Pennsylvania State Organization
Alpha Phi Chapter
Allegheny County
Alpha Phi Chapter
Allegheny County
INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHTS
TEACHER
Inspirational Thought written and presented by Louise Biddle, April 13, 2024
Thank you for the outstanding privilege of speaking to you. I'm humbled for this special recognition and so grateful for my long romance with teaching.
My topic is teacher. It only has seven letters, but it is so profound. So profound that it needs many supportive words to reach its fruition.
Some of the words are dedication, motivation, patience, love, encouragement, kindness, inspire, creativity, praise, self-confidence, self-esteem, achieve, transform, embrace, and successful. Words that are common to us, but so vital to teachers who works do diligently molding and transforming their students, our future leaders. Thank you teachers for your awesome dedication.
Let us bow our heads:
Heavenly Father, bless all our teachers and fellow educators. Shelter them under your wings with your wisdom, encouragement, and ever-lasting love. Amen
My topic is teacher. It only has seven letters, but it is so profound. So profound that it needs many supportive words to reach its fruition.
Some of the words are dedication, motivation, patience, love, encouragement, kindness, inspire, creativity, praise, self-confidence, self-esteem, achieve, transform, embrace, and successful. Words that are common to us, but so vital to teachers who works do diligently molding and transforming their students, our future leaders. Thank you teachers for your awesome dedication.
Let us bow our heads:
Heavenly Father, bless all our teachers and fellow educators. Shelter them under your wings with your wisdom, encouragement, and ever-lasting love. Amen
IMPORTANCE OF THE ARTS
Inspirational Thought by Haddie Weber, October 21, 2023
Before a child talks, they sing
Before they write they draw
As soon as they stand they dance.
Art is essential to human expression
Phylicia Rashad
Before they write they draw
As soon as they stand they dance.
Art is essential to human expression
Phylicia Rashad
THAT RAGGED OLD FLAG
(sung by Johnny Cash, 1974)
Inspirational Thought by Margie Glaid, November 11, 2023
I walked through a county courthouse square
On a park bench, an old man was sitting there
I said "Your old court house is kind of run down"
He said "Naw, it'll do for our little town"
I said "Your old flag pole is leaned a little bit"
And that's a ragged old flag you got hanging on it
He said "Have a seat", and I sat down
"Is this the first time you've been to our little town?"
I said "I think it is"
He said "I don't like to brag, but we're kind of proud of
That Ragged Old Flag
You see, we got a little hole in that flag there
When Washington took it across the Delaware
And It got powder burned the night Francis Scott Key sat watching it
Writing Say Can You See
It got a rip in New Orleans, with Packingham and Jackson
Tugging at its seams
And It almost fell at the Alamo
Beside the Texas flag
But she waved on though
She got cut with a sword at Chancellorsville
And she got cut again at Shiloh Hill
There was Robert E. Lee and Beauregard and Bragg
And the south wind blew hard on
That Ragged Old Flag
On Flanders Field in World War I
She got a big hole from a Bertha Gun
She turned blood red in World War II
She hung limp, and low, a time or two
She was in Korea, Vietnam, She went where she was sent
By her Uncle Sam
She waved from our ships upon the briny foam
And now they've about quit waving back here at home
In her own good land here She's been abused
She's been burned, dishonored, denied an' refused
And the government for which she stands
Has been scandalized throughout out the land
And she's getting thread bare, and she's wearing thin
But she's in good shape, for the shape she's in
Because she's been through the fire before
And I believe she can take a whole lot more"
So we raise her up every morning
And we bring her down slow every night
We don't let her touch the ground
And we fold her up right
On second thought
I do like to brag
Because I'm mighty proud of
That Ragged Old Flag
On a park bench, an old man was sitting there
I said "Your old court house is kind of run down"
He said "Naw, it'll do for our little town"
I said "Your old flag pole is leaned a little bit"
And that's a ragged old flag you got hanging on it
He said "Have a seat", and I sat down
"Is this the first time you've been to our little town?"
I said "I think it is"
He said "I don't like to brag, but we're kind of proud of
That Ragged Old Flag
You see, we got a little hole in that flag there
When Washington took it across the Delaware
And It got powder burned the night Francis Scott Key sat watching it
Writing Say Can You See
It got a rip in New Orleans, with Packingham and Jackson
Tugging at its seams
And It almost fell at the Alamo
Beside the Texas flag
But she waved on though
She got cut with a sword at Chancellorsville
And she got cut again at Shiloh Hill
There was Robert E. Lee and Beauregard and Bragg
And the south wind blew hard on
That Ragged Old Flag
On Flanders Field in World War I
She got a big hole from a Bertha Gun
She turned blood red in World War II
She hung limp, and low, a time or two
She was in Korea, Vietnam, She went where she was sent
By her Uncle Sam
She waved from our ships upon the briny foam
And now they've about quit waving back here at home
In her own good land here She's been abused
She's been burned, dishonored, denied an' refused
And the government for which she stands
Has been scandalized throughout out the land
And she's getting thread bare, and she's wearing thin
But she's in good shape, for the shape she's in
Because she's been through the fire before
And I believe she can take a whole lot more"
So we raise her up every morning
And we bring her down slow every night
We don't let her touch the ground
And we fold her up right
On second thought
I do like to brag
Because I'm mighty proud of
That Ragged Old Flag
THINK LIKE A TREE
Inspirational Thought by Haddie Weber, October 21, 2023
Soak up the Sun
Affirm life’s magic
Be grateful in the wind
Stand tall after a storm
Feel refreshed after the rain
Grow strong without notice
Be prepared for each season
Provide shelter to strangers
Hang tough through a cold spell
Emerge renewed at the first signs of spring
Stay deeply rooted while reaching for the sky
Be still long enough to Hear your own leaves rustling
Karen Shrug
Affirm life’s magic
Be grateful in the wind
Stand tall after a storm
Feel refreshed after the rain
Grow strong without notice
Be prepared for each season
Provide shelter to strangers
Hang tough through a cold spell
Emerge renewed at the first signs of spring
Stay deeply rooted while reaching for the sky
Be still long enough to Hear your own leaves rustling
Karen Shrug
TO ALL THE KIDS WHO SURVIVED THE 1930s, 40s, 50, 60s, and 70s
Inspirational Thought by BJ Berich, May 20, 2023
First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they carried us.
They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can, and didn’t get tested for diabetes.
Then after that trauma, our baby cribs were covered with bright coloured lead-based paints.
We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets,
not to mention, the risks we took hitchhiking.
As children, we would ride in cars with no seat belts or air bags.
Riding in the back of a pick up on a warm day was always a special treat.
We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle.
We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually died from this.
We ate cupcakes, white bread and real butter and drank soda pop with sugar in it, but we weren’t overweight because WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING!
We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on.
No one was able to reach us all day. And we were O.K.
We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes.
After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.
We did not have Playstations, Nintendo’s, X-boxes, no video games at all, no 99 channels on cable, no video tape movies, no surround sound, no cell phones, no personal computers, no Internet or Internet chat rooms……….WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!
We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents.
We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever.
We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays, made up games with sticks and tennis balls and although we were told it would happen, we did not put out very many eyes.
We rode bikes or walked to a friend’s house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them!
Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn’t had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!
The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law!
This generation has produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever!
The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas.
We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned HOW TO DEAL WITH IT ALL!
They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can, and didn’t get tested for diabetes.
