Random Thoughts

Give these flowers to everyone you don't want to lose.....

2011-09-16T22:56:00.001+05:30

'To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did.'

When God takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better.. Concentrate on this sentence... 'The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you' Something good will happen to you today; something that you have been waiting to hear.

There comes a point in your life when you realize:

Who matters,
Who never did,
Who won't anymore...
And who always will.
So, don't worry about people from your past,
there's a reason why they didn't make it to your future.

Quite touching !

2011-08-25T22:32:00.002+05:30

This about Mr. Zavere Poonawala who is a well-known industrialist in Pune. He had this driver named Ganga Datt with him for the last 30 years on his limousine, which was originally owned by Acharya Rajneesh.

Ganga Datt passed away recently and at that time Mr. Poonawala was in Mumbai for some important work. As soon as he heard the news, he cancelled all his meetings, requested the driver's family to await him for the cremation and came back to Pune immediately by a helicopter.

On reaching Pune he asked the limo to be decorated with flowers as he wished Ganga Datt should be taken in the same car which he himself had driven since the beginning. When Ganga Datt's family agreed to his wishes, he himself drove Ganga Datt from his home up to the ghat on his last journey.

When asked about it, Mr. Poonawala replied that Ganga Datt had served him day and night and he could at least do this being eternally grateful for him. He further added that Ganga Datt rose up from poverty and educated both his children very well. His daughter is a Chartered accountant which is commendable.

His comment in the end, is the essence of a successful life in all aspects:.
“Everybody earns money which is nothing unusual, but we should always be grateful to those people who contribute for our success. This is the belief, we have been brought up with which made me do, what I did”.

Yes there is God....

2011-08-25T21:05:00.000+05:30

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him. Every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect himself from the elements, and to store his few possessions. One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, with smoke rolling
up to the sky. He felt the worst had happened, and everything was lost.

He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger. He cried out, "God! How could you do this to me?" Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island! It had come to rescue him! "How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied.

The Moral of This Story:

It's easy to get discouraged when things are going bad,
but we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of our pain and suffering. Remember that the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground. It just may be a smoke signal that summons the Grace of God.

--

I BELIEVE

2011-05-25T11:57:00.002+05:30

The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything;
They just make the most of everything they have.

A Birth Certificate shows that we were born
A Death Certificate shows that we died
Pictures show that we live!
Have a seat.

Relax . . .
and read this slowly.

I Believe...
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 love each other.

I Believe...
That we don't have to change friends if
We understand that friends change.

I Believe....
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 Believe.....
That true friendship continues to grow,
even over the longest distance.
Same goes for true love.

I Believe...
That you can do something in an instant
That will give you heartache for life.

I Believe....
That it's taking me a long time
To become the person I want to be.

I Believe....
That you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I Believe....
That we are responsible for what
We do, no matter how we feel.

I Believe...
That either you control your attitude or it controls you

I Believe....
That heroes are the people
who do what has to be done
when it needs to be done,
regardless of the consequences

I Believe....
That my best friend and I
can do anything or nothing
and have the best time..

I Believe....
That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're
down will be the ones to help you get back up.

I Believe..
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 Believe...
That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had
And what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I Believe.....
That it isn't always enough,
to be forgiven by others.
Sometimes, you have to learn
to forgive yourself.

I Believe...
That no matter how bad
your heart is broken,
the world doesn't stop for your grief..

I Believe....
That our background and circumstances
may have influenced who we are, but,
we are responsible for who we become.

I Believe...
That you shouldn't be
so eager to find out a secret.
It could change your life forever.

I Believe....
Two people can look at the exact same
Thing and see something totally different.

I Believe...
That your life can be changed
in a matter of hours
by people who don't even know you.

I Believe...
That even when you think
you have no more to give,
When a friend cries out to you,
you will find the strength to help.

I Believe...
That credentials on the wall
do not make you a decent human being.

I Believe...
That the people you care about
most in life are taken from you too soon.

( 'I believe'..Is an extract from a chain e-mail forwarded by a frd... Source unknown)

A Tale Of Two Seas

2011-02-24T09:59:00.002+05:30

Sitting in the Geography class in school, I remember how fascinated I was when we were being taught all about the Dead Sea.

As you probably recall, the Dead Sea is really a Lake, not a sea (and as my Geography teacher pointed out, if you understood that, it would guarantee 4 marks in the term paper!)

Its so high in salt content that the human body can float easily. You can almost lie down and read a book! The salt in the Dead Sea is as high as 35% - almost 10 times the normal ocean water. And all that saltiness has meant that there is no life at all in the Dead Sea. No fish. No vegetation. No sea animals. Nothing lives in the Dead sea.

And hence the name: Dead Sea.

While the Dead Sea has remained etched in my memory, I don't seem to recall learning about the Sea of Galilee in my school Geography lesson. So when I heard about the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea and the tale of the two seas - I was intrigued.

Turns out that the Sea of Galilee is just north of the Dead Sea. Both the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea receive their water from river Jordan. And yet, they are very, very different.

Unlike the Dead Sea, the Sea of Galilee is pretty, resplendent with rich, colorful marine life. There are lots of plants. And lots of fish too. In fact, the sea of Galilee is home to over twenty different types of fishes.

Same region, same source of water, and yet while one sea is full of life, the other is dead. How come?

Here apparently why. The River Jordan flows into the Sea of Galilee and then flows out. The water simply passes through the Sea of Galilee in and then out - and that keeps the Sea healthy and vibrant, teeming with marine life.

But the Dead Sea is so far below the mean sea level, that it has no outlet. The water flows in from the river Jordan, but does not flow out. There are no outlet streams. It is estimated that over 7 million tons of water evaporate from the Dead Sea every day. Leaving it salty. Too full of minerals. And unfit for any marine life.

The Dead Sea takes water from the River Jordan, and holds it. It does not give. Result? No life at all.

Think about it.

Life is not just about getting. It’s about giving. We all need to be a bit like the Sea of Galilee.

We are fortunate to get wealth, knowledge, love and respect. But if we don't learn to give, we could all end up like the Dead Sea. The love and the respect, the wealth and the knowledge could all evaporate. Like the water in the Dead Sea.

If we get the Dead Sea mentality of merely taking in more water, more money, more everything the results can be disastrous.

Good idea to make sure that in the sea of your own life, you have outlets. Many outlets. For love and wealth - and everything else that you get in your life. Make sure you don't just get, you give too.

Open the taps. And you'll open the floodgates to happiness.

Make that a habit. To share. To give.

And experience life. Experience the magic!

THOTS OF THE DAY

2011-02-08T21:10:00.003+05:30

Prayer is not a "spare wheel" that you pull out when in trouble, but
it is a "steering wheel" that directs the right path throughout.

Do you know why a Car's WINDSHIELD is so large & the Rear view Mirror
is so small? Because our PAST is not as important as our FUTURE. Look
Ahead and Move on.

Friendship is like a BOOK. It takes few seconds to burn, but it takes
years to write.

All things in life are temporary. If going well, enjoy it, they will
not last forever. If going wrong, don't worry, they can't last long
either.

Old Friends are Gold! New Friends are Diamond! If you get a Diamond,
don't forget the Gold! Because to hold a Diamond, you always need a
Base of Gold!

Often when we lose hope and think this is the end, GOD smiles from
above and says, "Relax, sweetheart, it's just a bend, not the end!

