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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 5/20/2007 10:03:27 PM
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Smokymtnsanta
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A Creation Myth
On the first day, God created the dog and said: "Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past. For this, I will give you a life span of twenty years."
The dog said: "That's a long time to be barking. How about only ten years and I'll give you back the other ten?"
So God agreed.
On the second day, God created the monkey and said: "Entertain people, do tricks, and make them laugh. For this, I'll give you a twenty-year life span."
The monkey said: "Monkey tricks for twenty years? That's a pretty long time to perform. How about I give you back ten like the dog did?"
And God agreed.
On the third day, God created the cow and said:"You must go into the field with the farmer all day long and suffer under the sun, have calves and give milk to support the farmer's family For this, I will give you a life span of sixty Years."
The cow said: "That's kind of a tough life you want me to live for sixty years. How about twenty and I'll give back the other forty?"
And God agreed again.
On the fourth day, God created man and said: "Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life. For this, I'll give you twenty years."
But man said: "Only twenty years? Could you possibly give me my twenty, the forty the cow gave back, the ten the monkey gave back, and the ten the dog gave back; that makes eighty, okay?"
"Okay," said God, "You asked for it."
So that is why for our first twenty years we eat, sleep, play and enjoy ourselves. For the next forty years we slave in the sun to support our family. For the next ten years we do monkey tricks to entertain the grandchildren. And for the last ten years we sit on the front porch and bark at everyone.
Life has now been explained to you.
_____________________________
Visit www.smokymountainsanta.com
The place to be in the Smokies:
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"Jesus Is The Reason For All Seasons"
The heaviest thing I carry is a grudge.
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 5/21/2007 11:02:44 AM
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Smokymtnsanta
Posts: 13820
Joined: 6/13/2006
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Cleaning Lady.
During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student
And had breezed through the questions until I read the last one:
"What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?"
Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall,
Dark-haired and in her 50s, but how would I know her name?
I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked ! If the last question would count toward our quiz grade.
"Absolutely," said the professor. "In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say "hello."
I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy.
< Message edited by Smokymtnsanta -- 5/21/2007 12:53:17 PM >
_____________________________
Visit www.smokymountainsanta.com
The place to be in the Smokies:
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"Jesus Is The Reason For All Seasons"
The heaviest thing I carry is a grudge.
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 5/21/2007 1:00:55 PM
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Smokymtnsanta
Posts: 13820
Joined: 6/13/2006
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From God
Effective immediately, please be aware that there are changes YOU need to make in YOUR life.
These changes need to be completed in order that I may fulfill My promises to you to grant you peace, joy and happiness in this life.
I apologize for any inconvenience, but after all that I am doing, this seems very little to ask of you.
Please, follow these 10 guidelines
1. QUIT WORRYING:
Life has dealt you a blow and all you do is sit and worry.
Have you forgotten that I am here to take all your burdens and carry them for you?
Or do you just enjoy fretting over every little thing that comes your way?
2. PUT IT ON THE LIST:
Something needs done or taken care of.
Put it on the list.
No, not YOUR list.
Put it on MY to-do-list.
Let ME be the one to take care of the problem.
I can't help you until you turn it over to Me.
And although My to-do-list is long, I am after all...God.
I can take care of anything you put into My hands.
In fact, if the truth were ever really known, I take care of a lot of things for you that you never even realize.
3. TRUST ME:
Once you've given your burdens to Me, quit trying to take them back.
Trust in Me.
Have the faith that I will take care of all your needs, your problems and your trials.
Problems with the kids?
Put them on My list.
Problem with finances?
Put it on My list.
Problems with your emotional roller coaster?
For My sake, put it on My list.
I want to help you.
All you have to do is ask.
(More to come)
_____________________________
Visit www.smokymountainsanta.com
The place to be in the Smokies:
www.hiddenmountain.com
"Jesus Is The Reason For All Seasons"
The heaviest thing I carry is a grudge.
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 5/22/2007 12:51:37 AM
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Smokymtnsanta
Posts: 13820
Joined: 6/13/2006
From: The North
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From God
4. LEAVE IT ALONE:
Don't wake up one morning and say, "Well, I'm feeling much stronger now, I think I can handle it from here."
Why do you think you are feeling stronger now?
It's simple.
You gave Me your burdens and I'm taking care of them.
I also renew your strength and cover you in my peace.
Don't you know that if I give you these problems back, you will be right back where you started?
Leave them with Me and forget about them.
Just let Me do my job.
5. TALK TO ME:
I want you to forget a lot of things.
Forget what was making you crazy.
Forget the worry and the fretting because you know I'm in control.
But there's one thing I pray you never forget.
Please, don't forget to talk to Me - OFTEN!
I love YOU!
I want to hear your voice.
I want you to include Me in on the things going on in your life.
I want to hear you talk about your friends and family.