Then after that trauma, our baby cribs were covered with bright coloured lead-based paints.
We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets,
not to mention, the risks we took hitchhiking.
As children, we would ride in cars with no seat belts or air bags.
Riding in the back of a pick up on a warm day was always a special treat.
We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle.
We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually died from this.
We ate cupcakes, white bread and real butter and drank soda pop with sugar in it, but we weren’t overweight because WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING!
We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on.
No one was able to reach us all day. And we were O.K.
We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes.
After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.
We did not have Playstations, Nintendo’s, X-boxes, no video games at all, no 99 channels on cable, no video tape movies, no surround sound, no cell phones, no personal computers, no Internet or Internet chat rooms……….WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!
We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents.
We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever.
We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays, made up games with sticks and tennis balls and although we were told it would happen, we did not put out very many eyes.
We rode bikes or walked to a friend’s house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them!
Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn’t had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!
The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law!
This generation has produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever!
The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas.
We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned HOW TO DEAL WITH IT ALL!
YOU ARE REMARKABLE
Inspirational Thought by LuAnn Sebastian, October 8, 2022
from the April 2, 2022 edition of Woman's World
You are remarkable !
You think important thoughts which means you have great ideas and the best kind of advice to share.
You care deeply, you're wise and heartfelt, you dream big and you hope hard.
You solve problems big and small, you believe in possibilities and you make good things happen.
All just by being you!
You think important thoughts which means you have great ideas and the best kind of advice to share.
You care deeply, you're wise and heartfelt, you dream big and you hope hard.
You solve problems big and small, you believe in possibilities and you make good things happen.
All just by being you!
BE KIND
Inspirational Thought by Donna Watson, August 27, 2022
I was inspired recently by this quote that our minister used to start her sermon. "If you can't do anything else, be kind." Freelance writer and psychologist Flavia Medrut reminds us that, "Kindness is one of those attributes that makes a person beautiful. People who are kind go out of their way to help others not because they have to, but because it's the right thing to do. Genuinely good people do random acts of kindness in silence without expecting anything in return. When you think about becoming the best version of yourself, this type of behavior should be among the first things to consider. It is important to be empathetic to others. When there are so many people suffering in the world, kindness can open doors for them and for you. Being compassionate to yourself or others may bring you peace and inspire you to do more."
INSPIRATIONAL WORDS
Inspirational Thought by LuAnn Sebastian, October 16, 2021
“Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which, fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength for our nation.” John F. Kennedy
JUST a Teacher
Inspirational Thought by Karen Vaccari, September 18, 2021
I heard you say the other day,
"Oh, you're JUST a teacher anyway.
You laugh and play your day away.
You're free at 3, have your summers off."
You snickered softly and even scoffed.
I'm sad to say, that you JUST don't see,
What being a teacher means to me.
Sure, I laugh and play my day away.
Because learning is fun and that's just my way.
If I were free at 3 and had my summers off,
I'd too snicker softly and even scoff.
Unfortunately my paycheck does, but I do not.
But you see Good Sir, Ma'am, Madam or Miss
Being JUST a teacher is much more that this.
I JUST teach your child to read and write,
To JUST explore and question,
To JUST think and be bright.
I JUST dry their tears when they're having a bad day.
I'm JUST there for them in each and every way.
Your most precious asset JUST deserves a lot.
And being JUST a teacher, I am not.
I dare you to JUST take a closer look.
For being JUST a teacher doesn't come in a book.
It comes from the heart and it's a passion you see.
So, being JUST a teacher is fine by me.
"Oh, you're JUST a teacher anyway.
You laugh and play your day away.
You're free at 3, have your summers off."
You snickered softly and even scoffed.
I'm sad to say, that you JUST don't see,
What being a teacher means to me.
Sure, I laugh and play my day away.
Because learning is fun and that's just my way.
If I were free at 3 and had my summers off,
I'd too snicker softly and even scoff.
Unfortunately my paycheck does, but I do not.
But you see Good Sir, Ma'am, Madam or Miss
Being JUST a teacher is much more that this.
I JUST teach your child to read and write,
To JUST explore and question,
To JUST think and be bright.
I JUST dry their tears when they're having a bad day.
I'm JUST there for them in each and every way.
Your most precious asset JUST deserves a lot.
And being JUST a teacher, I am not.
I dare you to JUST take a closer look.
For being JUST a teacher doesn't come in a book.
It comes from the heart and it's a passion you see.
So, being JUST a teacher is fine by me.
A HAND BLESSING
Inspirational Thought by Haddie Weber, May 15, 2021
Blessed be the works of your hands, O Holy One.
Blessed be these hands that have touched life.
Blessed be these hands that have nurtured creativity.
Blessed be these hands that have held pain.
Blessed be these hands that have embraced with passion.
Blessed be these hands that have tended gardens.
Blessed be these hands that have closed in anger.
Blessed be these hands that have planted new seeds.
Blessed be these hands that have harvested ripe fields.
Blessed be these hands that have cleaned, washed, mopped, scrubbed.
Blessed be these hands that have become knotty with age.
Blessed be these hands that have are wrinkled and scarred from doing justice.
Blessed be these hands that have reached out and been received.
Blessed be these hands that have that hold the promise of the future.
Blessed be the works of your hands, O Holy One.
Blessed be these hands that have touched life.
Blessed be these hands that have nurtured creativity.
Blessed be these hands that have held pain.
Blessed be these hands that have embraced with passion.
Blessed be these hands that have tended gardens.
Blessed be these hands that have closed in anger.
Blessed be these hands that have planted new seeds.
Blessed be these hands that have harvested ripe fields.
Blessed be these hands that have cleaned, washed, mopped, scrubbed.
Blessed be these hands that have become knotty with age.
Blessed be these hands that have are wrinkled and scarred from doing justice.
Blessed be these hands that have reached out and been received.
Blessed be these hands that have that hold the promise of the future.
Blessed be the works of your hands, O Holy One.
PEOPLE WILL NEVER FORGET...
Inspirational Thought by LuAnn Sebastian, April 10, 2021
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: JOHNNY THE BAGGER by Barbara Glanz
Inspirational Thought by Florence Whetsel, March 13, 2021
A few years ago I was hired by a large Supermarket chain to lead a customer service program – to build customer loyalty. During my speech I said, “Every one of you can make a difference and create memories for your customers that will motivate them to come back.” How?
Put your personal signature on the job. Think about something you can do for your customer to make them feel special – a memory that will make them come back.
About a month after I had spoken I received a phone call from a 19- year-old bagger named Johnny. He proudly informed me he was a Down Syndrome individual and told me his story. “I liked what you talked about,” he said, “but at first I didn’t think I could do anything special for our customers. After all I’m just a bagger. Then I had an idea."
“Every night after work, I’d come home and find a thought for the day.” “If I can’t find a saying I like,” he added, “I’d just think one up.”
When Johnny had a good thought for the day, his dad helped him set it up on the computer and print multiple copies. Johnny cut out each quote and signed the back. Then he’d bring them to work the next day. “When I finish bagging someone’s groceries, I put my thought for the day in their bag and say, thanks for shopping with us.”
It touched me to think that this young man – with a job most people would say is not important – had made it important by creating precious memories for all of his customers. A month later the store manager called me….