When GOD solves your problems, you have faith in HIS abilities; when
GOD doesn't solve your problems HE has faith in your abilities.

A blind person asked wise man: "Can there be anything worse than
losing eye sight?"
He replied: "Yes, losing your vision!"

When you pray for others, God listens to you and blesses them, and
sometimes, when you are safe and happy, remember that someone has
prayed for you.

WORRYING does not take away tomorrows' TROUBLES, it takes away today's PEACE

Two Choices

2010-11-29T12:19:00.000+05:30

What would you do?....you make the choice. Don't look for a punch line, there isn't one. Read it anyway. My question is: Would you have made the same choice?
At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves children with learning disabilities, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question:
'When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does, is done with perfection.
Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do.
Where is the natural order of things in my son?'
The audience was stilled by the query.
The father continued. 'I believe that when a child like Shay, who was mentally and physically disabled comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way other people treat that child.'
Then he told the following story:
Shay and I had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, 'Do you think they'll let me play?' I knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but as a father I also understood that if my son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.
I approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not expecting much) if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance and said, 'We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning.'
Shay struggled over to the team's bench and, with a broad smile, put on a team shirt. I watched with a small tear in my eye and warmth in my heart. The boys saw my joy at my son being accepted.
In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three.
In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as I waved to him from the stands.
In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again.
Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.
At this juncture, do the others let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game?
Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball.
However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher, recognizing that the other team was putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make contact.
The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed.
The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay.
As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher.
The game would now be over.
The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman.
Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game.
Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first baseman's head, out of reach of all team mates.
Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, 'Shay, run to first!
Run to first!'
Never in his life had Shay ever run that far, but he made it to first base.
He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled.
Everyone yelled, 'Run to second, run to second!'
Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to the base.
By the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball. The smallest guy on their team who now had his first chance to be the hero for his team.
He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions so he, too, intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman's head.
Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home.
All were screaming, 'Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay'
Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him by turning him in the direction of third base, and shouted, 'Run to third!
Shay, run to third!'
As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators, were on their feet screaming, 'Shay, run home! Run home!'
Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the grand slam and won the game for his team
'That day', said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, 'the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world'.
Shay didn't make it to another summer. He died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making me so happy, and coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day !
AND NOW A LITTLE FOOT NOTE TO THIS STORY:
We all have thousands of opportunities every single day to help realize the 'natural order of things.'
So many seemingly trivial interactions between two people present us with a choice:
Do we pass along a little spark of love and humanity or do we pass up those opportunities and leave the world a little bit colder in the process?
A wise man once said every society is judged by how it treats it's least fortunate amongst them.
May your day, be a Shay Day.

The Socrates Triple Filter Test

2010-10-10T17:57:00.001+05:30

In ancient Greece, Socrates was reputed to hold knowledge in high esteem.

One day an acquaintance met the great philosopher and said, "Do you know what I just heard about your friend?"

Hold on a minute," Socrates replied. "Before telling me anything, I'd like you to pass a little test. It's called the Triple Filter Test."

Triple filter?"

That's right," Socrates continued. "Before you talk to me about my friend, it might be a good idea to take a moment and filter what you're going to say. That's why I call it the triple filter test.

The first filter is TRUTH. Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true?"

No," the man said, "actually I just heard about it and..."

All right," said Socrates. "So you don't really know if it's true or not. Now let's try the second filter, the filter of GOODNESS. Is what you are about to tell me about my friend something good?"

No, on the contrary..."

So," Socrates continued, "you want to tell me something bad about him, but you're not certain it's true. You may still pass the test though, because there's one filter left: the filter of USEFULNESS. Is what you want to tell me about my friend going to be useful to me?"

No, not really."

Well," concluded Socrates, "if what you want to tell me is neither true nor good nor even useful, why tell it to me at all?"

This is why Socrates was a great philosopher & held in such high esteem. Friends, use this triple filter each time you hear loose talk about any of your near & dear friends.

One on the most convincing pieces on happiness.

2010-10-01T09:47:00.001+05:30

EIGHT CLUES TO HAPPINESS
By- KHUSHWANT SINGH

Having lived a reasonably contented life, I was musing over what a person should strive for to achieve happiness. I drew up a list of a few essentials which I put forward for the readers' appraisal.

1. First and foremost is GOOD HEALTH. If you do not enjoy good health you can never be happy. Any ailment, however trivial, will deduct from your happiness.

2. Second, A HEALTHY BANK BALANCE. It need not run into crores but should be enough to provide for creature comforts and something to spare for recreation, like eating out, going to the pictures, travelling or going on holidays on the hills or by the sea. Shortage of money can be only demoralizing. Living on credit or borrowing is demeaning and lowers one in one's own eyes.

3. Third, A HOME OF YOUR OWN. Rented premises can never give you the snug feeling of a nest which is yours for keeps that a home provides: if it has a gar den space, all the better. Plant your own trees and flowers, see them grow and blossom, cultivate a sense of kinship with them.

4. Fourth, AN UNDERSTANDING COMPANION, be it your spouse or a friend. If there are too many misunderstandings, they will rob you of your peace of mind. It is better to be divorced than to bicker all the time.

5. Fifth, LACK OF ENVY towards those who have done better than you in life; risen higher, made more money, or earned more fame. Envy can be very corroding; avoid comparing yourself with others.

6. Sixth, DO NOT ALLOW OTHER PEOPLE to descend on you for gup-shup. By the time you get rid of them, you will feel exhausted and poisoned by their gossip-mongering.

7. Seventh, CULTIVATE SOME HOBBIES which can bring you a sense of fulfilment, such as gar dening, re adi ng, writing, painting, playing or listening to music. Going to clubs or parties to get free drinks or to meet celebrities is criminal waste of time.

8. Eighth, every morning and evening, devote 15 minutes to INTROSPECTION. In the morning, 10 minutes should be spent on stilling the mind and then five in listing things you have to do that day. In the evening, five minutes to still the mind again, and ten to go over what you had undertaken to do.

RICHNESS is not Earning More, Spending More Or Saving More, but ...

"RICHNESS IS WHEN YOU NEED NO MORE"

SOUL

2010-08-25T21:45:00.001+05:30

Once upon a time there was this girl who had four boyfriends.

She loved the 4th boyfriend the most and adorned him with rich robes and treated him to the finest of delicacies. She gave him nothing but the very best.

She also loved the 3rd boyfriend very much and was always showing him off to neighboring kingdoms. However, she feared that one day he would leave her for another.

She also loved her 2nd boyfriend. He was her confidant and was always kind, considerate and patient with her. Whenever this girl faced a problem, she could confide in him, and he would help her get through the difficult times.

The girl's 1st boyfriend was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining her wealth and kingdom. However, she did not love the first boyfriend. Although he loved her deeply, she hardly took notice of him!

One day, the girl fell ill and she knew her time was short. She thought of her luxurious life and wondered, I now have four boyfriends with me, but when I die, I'll be all alone.'

Thus, she asked the 4th boyfriend, 'I loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?'

'No way!', replied the 4th boyfriend, and he walked away without another word.

His answer cut like a sharp knife right into her heart.

The sad girl then asked the 3rd boyfriend, 'I loved you all my life. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?'

'No!', replied the 3rd boyfriend. 'Life is too good! When you die, I'm going to marry someone else!'

Her heart sank and turned cold.

She then asked the 2nd boyfriend, 'I have always turned to you for help and you've always been there for me. When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?'