Prayer is simply you having a conversation with Me.
I want to be your dearest friend.
(More To Come)
_____________________________
Visit www.smokymountainsanta.com
The place to be in the Smokies:
www.hiddenmountain.com
"Jesus Is The Reason For All Seasons"
The heaviest thing I carry is a grudge.
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 5/23/2007 1:49:47 PM
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Smokymtnsanta
Posts: 13820
Joined: 6/13/2006
From: The North
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Rules from God for 2007----The 7 Ups
1. Wake Up !!
Decide to have a good day. "Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" Psalms 118:24
2. Dress Up !!
The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart." I Samuel 16:7
3 Shut Up!!
Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking. "He who guards his lips guards his soul." Proverbs 13:3
4. Stand Up!!...
For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything.. "Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..." Galatians 6:9-10
5. Look Up !!...
To the Lord. "I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
6. Reach Up !!...
For something higher. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6
7. Lift Up !!...
Your Prayers. "Do not worry about anything; Instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING." Philippians 4:6
_____________________________
Visit www.smokymountainsanta.com
The place to be in the Smokies:
www.hiddenmountain.com
"Jesus Is The Reason For All Seasons"
The heaviest thing I carry is a grudge.
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 5/23/2007 1:59:57 PM
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Smokymtnsanta
Posts: 13820
Joined: 6/13/2006
From: The North
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From God!
6. HAVE FAITH:
I see a lot of things from up here that you can't see from where you are.
Have faith in Me that I know what I'm doing.
Trust Me; you wouldn't want the view from My eyes.
I will continue to care for you, watch over you, and meet your needs.
You only have to trust Me.
Although I have a much bigger task than you, it seems as if you have so much trouble just doing your simple part.
How hard can trust be?
7. SHARE:
You were taught to share when you were only two years old.
When did you forget?
That rule still applies.
Share with those who are less fortunate than you.
Share your joy with those who need encouragement.
Share your laughter with those who haven't heard any in such a long time.
Share your tears with those who have forgotten how to cry.
Share your faith with those who have none.
(More To Come)
_____________________________
Visit www.smokymountainsanta.com
The place to be in the Smokies:
www.hiddenmountain.com
"Jesus Is The Reason For All Seasons"
The heaviest thing I carry is a grudge.
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 5/23/2007 6:51:06 PM
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Smokymtnsanta
Posts: 13820
Joined: 6/13/2006
From: The North
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THE FINAL INSPECTION
The Marine stood and faced God, Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining, Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, Marine, How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek? To My Church have you been true?"
The soldier squared his shoulders and said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns, Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays, And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent, Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny, That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime, When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help, Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place, Among the people here.
They never wanted me around, Except to calm their fears
If you've a place for me here, Lord, It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much, But if you don't, I'll understand.
There was a silence all around the throne, Where the saints had often trod.
As the Marine waited quietly, For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, you Marine, You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets, You've done your time in Hell."
~Author Unknown~
_____________________________
Visit www.smokymountainsanta.com
The place to be in the Smokies:
www.hiddenmountain.com
"Jesus Is The Reason For All Seasons"
The heaviest thing I carry is a grudge.
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 5/24/2007 9:10:50 AM
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Smokymtnsanta
Posts: 13820
Joined: 6/13/2006
From: The North
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From God
8. BE PATIENT:
I managed to fix it so in just one lifetime you could have so many diverse experiences.
You grow from a child to an adult, have children, change jobs many times, learn many trades, travel to so many places, meet thousands of people, and experience so much.
How can you be so impatient then when it takes Me a little longer than you expect to handle something on My to-do-list? Trust in My timing, for My timing is perfect.
Just because I created the entire universe in only six days, everyone thinks I should always rush, rush, rush.
9. BE KIND:
Be kind to others, for I love them just as much as I love you.
They may not dress like you, or talk like you, or live the same way you do, but I still love you all.
Please try to get along, for My sake. I created each of you different in some way.
It would be too boring if you were all identical. Please, know I love each of your differences.
10. LOVE YOURSELF:
As much as I love you, how can you not love yourself?
You were created by me for one reason only -- to be loved, and to love in return
I am a God of Love. Love Me. Love your neighbors. But also love yourself.
It makes My heart ache when I see you so angry with yourself when things go wrong.
You are very precious to me. Don't ever forget......
_____________________________
Visit www.smokymountainsanta.com
The place to be in the Smokies:
www.hiddenmountain.com
"Jesus Is The Reason For All Seasons"
The heaviest thing I carry is a grudge.
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 5/24/2007 11:24:56 AM
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Smokymtnsanta
Posts: 13820
Joined: 6/13/2006
From: The North
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Little Leroy came into the kitchen where his mother was making dinner. His birthday was coming up and he thought this was a good time to tell his Mother what he wanted. "Mom, I want a bike for my birthday." Little Leroy was a bit of a troublemaker. He had gotten into trouble at school and at home.