“You won’t believe what happened. When I was making my rounds today, I found Johnny’s checkout line was three times longer than anyone else’s. It went all the way down the frozen food aisle. ' So I quickly announced, ‘we need more cashiers; get more lanes open.’ As I tried to get people to change lanes. But no one would move. They said, “No that’s OK – we want to be in Johnny’s lane. We want his thought for the day.” The store manager continued, “It was a joy to watch Johnny delight the customers.” “I got a lump in my throat when one woman said, ‘I used to shop at your store once a week, but now I come by every time I go by, because I want to get Johnny’s thought for the day."
A few months later the manager called me again. “Johnny has transformed our store. Now when the floral department has a broken flower or unused corsage, they find and elderly women or a little girl and pin it on them. Everyone has had a lot of fun creating memories. Our customers are talking about us… they’re coming back and bringing their friends.”
A wonderful spirit of service spread throughout the entire store…all because Johnny’s chose to make a difference. Johnny’s idea wasn’t nearly as innovative as it was loving. It came from his heart – it was real. That’s what touched the customers, his peers…and those who read this story.
Put your personal signature on the job. Think about something you can do for your customer to make them feel special – a memory that will make them come back.
About a month after I had spoken I received a phone call from a 19- year-old bagger named Johnny. He proudly informed me he was a Down Syndrome individual and told me his story. “I liked what you talked about,” he said, “but at first I didn’t think I could do anything special for our customers. After all I’m just a bagger. Then I had an idea."
“Every night after work, I’d come home and find a thought for the day.” “If I can’t find a saying I like,” he added, “I’d just think one up.”
When Johnny had a good thought for the day, his dad helped him set it up on the computer and print multiple copies. Johnny cut out each quote and signed the back. Then he’d bring them to work the next day. “When I finish bagging someone’s groceries, I put my thought for the day in their bag and say, thanks for shopping with us.”
It touched me to think that this young man – with a job most people would say is not important – had made it important by creating precious memories for all of his customers. A month later the store manager called me….
“You won’t believe what happened. When I was making my rounds today, I found Johnny’s checkout line was three times longer than anyone else’s. It went all the way down the frozen food aisle. ' So I quickly announced, ‘we need more cashiers; get more lanes open.’ As I tried to get people to change lanes. But no one would move. They said, “No that’s OK – we want to be in Johnny’s lane. We want his thought for the day.” The store manager continued, “It was a joy to watch Johnny delight the customers.” “I got a lump in my throat when one woman said, ‘I used to shop at your store once a week, but now I come by every time I go by, because I want to get Johnny’s thought for the day."
A few months later the manager called me again. “Johnny has transformed our store. Now when the floral department has a broken flower or unused corsage, they find and elderly women or a little girl and pin it on them. Everyone has had a lot of fun creating memories. Our customers are talking about us… they’re coming back and bringing their friends.”
A wonderful spirit of service spread throughout the entire store…all because Johnny’s chose to make a difference. Johnny’s idea wasn’t nearly as innovative as it was loving. It came from his heart – it was real. That’s what touched the customers, his peers…and those who read this story.
THE FINAL SPEECH FROM THE GREAT DICTATOR (1940) by CHARLIE CHAPLIN
Inspirational Thought by Mary Havel, November 14, 2020
I’m sorry, but I don’t want to be an emperor. That’s not my business. I don’t want to rule or conquer anyone. I should like to help everyone - if possible - Jew, Gentile - black man - white. We all want to help one another. Human beings are like that. We want to live by each other’s happiness - not by each other’s misery. We don’t want to hate and despise one another. In this world, there is room for everyone. And the good earth is rich and can provide for everyone. The way of life can be free and beautiful, but we have lost the way.
Greed has poisoned men’s souls, has barricaded the world with hate, has goose-stepped us into misery and bloodshed. We have developed speed, but we have shut ourselves in. Machinery that gives abundance has left us in want. Our knowledge has made us cynical. Our cleverness, hard and unkind. We think too much and feel too little. More than machinery we need humanity. More than cleverness we need kindness and gentleness. Without these qualities, life will be violent and all will be lost….
The airplane and the radio have brought us closer together. The very nature of these inventions cries out for the goodness in men - cries out for universal brotherhood - for the unity of us all. Even now my voice is reaching millions throughout the world - millions of despairing men, women, and little children - victims of a system that makes men torture and imprison innocent people.
To those who can hear me, I say - do not despair. The misery that is now upon us is but the passing of greed - the bitterness of men who fear the way of human progress. The hate of men will pass, and dictators die, and the power they took from the people will return to the people. And so long as men die, liberty will never perish.
Soldiers! Don’t give yourselves to brutes - men who despise you - enslave you - who regiment your lives - tell you what to do - what to think and what to feel! Who drill you - diet you - treat you like cattle, use you as cannon fodder. Don’t give yourselves to these unnatural men - machine men with machine minds and machine hearts! You are not machines! You are not cattle! You are men! You have the love of humanity in your hearts! You don’t hate! Only the unloved hate - the unloved and the unnatural! Soldiers! Don’t fight for slavery! Fight for liberty!
In the 17th Chapter of St Luke, it is written: “the Kingdom of God is within man” - not one man nor a group of men, but in all men! In you! You, the people have the power - the power to create machines. The power to create happiness! You, the people, have the power to make this life free and beautiful, to make this life a wonderful adventure.
Then - in the name of democracy - let us use that power - let us all unite. Let us fight for a new world - a decent world that will give men a chance to work - that will give youth a future and old age a security. By the promise of these things, brutes have risen to power. But they lie! They do not fulfill that promise. They never will!
Greed has poisoned men’s souls, has barricaded the world with hate, has goose-stepped us into misery and bloodshed. We have developed speed, but we have shut ourselves in. Machinery that gives abundance has left us in want. Our knowledge has made us cynical. Our cleverness, hard and unkind. We think too much and feel too little. More than machinery we need humanity. More than cleverness we need kindness and gentleness. Without these qualities, life will be violent and all will be lost….
The airplane and the radio have brought us closer together. The very nature of these inventions cries out for the goodness in men - cries out for universal brotherhood - for the unity of us all. Even now my voice is reaching millions throughout the world - millions of despairing men, women, and little children - victims of a system that makes men torture and imprison innocent people.
To those who can hear me, I say - do not despair. The misery that is now upon us is but the passing of greed - the bitterness of men who fear the way of human progress. The hate of men will pass, and dictators die, and the power they took from the people will return to the people. And so long as men die, liberty will never perish.
Soldiers! Don’t give yourselves to brutes - men who despise you - enslave you - who regiment your lives - tell you what to do - what to think and what to feel! Who drill you - diet you - treat you like cattle, use you as cannon fodder. Don’t give yourselves to these unnatural men - machine men with machine minds and machine hearts! You are not machines! You are not cattle! You are men! You have the love of humanity in your hearts! You don’t hate! Only the unloved hate - the unloved and the unnatural! Soldiers! Don’t fight for slavery! Fight for liberty!
In the 17th Chapter of St Luke, it is written: “the Kingdom of God is within man” - not one man nor a group of men, but in all men! In you! You, the people have the power - the power to create machines. The power to create happiness! You, the people, have the power to make this life free and beautiful, to make this life a wonderful adventure.
Then - in the name of democracy - let us use that power - let us all unite. Let us fight for a new world - a decent world that will give men a chance to work - that will give youth a future and old age a security. By the promise of these things, brutes have risen to power. But they lie! They do not fulfill that promise. They never will!