'I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!', replied the 2nd boyfriend. 'At the very most, I can only walk with you to your grave.'

His answer struck her like a bolt of lightning, and the girl was devastated.

Then a voice called out: 'I'll go with you. I'll follow you no matter where you go.'

The girl looked up, and there was her first boyfriend. He was very skinny as he suffered from malnutrition and neglect.

Greatly grieved, the girl said, 'I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!'

In truth, you have 4 boyfriend's in your lives:

Your 4th boyfriend is your body. No matter how much time and effort you lavish in making it look good, it will leave you when you die.

Your 3rd boyfriend is your possessions, status and wealth. When you die, it will all go to others.

Your 2nd boyfriend is your family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for you, the furthest they can stay by you is up to the grave.

And your 1st boyfriend is your Soul. Often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world.

However, your Soul is the only thing that will follow you where ever you go. Cultivate, strengthen and cherish it now, for it is the only part of you that will follow you to the throne of God and continue with you throughout Eternity.

Thought for the day:
Remember, when the world pushes you to your knees, you're in the perfect position to pray.

A Panchatantra Story Re-told with a Modern perspective

2010-08-11T21:41:00.001+05:30

Once upon a time, there was a software engineer who used to develop programs on his Pentium machine, sitting under a tree on the banks of a river. He used to earn his bread by selling those programs in the sunday market.

One day, while he was working, his machine tumbled off the table and fell in the river.

Encouraged by the Panchatantra story of his childhood (the woodcutter and the axe), he started praying to the River Goddess. The River Goddess wanted to test him and so appeared only after one month of rigorous prayers. The engineer told her that he hadlost his computer in the river.

As usual, the Goddess wanted to test his honesty. She showed him a match box and asked, "Is this your computer ?" Disappointed by the Goddess' lack of computer awareness, the engineer replied, "No."

She next showed him a pocket-sized calculator and asked if that was his.

Annoyed, the engineer said "No, not at all!!"

Finally, she came up with his own Pentium machine and asked if it was his.

The engineer, left with no option, sighed and said "Yes."

The River Goddess was happy with his honesty. She was about to give him all three items, but before she could make the offer, the engineer asked her, "Don't you know that you're supposed to show me some better computers before bringing up my own ?"

The River Goddess, angered at this, replied, "I know that, you stupid donkey!

The first two things I showed you were the Trillennium and the Billennium the latest computers from IBM!". So saying, she disappeared with the Pentium!!

Moral: If you're not up-to-date with technology trends, it's better to keep your mouth shut and let people think you're a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.

The lesson

2010-07-30T21:26:00.000+05:30

Dad was reading the magazine; his little daughter distracted him every now and then… To keep her busy, he tore one page of that magazine on which was printed the map of the world. Further, he tore it into pieces and asked her to go to her room and put them together to make the map again!... He was sure she would take the whole day to get it done… Nevertheless, the little one came back within minutes with the perfect map…
When he asked how she could do it so quickly, she said,
Oh… Dad, there was a man’s face on the other side of the paper bits you have given… I put that side to keep the bits together... And when I put the face together, the map fell in place too…
She ran outside to play leaving the father astounded.
There are always different ways to solve the puzzle of our life,
The challenge in front to us is, how far we are smart in picking the way we want to solve it, either make it simple or make it complicated…

A very nice management lesson....

2010-07-16T21:36:00.001+05:30

Suddenly, a cockroach flew from somewhere and sat on her. I wondered if this was the cockroach’s response to all the glory that was spoken about it! She started screaming out of fear. With panic stricken face and trembling voice, she started jumping, with both her hands desperately trying to get rid of the cockroach. Her reaction was contagious, as everyone in her group got cranky to what was happening. The lady finally managed to push the cockroach to another lady in the group. Now, it was the turn of the other lady in the group to continue the drama. The waiter rushed forward to their rescue. In the relay of throwing, the cockroach next fell upon the waiter. The waiter stood firm, composed himself and observed the behavior of the cockroach on his shirt. When he was confident enough, he grabbed and threw it out with his fingers.
Sipping my coffee and watching the amusement, the antenna of my mind picked up a few thoughts and started wondering, was the cockroach responsible for their histrionic behavior? If so, then why was the waiter not disturbed? He handled it near to perfection, without any chaos. It is not the cockroach, but the inability of the ladies to handle the disturbance caused by the cockroach that disturbed the ladies.
I realized even in my case then , it is not the shouting of my father or my boss that disturbs me, but its my inability to handle the disturbances caused by their shouting that disturbs me. Its not the traffic jams on the road that disturbs me, but my inability to handle the disturbance caused by the traffic jam that disturbs me. More than the problem, its my reaction to the problem that hurts me.

Lessons learnt from the story:

I understood, I should not react in life. I should always respond. The women reacted, whereas the waiter responded. Reactions are always instinctive whereas responses are always intellectual.

The Rain

2010-06-28T21:19:00.000+05:30

It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am.

I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound.

While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry.

The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I inquired as to her health.

He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease.
As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late.

He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now.

I was surprised, and asked him, 'And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?'

He smiled as he patted my hand and said,

'She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is.'

I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought,

'That is the kind of love I want in my life.'

True love is neither physical, nor romantic.

True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.

With all the jokes and fun that are in e-mails, sometimes there is one that comes along that has an important message. This one I thought I could share with you.

The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.

I hope you share this with someone you care about.

'Life isn't about how to survive the storm,
But how to dance in the rain.'

We are all getting Older
Tomorrow may be our turn
GOD BLESS YOU!

I just want to live like a TV

2010-06-16T09:07:00.002+05:30

One day a teacher of a primary school asked her students to write a essay about what they would like God to do for them.
Later in the evening while checking those essays at home, she came across one that made her very emotional. Her husband, who just walked in saw her crying, enquired: “What happened?”
Handing over a sheet of paper, she answered, “Read this. It's an essay by one of my students”
The essay, “I just want to live like a TV” read as under:
Oh God, tonight I ask you something very special: Make me into a television. I want to take its place.
Live like the TV in my house. Have my own special place and have my family around ME.
To be taken seriously when I talk . . . I want to be the centre of attention and be heard without interruptions or questions.
I want to receive the same special care that the TV receives even when it is not working.
Have the company of my dad when he arrives home from work, even when he is tired. And I want my mom to want me when she is sad and upset, instead of ignoring me.
And . . . I want my brothers to fight to be with me . . . I want to feel that family just leaves everything aside, every now and then, just to spend some time with me.
And last but not least make it that I can make them all happy and entertain them.
Lord I don't ask you for much . . . I just want to live like every TV.”
Having finished reading the essay, the husband gravely remarked: “My God, poor kid. What horrible parents!”
Tears rolling down her cheek, she looked up at him and calmly said: “That essay is written by our son!!!”

Thank You God!

