The Japanese have always loved fresh fish. But the water close to Japan has not held many fish for decades. So to feed the Japanese population, fishing boats got bigger and went further than ever. The further the fishermen went, the longer it took to bring the fish. If the return trip took more time, the fish were not fresh. To solve this problem, fish companies installed freezers on their boats. They would catch the fish and freeze them at sea. Freezers allowed the boats to go further and stay longer. However, the Japanese could taste the difference between fresh and frozen fish. And they did not like the taste of frozen fish. The frozen fish brought a lower price. So, fishing companies installed fish tanks. They would catch the fish and stuff them in the tanks, fin to fin. After a little thrashing around, they were tired, dull, and lost their fresh-fish taste. The fishing industry faced an impending crisis! But today, they get fresh-tasting fish to Japan .
How did they manage? To keep the fish tasting fresh, the Japanese fishing companies still put the fish in the tanks but with a small shark. The fish are challenged and hence are constantly on the move. The challenge they face keeps them alive and fresh!
Have you realized that some of us are also living in a pond but most of the time tired and dull ? Basically in our lives, sharks are new challenges to keep us active. If you are steadily conquering challenges, you are happy. Your challenges keep you energized. Don't create success and revel in it in a state of inertia. You have the resources, skills and abilities to make a difference. Put a shark in your tank and see how far you can really go!
moral of da story:
'Weakness of attitude becomes weakness of character' - Albert Einstein
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Why Me?
Today it’s the tale of the first African American player to compete in the international sport of tennis at the highest level of the game.
Arthur Robert Ashe Jr., began playing tennis at age six, his coach Althea Gibson Johnson used military-style methods to teach tennis skills and to stress his special code of sportsmanship, which included respect, sharp appearance, and "no cheating at any time."
In 1963 Ashe became the first African American player to win the U.S. Men's Hard-court championships, and the first to be named to a U.S. Junior Davis Cup (an international men's tournament) team. He became the National College Athletic Association (NCAA) singles and doubles champion, leading UCLA to the NCAA title in 1965.
In 1973 Ashe became the first African American to reach the South African Open finals held in Johannesburg, South Africa, and he was the doubles winner with Tom Okker of the Netherlands. Black South Africans gave Ashe the name "Sipho," which means "a gift from God" in Zulu. The year 1975 was Ashe's best and most consistent season. He was the first and only African American player to win the men's singles title at Wimbledon, beating the defending champion, Jimmy Connors. Ashe was ranked number one in the world and was named ATP Player of the Year.
A man with so much achievement in his life, an international role model, Ashe was dying of AIDS which he got due to infected blood he received during a heart surgery in 1983. From world over, he received letters from his fans, one of which conveyed: 'Why does GOD have to select you for such a bad disease'?
To this Arthur Ashe replied:
'The world over – 50 million children start playing Tennis,
5 million learn to play Tennis,
500,000 learn professional Tennis,
50,000 come to the circuit, 5000 reach the Grand slam,
50 reach Wimbledon,
4 to Semi-final,
2 to the Finals,
When I was holding a cup I never asked GOD 'Why me?'.
And today in pain I should not be asking GOD 'Why me?' '
Such was the attitude of the legendary Wimbledon player.
Moral:
Life is filled with up and downs. We proceed through it. We accept the happiness lets change ourselves accept the sorrows as well.
Arthur Robert Ashe Jr., began playing tennis at age six, his coach Althea Gibson Johnson used military-style methods to teach tennis skills and to stress his special code of sportsmanship, which included respect, sharp appearance, and "no cheating at any time."
In 1963 Ashe became the first African American player to win the U.S. Men's Hard-court championships, and the first to be named to a U.S. Junior Davis Cup (an international men's tournament) team. He became the National College Athletic Association (NCAA) singles and doubles champion, leading UCLA to the NCAA title in 1965.
In 1973 Ashe became the first African American to reach the South African Open finals held in Johannesburg, South Africa, and he was the doubles winner with Tom Okker of the Netherlands. Black South Africans gave Ashe the name "Sipho," which means "a gift from God" in Zulu. The year 1975 was Ashe's best and most consistent season. He was the first and only African American player to win the men's singles title at Wimbledon, beating the defending champion, Jimmy Connors. Ashe was ranked number one in the world and was named ATP Player of the Year.
