- pure one -

The Church Organist

2009-10-22T10:50:00.002+08:00

Miss Beatrice, the church organist, was in her eighties and had never been married. She was admired for her sweetness and kindness. One afternoon, the pastor came to call on her and she showed him into her quaint sitting room. She invited him to have a seat while she prepared tea.

As he sat facing her old Hammond organ, the young minister noticed a cute glass bowl sitting on top of it. The bowl was filled with water, and in the water Floated, of all things, a condom!

When she returned with tea and scones, they began to chat.

The pastor tried to stifle his curiosity about the bowl of water and its strange floater, but soon it got the better of him and he could no longer resist.

'Miss Beatrice', he said, 'I wonder if you would tell me about this?' pointing to the bowl.

'Oh, yes,' she replied, 'Isn't it wonderful? I was walking through the park a few months ago and I found this little package on the ground. The directions said to place it on the organ, keep it wet, and that it would prevent the spread of disease. Do you know I haven't had the flu All winter'

If you don't share this to five GOOD friends right away; there will be five fewer people smiling in the world.

Safety Precautions

2009-10-22T10:08:00.006+08:00

For your information only. This gives us something to think about with all our new electronic technology.

Global Positioning System (GPS)
A couple of weeks ago a friend told me that someone she knew had their car broken into while they were at a football game. Their car was parked on the green which was adjacent to the football stadium and specially allotted to football fans. Things stolen from the car included a garage door remote control, some money and a GPS which had been prominently mounted on the dashboard.

When the victims got home, they found that their house had been ransacked and just about everything worth anything had been stolen.

The thieves had used the GPS to guide them to the house. They then used the garage remote control to open the garage door and gain entry to the house. The thieves knew the owners were at the football game, they knew what time the game was scheduled to finish and so they knew how much time they had to clean out the house. It would appear that they had brought a truck to empty the house of its contents.

Something to consider if you have a GPS - don't put your home address in it. Put a nearby address (like a store or gas station) so you can still find your way home if you need to, but no one else would know where you live if your GPS were stolen. Be sure to put away your GPS once you park your car. Better be safe than sorry later!!

Mobile Phones

This lady has now changed her habit of how she lists her names on her mobile phone after her handbag was stolen. Her handbag, which contained her cell phone, credit card, wallet and etc. was stolen.

20 minutes later when she called her hubby, from a pay phone telling him what had happened, hubby says 'I received your text asking about our Pin number and I've replied a little while ago.'

When they rushed down to the bank, the bank staff told them all the money was already withdrawn. The thief had actually used the stolen cell phone to text 'hubby' in the contact list and got hold of the pin number. Within 20 minutes he had withdrawn all the money from their bank account.

This is a little far fetch.
Note: A pin cannot withdraw over the limit money from ATM. To get fund from the Bank’s teller, signature is needed. Amount over certain sum, a supervisor’s authorization is needed at the teller’s screen

Moral of the lesson: Do not disclose the relationship between you and the people in your contact list. Avoid using names like Home, Honey, Hubby, Sweetheart, Dad, Mom and etc.

And very importantly, when sensitive info is being asked through texts, CONFIRM by calling back. Also, when you're being text by friends or family to meet them somewhere, be sure to call back to confirm that the message came from them. If you don't reach them, be very careful about going places to meet 'family and friends' who text you.

John's Secretary

2009-10-21T23:14:00.003+08:00

Joe: Your secretary is very sexy.

John: Thanks, it's a robot from Japan. Her name is Sweety. If you squeeze its right breast it takes notes and if you squeeze the left it types. I'll lend it to you for a day and you can see for yourself.

Next day Joe called from hospital and shouted :

John you BASTARD, you didn't tell me Sweety's pussy is a pencil sharpener.

Shay Day!

2009-10-20T20:00:00.002+08:00

At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves children with learning disabilities, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question:

'When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does, is done with perfection. Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do. Where is the natural order of things in my son?'

The audience was stilled by the query.

The father continued. 'I believe that when a child like Shay, who was mentally and physically disabled comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way other people treat that child.' Then he told the following story:

Shay and I had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, 'Do you think they'll let me play?' I knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but as a father I also understood that if my son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.

I approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not expecting much) if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance and said, 'We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning.'

Shay struggled over to the team's bench and, with a broad smile, put on a team shirt. I watched with a small tear in my eye and warmth in my heart. The boys saw my joy at my son being accepted. In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three.

In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as I waved to him from the stands. In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again. Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.

At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game?
Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball.

However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher, recognizing that the other team was putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make contact. The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed. The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay. As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher.

The game would now be over. The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman. Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game.

Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first baseman's head, out of reach of all team mates. Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, 'Shay, run to first! Run to first!' Never in his life had Shay ever run that far, but he made it to first base. He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled.

Everyone yelled, 'Run to second, run to second!' Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to the base. By the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball . the smallest guy on their team who now had his first chance to be the hero for his team. He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions so he, too, intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman's head. Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home.

All were screaming, 'Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay'

Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him by turning him in the direction of third base, and shouted, 'Run to third! Shay, run to third!'

As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators, were on their feet screaming, 'Shay, run home! Run home!' Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the grand slam and won the game for his team

'That day', said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, 'the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world'.

Shay didn't make it to another summer. He died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making me so happy, and coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!

AND NOW A LITTLE FOOT NOTE TO THIS STORY:
We all send thousands of jokes through the e-mail without a second thought, but when it comes to sending messages about life choices, people hesitate.
The crude, vulgar, and often obscene pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion about decency is too often suppressed in our schools and workplaces.