2010-05-27T12:51:00.009+05:30

I remember a day in our moral science class, in school, when our teacher said that we have lots to thank God for. She pointed towards me and said 'You' have lots to thank God for; 'You are intelligent, good looking, rich and have loving parents who dote on you.' I thought to myself only if she knew.. I have grown up with migraines and frequent headaches and perpetual colds which take forever to go; what do I thank God for...
Frankly speaking, even today I haven't given a thought for all that God's given me; a very doting and caring husband, a lovable son.. I guess I focus more on the differences I have with my spouse, the shortcomings of my parents or the minor illneses that my baby has to go through, which the doctors say are an essential part of growing up. I still pop in painkillers today like I did before, but to a lesser extent, I have started looking towards alternate therapies to control my headaches and colds. I guess I am waiting for the divine day when everything will be perfect and thank God for everything he's given me.
During my daily social interactions, as I look around at other people, I see no one is really happy. All of us are complaining all the time about what we do not have. None of us value and appreciate what we have. Reminiscing her words ," The LORD is constantly looking at us with His eyes filled with unconditional LOVE, but we foolishly look away getting involved with our ego and unwanted desires!"
How true. It dawned upon me that I didn't thank God for so many things..Lovely parents who never ever said no to me, great friends who stood by me through thick and thin, a loving hubby who caters to every whim and fancy of mine (though he spoils me totally), an absolutely adorable son who I can't live without....The list is endless.
I look heavenwords, before its too late, remembering my teacher's words , I say aloud, 'THANK YOU GOD'. Thank you for everything. Thanks for always being there for me!!!!!

THOTS

2010-05-24T10:19:00.001+05:30

1) An Arrow can be shot only by pulling it backward,
so whenever life pulls you back,
Don't worry.
Its going to lead you forward to Victory.

2) The two greatest healers are God and Time.

3) A Smile is like a Sim card and life is like a cell phone
Whenever you insert the Sim card of a smile.
A beautiful day is activated

4)When you miss a shot, never think of what you did wrong.
Take the next shot thinking of what you must do right."

5) Destiny is simply the strength of your desire
if you cry at a trouble, it grows double.
If you laugh at a trouble,
It disappears like a bubble.

6) Start by doing what's necessary,
then what's possible
and suddenly you find, you are doing the impossible

7) Sometimes you forgive people simply because you still want them in ur life.

8) Success.... is not the key to happiness.
Happiness is the key to success.
If you love what you are doing, you will be successful

9) Silence gives rest to the mind and this means
giving rest to the body.
Sometimes rest is the only medicine needed.

10) When you feel like giving up, remember why you held on for so long in the first place..

11) If I lack the courage to start,I have already finished.

12) Failure is only the opportunity to begin again more intelligently.

13) Never explain yourself to anyone" because the person who loves you does not need an explanation and the person who does not love you, won't believe it.....!

14)"A clay pot having milk will be ranked higher than a golden pot having poison..,its not our outer glamour but our inner virtues that make us valuable..."

It is not how much you do, but how much love you put in the doing.

2010-05-01T12:49:00.000+05:30

One of Mr. Ratan N Tata's first assignments was the stewardship of the ailing electronics company in the Tata portfolio - Nelco.

Story goes that a team of senior managers from Nelco was driving to Nasik along with RNT. Halfway into the journey, the car had a flat tyre, and as the driver pulled up, the occupants - including Mr. Tata - got off for a comfort break, leaving the driver to replace the tyre.

Some of the managers welcomed the forced break, as it allowed them a much-needed chance to light up a cigarette. Some used the opportunity to stretch, and smile, and share a joke. And then, one of them suddenly noticed that Mr. Tata was not to be seen, and wondered aloud where Ratan Tata might have vanished.

· Was he behind some bush?
· Had he wandered off inside the roadside dhaba for a quick cup of tea?
· Or was he mingling with some passer-bys, listening to their stories?

None of these, in fact while his colleagues were taking a break, Ratan Tata was busy helping the driver change tyres. Sleeves rolled up, tie swatted away over the shoulder, the hands expertly working the jack and the spanner, bouncing the spare tyre to check if the tyre pressure was ok. Droplets of sweat on the brow, and a smile on the face.

In that moment, the managers accompanying Ratan Tata got a master class in leadership they haven't forgotten.

And that's a moment that the driver of that car probably hasn't forgotten either.

Questions to ask:
When was the last time I rolled up my sleeves to do a task much below my hierarchy?
Do I wait for the big opportunity to showcase my leadership?
Is that big opportunity ever going to come?
Am I trying to manage upwards so much that I lost the feel of the field?

Ideas for action:
· Humility is the essence of success. Be humble and even teach your children to be so.
· To reach the top and remain there, always start from the bottom, else your days at the top will not last long..
· Practice leadership in small things instead of waiting for the big crisis or a major product launch.
· Seek to find opportunities to lead in everyday moments.
· Build your leadership skills one baby step at a time.

Some Important Laws Which Newton Forgot to State

2010-04-22T11:20:00.001+05:30

LAW OF QUEUE: If you change queues, the one you have left will start to move faster than the one you are in now.

**********

LAW OF TELEPHONE: When you dial a wrong number, you never get an engaged one.

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LAW OF MECHANICAL REPAIR : After your hands become coated with grease, your nose will begin to itch.

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LAW OF THE WORKSHOP: Any tool, when dropped, will roll to the least accessible corner.

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LAW OF THE ALIBI: If you tell the boss you were late for work because you had a flat tire, the next morning you will have a flat tire.

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BATH THEOREM: When the body is immersed in water, the telephone rings.

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LAW OF ENCOUNTERS: The probability of meeting someone you know increases when you are with someone you don't want to be seen with.

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LAW OF THE RESULT: When you try to prove to someone that a machine won't work, it will!

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LAW OF BIOMECHANICS: The severity of the itch is inversely proportional to the reach.

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THEATRE RULE: People with the seats at the furthest from the aisle arrive last.

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LAW OF COFFEE: As soon as you sit down for a cup of hot coffee, your boss will ask you to do something which will last until the coffee is cold.

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BEING ADOPTED

2010-04-02T22:03:00.001+05:30

Teacher Debbie Moon’s first graders were discussing a picture of a family.
One little boy in the picture had a different colour hair than the other family members. One child suggested that he was adopted and a little girl named Jocelynn Jay said, “I know all about adoptions because I was adopted.”
“What does it mean to be adopted?” asked another child.
“It means,” said Jocelynn, “that you grew in your mommy’s heart instead of her tummy”.

The happiest of people don’t necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way.

ATTITUDE IS WHAT LIFE IS ABOUT....

2010-03-02T10:17:00.000+05:30

1. SOLDIER: SIR WE ARE SURROUNDED FROM ALL SIDES BY ENEMIES,
MAJOR: EXCELLENT! WE CAN ATTACK IN ANY DIRECTION.

2. EVERY ONE KNOWS ABOUT ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL WHO INVENTED THE TELEPHONE,
BUT HE NEVER MADE A CALL TO HIS FAMILY.
BECAUSE, HIS WIFE AND DAUGHTER WERE DEAF.
THAT ' S LIFE " LIVE FOR OTHERS " .

3. THE WORST IN LIFE IS "ATTACHMENT " IT HURTS WHEN YOU LOSE IT. THE BEST
THING IN LIFE IS " LONELINESS " BECAUSE IT TEACHES YOU EVERYTHING AND, WHEN
YOU LOSE IT, YOU GET EVERYTHING.

4. LIFE IS NOT ABOUT THE PEOPLE WHO ACT TRUE TO YOUR FACE ........ IT'S
ABOUT THE PEOPLE WHO REMAIN TRUE BEHIND YOUR BACK .

5. IF AN EGG IS BROKEN BY AN OUTSIDE FORCE....... .A LIFE ENDS.
IF AN EGG BREAKS FROM WITHIN...... .LIFE BEGINS.
GREAT THINGS ALWAYS BEGIN FROM WITHIN .

