelou
Love and warm thoughts.MJB

MJB

There is PROMISE in each sun that rises,
And HOPE as each day starts anew!
There is SUNSHINE for each hour of darkness,
And STRENGTH for the work you must do!
There is GRACE to meet all of life's problems,
And HELP for the difficult place;
There is MERCY and tender COMPASSION
For all of the trials you face;
There is LOVE that is boundless and constant,
And PEACE that is quiet and true,
When you understand that God holds your hand
And is walking life's pathway with you!

"I will not fail thee , nor forsake thee."
Love and warm thoughts.MJB

MJB

"Till our world, so sad and weary,
Finds the balmy rest of peace--
Peace to silence all her discords--
Peace till war and crime shall cease.
Peace to fall like gentle showers,
Or on parch'd flowers dew,
Till our hearts proclaim with gladness:
Lo, He maketh all things new."
Frances E. W. Harper, American author, orator, and social reformer
Love and warm thoughts.MJB

MJB

The Friendly Touch

There is no feeling in this life
That I enjoy so much
As just to shake the hand of one
Who has that friendly touch.
The one who smiles and says hello
Wherever we may meet
In happiness or sorrow and in glory or defeat.
Who is not ever jealous of
Another's person's gain,
Send does not try to run and hide
Each time it looks like rain.
There is no greater comfort and
No more enduring theme,
Than just to know that someone else
Rejoices in my dream.
That someone wishes me the best
Of health and wealth and such,
And in so many other ways
Displays that friendly touch...Author Unknown

The greatest good is what we do for others."...Mother Teresa

Love and warm thoughts.MJB

MJB

Love is heaven, a gift supreme
That glorifies each thought,
each dream,
That lends a glow
to everything,
To days of winter,
summer,spring;
The autumn gold
upon the hill
Seen through its rays
grows brighter still;
While love encircling
home and hearth
Makes heaven itself
a part of earth.....Kaherine Edelman
Love and warm thoughts.MJB

MJB

" TO THE MEMORY OF THOSE BRAVE SONS AND DAUGHTERS "

FORGET THEM NOT!
THEY , TOO , HAVE LOVED THESE STATELY HILLS
DOWN SWEEPING TO THE SEA:
BUT , IN HER NEED THE HOME-LAND CALLED,
THEY WENT FOR YOU AND ME .
WITH VALIANT HEARTS AND FAITH'S CLEAR EYES,
THEY RAN THAT WE MIGHT HOLD THE PRIZE!
FORGET THEM NOT!

FORGET THEM NOT!
GLAD BOYS AND GIRLS THEY WERE , WHO FILLED THEIR HOMES
WITH LAUGHTER , HOPE AND SONG ;
SPLENDID WITH HEALTH , WITH JOYOUS LIFE,
SUPPLE OF LIMB AND STRONG ;
YET , FOR OUR SAKES THEY CHOSE THE FIGHT,
A SUN GONE DOWN , A CROSS OF WHITE.
FORGET THEM NOT!

FORGET THEM NOT!
THOUGHT WE ARE BLEST WITH YEARS OF PEACE ,
AND WAR TO YOUTH MAY SEEM
ONLY A STORY TO BE TOLD ,
TO AGE A HIDEOUS DREAM;
SHALL THEIR GREAT LOVE FORGOTTEN BE?
NO ! UNTO GOD'S ETERNITY
FORGET THEM NOT!

My heart is heavy with the news of so many fallen coalition troops . My deepest sympathy to cherished family and friends left behind . We must not forget the innocent civilians being killed in the cross fire . Sometimes we can't make sense of it . Sometimes none of it makes sense . Sometimes it just is ." ALL SHALL BE WELL " said as a simple affirmation of faith is my comfort .Love to you all my Sisters and Brothers .
Be safe, Go well . MJB (Marilyn) A Canadian BC Sister .

MJB

WILD GEESE FLYING

The humdrum world keeps turning round
It waits beyond my door,
But now and then I let it go
And find escape once more.
I see the skeins across the sky
I hear them strangely crying,
And I find freedom in my thoughts,
I join the wild geese flying.

We all have trouble in our lives
Sometimes it holds us fast,
And many people find release
By looking to the past.
But I have found my own escape
The time and tide defying,
And I can travel in my mind
I join the wild geese flying.
Love and warm thoughts.MJB

Sierra

Good Morning to All:

I dont have a prayer to post..
right now..

but.. wanted to say Amen.. to
Your beautiful poem.. prayer MJB

You know, when I see the Geese flying
overhead.. I am always amazed at their
form.. always they stay together and help each other..

I always stand on the ground and say to them:

TAKE ME WITH... have a keen desire
to join their in their journey

thank you today,
and

Sending simple but very heartfelt blessings
to all here..

Hugs.. Sierra...

MJB

I read that poem all the time it just takes me away for a minute or two.I'm happy to hear someone else is on the same wave length as me. Thank you Sierra.