If you're thinking about forwarding this message, chances are that you're probably sorting out the people in your address book who aren't the 'appropriate' ones to receive this type of message. Well, the person who sent you this believes that we all can make a difference. We all have thousands of opportunities every single day to help realize the 'natural order of things.' So many seemingly trivial interactions between two people present us with a choice:

Do we pass along a little spark of love and humanity or do we pass up those opportunities and leave the world a little bit colder in the process?

A wise man once said every society is judged by how it treats it's least fortunate amongst them. May your day, be a Shay Day.

Deepavali

2009-10-17T10:34:00.003+08:00

Wishing all Indians who are celebrating today's special occasion.

Have A Wonderful Day!
Have Fun Friends!

Time

2009-09-16T12:46:00.002+08:00

I need more time!

Do think and do so many stuff!

God, please help me to manage

everything to go smoothly

till my wedding day.

Please Lord.

Thank You.

Sick...

2009-09-11T12:39:00.003+08:00

Went to see the doctor again!

Cause still having fever and all =(

Took blood test and wasted money for it!

Cause tested negative for not having either Dengue or Influenza A.

Just only throat infection.

But am suffering...

having difficulty in drinking and eating

very hard to swallow it down

Gone Case!

2009-09-09T22:55:00.004+08:00

I fall sick again!
Just recovered last two weeks!
How great is that?! GOSH!!!
I feel cold and warm at certain times. I even felt cold when having two thick blanket on top of me and the fan is NOT even SWITCH ON!
My throat is giving me this terrible pain as it is quite swollen according to the doctor.
And I keep having this headache and it make me sort of spinning but actually in reality NOT!
O God please help me!

My wedding is not far away...
I will be a dead meat by then and looking like a zombie if I keep falling sick again from this day forward till my wedding day!

God,
Please heal me, God.
Please keep me healthy and strong Lord.
I uphold myself to you, Abba Father.
Take this pain away O Lord.
Protect me from harms way and I cast away the spell of the devils' doing unto Your hand, Father.
In Jesus name I pray,
Amen! Amen!

Tagged By Pauline Ang Swee King XD

2009-03-24T20:48:00.000+08:00

Directions:
Once you've been tagged,you've to write a blog or a note on FaceBook with 16 random things, facts, habits or goals about you. At the end,choose 10 people to tag, listing their names & why you choose them. Don't forget to leave them a comment (''you're it'') and to read your blog. You can't tag the person that tagged you.

16 Facts :
1. I always believed in Jesus Christ.
2. I love my loved ones a lot.
3. I find it difficult to do three things at once.
4. I forget things very easily.
5. I tend to fall asleep when in the karaoke room.
6. I need to achieve good grades for a better future.
7. I do not have much patience.
8. I'm a very good listener.
9. I'm quite generous when it comes to eating with friends.
10. I'm slow in completing tasks and understanding things.
11. I'm terribly hot tempered at times.
12. I consider at least twice before making any purchases on branded goods.
13. I love travelling.
14. I got engaged.
15. I'm getting married.
16. I have to start planning for my future days.

I tag:
* No One *

09-03-2009

2009-03-09T23:55:00.005+08:00

Woke up at 9:00 AM and went to take a bath.

Went to pick my mummy and sister up from the house to go to Rawang with Auntie Lily (Lawrence's Godmother), Auntie Penny (Lawrence's Mother) and Lawrence himself. Lawrence drove us there with the Toyota Innova by using the Guthrey Highway. Reach Rawang about noon time and it is raining like cats and dogs. Got myself wet and feeling cold as the wind blow - pray that I won't get sick.

Had our lunch at the Kedai Makanan Lan Je which is famous for it steam Tilapia fish by Sister Lan. It is located at the roadside along the main road heading to Rawang town. I bet most of the Astro AEC "Taste with Jason" show fans have heard about it already. Been there a couple of times with Auntie Lily who recommended me here but it is my first time bringing my family here. Waited for one and half hours for the food to be served to us as the place was packed with people plus today is public holiday as well. Sigh... The fish is fresh and still taste so good as before =).

Head to Caely Girl to purchase some lingerie. Manage to buy a few but need to wait for the new stock to arrive. The purpose we went to Rawang is for the Caely Girl lingerie as the service provided to us by Miss Ann Ng Chew Kim (016-332 2661) is good and better than anyone else even though we can purchase Caely Girl products in Klang, Shah Alam or Petaling Jaya. By the way, Caely Girl is known for it's lingerie to be in good quality and at affordable price (from as low as RM 20.00).

Got back Klang at 6:00 PM and took a nap till 8:00PM. Went to Lavender in Aeon Bukit Tinggi Klang to had dinner with Lawrence's parents. The food that day was not that bad but the taste wasn't appealing to me.

Proceed to Diamond & Platinum shop to look for my wedding band. Manage to bought the wedding band that Lawrence and I like (plus Lawrence's parents agree on it as well and it was the first one we saw last year) after so many hunting been done =P. The wedding rings range from the Unity Collection - Platinum and Gold Wedding Bands. The lady's ring have a small (0.2mm)diamond on it.
Lawrence and I kinda like the wedding band by Soo Kee but Law parents don't agree on it though. Soo Kee wedding band have a unique feature where the sapphire is hidden inside the ring and fine rounded inner band that have a smoother fit and so comfortable wear.

Send Lawrence's parents back around 10:50 PM and went to pick my sister up to kick her back to her college hostel all the way in Kuala Lumpur =). Reach back home at 12:55 PM and fell asleep right away.

It was definitely a tiring day. So goodnight my friends.

...time...

2009-03-05T16:38:00.001+08:00

Sometimes there is no next time,

No second chance, no time out.

Sometimes...it's now or never

Tagged By Penny Yong Yen Yen

2009-03-02T23:00:00.004+08:00

Rules:

~Copy it to your blog post, erase my answers, enter yours, and lastly tag 10 people.