6. IT'S BETTER TO LOSE YOUR EGO TO THE ONE YOU LOVE.
THAN TO LOSE THE ONE YOU LOVE ....... BECAUSE OF EGO .

7. A RELATIONSHIP DOESN'T SHINE BY JUST SHAKING HANDS AT THE BEST OF TIMES.
BUT IT BLOSSOMS BY HOLDING FIRMLY IN CRITICAL SITUATIONS .

8. HEATED GOLD BECOMES ORNAMENTS.
BETTED COPPER BECOMES WIRES.
DEPLETED STONE BECOMES STATUE.
SO, THE MORE PAIN YOU GET IN YOUR LIFE, THE MORE VALUABLE YOU BECOME.

9. WHEN YOU TRUST SOMEONE TRUST HIM COMPLETELY WITHOUT ANY DOUBT.......
....... AT THE END YOU WOULD GET ONE OF THE TWO:
EITHER A LESSON FOR YOUR LIFE OR A VERY GOOD PERSON.

10. WHY WE HAVE SO MANY TEMPLES , IF GOD IS EVERYWHERE ? A WISE MAN SAID :
AIR IS EVERYWHERE, BUT WE STILL NEED A FAN TO FEEL IT

The Mayonnaise Jar

2010-02-12T10:41:00.001+05:30

When things in your life seem, Almost too much to handle,
When 24 Hours in a day is not enough,
Remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class
And had some items in front of him.
When the class began, wordlessly,
He picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar
And proceeded to fill it with golf balls.

He then asked the students, If the jar was full.
They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured
them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly.
The pebbles rolled into the open Areas between the golf balls.

He then asked The students again
If the jar was full.. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand
And poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else.
He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded
With an unanimous 'yes.'

The professor then produced Two cups of coffee from under the table
And poured the entire contents Into the jar, effectively
Filling the Empty space between the sand.
The students laughed.

'Now,' said the professor, As the laughter subsided,
'I want you to recognize that This jar represents your life.
The golf balls are the important things - God, family,
children, health, Friends, and Favorite passions –
Things that if everything else was lost
And only they remained, Your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter Like your job, house, and car.

The sand is everything else --
The small stuff.

'If you put the sand into the jar first,' He continued,
'there is no room for The pebbles or the golf balls.
The same goes for life.

If you spend all your time And energy on the small stuff,
You will never have room for The things that are
Important to you.

So...

Pay attention to the things That are critical to your happiness.
Play With your children.
Take time to get medical checkups.
Take your partner out to dinner.

There will always be time
To clean the house and fix the disposal.

'Take care of the golf balls first --
The things that really matter.
Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.'

One of the students raised her hand
And inquired what the coffee represented.

The professor smiled.
'I'm glad you asked'.

It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem,
there's always room for A couple of cups of coffee with a friend.'

Alexander the Great

2010-02-05T10:42:00.002+05:30

The great Greek king, Alexander after conquering many kingdoms, was returning home. On the way, he fell ill and he was bedridden for months. With death drawing close, Alexander realized how his conquests, his great army, his sharp sword and all his wealth were of no use.

He called his generals and said “ I will depart from this world soon. But I have three wishes. Please fulfill my wishes without fail. With tears flowing down their cheeks, the generals agreed to abide by their king’s last wishes.

“My first desire is that,” said Alexander “my physicians alone must carry my coffin.” “Secondly when my coffin is being carried to the grave, the path leading to the graveyard should be strewn with gold, silver and precious stones which I have collected in my treasury. My third and last wish is that both my hands should be kept dangling out of my coffin.” The people who had gathered there wondered at the king’s strange wishes. But no one dared to question. Alexander’s favorite general kissed his hand and pressed them to his heart. “O king, we assure you that your wishes will all be fulfilled. But tell us why do you make such strange wishes?”.

At this Alexander took a deep breath and said, “I would like the world to know of the three lessons I have just learnt. I want my physicians to carry my coffin because people should realize that no doctor can really cure anybody. They are powerless and cannot save a person from the clutches of death. So let not people take life for granted.

The second wish of strewing gold, silver and other riches on the way to the graveyard is to tell people that not even a fraction of gold can be taken by me. Let people realize that it is a sheer waste of time to chase wealth.

And about my third wish of having my hands dangling out of the coffin, I want people to know that I came empty handed into this world and empty handed I go out of this world.”

Alexander’s last words :
“Bury my body, do not build any monument, keep my hands outside so that the world knows the person who won the world had nothing in his hands when dying.”

ATTITUDE

2010-01-06T10:17:00.003+05:30

How our inner Ego sometimes misjudges a Person

A lady in a faded grey dress and her husband, dressed in a homespun suit walked in timidly without an appointment into the Harvard University President's outer office.
The secretary could tell in a moment that such backwoods, country hicks had no business at Harvard and probably didn't even deserve to be in Harvard.
"We want to see the President" the man said softly.
"He'll be busy all day "the secretary snapped.
"We'll wait" the lady replied.
For hours the secretary ignored them, hoping that the couple would finally become discouraged and go away.
They didn't and the secretary grew frustrated and finally decided to disturb the president.
"Maybe if you see them for a few minutes, they'll leave" she said to him.
The President, stern faced and with dignity, strutted toward the couple.
The lady told him "We had a son who attended Harvard for one year. He loved Harvard. He was happy here. But about a year ago, he was accidentally killed. My husband and I would like to erect a memorial to him, somewhere on campus."
The president wasn't touched....He was shocked. "Madam" he said, gruffly, " we can't put up a statue for every person who attended Harvard and died. If we did, this place would look like a cemetery."
"Oh, no," the lady explained quickly "We don't want to erect a statue. We thought we would like to give a building to Harvard."
The president rolled his eyes.
He glanced at the gingham dress and homespun suit, and then exclaimed, "A building! Do you have any earthly idea how much a building costs? We have over seven and a half million dollars in the physical buildings here at Harvard."
For a moment the lady was silent. The president was pleased. Maybe he could get rid of them now.
The lady turned to her husband and said quietly, "Is that all it costs to start a university ? Why don't we just start our own?"
Her husband nodded. The president's face wilted in confusion and bewilderment.
Mr. and Mrs. Leland Stanford got up and walked away, travelling to Palo Alto, California where they established the University that bears their name. Stanford University, a memorial to a son that Harvard no longer cared about.

Most of the time we judge people by their outer appearance, which can be misleading..
And in this impression, we tend to treat people badly by thinking they can do nothing for us.
Thus we tend to lose our potential good friends, employees or customers.

Remember
In our Life, we seldom get people with whom we want to share & grow our thought process. But because of our inner EGO we miss them forever.
It is you who have to decide with whom you are getting associated in day to day life.

I end this beautiful story with a note:

Small people talk about others,

Average people talk about things,

Great people talk about ideas.

Musings for the New Year

2010-01-02T10:03:00.003+05:30

1) If you can't find happiness along the way, you will not find it at the end of the road.

2) Don't be scared to take big steps - you can't cross a chasm in two small jumps.
- David Lioyd Geroge

3)Live as if you were living a second time and as though you had acted wrongly the first time.

4) The meaning of life is not an unquestionable answer, it is an unanswerable question.

5)If you fill yr heart with regrets of yesterday.......... and the worries of
tomorrow.........., you have no today to be thankful for.......