A TEACHER'S GIFT
Inspirational Thought by Ann Q. Lyle, March 14, 2020
All of us like to receive gifts, right? I would like to tell you about a gift I received during my second year of teaching First Grade in Hope Mills, a small community in rural North Carolina.
It’s September, 1956. I surveyed my class, most of whom I recognized from visiting their homes a week before school began. There’s one student I could not possibly overlook, because he was holding my hand. His name was Ricky. He had not spoken at all until he was nearly 4 years old and then in single words. He communicated mostly with grunts and hand gestures. He was the smallest child in the room. His arms and legs were extremely thin. His movements were jerky. His eyes darted around the room. He sat on my lap during all three reading groups. Remember reading groups?
Ricky claimed a book about baby farm animals as his own. He carried it everywhere. I had to replace it before Christmas.
By the middle of October he was satisfied to sit at his desk. Other children would help him trace numbers and capital letters. They were much more patient with him than I’m sure I would have been.
I finally realized that Ricky needed some one-on-one time with me. I explained that after lunch and story time I would be taking Ricky to the other side of the room for some special time with me.
Bringing his favorite book, he climbed into my lap once again and began to turn the pages. The first picture was a puppy. I told him that this was a baby dog – a puppy. He smiled. Then with a look of confusion, he asked, “Eat me?” I replied, “A puppy will not eat you.” We passed through the rest of the pages with the same results. This continued until Christmas vacation.
The week after school resumed in January, with great regret I told my class that I would be leaving. My husband was getting an early release from the Army so that he could enroll in college to finish his degree.
On my last day the parents surprised me with a Good-bye Party. Tears were shed. When my husband arrived to take my personal property to the car, there were more tears.
As I was turning to leave, I felt a tug on my skirt. There was Ricky with THE BOOK in his hand. He opened it and said, “Puppy will not eat me.” He repeated this for each animal. I told Ricky how proud I was of him. My husband hustled me out the door just before I began to openly sob.
As he was loading the car, I turned to him and said, “That was a wonderful gift Ricky gave to me.”
Each year after that, at the beginning of a new school year I asked myself, “Who will be my gift?”
I hope this tale prompted you to remember your gifts. I’m sure that you, like I, received many.
It’s September, 1956. I surveyed my class, most of whom I recognized from visiting their homes a week before school began. There’s one student I could not possibly overlook, because he was holding my hand. His name was Ricky. He had not spoken at all until he was nearly 4 years old and then in single words. He communicated mostly with grunts and hand gestures. He was the smallest child in the room. His arms and legs were extremely thin. His movements were jerky. His eyes darted around the room. He sat on my lap during all three reading groups. Remember reading groups?
Ricky claimed a book about baby farm animals as his own. He carried it everywhere. I had to replace it before Christmas.
By the middle of October he was satisfied to sit at his desk. Other children would help him trace numbers and capital letters. They were much more patient with him than I’m sure I would have been.
I finally realized that Ricky needed some one-on-one time with me. I explained that after lunch and story time I would be taking Ricky to the other side of the room for some special time with me.
Bringing his favorite book, he climbed into my lap once again and began to turn the pages. The first picture was a puppy. I told him that this was a baby dog – a puppy. He smiled. Then with a look of confusion, he asked, “Eat me?” I replied, “A puppy will not eat you.” We passed through the rest of the pages with the same results. This continued until Christmas vacation.
The week after school resumed in January, with great regret I told my class that I would be leaving. My husband was getting an early release from the Army so that he could enroll in college to finish his degree.
On my last day the parents surprised me with a Good-bye Party. Tears were shed. When my husband arrived to take my personal property to the car, there were more tears.
As I was turning to leave, I felt a tug on my skirt. There was Ricky with THE BOOK in his hand. He opened it and said, “Puppy will not eat me.” He repeated this for each animal. I told Ricky how proud I was of him. My husband hustled me out the door just before I began to openly sob.
As he was loading the car, I turned to him and said, “That was a wonderful gift Ricky gave to me.”
Each year after that, at the beginning of a new school year I asked myself, “Who will be my gift?”
I hope this tale prompted you to remember your gifts. I’m sure that you, like I, received many.
PARABLE OF THE PENCIL
Inspirational Thought by Becky Johnen, November 2, 2019
Inspirational Thought by Becky Johnen, November 2, 2019
Part I. The Pencil Maker took the pencil aside, just before putting him into the box.
"There are five 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."
One : "You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in someone's hand."
Two : "You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you'll need it to become a better pencil."
Three : "You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make."
Four : "The most important part of you will always be what's inside."
And Five : "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.
Part II. Put yourself in the place of the pencil as you read this section. If you remember these five things and make them a part of your life, you will become the best person you can be.
One : "You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be ‘held in someone's hand’ where the many gifts you possess can be put to good use.
Two : "You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, by going through various problems in life, but you’ll need it to become a stronger person."
Three : "You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make."
Four : "The most important part of you will always be what's on the inside."
And Five : "On every surface you walk through, you must leave your mark. No matter what the situation, you must continue to do your duties."
Our life journey is one of give and take; of ups and downs; of enjoyable and challenging moments. Like the pencil, we all have what we need to make it through any situation we encounter; we all have what we need to make our mark on life. If we remember to work with others, work through painful and challenging situations, view mistakes as learning opportunities, respond rather than react and stay true to our values, and always move forward, we will lead a full and rich life fulfilling our purpose and being the best we can be.
"There are five 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."
One : "You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in someone's hand."
Two : "You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you'll need it to become a better pencil."
Three : "You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make."
Four : "The most important part of you will always be what's inside."
And Five : "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.
Part II. Put yourself in the place of the pencil as you read this section. If you remember these five things and make them a part of your life, you will become the best person you can be.
One : "You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be ‘held in someone's hand’ where the many gifts you possess can be put to good use.
Two : "You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, by going through various problems in life, but you’ll need it to become a stronger person."
Three : "You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make."
Four : "The most important part of you will always be what's on the inside."
And Five : "On every surface you walk through, you must leave your mark. No matter what the situation, you must continue to do your duties."
Our life journey is one of give and take; of ups and downs; of enjoyable and challenging moments. Like the pencil, we all have what we need to make it through any situation we encounter; we all have what we need to make our mark on life. If we remember to work with others, work through painful and challenging situations, view mistakes as learning opportunities, respond rather than react and stay true to our values, and always move forward, we will lead a full and rich life fulfilling our purpose and being the best we can be.
WHEN ADVERSITY KNOCKS ON YOUR DOOR, HOW DO YOU RESPOND?
Inspirational Thought by Suzanne Mackulin, October 3, 2019
Inspirational Thought by Suzanne Mackulin, October 3, 2019
Once upon a time a daughter complained to her father that her life was miserable and that she didn’t how she was going to make it. She was tired of fighting and struggling all the time. It seemed just as one problem was solved, another one soon followed.
Her father, a chef, took her to the kitchen. He filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Once the three pots began to boil, he placed potatoes in one pot, eggs in the second pot, and ground coffee beans in the third pot.
He then let them sit and boil, without saying a word to his daughter. The daughter, moaned and impatiently waited, wondering what he was doing.
After twenty minutes he turned off the burners. He took the potatoes out of the pot and placed them in a bowl. He pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl.
He then ladled the coffee out and placed it in a cup. Turning to her he asked. “Daughter, what do you see?”
“Potatoes, eggs, and coffee,” she replied hastily.