~Use the first letter of your name to answer each of the following questions.
~They have to be real. Nothing made up!
~If the person before you had the same first initial, you must use different answers.
~You cannot use any word twice and you can't use your name for the boy/girl name question.

1. What Is Your Name : Agnes Yong Mei Mei

2. A Four Letter Word : Arts

3. A Boy's Name : Andrew

4. A Girl's Name : Andrea

5. An Occupation : Accountant

6. A Color : Amethyst

7. Something You'll Wear : Anklet

8. Any Noun From The Bible : Amen

9. A Food : Abalone

10. Something Found In The Bathroom Or Your Bag : Air Freshener

11. A Place : Amsterdam

12. A Reason For Being Late : Accident

13. Something You'd Shout : Ants!!!
14. A Movie Title : A Walk To Remember

15. Something You Drink : Alcohol =P
16. A Musical Group : Avalon
17. An Animal : Antelope
18. A Street Name : Anson Street, Singapore
19. A Type Of Car : Aurora
20. The Title Of A Song : Alleluia

10 People I Want To Tag Is
01) Koh Poh Leong
02) Pauline Ang Swee King
03) Crystal Kak Yin Siang @ Kok Yin Siang
04) Angel Choo Sze Jia
05) Yvonne Lim Yee Wern
06) Tan Li Voon
07) Mary Ng
08) Yew Shie Ming
09) Penny Yong Yen Yen
10) Alex Yong Kok Soung

ROM

2009-02-26T23:00:00.006+08:00

Hey Friends! Let me tell you all a secret =)
Is totally not a gossip and is a good news.
And it so happens to be a good occasion worth celebrating.

\/
\/

There is a Registration Of Marriage going to be held on this

14-03-2009 (Saturday)

in Hokkien Association, Klang, Selangor.

(^_^)

The Groom: Cham Boon Kwang (Lawrence)
The Bride: Agnes Yong Mei Mei
The Witness:
1) Lee Kwai Lan (Penny) - Lawrence's Mother
2) Chan Yan Lin (Irene) - My Dearest Mummy

Do pray for us and give us the blessings =P
That is not too much right?

----- + ----- + ----- + ----- + ----- + ----- + ----- + ----- + -----
At first we plan to have the registration held on the 21st February 2009 because

07th Feb - My Birthday
14th Feb - Valentine Day
21st Feb - Propose Date Of ROM
28th Feb - The Eve Of My Engagement Day
29th Feb - My Engagement Day

So there will be an event to celebrate every week for the whole month of February =) Isn't that nice =P
But we can't have it on the 21st or 28th because Lawrence's parents and grandparents had gone to China for visiting. Decided to have it on the 7th March 2009 but then again it was close for registration as it was fully book already =(
That is why the Registration Of Marriage is going to be on the 14-03-2009 instead of the above mentioned dates =)

Hello & Welcome Back!

2009-02-25T15:25:00.015+08:00

Hello my friends =) How have you all been lately?

You may have known now that I have not been blogging for more than half a year already since end of May 2008. And I am so so sorry about that as I have been very busy - working as well as studying - and being lazy too =P My blog is stagnant as if it is in a coma stage, right? =)

As you all may have notice; I have changed my blog template recently to give it a new look and a fresh start to my blog. I will resume to blogging again after such a long time. But don't expect much though because of time factor, Internet connection and I also have certain priorities in hand.

I encounter some problem when changing my blog template which causes me my links and blog posts to vanish into thin air =D I would really appreciate it a lot if you could just drop by at my chatterbox to give me your site address by saying a few words or even a hello so that I could link you back. Thanks for your help!

I hope that you all would like my blog new look (^_^)

That's all for now. Take care and God bless!

Hookah Or Shisha

2009-02-25T15:24:00.009+08:00

For people who don't know what shisha is, please read my previous blog entries or read it at wikipedia for more in depth. If you're too LAZY to do so even!; basically it's something like smoking, except that it is done by inhaling smoke from something like a hose and through a thin and tall, most-of-the-time glass container. It's becoming extremely popular in Malaysia and even sometimes that I either find myself being caught in a little something called 'peer pressure' or found out my buddies are into it as well...(it hurts me when I found out about it-like a knife being stab to your heart!).

"Have you tried shisha before?" says Antagonist.

"Er... no?" says Protagonist.

"Woah I can't believe it. You should try it someday!" replies Antagonist.

"Nah... it's okay. I'm not into smoking," says Protagonist (sticking to his/her principles).

"It's nothing like smoking! The smoke goes through water first so the water acts as a filter. So shisha-ing is not bad for your body," says Antagonist.

"Really?" says Protagonist, believing.

"Yup, and it tastes good too, with flavors and all. Nothing like smoking," says Antagonist.

"Uh-huh..." says the Protagonist.

Thus, it can be concluded from the conversation, that Antagonist is an IDIOT, and that the Protagonist is an even BIGGER IDIOT for (somewhat) eating up his/her words.

Honestly, how bad can the smoke be, right? (As you might say or think). It's already filtered with water and all, as claimed by many people. Or youngster, to be precise.

I know myself, and I know that I would never smoke. Maybe try a puff or two (the key word is try!-this is a deli ma face by mostly all), but never will I chain smoke or smoke to look cool or to please others. It's not worth it, having my lungs look like 2 black coral riffs to look cool. Looking cool is nothing. I'd prefer a more intelligent brain than my monkey brain. Thank you! =)

As time passes, some Malaysian youngsters discovered the almighty shisha, tried it and love it. Most people even think: "Wow, this is something like smoking, but I can do it without getting lung cancer!"

Now, this is a very naive thought or what I would say as deceiving own self. The Star newspaper has claimed that shisha is a wolf in a sheepskin. I do believe them, as how can smoke from burnt tobacco be good for you? Water cannot possibly filter everything, because if it can, shisha-smokers won't come to be, due to the absence of the chemicals in the 'smoke' inhaled. Haha =D. They'll instead stick to cigarettes, right?