6) When u have a reason 2 like some1,it means ur MIND likes it. When u have no reason 4 liking some1,it means ur HEART likes it.

7) Good judgements always come from experiences........... & most often experiences come from bad judgements!

8) Successful people use their past Experiences,
And therefore, do not experiment.

9) Stop trying to fit in when you were born to stand out.

10)Beginnings are usually scary and endings are usually sad, but it's everything in between that makes it all worth living.

There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you its going to be a butterfly

2009-12-13T20:08:00.013+05:30

There's nothing in a caterpillar that tells you that its going to be a butterfly.
- Buckminister Fuller
I had recently attended a workshop for children, in which they stressed the need for 'Value education'. While the academic education we pursue, fill our minds with knowledge, value education helps mould the inner personality of a person. While the outward dress does create the first impression, to 'hold' the attention it requires the strength of character.
A nice story was narrated, as to in a school, there was a class of very naughty and rowdy children. A person visited the class and observing the behaviour of the children said that the kids are going to grow up to be gangsters and wastrels. A few years later, as the person inquired he was surprised to see the same class students had turned out to be doctors, lawyers, accountants etc. He approached many of them to know the reason for their transformation and they attributed it to one particular teacher. He located the teacher, who by that time had grown quite old, and asked her 'what did you teach the students that there was so much of a transformation in them'. The teacher had difficulty remembering the class, and finally recollected and said, 'that class students... Oh I loved them'.
During the first 5-7 years the children are very impressionable and it is possible to mould them into good human beings. Like during the making of a chappati/ bread, it is possible to mould and make changes in the dough; if we add more water the chappati/bread will be soggy and if we add less water it will dry. It is only through experience that we know how much water is to be added; but once the chappati/bread is made/ baked we cannot change it. It is only during the dough stage that moulding and changing is possible. So this stage is very important. The basic idea of good habit forming must be done in this age. Old habits are hard to break and the further personality of the person is built on the values imbibed during child hood; not just by the parents, but also by the teachers and students in whose company the child is. Also the values taught by the teacher in the school must be compatible with the values taught at home. For eg if in the school the teacher tells a student that you must not tell lies, don't ignore his harmless lies at home.
If you take a container and fill it with marbles, you will see that it is 'full'. There is not any space for more. Try adding some semolina, it will slip into the gaps of the marbles and fit in smugly. Now the container is really full, or is it? Try adding some water. And yes, it will seep in it too. The marbles are the 'duties', the semolina is the daily 'routine tasks' that have to be done with and the water is 'play and fun activities'. So the most essential thing in life is to prioritize your important activities. If you fill the container with semolina first, there will be no space for marbles. So encourage your child to fit in all activities in a day, by prioritizing the important and the not so important ones.
And finally,
What you hear...... you forget
What you see....... you can recollect
What you do........ you never forget.
It is better to teach a children showing pictures and giving real life examples where possible, where it is imprinted in the memory of the child. If you can make your child do something himself, there's nothing like it. As the brain can recollect better in pictures, than simply giving a dry lecture which is easily forgotten. And remember value education begins from birth. So start now..

Why do people love me so much...

2009-12-09T19:29:00.008+05:30

Why do people love me so much; that they get so obssessive and possessive about me, wondered I...

Maybe I am sounding a bit pompous and self centered, but many a times in our lives we are surrounded with people who love us so much, that we are overwhelmed. Our parents, spouse, kids and close friends and relatives. Sometimes, the love may be a bit too possessive, especially when it comes to your child who'd love to be around you 24*7 and hates the thought of anyone else talking to you and taking you away from him.
I guess the protective love from our parents is the most purest form of Love. Its simply giving without expecting anything back in return. Sometimes looking back I feel guilty for taking their Love for granted. Today, having matured with age, I have learnt to give back love to them. I look at my son and I see history repeating itself.
To my thinking, the love in friendship is the most easy going one. Most of the time its mutual among close friends and they are the people we always confide in the thoughts and feelings that we cannot tell anyone else. They say blood is thicker than water, but down the walk of life I have forged some really close relationships with some non- blood relatives, so much that I consider them my soulmates. They are my life line and I lean back on them as they can give me some unbiased advice when I need it.
Finally, I guess if you are lucky enough (I am, touchwood!!) the love of a spouse is what completes the circle of your Love. Here's a nice poem summing the love (by Laura Veronica Merodio)

A stranger you were once.
Then, with a gentle look you took my hand.
As our lives engaged,
you lit my life and I held both your hands.
Now that decades have passed,
ours souls have indeed become one.
How fortunate we are
that we have found the love so true
that everyone dreams about.

Finally summing up, as F.P Jones has said, 'Love doesn't make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.'

Beautiful thoughts

2009-12-05T10:14:00.000+05:30

1) Don't aim for success if you want it;
just do what you love and believe in,
and it will come naturally

2) You may get delayed to reach your targets.
But every step you take towards your targets is equal to victory.

3) "An aim in life is the only fortune worth finding,
and it is not to be found in
foreign lands, but in the heart itself."- Robert Louis

4 Today well lived makes every
yesterday - a dream of happiness
and tomorrow - a vision of hope

5) The summit of happiness is reached
when a person is ready to be what he is.

6) In between goals is a thing called life,
that has to be lived and enjoyed.

7)"People become really quite remarkable when they start thinking
that they can do things.
When they belive in themselves they have the first secret of success."

8)If you find stumbling blocks in your path,
use them as stepping stones to move close to the good in life.

9) All changes are difficult and sometimes costly,
but if they're good changes,
in the long run they pay off.

10) Life Consists not in Holding Good Cards
but in Playing Well Those You Hold.

11)Every king was once a helpless baby,
every oak once an corn,
every mighty ocean swell once a ripple,
and every great structure once a blueprint.
It's not where you are today,
but where you are going that counts.

12) Without your involvement you can't succeed.
With your involvement you can't fail.

13) Happiness is a perfume
you cannot spread on others without getting a few drops on you yourself.
so always be happy to make other happy!

14) 'Challenges'
are what makes life interesting
'Overcoming'
them is what makes life meaningful.

15) The toughest part of getting to the top of the ladder,
is getting through the ground at the bottom.

MEANING OF LIFE...

2009-11-11T09:30:00.002+05:30

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 humans and said:

'Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life. For this, I'll give you twenty years.'

But the human 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.

Thoughts to ponder on..

2009-10-04T21:34:00.005+05:30

1)"When you face choices, just toss a coin ….. Not becoz the it settles the question, but while the coin is in the air, you’ll know exactly what your heart is hoping for !!!"

2)The first rule for happiness is, avoid too lengthy mediation's on the past.

3)The more enthusiastic you are about life, the more joy you will find in it.

4)A Man with outward courage dares to die, a man with inward courage dares to live.

5)Until you value your self you will not value your time.
Until you value your time you will not do anything with it.

6)The biggest failures are those who have failed to win friends,
but even bigger failure are those who lose what friends they have made.

7)Don't sit back and take what comes....Go after what you want.

8)Efficiency without God's sufficiency is a deficiency.

9)The future belongs to those who see possibilities before they become obvious.

10)It's better to look for a solution than a scapegoat.

11)Take time to be quiet, it is the opportunity to see yourself.

12)A Hero is no Braver than an Ordinary Man,
but he is braver five minute longer --Ralph Waldo

13)Don't allow yourself to become consumed by life's problems;
become consumed with life's joys.