“Look closer,” he said, “and touch the potatoes.” She did and noted that they were soft. He then asked her to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg. Finally, he asked her to sip the coffee. Its rich aroma brought a smile to her face.
“Father, what does this mean?” she asked.
He then explained that the potatoes, the eggs and coffee beans had each faced the same adversity– the boiling water.
However, each one reacted differently.
The potato went in strong, hard, and unrelenting, but in boiling water, it became soft and weak.
The egg had been fragile, with the thin outer shell protecting its liquid interior until it was put in the boiling water. Then the inside of the egg became hard.
However, the ground coffee beans were unique. After they were exposed to the boiling water, they changed the water and created something new.
“Which are you,” she asked his daughter. “When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a potato, an egg, or a coffee bean? “
Moral: In life, things happen around us, things happen to us, but the only thing that truly matters is what happens within us.
Her father, a chef, took her to the kitchen. He filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Once the three pots began to boil, he placed potatoes in one pot, eggs in the second pot, and ground coffee beans in the third pot.
He then let them sit and boil, without saying a word to his daughter. The daughter, moaned and impatiently waited, wondering what he was doing.
After twenty minutes he turned off the burners. He took the potatoes out of the pot and placed them in a bowl. He pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl.
He then ladled the coffee out and placed it in a cup. Turning to her he asked. “Daughter, what do you see?”
“Potatoes, eggs, and coffee,” she replied hastily.
“Look closer,” he said, “and touch the potatoes.” She did and noted that they were soft. He then asked her to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg. Finally, he asked her to sip the coffee. Its rich aroma brought a smile to her face.
“Father, what does this mean?” she asked.
He then explained that the potatoes, the eggs and coffee beans had each faced the same adversity– the boiling water.
However, each one reacted differently.
The potato went in strong, hard, and unrelenting, but in boiling water, it became soft and weak.
The egg had been fragile, with the thin outer shell protecting its liquid interior until it was put in the boiling water. Then the inside of the egg became hard.
However, the ground coffee beans were unique. After they were exposed to the boiling water, they changed the water and created something new.
“Which are you,” she asked his daughter. “When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a potato, an egg, or a coffee bean? “
Moral: In life, things happen around us, things happen to us, but the only thing that truly matters is what happens within us.
WHAT IS THE ULTMATE TRUTH OF LIFE?
Inspirational Thought by Suzanne Mackulin, October 3, 2019
Inspirational Thought by Suzanne Mackulin, October 3, 2019
One night, just before the shopkeeper was about to close the shop, a dog came into the shop.
There was a bag in its mouth. The bag had a list of items to be bought and money. The shopkeeper took the money and kept the items in the bag.
Immediately, the dog picked up the bag of items and left. The shopkeeper was surprised and went behind the dog to see who the owner was.
The dog waited at the bus stop. After sometime, a bus came and the dog got into the bus. As soon as the conductor came, it moved forward to show his neck belt which had money and the address as well. The conductor took the money and put the ticket in his neck belt again.
When it reached the destination, the dog went to the front and wagged his tail indicating that he wanted to get down. The moment the bus stopped, it got down. The shopkeeper was still following it.
The dog knocked on the door of a house with its legs. Its owner came from inside and beat it with a stick.
The shocked shopkeeper asked him “why are you beating the dog?” to which the owner replied, “he disturbed my sleep. It could have taken the keys with it.”
This is the ultimate truth of life. There is no end to the expectations people have from you. The moment you go wrong, they start pointing at our mistakes. All the good done in the past is forgotten. Any small mistake committed then gets magnified. This is the nature of this material world.
There was a bag in its mouth. The bag had a list of items to be bought and money. The shopkeeper took the money and kept the items in the bag.
Immediately, the dog picked up the bag of items and left. The shopkeeper was surprised and went behind the dog to see who the owner was.
The dog waited at the bus stop. After sometime, a bus came and the dog got into the bus. As soon as the conductor came, it moved forward to show his neck belt which had money and the address as well. The conductor took the money and put the ticket in his neck belt again.
When it reached the destination, the dog went to the front and wagged his tail indicating that he wanted to get down. The moment the bus stopped, it got down. The shopkeeper was still following it.
The dog knocked on the door of a house with its legs. Its owner came from inside and beat it with a stick.
The shocked shopkeeper asked him “why are you beating the dog?” to which the owner replied, “he disturbed my sleep. It could have taken the keys with it.”
This is the ultimate truth of life. There is no end to the expectations people have from you. The moment you go wrong, they start pointing at our mistakes. All the good done in the past is forgotten. Any small mistake committed then gets magnified. This is the nature of this material world.
IF…
Inspirational Thought by Ann Lyle, September 7, 2019
Inspirational Thought by Ann Lyle, September 7, 2019
If--
by Rudyard Kipling If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you, If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting too; If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies, Or being hated, don’t give way to hating, And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise: If you can dream—and not make dreams your master; If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim; If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster And treat those two impostors just the same; If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools, Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken, And stoop and build ’em up with worn-out tools: If you can make one heap of all your winnings And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss, And lose, and start again at your beginnings And never breathe a word about your loss; If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew To serve your turn long after they are gone, And so hold on when there is nothing in you Except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold on!’ If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch, If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you, If all men count with you, but none too much; If you can fill the unforgiving minute With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run, Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it, And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son! |
ALWAYS BE A LITTLE KINDER THAN NECESSARY
Inspirational Thought by Becky Johnen, May 18, 2019
Inspirational Thought by Becky Johnen, May 18, 2019
One day, Howard Kelly, a poor boy, was selling goods from one door to another to pay for his studies. After a while, his stomach started to grumble letting him know that he was hungry. But he found that he had only one dime left; not enough to pay for food. So, while approaching the next house, he decided to ask for a meal.
But when a young woman opened the door, he only dared to ask for a glass of water. She looked at him and understood that he was probably hungry. So she brought him a large glass of milk. He drank it and then asked how much he owed her. The woman replied, “You don‘t owe me anything. Mother taught us never to accept pay for a kindness.” “Then I thank you from the bottom of my heart,” he said. That one glass of milk and the woman’s kindness made Howard feet stronger physically and spiritually.
Many years passed. One day that woman became seriously ill. Local doctors could not help her so she was sent her to a big city where her rare disease could be studied by specialists. Dr Howard Kelly was called in for the consultation. When he entered her room in the hospital, he immediately recognized the woman as the one who showed kindness to him when he was poor. The doctor was determined to do his best to help her recover from her disease.
The struggle was long, but together they managed to overcome her illness. After some time the woman received a bill for her treatment. She was worried that the amount to pay would be so significant that it would take the rest of her life to pay for it. Finally, when the woman looked at the bill, she noticed the words that were written on the side of it. The words were: Paid in full with a glass of milk.
Let’s remember that the pattern and fabric of our lives is not as random as we may think. Kindness can have far-reaching results that may transcend our lifetime.
But when a young woman opened the door, he only dared to ask for a glass of water. She looked at him and understood that he was probably hungry. So she brought him a large glass of milk. He drank it and then asked how much he owed her. The woman replied, “You don‘t owe me anything. Mother taught us never to accept pay for a kindness.” “Then I thank you from the bottom of my heart,” he said. That one glass of milk and the woman’s kindness made Howard feet stronger physically and spiritually.