Momma Is a Soldier

I woke up one bright morning
And I heard my momma say
I heard her telling Daddy
That she had to leave that day

I knew that she'd be gone awhile
Just like she was before...
And I looked with love at her smiling
face
As she walked out of the door

Oh Daddy did the best he could
He was so good and kind
I think he tried to make up for
When momma left me behind

You see she is a soldier
She must go when duty calls
But she doesn't know I don't
understand
All those papers on the wall

The last time Momma left us
My tears begin to fall
She told me not to cry for her
To watch the papers on the wall

That she'd be back to love me
And we'd laugh and play again
That she'd be leaving messages
Until we'd meet again...

She loved to serve her country
Was so I could be free
My momma was a soldier first
And then a mom to me...

Now she is an angel...
Her plane crashed in the sea
She won't be coming back
To laugh and play with me

Yes, Momma was a soldier
She stood brave and tall
Now all I have to play with
Is her medal on the wall...Author: Jene Lindaman
Love and warm thoughts.MJB

MJB

THE VALUE OF A SMILE
by Author Unknown

A smile cost nothing, but gives much.
It enriches those who receive,
without making poorer those who give.
It takes but a moment,
but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever.
None is so rich or mighty that he can get along without it, and none is so poor but that he can be made rich by it.
A smile creates happiness in the home,
fosters good will in business,
and is the countersign of friendship.
It brings rest to the weary,
cheer to the discouraged,
sunshine to the sad,
and is nature's best antidote for trouble.
Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen,
for it is something that is of no value to anyone
until it is given away.
Some people are too tired to give you a smile.
Give them one of yours,
as none needs a smile so much as he who has no more to give.
Love and warm thoughts.MJB

MJB

Phenomenal Woman"

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It's the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.
I say,
It's in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman

Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me...MAYA ANGELOU
Love and warm thoughts.MJB

Boop

God Is In Every Tomorrow

God is in every tomorrow,
Therefore I live for today;
Certain of finding at sunrise
Guidance and strength for the day,
Power for each moment of weakness,
Hope for each moment of pain
Comfort for every sorrow
Sunshine and joy after rain.

God is in every tomorrow,
Planning for you and for me,
E'en in the dark I will follow,
Trust where my eyes cannot see,
Stilled by His promise of blessing,
Soothed by the touch of His hand,
Confident in His protection,
Knowing my life-path is planned.

God is in every tomorrow,
Life with its changes may come,
He is behind and before me,
While in the distance shines Home.
Home-where not thoughts of tomorrow
Ever can shadow my brow,
Home in the presence of Jesus,
Through all Eternity now!
--Author Unknown--

Hugs and God Bless,
Cherie

MJB

"Million Man March Poem"



The night has been long,

The wound has been deep,

The pit has been dark,

And the walls have been steep.



Under a dead blue sky on a distant beach,

I was dragged by my braids just beyond your reach.

Your hands were tied, your mouth was bound,

You couldn't even call out my name.

You were helpless and so was I,

But unfortunately throughout history

You've worn a badge of shame.



I say, the night has been long,

The wound has been deep,

The pit has been dark

And the walls have been steep.



But today, voices of old spirit sound

Speak to us in words profound,

Across the years, across the centuries,

Across the oceans, and across the seas.

They say, draw near to one another,

Save your race.

You have been paid for in a distant place,

The old ones remind us that slavery's chains

Have paid for our freedom again and again.



The night has been long,

The pit has been deep,

The night has been dark,

And the walls have been steep.



The hells we have lived through and live through still,

Have sharpened our senses and toughened our will.

The night has been long.

This morning I look through your anguish

Right down to your soul.

I know that with each other we can make ourselves whole.

I look through the posture and past your disguise,

And see your love for family in your big brown eyes.



I say, clap hands and let's come together in this meeting ground,

I say, clap hands and let's deal with each other with love,

I say, clap hands and let us get from the low road of indifference,

Clap hands, let us come together and reveal our hearts,

Let us come together and revise our spirits,

Let us come together and cleanse our souls,

Clap hands, let's leave the preening

And stop impostering our own history.

Clap hands, call the spirits back from the ledge,

Clap hands, let us invite joy into our conversation,

Courtesy into our bedrooms,

Gentleness into our kitchen,

Care into our nursery.



The ancestors remind us, despite the history of pain

We are a going-on people who will rise again.



And still we rise...Maya Angelou

Love and warm thoughts. MJB

MJB

THE FOLLY OF BEING COMFORTED

ONE that is ever kind said yesterday:
"Your well-beloved's hair has threads of grey,
And little shadows come about her eyes;
Time can but make it easier to be wise
Though now it seems impossible, and so
All that you need is patience."

Heart cries, "No,

I have not a crumb of comfort, not a grain.
Time can but make her beauty over again:
Because of that great nobleness of hers
The fire that stirs about her, when she stirs,
Burns but more clearly. O she had not these ways
When all the wild Summer was in her gaze."