The paper even went as far as claiming that shisha-ing is the same as smoking. There are kids out there that claim that they won't smoke, but would probably shisha as there won't be a chance of them contracting a lung disease or what-not, as shisha-ing is supposedly safe. Imagine how they would feel if they actually read the papers and find out that they are, in fact, smoking. They'd feel idiotic, I reckon. Maybe they'll feel emo, lock themselves in their rooms and sob. And paint their nails black. And listen to Simple Plan. And sing along...Nah! I doubt that would happen.

Why won't I smoke (or shisha)?

Well, first things first, smoking wasn't something that I will be EVER interested in. I HATE, DESPISE, SCORN, DETEST & LOATHE when I see people smoking, I don't really think of anything but the fact that the smoke spiraling up from the cigarette and of which they exhale really stings and stink. An eye sore as well! I usually run into these kind of people at restaurants, cafes, on the streets etc (you name it!) and I find it really appalling and disgusting that they can smoke whilst eating. Not only that, they can smoke in front of their own young children or their pregnant wife! (this is something that I, myself encounter as a child because my dad, uncles & dad's friend SMOKE!). If the baby comes out less than perfect, who's to blame? The idiotic smoker, obviously. They never think of others, man...

On top of it, these people like to act real cool and blow the cigarette smoke high above. The trick is to exhale sharply so that the smoke would travel further. So that when it gets caught in the fan people can inhale your 2nd-hand smoke and follow you into your grave. So that they'll look so cool, crossing their legs, wearing shades and smoking coolly.

So that they won't inhale their own 2nd-hand smoke, stupid! Better you than me, right? So I'll look cool and blow bubbles. Wee!

Immature smokers.

Secondly, why not shisha?

Because it's as bad as cigarettes. It's a hazard to your health. I'd stick to chocolate milk than inhale chocolate-flavored smoke. Call me weird, but at least I have principles. =P

One thing good about shisha is that people cannot smoke it everywhere. They can only smoke it at restaurants or strip clubs where they have it planted on the table and people take turns smoking it, sharing saliva and viruses in between. The only reason I would shisha is to spread the cough and flu virus my body's currently breeding. Mass production! Mass distribution! Voila...so there is peace on earth. Obviously I won't do that as I'm not that kind of person-just voicing out (^_^)

So guys, the next time you want to smoke or pressure someone into smoking (or it's sibling, shisha-ing), think again. Just because you want to kill yourself slowly doesn't mean others would want to do the same.

It's the Deliciousdoubleswissmushroomcheeseburger theory of 'you laugh I laugh; you cry I cry; you jump I laugh'. Right? =P

A Little Note
To all of my friends whom I might know or not is smoking
Please don't take this to heart
As I'm just voicing out my thoughts and care for YOU ALL
This is my sincerity to all of you!
As you all know, I do still go out and hang out with you guys
despite all those bad and negative things you do

Agape & God Bless,
agnes yong mei mei

Hookah Or Shisha

2009-02-25T15:24:00.007+08:00

Top Facts: Hookahs
Smoking a hookah is smoking tobacco.

What is a Hookah and Shisha?

A hookah is a water pipe used to smoke tobacco through cooled water. The tobacco is heated in the bowl at the top of the hookah and the smoke is filtered through the water in the base of the hookah.

Alternate names for hookahs include: water pipe, goza, hubble-bubble, borry, arhile, and narghile.

Shisha is the tobacco smoked in a hookah. It is a very moist and sticky tobacco that has been soaked in honey or molasses.

There are a variety of shisha flavors including apple, plum, coconut, mango, mint, and strawberry.

History of Hookahs?

The hookah tradition, dating back at least 500 years, originated in the Middle East regions of the world. Countries cited for the first use include Egypt, India, and Turkey.1

Smoking the hookah is one of the oldest, most popular Turkish traditions.

The tradition has traveled to the United States and today there are more than 300 hookah establishments in the U.S.2

Myths and the Truths

MYTH #1: Hookah smoke is filtered through water so it filters out any harmful ingredients.

TRUTH #1: Smoking tobacco through water does not filter out cancer-causing chemicals. Water-filtered smoke can damage the lungs and heart as much as cigarette smoke.3

MYTH #2: Inhaling hookah smoke does not burn the lungs, so it is not unhealthy.

TRUTH #2: The hookah smoke does not burn the lungs when inhaled because is cooled through the water in the base of the hookah. Even though the smoke is cooled, it still contains carcinogens and it is still unhealthy.1

MYTH #3: Smoking hookahs are healthier than smoking cigarettes.

TRUTH #3: Hookah smoke is just as dangerous as cigarette smoke. Hookahs generate smoke in different ways: cigarette smoke is generated by burning tobacco, while hookah smoke is produced by heating tobacco in a bowl using charcoal. The end product is the same—smoke, containing carcinogens.4

MYTH #4: Smoking a hookah is not as addictive as smoking a cigarette because there is no nicotine.

TRUTH #4: Just like regular tobacco, shisha contains nicotine. In fact, in a 60-minute hookah session, smokers are exposed to 100 to 200 times the volume of smoke inhaled from a single cigarette.5

MYTH #5: Herbal shisha is healthier than regular shisha.

TRUTH #5: Just like smoking herbal or “natural” cigarettes, herbal shisha exposes the smoker to tar and carcinogens.

MYTH #6: Shisha tobacco contains fruit, so is healthier than regular tobacco.

TRUTH #6: Tobacco is tobacco, no matter how you look at it. Shisha is often soaked inmolasses or honey and mixed with fruit, but it still contains cancer-causing chemicals and nicotine. Stick to traditional methods of getting fruit—eat an orange.