Many years passed. One day that woman became seriously ill. Local doctors could not help her so she was sent her to a big city where her rare disease could be studied by specialists. Dr Howard Kelly was called in for the consultation. When he entered her room in the hospital, he immediately recognized the woman as the one who showed kindness to him when he was poor. The doctor was determined to do his best to help her recover from her disease.
The struggle was long, but together they managed to overcome her illness. After some time the woman received a bill for her treatment. She was worried that the amount to pay would be so significant that it would take the rest of her life to pay for it. Finally, when the woman looked at the bill, she noticed the words that were written on the side of it. The words were: Paid in full with a glass of milk.
Let’s remember that the pattern and fabric of our lives is not as random as we may think. Kindness can have far-reaching results that may transcend our lifetime.
A TEACHER’S STORY
Inspirational Thought by Louise Biddle, March 2, 2019
Inspirational Thought by Louise Biddle, March 2, 2019
As she stood in front of her 5th grade class on the very first day of school, she told the children an untruth. Like most teachers, she looked at her students and said that she loved them all the same. However, that was impossible, because there in the front row, slumped in his seat, was a little boy named Teddy Stoddard.
Mrs. Thompson had watched Teddy the year before and noticed that he did not play well with the other children, that his clothes were messy and that he constantly needed a bath. In addition, Teddy could be unpleasant. It got to the point where Mrs. Thompson would actually take delight in marking his papers with a broad red pen, making bold X's and then putting a big "F" at the top of his papers. At the school where Mrs. Thompson taught, she was required to review each child's past records and she put Teddy's off until last. However, when she reviewed his file, she was in for a surprise.
Teddy's first grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is a bright child with a ready laugh. He does his work neatly and has good manners... he is a joy to be around.."
His second grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is an excellent student, well-liked by his classmates, but he is troubled because his mother has a terminal illness and life at home must be a struggle."
His third grade teacher wrote, "His mother's death has been hard on him. He tries to do his best, but his father doesn't show much interest and his home life will soon affect him if some steps aren't taken."
Teddy's fourth grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is withdrawn and doesn't show much interest in school. He doesn't have many friends and he sometimes sleeps in class."
By now, Mrs. Thompson realized the problem and she was ashamed of herself. She felt even worse when her students brought her Christmas presents, wrapped in beautiful ribbons and bright paper, except for Teddy's. His present was clumsily wrapped in the heavy, brown paper That he got from a grocery bag Mrs. Thompson took pains to open it in the middle of the other presents. Some of the children started to laugh when she found a rhinestone bracelet with some of the stones missing, and a bottle that was one-quarter full of perfume. But she stifled the children's laughter when she exclaimed how pretty the bracelet was, putting it on, and dabbing some of the perfume on her wrist. Teddy Stoddard stayed after school that day just long enough to say, "Mrs. Thompson, today you smelled just like my Mom used to." After the children left, she cried for at least an hour.
On that very day, she quit teaching reading, writing and arithmetic. Instead, she began to teach children. Mrs. Thompson paid particular attention to Teddy. As she worked with him, his mind seemed to come alive. The more she encouraged him, the faster he responded. By the end of the year, Teddy had become one of the smartest children in the class and, despite her lie that she would love all the children the same, Teddy became one of her "teacher's pets."
A year later, she found a note under her door, from Teddy, telling her that she was still the best teacher he ever had in his whole life.
Six years went by before she got another note from Teddy. He then wrote that he had finished high school, third in his class, and she was still the best teacher he ever had in life.
Four years after that, she got another letter, saying that while things had been tough at times, he'd stayed in school, had stuck with it, and would soon graduate from college with the highest of honors. He assured Mrs. Thompson that she was still the best and favorite teacher he had ever had in his whole life.
Then four more years passed and yet another letter came. This time he explained that after he got his bachelor's degree, he decided to go a little further. The letter explained that she was still the best and favorite teacher he ever had. But now his name was a little longer.... The letter was signed, Theodore F. Stoddard, MD.
The story does not end there. You see, there was yet another letter that spring. Teddy said he had met this girl and was going to be married. He explained that his father had died a couple of years ago and he was wondering if Mrs. Thompson might agree to sit at the wedding in the place that was usually reserved for the mother of the groom.
Of course, Mrs. Thompson did. And guess what? She wore that bracelet, the one with several rhinestones missing. Moreover, she made sure she was wearing the perfume that Teddy remembered his mother wearing on their last Christmas together.
They hugged each other, and Dr. Stoddard whispered in Mrs. Thompson's ear, "Thank you Mrs. Thompson for believing in me. Thank you so much for making me feel important and showing me that I could make a difference."
Mrs. Thompson, with tears in her eyes, whispered back. She said, "Teddy, you have it all wrong. You were the one who taught me that I could make a difference. I didn't know how to teach until I met you."
(FYI, Teddy Stoddard is the doctor at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines that has the Stoddard Cancer Wing.)
Mrs. Thompson had watched Teddy the year before and noticed that he did not play well with the other children, that his clothes were messy and that he constantly needed a bath. In addition, Teddy could be unpleasant. It got to the point where Mrs. Thompson would actually take delight in marking his papers with a broad red pen, making bold X's and then putting a big "F" at the top of his papers. At the school where Mrs. Thompson taught, she was required to review each child's past records and she put Teddy's off until last. However, when she reviewed his file, she was in for a surprise.
Teddy's first grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is a bright child with a ready laugh. He does his work neatly and has good manners... he is a joy to be around.."
His second grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is an excellent student, well-liked by his classmates, but he is troubled because his mother has a terminal illness and life at home must be a struggle."
His third grade teacher wrote, "His mother's death has been hard on him. He tries to do his best, but his father doesn't show much interest and his home life will soon affect him if some steps aren't taken."
Teddy's fourth grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is withdrawn and doesn't show much interest in school. He doesn't have many friends and he sometimes sleeps in class."
By now, Mrs. Thompson realized the problem and she was ashamed of herself. She felt even worse when her students brought her Christmas presents, wrapped in beautiful ribbons and bright paper, except for Teddy's. His present was clumsily wrapped in the heavy, brown paper That he got from a grocery bag Mrs. Thompson took pains to open it in the middle of the other presents. Some of the children started to laugh when she found a rhinestone bracelet with some of the stones missing, and a bottle that was one-quarter full of perfume. But she stifled the children's laughter when she exclaimed how pretty the bracelet was, putting it on, and dabbing some of the perfume on her wrist. Teddy Stoddard stayed after school that day just long enough to say, "Mrs. Thompson, today you smelled just like my Mom used to." After the children left, she cried for at least an hour.
On that very day, she quit teaching reading, writing and arithmetic. Instead, she began to teach children. Mrs. Thompson paid particular attention to Teddy. As she worked with him, his mind seemed to come alive. The more she encouraged him, the faster he responded. By the end of the year, Teddy had become one of the smartest children in the class and, despite her lie that she would love all the children the same, Teddy became one of her "teacher's pets."
A year later, she found a note under her door, from Teddy, telling her that she was still the best teacher he ever had in his whole life.
Six years went by before she got another note from Teddy. He then wrote that he had finished high school, third in his class, and she was still the best teacher he ever had in life.
Four years after that, she got another letter, saying that while things had been tough at times, he'd stayed in school, had stuck with it, and would soon graduate from college with the highest of honors. He assured Mrs. Thompson that she was still the best and favorite teacher he had ever had in his whole life.
Then four more years passed and yet another letter came. This time he explained that after he got his bachelor's degree, he decided to go a little further. The letter explained that she was still the best and favorite teacher he ever had. But now his name was a little longer.... The letter was signed, Theodore F. Stoddard, MD.