Leroy's mother asked him if he thought he deserved to get a bike for his birthday. Little Leroy, of course, thought he did. Leroy's mother, being a Christian woman, wanted him to reflect on his behavior over the last year and write a letter to God to tell him why he deserved a bike for his birthday. Little Leroy stomped up the steps to his room and sat down to write God a letter.
LETTER 1: Dear God, I have been a very good boy this year and I would like a bike for my birthday. I want a red one. Your friend, Leroy.
Leroy knew this wasn't true. He had not been a very good boy this year, so he tore up the letter
and started again.
LETTER 2: Dear God, This is your friend Leroy. I have been a pretty good boy this year, and I would like a red bike for my birthday Thank you, Leroy.
Leroy knew this wasn't true either. He tore up the letter and started again.
LETTER 3: Dear God, I have been an OK boy this year and I would really like a red bike for my birthday.
Leroy knew he could not send this letter to God either. He was very upset.
He went downstairs and told his mother he wanted to go to church.
Leroy's mother thought her plan had worked because Leroy looked very sad.
"Just be home in time for dinner," his Mother said.
Leroy walked down the street to the church and up to the altar. He looked around to see if anyone was there. He picked up a statue of the Virgin Mary. He slipped it under his shirt and ran out of the church, down the street, into his house, and up to his room. He shut the door and sat down with a piece of paper and a pen. Leroy began to write another letter to God.'
LETTER 4: I'VE GOT YOUR MOM. IF YOU WANT TO SEE HER AGAIN, SEND THE BIKE.
Signed, YOU KNOW WHO.
_____________________________
Visit www.smokymountainsanta.com
The place to be in the Smokies:
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"Jesus Is The Reason For All Seasons"
The heaviest thing I carry is a grudge.
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 5/24/2007 1:11:31 PM
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Smokymtnsanta
Posts: 13820
Joined: 6/13/2006
From: The North
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From Heartwarmers:
AETERNUM VALE
by Jerry A. Plantz
If all of America could experience, just once, my unforgettable day last Memorial Day at a local veterans' cemetery, then the worrisome portent, "died in vain" would not merit existence because
we would never forget or allow our patriotism to retreat into dormancy.
I had come to pay homage to a friend who died a hero in the war. As I prayed over his grave I could hear the sound of taps over the hill culminating in a ceremony by the local veterans groups. It brought a smile to my face as I placed the flowers on Tom's grave.
The sky was like a painting with the sun in all its brilliance. I could see commercial jets splitting the blue sky with white contrails. How serene. How peaceful. Even the wind remembered how
important this day was for it came by to say hello and gently moved all the adorning flags in a mild torrent of waves.
Then, the patriotic wind moved on, and as if a non-verbal command were given, the flags, in unison, came to parade-rest. How befitting on this national day of remembrance.
I started to walk aimlessly just pondering about Tom and his sacrifice to our country. As I walked past the scores of crosses and Stars of David, with their adorned epitaphs of garlands and flags, my stoic defenses came crashing down again as I was overwhelmed with
remorse and sorrow.
These were my fellow Americans who believed in honor, duty, God and country. They were all strangers, but not really, not when they are your countrymen.
I bowed my head in reverence thinking "so many, so many resting souls, too many conflicts, too many wars." And I whispered a soft "thank you."
Soon a unique sensation descended upon me as if these fallen comrades knew I was there. I sensed they were collectively placing their arms around me as if to comfort me. And in my heart I knew their souls were saying, "We understand my countryman and it pleases us. Thank you for remembering us on this day, now go and enjoy your freedom and live, and tell all, for that is why we are here."
A glimmer of a smile accompanied my glistening eyes. Instinctively, as if an officer had suddenly appeared before me, I began a slow and deliberate salute.
With taps slowly playing in my heart I tearfully walked away and with one final smile of admiration and appreciation I turned and said, "You did not die in vain, Aeternum Vale, farewell forever."
-- Jerry A. Plantz <poetusa at swbell.net>
___________________________________________
Jerry is a speaker, author and poet. He wrote the popular poem "I Held the Flag Today" and just released his second book, More Words of Patriotism. He resides in Lee's Summit, Missouri, just south of Kansas City. Aeternum vale is Latin for farewell.
_____________________________
Visit www.smokymountainsanta.com
The place to be in the Smokies:
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"Jesus Is The Reason For All Seasons"
The heaviest thing I carry is a grudge.
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 5/26/2007 2:21:41 PM
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Smokymtnsanta
Posts: 13820
Joined: 6/13/2006
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Memorial Day is Everyday
hhttp://llerrah.com/memorialdayeveryday.htm
_____________________________
Visit www.smokymountainsanta.com
The place to be in the Smokies:
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"Jesus Is The Reason For All Seasons"
The heaviest thing I carry is a grudge.