Quick Facts

Compared to a single cigarette, hookah smoke is known to contain:

Higher levels of arsenic, lead, and nickel1

36 times more tar6

15 times more carbon monoxide4

Smoking a hookah requires taking longer and harder drags, increasing levels of inhaled nicotine and carcinogens in the lungs.

The longer the hookah session, the more nicotine and toxins one takes in.

A 45 to 60 minute hookah session exposes the smoker to approximately the same amount of tar and nicotine as one pack of cigarettes. 3

Sharing mouthpieces without washing them can increase the risk of spreading colds, flu, and infections—even oral herpes.7

Health risks of smoking hookahs include cancer, heart disease, lung damage, and dental disease.5

Do not think that if you are just visiting a hookah bar, that you are in the clear. There are still high levels of damaging secondhand smoke to all who are present.

Reference

1 Hookahcompany.com. (2006). Retrieved December 6, 2006 from http://www.hookahcompany.com/hookah_history.htm

2 Mel Hovell, PhD., M.P.H. Smokefree Families & RWJ. (October, 2006). What we know about interventions to reduce children’s exposure to environmental tobacco. Retrieved December 6, 2006 from http://www.helppregnantsmokersquit.org/news/capstone2006/Hovell.ppt.

3 Asotra, Kamlesh, Hooked on hookah? Research for a healthier tomorrow. (July 2006). Tobacco-Related Disease Research Program. Retrieved August 30, 2006 from http://www.helppregnantsmokersquit.org/news/capstone2006/Hovell.ppt.

4 Knishkowy, Barry; Amitai, Yona. Water-pipe (Narghile) smoking: An emerging health risk behavior. Pediatrics. (July 2005). Retrieved September 1, 2006 from http://pediatrics.aapublication.org/cgi/content/full/116/1/e113

5 Mayo Clinic staff. Hookah smoking: Is it safer than smoking cigarettes? (February 7, 2006). Retrieved September 5, 2006 from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health.com.health.hookah.AN01265

6 Hookah. Wikipedia. Retrieved August 31, 2006 from http://en.wikipedia.or/wiki/hookah#tobacco

7 Levin, Tamar. Collegians smoking hookahs…filled with tobacco. The New York Times. (April 19, 2006). Retrieved September 5, 2006 from http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/19/education/19hookah.html?ex=1157601600&en=26f787abca1816e2& ei=5070

By www.tabaccofreeU.org
The Bacchus Network-Saving Lives Since 1975

Hookah Or Shisha

2009-02-25T15:24:00.006+08:00

Shisha-Smoking: Alarming Trend Among Urban Youths

KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 (Bernama) -- The nocturnal hours at a dimly-lit cafe in the metropolis saw a group of youths sitting close to each other, reclining comfortably on their chairs.

Amidst the laughter and slow-rising smoke rings, the young men and women took turns to inhale from what appeared to be some outlandish objects.

This group of teenagers were actually having one of their regular shisha-smoking sessions.

Shisha, also known as "hookah", is a stand-up device used to smoke flavoured tobacco. For a session of shisha-smoking, the amount usually charged is between RM10 and RM15.

This pastime is fast becoming a culture among the urban youths, particularly the Malays.

One of the oldest traditions in Middle Eastern countries, shisha is believed to make its appearance in Malaysia with the influx of Arab tourists in the 90s.

In the days prior to the use of tobacco, the shisha would usually contain opium or hashish.

NO RESTRICTION

Some may wonder why there is no restriction or ban on shisha-smoking as the government has spent a lot of money on anti-smoking campaigns. And why are the health authorities keeping mum on shisha-smoking although it also uses tobacco?

Based on the latest World Health Organisation's (WHO) statistics, there are 1.3 billon smokers worldwide with five million deaths every year from smoking-related diseases.

The world body has warned that if there is no positive change in the trend, 10 million people would die each year from such diseases by 2020.

WHO's concern is best reflected in its slogan for this year's World No Tobacco Day, warning smokers that "tobacco is deadly in any form or disguise".

Recently, there was a recent report from London about a public ban on smoking in England which is to come into effect in June 2007, dealing a big blow on shisha-smokers.

EASILY INFLUENCED

Malaysian Muslim Consumers' Association (PPIM) secretary-general Datuk Dr Maamor Osman is not at all surprised that shisha-smoking is fast becoming a craze among Malay youths.

"Malay youths are easily influenced by something which they think (they can do) only for fun without checking the background of a culture apart from the risks, especially from the health point of view," he told Bernama, here recently.

Smoking shisha may well be accepted in certain societies like in the Middle East and Africa.

"There are some who think that burning tobacco with fruit or other substances and using water to act as filter would save them from health risks.

"This act is driven by desire and the shisha smokers are merely comforting themselves that nothing detrimental would befall them. In actual fact, they are still at risk," Dr Maamor said.

"Shisha-smoking has many similarities to cigarette-smoking, so this habit too has its own hard-core smokers," he added.

In Malaysia, shisha-smoking is similar to taking marijuana which uses a device called "dapur".

"This allows addicts to conceal their drug-taking behind shisha-smoking, which purportedly uses fruit and other ingredients," said Dr Maamor.

"There's also the question of whether shisha-smoking is suitable with Malaysian culture," he said.

NEGATIVE IMPACT

ERA Consumer Malaysia deputy secretary-general Ismail Abd Aziz is concerned that shisha-smoking would have a negative social impact on youths.

Ismail said he had gone out at night to check on the extent of shisha-smoking among youths around Petaling Jaya and other areas.

"The youngsters, including the girls, were not ashamed at all to smoke shisha in public. They seemed to be very proud smoking in that manner and looked so pleased when others watched them.