O heart! O heart! if she'd but turn her head,
You'd know the folly of being comforted...William Butler Yeats
Love and warm thoughts.MJB

MJB

ONE TRU DAY

I`m in a quandry
Trying to figure out my life
too many boundaries
Cut it all away with a knife
that ain't the answer
Gotta figure out my own way
gonna God bless the day
when my life is no longer gray
till that day I`ve got to pray
to go on
with what i gotta do
go to school
get an education
get some dedication
find my goals
save my money
get that Beamer, Lex & Rolls
find my one true Lady
have a family
like the Brady`s
This is all i hope for
Maybe i`ll get much more...lil lelei
Love and warm thoughts.MJB

Boop

A Simple Hug




There's something in a simple hug
That always warms the heart;
It welcomes us back home
And makes it easier to part.

A hug's a way to share the joy
And sad times we go through,
Or just a way for friends to say
They like you 'cause you're you.

Hugs are meant for anyone
For whom we really care,
From your grandma to your neighbor,
Or a cuddly teddy bear.

A hug is an amazing thing -
It's just the perfect way
To show the love we're feeling
But can't find the words to say.

It's funny how a little hug
Makes everyone feel good;
In every place and language,
It's always understood.

And hugs don't need new equipment,
Special batteries or parts
Just open up your arms
And open up your hearts



Hugs and God Bless,
Cherie

MJB

Wine and Water
by G.K.Chesterton

Old Noah he had an ostrich farm and fowls on the largest scale,
He ate his egg with a ladle in a egg-cup big as a pail,
And the soup he took was Elephant Soup and fish he took was Whale,
But they all were small to the cellar he took when he set out to sail,
And Noah he often said to his wife when he sat down to dine,
"I don't care where the water goes if it doesn't get into the wine."
The cataract of the cliff of heaven fell blinding off the brink
As if it would wash the stars away as suds go down a sink,
The seven heavens came roaring down for the throats of hell to drink,
And Noah he cocked his eye and said, "It looks like rain, I think,
The water has drowned the Matterhorn as deep as a Mendip mine,
But I don't care where the water goes if it doesn't get into the wine."
But Noah he sinned, and we have sinned; on tipsy feet we trod,
Till a great big black teetotaller was sent to us for a rod,
And you can't get wine at a P.S.A., or chapel, or Eisteddfod,
For the Curse of Water has come again because of the wrath of God,
And water is on the Bishop's board and the Higher Thinker's shrine,
But I don't care where the water goes if it doesn't get into the wine.
Cheers. Love and warm thoughts.MJB

MJB

Three Old Men
A woman came out of her house and saw 3 old men with long white beards sitting in her front yard. She did not recognize them. She said I don't think I know you, but you must be hungry. Please come in and have something to eat; Is the man of the house home?, they asked. No, she said. He's out. Then we cannot come in, they replied.

In the evening when her husband came home, she told him what had happened. Go tell them I am home and invite them in! The woman went out and invited the men in. We do not go into a House together, they replied. Why is that? she wanted to know. One of the old men explained: ;His name is Wealth,; he said pointing to one of his friends, and said pointing to another one, He is Success, and I am Love.; Then he added, Now go in and discuss with your husband which one of us you want in your home; The woman went in and told her husband what was said. Her husband was overjoyed.

Wealth. Let him come and fill our home with wealth! His wife disagreed. My dear, why don't we invite Success? Their daughter-in-law was listening from the other corner of the house. She jumped in with her own suggestion: Would it not be better to invite Love? Our home will then be filled with love! Let us heed our daughter-in-law's advice, said the husband to his wife. Go out and invite Love to be our guest. The woman went out and asked the 3 old men, Which one of you is Love?

Please come in and be our guest.; Love got up and started walking toward the house. The other 2 also got up and followed him. Surprised, the lady asked Wealth and Success: I only invited Love, Why are you coming in?; The old men replied together: ; If you had invited Wealth or Success, the other two of us would've stayed out, but since you invited Love, wherever He goes, we go with him. Wherever there is Love, there is also Wealth and Success!...Author Unknown.
Love and warm thoughts.MJB

MJB

ANOTHER DAY


Another day is gone, the end of night is here.

What did this day mean, was it all in vain I fear.

What in this day did I accomplish, and what good

Deeds did I do.

The thought of what I have done today,

Going a thousand miles to help a stranger.

Going one step for a loved one.

Will it really mean anything tomorrow is what in my

Mind will linger.

Will any single person remember when a hundred

Years are gone.

Another day is gone; the end of the night is here.

What did this day mean, was it all in vain I fear...Alan Hart
Love and warm thoughts.MJB

MJB

Hope is the thing

Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without the words,
And never stops at all,

And sweetest in the gale is heard;
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.

I've heard it in the chillest land,
And on the strangest sea;
Yet, never, in extremity,
It asked a crumb of me...Emily Dickinson
Love and warm thoughts.MJB