The story does not end there. You see, there was yet another letter that spring. Teddy said he had met this girl and was going to be married. He explained that his father had died a couple of years ago and he was wondering if Mrs. Thompson might agree to sit at the wedding in the place that was usually reserved for the mother of the groom.
Of course, Mrs. Thompson did. And guess what? She wore that bracelet, the one with several rhinestones missing. Moreover, she made sure she was wearing the perfume that Teddy remembered his mother wearing on their last Christmas together.
They hugged each other, and Dr. Stoddard whispered in Mrs. Thompson's ear, "Thank you Mrs. Thompson for believing in me. Thank you so much for making me feel important and showing me that I could make a difference."
Mrs. Thompson, with tears in her eyes, whispered back. She said, "Teddy, you have it all wrong. You were the one who taught me that I could make a difference. I didn't know how to teach until I met you."
(FYI, Teddy Stoddard is the doctor at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines that has the Stoddard Cancer Wing.)
LIFE IS A JUGGLING ACT
Inspirational Thought by Lindy Marwood, December 1, 2018
Inspirational Thought by Lindy Marwood, December 1, 2018
“Life is a juggling act. We all have five balls to juggle. They are Family, Health, Friends, Spirit, and Work. The first four are made of glass and the final is made of rubber. We must be very careful when juggling these.” (30-Second Motivational Speech by the CEO of the Coca Cola Company)
CARING FOR OTHERS
Inspirational Thought by Donna Watson, October 20, 2018
Leo Buscaglia reminds us, “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”
Inspirational Thought by Donna Watson, October 20, 2018
Leo Buscaglia reminds us, “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”
BREAKFAST AT McDONALD’S
Inspirational Thought by Suzanne Mackulin, September 22, 2018
Inspirational Thought by Suzanne Mackulin, September 22, 2018
I am a mother of three (ages 14, 12, 3) and have recently completed my college degree. The last class I had to take was Sociology.
The teacher was absolutely inspiring with the qualities that I wish every human being had been graced with. Her last project of the term was called, ‘Smile.’ The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and document their reactions. I am a very friendly person and always smile at everyone and say hello anyway. So, I thought this would be a piece of cake, literally.
Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband, youngest son, and I went out to McDonald’s one crisp March morning. It was just our way of sharing special playtime with our son.
We were standing in line, waiting to be served, when all of a sudden everyone around us began to back away, and then even my husband did. I did not move an inch…. an overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside of me as I turned to see why they had moved.
As I turned around I smelled a horrible ‘dirty body’ smell, and there standing behind me were two poor homeless men. As I looked down at the short gentleman, close to me, he was ‘smiling’. His beautiful sky blue eyes were full of God’s Light as he searched for acceptance. He said, ‘Good day’ as he counted the few coins he had been clutching.
The second man fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend. I realized the second man was mentally challenged and the blue-eyed gentleman was his salvation. I held my tears as I stood there with them.
The young lady at the counter asked him what they wanted. He said, ‘Coffee is all Miss’ because that was all they could afford. (If they wanted to sit in the restaurant and warm up, they had to buy something. He just wanted to be warm).
Then I really felt it – the compulsion was so great I almost reached out and embraced the little man with the blue eyes. That is when I noticed all eyes in the restaurant were set on me, judging my every action.
I smiled and asked the young lady behind the counter to give me two more breakfast meals on a separate tray. I then walked around the corner to the table that the men had chosen as a resting spot. I put the tray on the table and laid my hand on the blue-eyed gentleman’s cold hand. He looked up at me, with tears in his eyes, and said, ‘Thank you.’
I leaned over, began to pat his hand and said, ‘I did not do this for you.. God is here working through me to give you hope.’
I started to cry as I walked away to join my husband and son. When I sat down my husband smiled at me and said, ‘That is why God gave you to me, Honey, to give me hope..’. We held hands for a moment and at that time, we knew that only because of the Grace that we had been given were we able to give.
We are not church goers, but we are believers… That day showed me the pure Light of God’s sweet love.
I returned to college, on the last evening of class, with this story in hand. I turned in ‘my project’ and the instructor read it. Then she looked up at me and said, ‘Can I share this?’ I slowly nodded as she got the attention of the class.
She began to read and that is when I knew that we as human beings and being part of God share this need to heal people and to be healed. In my own way I had touched the people at McDonald’s, my son, the instructor, and every soul that shared the classroom on the last night I spent as a college student.
I graduated with one of the biggest lessons I would ever learn : Unconditional Acceptance.
The teacher was absolutely inspiring with the qualities that I wish every human being had been graced with. Her last project of the term was called, ‘Smile.’ The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and document their reactions. I am a very friendly person and always smile at everyone and say hello anyway. So, I thought this would be a piece of cake, literally.
Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband, youngest son, and I went out to McDonald’s one crisp March morning. It was just our way of sharing special playtime with our son.
We were standing in line, waiting to be served, when all of a sudden everyone around us began to back away, and then even my husband did. I did not move an inch…. an overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside of me as I turned to see why they had moved.
As I turned around I smelled a horrible ‘dirty body’ smell, and there standing behind me were two poor homeless men. As I looked down at the short gentleman, close to me, he was ‘smiling’. His beautiful sky blue eyes were full of God’s Light as he searched for acceptance. He said, ‘Good day’ as he counted the few coins he had been clutching.
The second man fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend. I realized the second man was mentally challenged and the blue-eyed gentleman was his salvation. I held my tears as I stood there with them.
The young lady at the counter asked him what they wanted. He said, ‘Coffee is all Miss’ because that was all they could afford. (If they wanted to sit in the restaurant and warm up, they had to buy something. He just wanted to be warm).
Then I really felt it – the compulsion was so great I almost reached out and embraced the little man with the blue eyes. That is when I noticed all eyes in the restaurant were set on me, judging my every action.
I smiled and asked the young lady behind the counter to give me two more breakfast meals on a separate tray. I then walked around the corner to the table that the men had chosen as a resting spot. I put the tray on the table and laid my hand on the blue-eyed gentleman’s cold hand. He looked up at me, with tears in his eyes, and said, ‘Thank you.’
I leaned over, began to pat his hand and said, ‘I did not do this for you.. God is here working through me to give you hope.’
I started to cry as I walked away to join my husband and son. When I sat down my husband smiled at me and said, ‘That is why God gave you to me, Honey, to give me hope..’. We held hands for a moment and at that time, we knew that only because of the Grace that we had been given were we able to give.
We are not church goers, but we are believers… That day showed me the pure Light of God’s sweet love.
I returned to college, on the last evening of class, with this story in hand. I turned in ‘my project’ and the instructor read it. Then she looked up at me and said, ‘Can I share this?’ I slowly nodded as she got the attention of the class.
She began to read and that is when I knew that we as human beings and being part of God share this need to heal people and to be healed. In my own way I had touched the people at McDonald’s, my son, the instructor, and every soul that shared the classroom on the last night I spent as a college student.
I graduated with one of the biggest lessons I would ever learn : Unconditional Acceptance.
FRIENDSHIP
Inspirational Thought by BJ Berich, April 14, 2018
Inspirational Thought by BJ Berich, April 14, 2018
Betty Jane drew her inspiration from a small box of cards presented to her by a friend which addressed the topic of friendships. A few of the messages B.J. chose to share include:
- There is nothing better than the encouragement of a good friend.
- Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.
- Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.
- Friendship’s gifts of a listening ear, a tender hug, shared laugh fill ordinary days with the special grace of God’s love.
- A friend is one who sees through you and still enjoys the view.
- God Bless a friend who sees my needs and reaches out a hand, who lifts me up, and says prayers for me.
- Friends are an indispensable part of our lives.
- There is nothing better than a good friend.
THE IMPORTANT THINGS IN LIFE
Inspirational Thought by Louise Biddle, March 10, 2018
Inspirational Thought by Louise Biddle, March 10, 2018
A professor of philosophy stood before his class with some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a large empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks about two inches in diameter. He then asked the students if the jar was full.
They agreed that it was full.
So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly and watched as the pebbles rolled into the open areas between the rocks. The professor then asked the students again if the jar was full.
They chuckled and agreed that it was indeed full this time.
The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. The sand filled the remaining open areas of the jar. “Now,” said the professor, “I want you to recognize that this jar signifies your life. The rocks are the truly important things, such as family, health and relationships. If all else was lost and only the rocks remained, your life would still be meaningful. The pebbles are the other things that matter in your life, such as work or school. The sand signifies the remaining “small stuff” and material possessions.
If you put sand into the jar first, there is no room for the rocks or the pebbles. The same can be applied to your lives. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are truly important.
Pay attention to the things in life that are critical to your happiness and well-being. Take time to get medical check-ups, play with your children, go for a run, write your grandmother a letter. There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, or fix the disposal. Take care of the rocks first – things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just pebbles and sand.
They agreed that it was full.
So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly and watched as the pebbles rolled into the open areas between the rocks. The professor then asked the students again if the jar was full.
They chuckled and agreed that it was indeed full this time.
The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. The sand filled the remaining open areas of the jar. “Now,” said the professor, “I want you to recognize that this jar signifies your life. The rocks are the truly important things, such as family, health and relationships. If all else was lost and only the rocks remained, your life would still be meaningful. The pebbles are the other things that matter in your life, such as work or school. The sand signifies the remaining “small stuff” and material possessions.
If you put sand into the jar first, there is no room for the rocks or the pebbles. The same can be applied to your lives. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are truly important.
Pay attention to the things in life that are critical to your happiness and well-being. Take time to get medical check-ups, play with your children, go for a run, write your grandmother a letter. There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, or fix the disposal. Take care of the rocks first – things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just pebbles and sand.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Inspirational thought by Dr. Mary Anne Battaglia September 9, 2017
Inspirational thought by Dr. Mary Anne Battaglia September 9, 2017
At the opening of the new year of Alpha Phi chapter meetings for 2017-2018, Dr. Mary Anne Battaglia, First Vice President, presented the Inspirational Thought to the members. She recounted how one of her former superintendents would spend a week at some beach every summer and he would be inspired by that environment when writing his speech for the first day of school for the staff of her district. This memory sparked an idea for her Inspirational Thought this September.
While on vacation in the Outer Banks in the summer of 2017, Mary Anne contemplated what inspiration she would use to open the new year’s agenda. She found her inspiration when she located some small starfish which were available to purchase. Mary Anne presented each member at the September meeting with a starfish and a card on which was written the Making a Difference story which is well-known. It read:
A little boy walked carefully along a crowded beach,
Where starfish by the hundreds lay there within his reach.
They washed up with each wave far as the eye could see,
And each would surely die if they were not set free.
So, one by one he rescued them, then heard a stranger call, “It won’t
make a difference…you cannot save them all.”
But as he tossed another back toward the ocean’s setting sun,
He said with deep compassion, “I made a difference to that one!”
In addition to the starfish and card, each member received a copy of the new Alpha Alpha State marketing brochure. The members were encouraged to pass on all the articles to a new teacher they may know and encourage those teachers to make a difference in the lives of the students they teach.
While on vacation in the Outer Banks in the summer of 2017, Mary Anne contemplated what inspiration she would use to open the new year’s agenda. She found her inspiration when she located some small starfish which were available to purchase. Mary Anne presented each member at the September meeting with a starfish and a card on which was written the Making a Difference story which is well-known. It read:
A little boy walked carefully along a crowded beach,
Where starfish by the hundreds lay there within his reach.
They washed up with each wave far as the eye could see,
And each would surely die if they were not set free.
So, one by one he rescued them, then heard a stranger call, “It won’t
make a difference…you cannot save them all.”
But as he tossed another back toward the ocean’s setting sun,
He said with deep compassion, “I made a difference to that one!”
In addition to the starfish and card, each member received a copy of the new Alpha Alpha State marketing brochure. The members were encouraged to pass on all the articles to a new teacher they may know and encourage those teachers to make a difference in the lives of the students they teach.
INNOCENCE AND WISDOM
Inspirational Thought by Dr. Becky Johnen, March 21, 2015
Inspirational Thought by Dr. Becky Johnen, March 21, 2015
A man was walking out of a local library recently when he heard the most wonderful sound in the world. It was children laughing. The Kindergarten class had just gone out for recess on a warm, autumn afternoon. They were running, shouting, and playing with all the joy inside of them. It was music sweeter than any concert. He stopped to watch and listen to them for a while. He could feel his smile lifting, his eyes sparkling, his heart warming, and his soul brightening. It felt so good to see and hear such innocent happiness.
For a moment it made him wish for his own childhood innocence again. It had left me so many years ago. He knew that it was gone for good too. He had seen too much pain, too much suffering, and too much heartache. He had witnessed too much injustice, too much hatred, and too much bigotry. He had looked upon inequality, misery, hunger, and war. He had felt the sting of loss and death. He had known fear, confusion and doubt. He had seen all the ugliness and darkness of life. He knew he would never be innocent again.
Yet, in place of that innocence he knew that God had given me something better: wisdom. In the midst of life’s darkness he had found light. In the middle of life’s ugliness, he had found beauty. In a world full of fear, he had found love. In all of his confusion and doubt, he had found God. On his long journey through life, he had learned that God loves us. He had learned that we can love too. He had learned that when we love we will have joy.
We may never have the innocence of our youth again, but with age comes wisdom and with wisdom comes choice. Choose to sing, smile and dance then. Choose to pray and to play. Choose to love, laugh, and have joy. Choose to grow daily in oneness with God. Choose to share your happiness and wisdom with everyone you know every second of your life.
For a moment it made him wish for his own childhood innocence again. It had left me so many years ago. He knew that it was gone for good too. He had seen too much pain, too much suffering, and too much heartache. He had witnessed too much injustice, too much hatred, and too much bigotry. He had looked upon inequality, misery, hunger, and war. He had felt the sting of loss and death. He had known fear, confusion and doubt. He had seen all the ugliness and darkness of life. He knew he would never be innocent again.
Yet, in place of that innocence he knew that God had given me something better: wisdom. In the midst of life’s darkness he had found light. In the middle of life’s ugliness, he had found beauty. In a world full of fear, he had found love. In all of his confusion and doubt, he had found God. On his long journey through life, he had learned that God loves us. He had learned that we can love too. He had learned that when we love we will have joy.
We may never have the innocence of our youth again, but with age comes wisdom and with wisdom comes choice. Choose to sing, smile and dance then. Choose to pray and to play. Choose to love, laugh, and have joy. Choose to grow daily in oneness with God. Choose to share your happiness and wisdom with everyone you know every second of your life.