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 5/28/2007 12:32:05 AM
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Smokymtnsanta
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Joined: 6/13/2006
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http://www.flashdemo.net/gallery/wake/index.htm
Regardless of our political party affiliation, we all should pray for the safety of our troops, and we should support those loved ones who await their safe return. We should also pray for those who mourn their lost loved ones, as well as for those who have given their lives for our country.
This soldier video is moving and heartwarming.
_____________________________
Visit www.smokymountainsanta.com
The place to be in the Smokies:
www.hiddenmountain.com
"Jesus Is The Reason For All Seasons"
The heaviest thing I carry is a grudge.
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 5/28/2007 1:09:40 PM
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Smokymtnsanta
Posts: 13820
Joined: 6/13/2006
From: The North
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I receive these stories from Bob Perks 2 or 3 times a week. They are almost always inspirational. I wanted to share todays story with you. God Bless! Santa
All stories copyright 2007 Bob Perks
Today's message: "I saw your eyes" By Bob Perks
I have seen your face a thousand times. Our eyes connected quickly, moving on to the next, still other times they lingered for a while. No, you wouldn't remember me. We really never met.
But those eyes pierced my soul. I didn't look at them, I tried desperately to look into them. I wanted to know what you were thinking at that moment. Did you know? You couldn't have, and yet, they warned you ahead of time.
After all it was war.
Perhaps you thought it would be some other guy, "Not me! I going home after this!" you thought.
When I was a kid those soldier boy images flashed across the big screen and I sat in awe of it all. This wide eyed child wanted to be just like you. My friends and I ran along the rail road tracks or down behind the baseball field with thoughts of war and John Wayne's triumphant spirit. It was real in my mind, but just a game all the same. But not for you.
I can't remember when it suddenly hit me, but it did. All at once I knew. Those eyes I'd seen a thousand times on television news reports or historical documentaries were real. They had names, like Joe, Fred, and Bill. Becky, Judith and Ann Marie. This wasn't the movies.
Some were running, diving to the ground. Others lying there motionless, lifeless. John Wayne wasn't in this scene, you were heroes now.
I saw your eyes and behind them I knew there were mothers, fathers, wives and husbands somewhere back home, like Brooklyn, Scranton, Mill Creek, or Little Rock. Perhaps there were children waiting, too.
In awkward moments waving at the camera, cheering, thumbs up, happy times, I looked into your eyes and thought, "He doesn't know...right then, he thought he'd make it ought of there."
The narrator says, "More than a thousand men were lost in this battle!" "More than 60% of these men would die the next day."
This was history captured on film and you are history now. Down the road a bit that day, perhaps just hours, maybe weeks after they caught you smiling for the camera, you were gone.
On this Memorial Day, I want you to know that am grateful to you for your sacrifice.
I never met you. But, I want you to know I saw your eyes.
"I believe in you!" Bob
I encourage you to share my stories but I do ask that you keep my name and
contact information with my work.
_____________________________
Visit www.smokymountainsanta.com
The place to be in the Smokies:
www.hiddenmountain.com
"Jesus Is The Reason For All Seasons"
The heaviest thing I carry is a grudge.
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 5/28/2007 6:19:13 PM
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DeeAnnBailey
Posts: 2122
Joined: 3/23/2006
From: SC
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Smokymtnsanta
Love Unconditionally - Memorial Day greeting
http://www.dobhran.com/greetings/GRmemorial3.htm
I'd hear that one before but it is good to be reminded!!!
_____________________________
D. Ann Bailey
'When you stand beside my coffin, just know that I'll be walking Safe On The Glory Side'.
<<<Matt Holt, My Favorite Pianist of the Year!!!!
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 5/28/2007 6:37:33 PM
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Smokymtnsanta
Posts: 13820
Joined: 6/13/2006
From: The North
Status: offline
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One day, the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how poor people live. They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family.
On their return from their trip, the father asked his son, "How was the trip?"
"It was great, Dad."
"Did you see how poor people live?" the father asked.
"Oh yeah," said the son.
"So, tell me, what did you learn from the trip?" asked the father.
The son answered:
"I saw that we have one dog and they had four.
We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end.
We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night.
Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon.
We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight.
We have servants who serve us, but they serve others.
We buy our food, but they grow theirs.
We have walls around our property to protect us, they have friends to protect them."
The boy's father was speechless. Then his son added, "Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are."
Isn't perspective a wonderful thing? Makes you wonder what would happen if we all gave thanks for everything we have, instead of worrying about what we don't have.
Appreciate every single thing you have, especially your family and friends!
_____________________________
Visit www.smokymountainsanta.com
The place to be in the Smokies:
www.hiddenmountain.com
"Jesus Is The Reason For All Seasons"
The heaviest thing I carry is a grudge.
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