"They don't know the risks they are taking which can result in long-term health effects," he said.

Ismail is also concerned that shisha-smoking could be abused by adding cannabis, causing more detrimental effects.

He said this could take place discreetly, among close friends or regular customers at premises that provide shisha-smoking services.

CRIPPLING FACTOR

The shisha-smoking craze, if left unchecked, might cripple the government's determination to free Malaysians of illicit drugs, said Dr Maamor.

He recalled the time when cannabis and marijuana addiction was rampant among the Malays and it was common then for addicts to use the "dapur" to take the drugs.

"All those addicts later graduated to taking designer drugs such as syabu, ice and others.

"Our government has made illicit drugs the country's number one enemy. For that we should not allow the proliferation of another negative culture -- shisha-smoking.

"It may be a new trend in smoking but it's still the same (using tobacco)," he added.

He said the rising number of shisha users was making a mockery of the anti-drug campaigns organised by government agencies like Pemadam and police as well as non-governmental organisations.

"Some people even have the nerve to claim that shisha-smoking would not pose any risk.

"Shisha-smoking goes against the Prime Minister's aspiration to create the towering personality.

"This culture is a waste of time and is also unhygienic as people take turns to smoke a shisha," said Dr Maamor.

USERS AT RISK

The very act of inhaling smoke places shisha users at risk to respiratory diseases like bronchitis, emphysema and lung cancer.

Dr Maamor said: "The assumption that the risk is reduced if we inhale smoke which has passed through water is wrong.

"The risk remains the same as there's still smoke inhaled. It's the same with cigarettes which have filters, the risk is still there".

He is also concerned about risks for passive smokers.

"Children and pregnant mothers exposed to shisha smoke are at risk. Even those who are not sitting around the smokers are at risk as the smoke pollutes the environment," said Dr Maamor.

"From the religious aspect, shisha-smoking also confuses the public with some passing it as 'halal', others say it's 'haram' while a number considers it 'makruh'," he added.

STEPS TO BE TAKEN

Both Dr Maamor and Ismail are calling on the government to control shisha-smoking before it gets out of control.

"Shisha-smoking is like a small flame that can turn into a huge, raging bonfire if there are no checks and restrictions", said Dr Maamor.

"It needs to be curtailed when still in its infancy. Otherwise, it could develop into something that would be difficult and costly to deal with.

"It is our hope that the government would realise the negative impact of shisha-smoking and adopt a clear policy on this," he said.

Ismail is urging the Health Ministry to check on the smoking device and its contents.

"The police also need to monitor the premises that offer shisha-smoking and inspect the contents of the shisha to ensure there is no cannabis being used.

"The need to have a licence for shisha should be imposed, similar to that on the sale of cigarettes. Tobacco for the shisha should be taxed to keep this unhealthy habit under control," Ismail said.

June 14, 2006 09:27 AM
By Melati Mohd Ariff
Bernama

Hookah Or Shisha

2009-02-25T15:23:00.012+08:00

Middle Eastern smoking habit catching hold among city’s young.

RELEASING a long swirl of smoke into the air, 23-year-old Haslina Ismail stopped to sip some tea before she continued to take another long puff of her lemon-mint Shisha.

Clearly she was relaxed while doing this as she joked with her friends with whom she was sharing her Shisha pipe. A cloud of sweet-smelling smoke hovered above them.

“I smoke Shisha almost daily and normally I share it with my friends. It is like having a dessert after a meal because it is pleasantly flavoured and there are many flavours to choose from,” said Haslina, who was introduced to Shisha smoking two year ago.

Her friend Fairuz Zabidi, 21, claimed that it was not addictive like cigarettes and first started smoking it while in the secondary school.

“I don't know about the legal age to smoke Shisha, but it was rather easy to buy it from the shops as I was rarely questioned about my age when I used to purchase this when I was under 18,” said Fairuz.

For Looi Mei Lin, 27, her Middle-East boyfriend introduced Shisha to her.

She enjoys smoking Shisha for its relaxing effect.

“It is a way of socialising for the middle-easterners,” said Looi, who has also learnt the art of preparing Shisha from her boyfriend Bharam Kashan, 35.

Kashan said the charcoals must be properly aired and burned to enjoy a good Shisha.

“Otherwise it could give you a headache,” added Kashan who came to Malaysia 13 years ago.

Feroz Khan, 22, smokes Shisha as an alternative to cigarettes and spends about RM150 on it every month.

“It's my way of chilling out,” he said, adding that grape was his favourite flavour.

Meanwhile, 26-year-old Mohd Asjad Hassan or better known as Max has been selling Shisha since 1999.

He learnt its preparation while working in an Arabic restaurant in Kuala Lumpur before setting up his own stall at various locations over the years including in Sri Hartamas and Bangsar.

Currently, Max's stall is located at Suzy's Corner near Jalan Hulu Klang, Kuala Lumpur. His stall opens from 9pm till 5am.

He said the smoking trend picked up about three to four years ago especially among young people who liked chilling out with their peers.

“People like Shisha because it comes in flavours and is safer than cigarettes. The smoke is filtered through water and the flavour-infused tobacco is also mixed with honey which has many healthy properties.

“Some of my customers who has sinus problems, including my sister, find relief after smoking Shisha,” he said.

He claimed that smoking three to four times a week without inhaling the smoke would do no harm to one's health.

Max added that it was also important to constantly clean the ‘hookah’ especially the smoke pipe for the sake of hygiene.

Playing his part as a responsible citizen, Max only sells Shisha to customers above 18.

Saturday March 24, 2007
By JAYAGANDI JAYARAJ
The Star

Hookah Or Shisha

2009-02-25T15:23:00.010+08:00

What is Shisha?

SOME say it originated in Turkey over 500 years ago while others claim it came from Syria and India.