14)A positive attitude helps bridge the gap between ability and expectations.

15)"Successful leaders see the opportunities in every difficulty
rather than the difficulty in every opportunity. - Reed Markham

16)God asks no man whether he will accept life. You must take it.
The only question is how.

17)"If you can imagine it, you can create it.
If you can dream it, you can become it."

18)The Successful person is the individual who forms
the habit of doing what the failing person doesn't like to do.

19)Be like water adjust to the object and you will
find a way around or through it." -Bruce Lee

20)The only limit to our realization of tomorrow
will be our doubts of today

I BELIEVE

2009-09-03T21:36:00.001+05:30

A Birth Certificate shows that we were born,
A Death Certificate shows that we died.
Pictures show that we lived!
Have a seat . . . Relax . .. . And read this slowly.

I Believe...
Opportunities lost are lost forever as the same opportunities almost never come again
I Believe...
That just because two people argue, doesn't mean they don't love each other.
And just because they don't argue, doesn't mean they do love each other.
I Believe...
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 Believe...
That we don't have to change friends if
we understand that friends change.
I Believe...
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 Believe...
That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance.
Same goes for true love.
I Believe...
That you can do something in an instant
that will give you heartache for life.
I Believe...
That it's taking me a long time
to become the person I want to be.
I Believe...
That you should always leave loved ones with
loving words It may be the last time you see them.
I Believe...
That you can keep going long after you think you can't.
I Believe...
That we are responsible for what
we do, no matter how we feel.
I Believe...
That either you control your attitude or it controls you.
I Believe...
That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.
I Believe...
That money is a lousy way of keeping score.
I Believe...
That my best friend and I can do anything, or nothing, and have the best time.
I Believe...
That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.
I Believe...
That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had, and what you've learned from them....and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.
I Believe...
That it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others.
Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.
I Believe...
That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.
I Believe...
That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are,
but we are responsible for who we become.
I Believe...
That you shouldn't be so eager to find
out a secret. It could change your life Forever.
I Believe..
Two people can look at the exact same
thing and see something totally different.
I Believe..
That your life can be changed in a matter of
hours by people who don't even know you.
I Believe...
That even when you think you have no more to give, if
a friend cries out to you... you will find the strength to help.
I Believe...
That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.
I Believe...
That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.
I Believe...
The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything;
They just make the most of everything..
Thank you God for all the wonderful people who help us throughout the journey of life..
Forgive quickly, love slowly, and live free.

A MESSAGE BY GEORGE CARLIN

2009-08-27T21:45:00.003+05:30

GEORGE CARLIN (His wife recently died...)

Isn't it amazing that George Carlin - comedian of the 70's and 80's - could write something so very eloquent...and so very appropriate.

A Message by George Carlin:
The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind..
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

George Carlin

MONSOONS

2009-07-28T10:43:00.003+05:30

It was in the air,
They smelt it - the birds, the trees, the animals,
A mysterious scent engulfing us,
Strong winds blowing, the trees bowing,
The dark podgy warriors marching on..
Darkness crept - conquering every inch
Soothing cool breeze massaging every muscle
A ray of light, the drummers began,
Midst nature applauding, chins titled,
Eyes skywards witnessing the annual rendezvous,
The wait was over, it came -
Softly orchestrated at first, till rock took over,
A shiver in the spine, but as hearts opened,
It went on and on and on...
The Monsoons at last took over.

(Pallavi S)

POTATOES

2009-06-30T21:22:00.003+05:30

A Kindergarten teacher decided to let her class play a game. The teacher told each child in the class to bring along a plastic bag containing a few potatoes. Each potato will be given a name of a person that the child hates, so the number of potatoes that the child will put in his/ her plastic bag will depend on the number of people he/she hates.
So when the day came, every child brought some potatoes with the name of the people he/ she hated. Some had two potatoes; some 3, while some had upto 5 potatoes.
The teacher then told the children to carry with them the potatoes in the plastic bag wherever they go for 1 week. Day after day passed by, and the children started to complain due to the displeasing smell let out by the rotten potatoes they were carrying.
Those children having 5 potatoes really began to feel the weight of the heavier bags. After 1 week, the children were relieved to hear that the teacher had finally ended the game. The teacher asked, "How did you feel while carrying your potatoes with you for a week?" The children let out their frustrations and started complaining of the trouble that they had to go through having to carry the heavy and smelly potatoes wherever they go.
Then the teacher told them the hidden meaning behind the game. The teacher said, "This is exactly the situation when you carry your hatred for somebody inside your heart. The stench of hatred will contaminate your heart and you will end up carrying an unnecessary burden with you wherever you go".
If you cannot tolerate the smell of rotten potatoes for just 1 week, can you imagine what burden it would be to have the stench of hatred in your heart for your lifetime??

MORAL OF THE STORY
Get rid of any hatred you might have for others in your heart, so that you won't have to carry around unnecessary burden during your lifetime. Forgiving others is the best attitude to take! Love others, even if you don't like them..

THE BRICK

2009-06-22T10:31:00.003+05:30

A young and successful executive was traveling down a neighborhood street, going a bit too fast in his new Jaguar. He was watching for kids darting out from between parked cars and slowed down car passed, no children appeared.
Instead, a brick smashed into the Jag's side door!

He slammed on the brakes and backed the Jag back to the spot where the brick had been thrown. The angry driver then jumped out of the car, grabbed the nearest kid and pushed him up against a parked car shouting, 'What was that all about and who are you? Just what the heck are you doing? That's a new car and that brick you threw is going to cost a lot of money Why did you do it?' The young boy was apologetic. 'Please, mister...please, I'm sorry but I didn't know what else to do,' He pleaded. 'I threw the brick because no one else would stop...' With tears dripping down his face and off his chin, the youth pointed to a spot just around a parked car. 'It's my brother, 'he said 'He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can't lift him up.'

Now sobbing, the boy asked the stunned executive, 'Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair? He's hurt and he's too heavy for me.'

Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat. He hurriedly lifted the handicapped boy back into the wheelchair, then took out a linen handkerchief and dabbed at the fresh scrapes and cuts. A quick look told him everything was going to be okay. 'Thank you and may God bless you,' the grateful child told the stranger. Too shook up for words, the man simply watched the boy push his wheelchair-bound brother down the sidewalk toward their home.

It was a long, slow walk back to the Jaguar. The damage was very noticeable, but the driver never bothered to repair the dented side door. He kept the dent there to remind him of this message: 'Don't go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your attention!' God whispers in our souls and speaks to our hearts. Sometimes when we don't have time to listen, He has to throw a brick at us. It's our choice to listen or not.

Thought for the Day:
If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it.

If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it.

He sends you flowers every spring.

He sends you a sunrise every morning Face it, friend - He is crazy about you!

God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way.

Read this line very slowly and let it sink in...

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

Deepak Patil Dist Secr TRF

God determines who walks into your life...