A man with so much achievement in his life, an international role model, Ashe was dying of AIDS which he got due to infected blood he received during a heart surgery in 1983. From world over, he received letters from his fans, one of which conveyed: 'Why does GOD have to select you for such a bad disease'?
To this Arthur Ashe replied:
'The world over – 50 million children start playing Tennis,
5 million learn to play Tennis,
500,000 learn professional Tennis,
50,000 come to the circuit, 5000 reach the Grand slam,
50 reach Wimbledon,
4 to Semi-final,
2 to the Finals,
When I was holding a cup I never asked GOD 'Why me?'.
And today in pain I should not be asking GOD 'Why me?' '
Such was the attitude of the legendary Wimbledon player.
Moral:
Life is filled with up and downs. We proceed through it. We accept the happiness lets change ourselves accept the sorrows as well.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Is anybody happier because you passed this way?
Does anyone remember that you spoke to them today?
The day is almost over, and its' toiling time is through.
Is there anyone to utter now a kindly word of you?
Can you say tonight in parting with the day that's slipping fast,
That you helped a single person of the many that you passed?
Is a single heart rejoicing over what you did or said?
Does one whose hopes were fading now with courage look ahead?
Did you waste the day or use it? Was it well or sorely spent?
Did you leave a trail of kindness, or a scar of discontent?
As you close your eyes in slumber, do you think that God will say:
"You have earned one more tomorrow by what you did today?"
Does anyone remember that you spoke to them today?
The day is almost over, and its' toiling time is through.
Is there anyone to utter now a kindly word of you?
Can you say tonight in parting with the day that's slipping fast,
That you helped a single person of the many that you passed?
Is a single heart rejoicing over what you did or said?
Does one whose hopes were fading now with courage look ahead?
Did you waste the day or use it? Was it well or sorely spent?
Did you leave a trail of kindness, or a scar of discontent?
As you close your eyes in slumber, do you think that God will say:
"You have earned one more tomorrow by what you did today?"
Pencil
Parable of the Pencil
The Pencil Maker took the pencil aside, just before putting him into the box. "There are 5 things you need to know," he told the pencil, "Before I send you out into the world. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best pencil you can be."
"1 : You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in Someone's hand."
"2 : You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you'll need it to become a better pencil."
"3 : You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make."
"4 : The most important part of you will always be what's inside."
"And 5 : On every surface you are used on, you must leave your mark. No matter what the condition, you must continue to write."
The pencil understood and promised to remember, and went into the box with purpose in its heart.
Now replacing the place of the pencil with you. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best person you can be.
1 : You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in God's hand. And allow other human beings to access you for the many gifts you possess.
2 : You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, by going through various problems, but you'll need it to become a stronger person.
3 : You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.
4 : The most important part of you will always be what's on the inside.
And 5 : On every surface you walk through, you must leave your mark. No matter what the situation, you must continue to do your duties.
By understanding and remembering, let us proceed with our life on this earth having a meaningful purpose in our heart.
The Pencil Maker took the pencil aside, just before putting him into the box. "There are 5 things you need to know," he told the pencil, "Before I send you out into the world. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best pencil you can be."
"1 : You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in Someone's hand."
"2 : You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you'll need it to become a better pencil."
"3 : You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make."
"4 : The most important part of you will always be what's inside."
"And 5 : On every surface you are used on, you must leave your mark. No matter what the condition, you must continue to write."
The pencil understood and promised to remember, and went into the box with purpose in its heart.
Now replacing the place of the pencil with you. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best person you can be.
1 : You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in God's hand. And allow other human beings to access you for the many gifts you possess.
2 : You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, by going through various problems, but you'll need it to become a stronger person.
3 : You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.
4 : The most important part of you will always be what's on the inside.
And 5 : On every surface you walk through, you must leave your mark. No matter what the situation, you must continue to do your duties.
By understanding and remembering, let us proceed with our life on this earth having a meaningful purpose in our heart.
Forgive Me God
O God forgive me when I whine!
Today, upon a bus, I saw a girl with golden hair
I looked at her and sighed and wished I was as fair.
When suddenly she rose to leave,
I saw her hobble down the aisle.
She had one leg and used a crutch
But as she passed, she passed a smile.
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine
I have 2 legs, the world is mine.
~~~
I stopped to buy some candy
The lad who sold it had such charm
I talked with him a while, he seemed so very glad
If I were late, it'd do no harm.
And as I left, he said to me,
"I thank you, you've been so kind.
It's nice to talk with folks like you.