In today’s context, Shisha refers to the flavoured tobacco used in the smoking process using a hookah, also commonly known as ‘hubble bubble’ and ‘narghile’.

The tobacco is soaked in fruits shavings such as apples, grapes and strawberries.

A hookah consists of a base, pipe, bowl and hose or a mouthpiece.

Tobacco is placed in the bowl, which is at the top of the pipe structure.

An aluminium foil covers the bowl and small charcoal pieces are then placed on the foil, which is punctured using a pin to gently heat the tobacco.

When smoked using the hose, smooth, sweet-smelling vapour is filtered through the base containing water.

It also comes in floral flavours such as coconut, vanilla and rose.

Is Shisha harmful?

While many may argue that Shisha smoking is not harmful, medical experts say otherwise.

Kuala Lumpur health department deputy head Dr Sellehudin Abu Bakar said Shisha was tobacco mixed with molasses and fruit flavours and tobacco product in any form contained nicotine.

He said all tobacco products were equally dangerous as it contained more than 3,500 chemicals of which 200 were toxic and 43 were carcinogenic.

“It is difficult to compare which product is more dangerous.

“It depends on several factors such as frequency of use, how deep the inhalation or if other ingredients are added besides tobacco itself,” said Dr Sellehudin.

He added that Shisha smoking was also addictive as it contained nicotine from tobacco smoke.

“Shisha smoking can lead to physical addiction and can also create psychological and habitual dependence to the user.

“The water filter is a gimmick. Most of the toxic chemicals and nicotine are not water-soluble. Hence, they pass through the filter and is inhaled by a smoker, although other irritant substances, which are water-soluble, will get filtered.”

Meanwhile Reuters reported last week that the World Health Organisation (WHO) had announced that a single session of smoking Shisha yields a nicotine intake equivalent to more than one pack of cigarettes.

It is also reported that Shisha smoke retained all the carcinogens of cigarette smoke while adding more carbon monoxide and a separate set of carcinogens from the use of burning coals to keep the nicotine flowing, coupled with the risk of infection with tuberculosis or hepatitis from shared mouthpieces.

Saturday March 24, 2007
By The Star

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

What is Shisha?

In recent years, shisha (nargile, peacepipe, hookah, hubbly bubbly) has made a reemergence outside the traditional shisha smoking countries, especially with those not of Middle Eastern descent. In fact, the Shisha is very much "in vogue" in the UAE. With Ramadhan just around the corner, when Shisha tents are set up at the large hotels and in suburban areas to bring some convivial spirit to the month, we thought it time to give you the lowdown on this tradition that dates back hundreds of years.

For those of you not 'au fait' with the shisha, it essentially is a water pipe used for smoking purposes, originating about 500 years ago. The tobacco is heated by coals and the smoke is purified and cooled through the water after which it emerges through the the suction tube, from where it is smoked. Our little friend above and on our home page demonstrates this. The Shisha ranges from the mini (usually bought by tourists who probably won't smoke it again) to the regular metre high contraptions to the two metre monsters which grace some of the cafes. The cost to smoke one in the UAE ranges, in general, from about 35-50 Dirhams (USD10-20) depending on whether you are in a trendy 'to be seen' place or not, though some exclusive joints can charge upward of a thousand Dirhams! Flavours vary from the popular apple (and double apple), mint, strawberry, apricot, rose through to the super cool grape.

If you remember back to your childhood, you may recall Lewis Carroll's most famous work - Alice in Wonderland. Chapter 5 introduces the caterpillar:
"The Caterpillar and Alice looked at each other for some time in silence: at last the Caterpillar took the hookah out of its mouth, and addresed her in a languid, sleepy voice. 'Who are YOU?' said the Caterpillar."
Opinions divide whether the shisha smoking caterpillar was representative of the voice of wisdom, or Carroll's representation of a drug enduced trance. Both are probably correct - the Persians designed the shisha (contested by the Indians, Africans, and even the Americans!) for the purpose of smoking any number of drugs - whilst the British, in Victorian times, associated it with a symbol of non-Christian wisdom.

Many would argue that it's certainly not wise to smoke the shisha. Speculators equate an hour of shisha smoking (the rough time it takes to smoke one) to getting through 50 cigarettes. Realistically though, the filtration process through the water removes much of the tar and nicotine and more often than not, the mu'essel used (tobacco with molasses) and sold in many of the shisha cafes do not necessarily contain much tar or nicotine. Either way, it certainly doesn't add years to your life, but neither do the rigours of modern society!

Shisha is all about the social element. It's not what you put in your pipe, but who you smoke it with. Rarely will you see a solo shisha smoker. In Britain, lifestyle revolves around the pub, in the Netherlands, the 'coffee' shop - and in the Middle East, one of the social hangouts are the shisha cafes. Men get together (and an increasing number of women) to share gossip or conduct unofficial business. Elders will usually indulge in a game of Backgammon or Dominos while they puff into the evening and sip on their Turkish Coffee or Mint Tea. And the younger crowd will end up in the cafes after a night out on the town. Indeed, smoking shisha has become a night out in its own right, as demonstrated more and more in the US, youngsters keen to go out will opt to go to a 'shisha bar' for a smoke in those years before alcohol is legal. And in most places where shisha is smoked, alcohol is a religious taboo, and thus this replacement of enjoyment is particularly apt.

From its seemingly dodgey beginnings, Shisha has become the nucleus of social interactions and eventually a symbolic tradition. Do we condone smoking? No, tobacco is bad for you and you know it. However Shisha should definatley be one of those things on your to-do list, whether visiting or staying in the UAE. And if you do try it, go for grape shisha - it's the flavour favoured by those in the know!