2009-06-10T11:38:00.004+05:30

While I was sufing the net, I found a good article on a blog, faith2liftu, excerpts of which I have reproduced below...
GOD determines who walks into your life.... YOU decide who you let walk away, who you let stay and who you refuse to let go...
Observe the relationships around you. Pay attention to; which ones lift and which ones lean? Which ones encourage and which ones discourage? Which ones are on a path of growth uphill and which ones are going downhill? When you leave certain people, do you feel better or feel worse? Which ones always have drama or don't really understand, know and appreciate you and the gift that lies within you.
Life is like a theatre - so invite your audience carefully. Not everyone is holy enough and healthy enough to have a front row seat in our lives. There are some people in your life that need to be loved from a distance.
It's amazing what you can accomplish when you let go...; or atleast minimise your time with draining, negative, incompatible, not-going-anywhere relationships, friendships and fellowships! You cannot change the people around you.. but you can change the people you are around! Ask God for wisdom and discernment and choose wisely the people who is in the front row of your life.
GOD determines who walks into your life.. YOU decide who you let walk away, who you let stay and who you refuse to let go..

Thank you, God!!

2009-06-02T21:26:00.001+05:30

Below is one of the nicest mails I have seen and is so true .Please read it slowly :
Mr X, dreamt that he went for a visit to Heaven . An angel began showing him around... They walked side-by-side inside a large workroom filled with angels. His angel guide stopped in front of the first section and said, "This is the Receiving Section ".
Here, all petitions to God said in prayer are received." He looked around the area, and it was terribly busy with so many angels sorting out petitions written on Voluminous paper sheets and scraps from people all over the world. Then they moved on down a long corridor until we reached the second section. The angel then said to him, "This is the " Packaging and Delivery Section ". Here, the graces and blessings the people asked for are processed and delivered to the living persons who asked for them." He noticed again how busy it was there. There were many angels working hard at that station, since so many blessings had been requested and were being packaged for delivery to Earth..
Finally at the farthest end of the long corridor they stopped at the door of a very small station. To his great surprise, only one angel was seated there, idly doing nothing. This is the " Acknowledgment Section," the angel quietly admitted to him embarrassed. "How is it that there's no work going on here?" Mr X asked.
"So sad," the angel sighed. "After people receive what they have asked for, very few send back acknowledgments.
"How does one acknowledge God's blessings?" he asked. "Simple," the angel answered. "Just say, "Thank you, God."
"What blessings should they acknowledge?" Mr X asked.
1) "If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your body, a roof over your head And a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of this world.
2) "If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy."
3) "And if you get this email on your own computer, you are part of the 1% in the world who has that opportunity."
4) "If you woke up this morning with more health than illness ..... You are more blessed than the many who will not even survive this day. "
5) "If you have never experienced the fear of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation ... You are ahead of 700 million people in the world.."
6) "If you can attend a church/temple without the fear of harassment,arrest, torture or death, you are envied by, and more blessed than, three billion people in the world."
7) "If your parents are still alive and still married ... You are very rare."
8) "If you can hold your head up and smile, you are not the norm, you're unique to all those in doubt and despair."
"If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing, that someone was thinking of you as very special and you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world who cannot read at all." So I once again wish you all a great day, lets all count our blessings, and you may pass this to your friends and family to remind them too, how Blessed we all are.
Attn: Acknowledgment Dept
"Thank you God, for giving me the ability to share this message with so many wonderful People, I.e... ( My family and friends ) .. ".

Don't Quit

2009-05-04T10:44:00.004+05:30

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you’re trudging seems all up hill,
When the funds are low, and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don’t you quit!

Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As everyone of us sometimes learn,
And many a failure has turned about,
When they might have won had they stuck it out.
Don’t give up though the pace seems slow,
You may succeed with another blow!

Success is failure turned inside out,
The silver tint to the clouds of doubt.
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far.
So stick to the task when you are hardest hit,
It’s when things seem the worst, that you must not quit!

Know your value...!

2009-04-20T10:02:00.001+05:30

A well-known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a Rupee 500 note.
In the room of 200, he asked, "Who would like this Rupee 500 note?"
Hands started going up. He said, "I am going to give this note to one of you but first let me do this."
He proceeded to crumple the note up. He then asked, "Who still wants it?" Still the hands were up in the air. "Well," he replied, "What if I do this?" And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now all crumpled and dirty. "Now who still wants it?" Still the hands went into the air.
"My friends, you have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth Rupee 500/-.
Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value.
You are special. Don't ever forget it! Never let yesterday's disappointments overshadow tomorrow's dreams.

" VALUE HAS A VALUE ONLY IF ITS VALUE IS VALUED"

The Man of my dreams

2009-04-18T17:26:00.000+05:30

I have always wondered,
About the man of my dreams,
What kind of a person is he,
Exteriorly handsome or a beautiful person within,
Far and wide, I did look,
Then did I get an answer,
Burnt my fingers, sometimes, never mind..
The man of my dreams is a person,
Who is simple, easy and comfortable,
With a clean mind & a clear conscience,
He may not be a looker or a talker,
But down the walk of life,
He'd touch my heart deep inside.

He may not sweep me off my feet the first time,
Yet will be there by my side at all times,
May not have charming manners; yet,
Deep inside, his heart will be moulded in gold,
Someone who'd love to fly and yet,
Have his feet planted firmly on the ground,
Someone honest, straightforward and kind,
Who'd love, respect and fear the almighty,
Some one who'd laugh at my jokes,
Who'd pamper and yet admonish me - the right times,
Someone who'd be a 'Man' - A real one.

As I looked at the deep dark sky at night,
The stars twinkled at me and said,
Somewhere, somehow, you'd meet,
The man of your dreams Someday.

(Pallavi S - This one's for the Man of my dreams in my life - My Hubby)

Dedicated to my best friend 'Dina'

2009-04-18T11:49:00.000+05:30

A sweet, innocent flower was she
Sprinkling love & joy around me,
Soft brown eyes shining in the light
It was 'love' at the very first sight.

No bad words she ever would speak
Her sweet language would make others meek,
She was helpful, honest, nice & kind
And do what I, she never would mind.

She was my best friend to the very core
And i thought friends like her existed no more,
A source of inexhaustible energy was she
Ever ready anytime to help me in need,
Always praising, encouraging & supporting me
To do things I never dreamt would be,
The lovely movements we have shared from the start
To the very end I will treasure in my heart,
Hatred, jealousy, we survived it all
From strength to strength our friendship grew tall.

I love her from all my heart very much
A friend like her is never found as such,
Simply a thought of 'Dina' gives my gloomy spirits a lift...
....To me, she's God's most precious Gift.

(Pallavi S)

Seasons of Life

2009-04-17T21:18:00.000+05:30

There was a man who had four sons. He wanted his sons to learn not to judge things too quickly. So he sent them each on a quest, in turn, to go and look at a pear tree that was a great distance away.
The first son went in the winter, the second in the spring, the third in the summer and the youngest in the fall.
When they had all gone and come back, he called them together to describe what they had seen.
The first son said that the tree was ugly, bent and twisted.
The second son said it was covered with green buds and full of promise.
The third son disagreed; he said it was laden with blossoms that smelled so sweet and beautiful, it was the most graceful thing he had ever seen.
The last son disagreed with all of them; he said it was ripe and drooping with fruit, full of life and fulfillment
The man then explained to his sons that they were all right, because they had each seen but only one season in the tree's life.
He said you cannot judge a tree, or a person, by just one season, and that the essence of who they are and the pleasure, joy, and love that come from that life can only be measured at the end, when all the seasons are up.
If you give up when it's winter, you will miss the promise of your spring, the beauty of your summer and the fulfillment of your fall.

Moral Lessons
Don't let the pain of one season destroy the joy of all the rest.
Don't judge life by one difficult season.
Presevere through the difficult patches and better times are sure to come some time or later.