You see," he said, "I'm blind."
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.
I have 2 eyes, the world is mine.
~~~
Later while walking down the street,
I saw a child with eyes of blue
He stood and watched the others play
He did not know what to do.
I stopped a moment and then I said,
"Why don't you join the others, dear?"
He looked ahead without a word.
And then I knew, he couldn't hear.
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.
I have 2 ears, the world is mine.
~~~
With feet to take me where I'd go.
With eyes to see the sunset's glow.
With ears to hear what I would know.
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.
I've been blessed indeed, The world is mine.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If this poem makes you feel like I felt,
just forward it to all your friends,
after all, it's just a simple reminder....
We have soooooo much to be thankful for!!!
~~~~~~
Sorrow looks back,
Worry looks around,
Faith looks up
Today, upon a bus, I saw a girl with golden hair
I looked at her and sighed and wished I was as fair.
When suddenly she rose to leave,
I saw her hobble down the aisle.
She had one leg and used a crutch
But as she passed, she passed a smile.
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine
I have 2 legs, the world is mine.
~~~
I stopped to buy some candy
The lad who sold it had such charm
I talked with him a while, he seemed so very glad
If I were late, it'd do no harm.
And as I left, he said to me,
"I thank you, you've been so kind.
It's nice to talk with folks like you.
You see," he said, "I'm blind."
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.
I have 2 eyes, the world is mine.
~~~
Later while walking down the street,
I saw a child with eyes of blue
He stood and watched the others play
He did not know what to do.
I stopped a moment and then I said,
"Why don't you join the others, dear?"
He looked ahead without a word.
And then I knew, he couldn't hear.
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.
I have 2 ears, the world is mine.
~~~
With feet to take me where I'd go.
With eyes to see the sunset's glow.
With ears to hear what I would know.
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.
I've been blessed indeed, The world is mine.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If this poem makes you feel like I felt,
just forward it to all your friends,
after all, it's just a simple reminder....
We have soooooo much to be thankful for!!!
~~~~~~
Sorrow looks back,
Worry looks around,
Faith looks up
Sunday, January 18, 2009
THE FINAL ANALYSIS
People are often,unreasonable,illogical and self centered:
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind,people may accuse you of selfish,ulterior motives:
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful you will gain some false friends and some true enemies:
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank,people may cheat you:
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building,some may destroy overnight:
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness,they may be jealous:
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today,people will often forget tomorrow:
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have,and it may never be enough:
Give the world the best you've got anyway.
You see in the final analysis,it is all between you and God:
It was never between you and them anyway.
People are often,unreasonable,illogical and self centered:
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind,people may accuse you of selfish,ulterior motives:
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful you will gain some false friends and some true enemies:
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank,people may cheat you:
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building,some may destroy overnight:
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness,they may be jealous:
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today,people will often forget tomorrow:
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have,and it may never be enough:
Give the world the best you've got anyway.
You see in the final analysis,it is all between you and God:
It was never between you and them anyway.
Empty Chair
A man's daughter had asked the local pastor to come and pray with her father
When the pastor arrived, he found the man lying in bed with his head propped up on 2 pillows and an empty chair beside his bed.
The pastor assumed that the old man had been informed of his visit and got the chair ready. I guess you were expecting me, he said.
No, who are you?
I'm the new pastor, When I saw the empty chair, I figured you knew I was going to come
Man- Oh yeah, the chair, Would you mind closing the door? Puzzled, the pastor shut the door
I've never told anyone this, not even my daughter, But all of my life I have never known how to pray.
At church, I used to hear the pastor talk about prayer, but it always went right over my head. I abandoned any attempt at prayer; until one day about four years ago, my best friend said to me Joe, prayer is just a simple matter of having a conversation with Jesus. Here's what I suggest. Sit down on a chair, place an empty chair in front of you and in faith, see Jesus on the chair. It's not spooky because he promised; I'll be with you always. Then, just speak to Him and listen in the same way you're doing with me right now
So I tried it and I've liked it so much that I do it a couple of hours every day. I'm careful, though. If my daughter saw me talking to an empty chair, she'd either’ve a nervous breakdown or send me off to the funny farm
The pastor was deeply moved by the story and encouraged the old man to continue on the journey. Then he prayed with him and returned to the church
Two nights later the daughter called to tell the pastor that her daddy had died that afternoon
Did he seem to die in peace? he asked
Yes. When I left the house around two o'clock, he called me over to his bedside, told me one of his corny jokes, and kissed me on the cheek. When I got back from the store an hour later, I found him dead. But there was something strange, in fact, beyond strange-
Apparently, just before Daddy died, he leaned over and rested his head on the chair
When the pastor arrived, he found the man lying in bed with his head propped up on 2 pillows and an empty chair beside his bed.
The pastor assumed that the old man had been informed of his visit and got the chair ready. I guess you were expecting me, he said.
No, who are you?
I'm the new pastor, When I saw the empty chair, I figured you knew I was going to come
Man- Oh yeah, the chair, Would you mind closing the door? Puzzled, the pastor shut the door
I've never told anyone this, not even my daughter, But all of my life I have never known how to pray.
At church, I used to hear the pastor talk about prayer, but it always went right over my head. I abandoned any attempt at prayer; until one day about four years ago, my best friend said to me Joe, prayer is just a simple matter of having a conversation with Jesus. Here's what I suggest. Sit down on a chair, place an empty chair in front of you and in faith, see Jesus on the chair. It's not spooky because he promised; I'll be with you always. Then, just speak to Him and listen in the same way you're doing with me right now
So I tried it and I've liked it so much that I do it a couple of hours every day. I'm careful, though. If my daughter saw me talking to an empty chair, she'd either’ve a nervous breakdown or send me off to the funny farm
The pastor was deeply moved by the story and encouraged the old man to continue on the journey. Then he prayed with him and returned to the church
Two nights later the daughter called to tell the pastor that her daddy had died that afternoon
Did he seem to die in peace? he asked
Yes. When I left the house around two o'clock, he called me over to his bedside, told me one of his corny jokes, and kissed me on the cheek. When I got back from the store an hour later, I found him dead. But there was something strange, in fact, beyond strange-
Apparently, just before Daddy died, he leaned over and rested his head on the chair
Saturday, January 17, 2009
GOD Knows
When you are tired and discouraged, from fruitless effort,
GOD knows how hard you have tried.
When you've cried so long your heart is in anguish,
GOD has counted your tears.
If you feel that your life is on hold and time has passed you by,
GOD is waiting for you.
When nothing makes sense and you are confused or frustrated,
GOD has the answer.
If suddenly your outlook is brighter and you find traces of hope,
GOD has whispered to you.
When things are going well and you have much to be thankful for,
GOD has blessed you
When something joyful happens and you are filled with awe,
GOD has smiled upon you.
Remember that wherever you are or whatever you are feeling....... GOD knows!
FootPrints
Footprints in the sand!!!
One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the LORD. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand; one belonging to him, and the other to the LORD.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life, there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.
This really bothered him, and he questioned the LORD about it. "LORD, you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why, when I needed you most, you would leave me."
The LORD replied, "My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you"
One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the LORD. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand; one belonging to him, and the other to the LORD.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life, there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.
This really bothered him, and he questioned the LORD about it. "LORD, you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why, when I needed you most, you would leave me."
The LORD replied, "My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you"
One Day Decided to Quit
One day I decided to quit...I quit my job, my relationship, my Spirituality... I wanted to end my life.
I went to the woods to have one last talk with God. "God", I said. "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?" His answer surprised me...
"Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"
"Yes", I replied.
"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo." He said.
"In year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit. In year four again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. I would not quit." He said.
"Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant...But just 6 months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle." He said to me.
"Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots?"
"I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you."
"Don't compare yourself to others." He said. "The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern. Yet they both make the forest beautiful."
"Your time will come", God said to me. "You will rise high"
"How high should I rise?" I asked.
"How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return.
"As high as it can? I questioned
"Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can."
I left the forest and bring back this story. I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on you.
He will never give up on you
One day I decided to quit...I quit my job, my relationship, my Spirituality... I wanted to end my life.
I went to the woods to have one last talk with God. "God", I said. "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?" His answer surprised me...
"Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"
"Yes", I replied.
"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo." He said.
"In year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit. In year four again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. I would not quit." He said.
"Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant...But just 6 months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle." He said to me.
"Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots?"
"I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you."
"Don't compare yourself to others." He said. "The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern. Yet they both make the forest beautiful."
"Your time will come", God said to me. "You will rise high"
"How high should I rise?" I asked.
"How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return.
"As high as it can? I questioned
"Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can."
I left the forest and bring back this story. I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on you.
He will never give up on you
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