SOME TIPS
-If you are going to smoke shisha, try and limit it to occasional use. After all, it's a social tradition.
-Smoke outdoors.
-The longer the pipe, the less carbon monoxide
-Blow occassionally into the pipe to get rid of the smoke building up in the water chamber
-Replace the water if smoking for longer than an hour
-Don't inhale too deeply
-Shisha is not a substitute for cigarettes. Cigarette smokers trying to give up should not shift to Shisha to kick their habit, for risk of inhaling too deeply
-Share your shisha. It gives you a break!

By grapeshisha.com

Friends For Life

2009-02-25T15:23:00.008+08:00

In kindergarten your idea of a good friend was the person who let you have the red crayon when all that was left was the ugly black one.

In first grade your idea of a good friend was the person who went to the bathroom with you and held your hand as you walked through the scary halls.

In second grade your idea of a good friend was the person who helped you stand up to the class bully.

In third grade your idea of a good friend was the person who shared their lunch with you when you forgot yours on the bus.

In fourth grade your idea of a good friend was the person who was willing to switch square dancing partners in gym so you wouldn't have to be stuck do-si-do-ing with Nasty Nicky or Smelly Susan.

In fifth grade your idea of a friend was the person who saved a seat on the back of the bus for you.

In sixth grade your idea of a friend was the person who went up to Nicky or Susan, your new crush, and asked them to dance with you, so that if they said no you wouldn't have to be embarrassed.

In seventh grade your idea of a friend was the person who let you copy the social studies homework from the night before that you had.

In eighth grade your idea of a good friend was the person who helped you pack up your stuffed animals and old baseball cards so that your room would be a "high schooler's" room, but didn't laugh at you when you finished and broke out into tears.

In ninth grade your idea of a good friend was the person who went to that "cool" party thrown by a senior so you wouldn't wind up being the only freshman there.

In tenth grade your idea of a good friend was the person who changed their schedule so you would have someone to sit with at lunch.

In eleventh grade your idea of a good friend was the person who gave you rides in their new car, convinced your parents that you shouldn't be grounded, consoled you when you broke up with Nick [or Glenn] or Susan, and found you a date to the prom.

In twelfth grade your idea of a good friend was the person who helped you pick out a college/university, assured you that you would get into that college/university, helped you deal with your parents who were having a hard time adjusting to the idea of letting you go...

At graduation your idea of a good friend was the person who was crying on the inside but managed the biggest smile one could give as they congratulated you.

The summer after twelfth grade your idea of a good friend was the person who helped you clean up the bottles from that party, helped you sneak out of the house when you just couldn't deal with your parents, assured you that now that you and Nick or you and Susan were back together, you could make it through anything, helped you pack up for university and just silently hugged you as you looked through blurry eyes at 18 years of memories you were leaving behind, and finally on those last days of childhood, went out of their way to give you reassurance that you would make it in college as well as you had these past 18 years, and most importantly sent you off to college knowing you were loved.

Now, your idea of a good friend is still the person who gives you the better of the two choices, holds your hand when you're scared, helps you fight off those who try to take advantage of you, thinks of you at times when you are not there, reminds you of what you have forgotten, helps you put the past behind you but understands when you need to hold on to it a little longer, stays with you so that you have confidence, goes out of their way to make time for you, helps you clear up your mistakes, helps you deal with pressure from others, smiles for you when they are sad, helps you become a better person, and most importantly loves you!

Thank you for being a friend. No matter where we go or who we become, never forget who helped us get there.

Why God Created Friends

2009-02-25T15:23:00.007+08:00

And after all had been created and was neatly arranged,He looked down upon the people of the earth and said; "I cannot be there to comfort them in their sorrow,I can't be there to wrap my arms around them.

I am here and yes, they will feel my presence but they'll need something more.He paused for a moment and then said:"I will create for them someone they can see and touch,I will make this person understanding and compassionate, thoughtful and caring.
She won't need to be overly intelligent, just sensitive to others needs.She will have a warm heart and gentle hands and all the time in the world, or so it will seem to those she comforts.Time will mean very little to her it will never be too late nor too early.She will be a very blessed individual and many will love her and come to her door often.

She will have to be something very special to take my place because I love my children very much.I want them to have only the best for they will have many trials and will need a strong shoulder."And so he created this individual after much thought and time.Then he said, "I must give her a name," he paused for a moment more and then said:

"One of my greatest creations, I shall call her a Friend."

Hanging Out With Friends

2009-02-25T15:22:00.004+08:00

When it comes to hanging out with friends, one can be sure that it is going to be absolutely amusing and unlimited fun. The talks seem to go on forever and any silly topic can become a point of lengthy discussions. Be it the latest trend in jewelry, the latest gadgets, old classic movies, the cute neighbor next door, work related pressures, there is no end to the list. In this stressful age, getting together with friends has become a luxury than a daily routine. Consider yourself lucky if you get to hang around with friends often.

One of the best places to hang out with friends is of course your own house! The comfort that your room offers cannot be offered by any mall or a pub. You can be yourself, kick up your heels, not worry about your looks and talk loudly about anything in the world. You need not worry about what to eat since junk food is just a phone call away! Order loads of pizzas, cola and French fries without worrying about condescending stares. You can eat as much as you want and however you want! The bottom line is to have fun without any worries.

Another fun place to hang around with friends is the lounge. Comfortable seating and soothing ambiance along with chilled drinks is the perfect setting for spending time with friends. If lounging is not your cup of tea, try hitting the bowling alley. A round of bowling games with friends is the perfect way to chill out. In case you are not into bowling, you can always go for a movie. These days you find coffee bars and small fast food joints near movie theaters where you can spend time after watching a movie. Whatever you do, remember to have loads of fun and enjoy. You may not get the opportunity to do so after some years.

Best Way To Secure A Friend

2009-02-25T15:22:00.003+08:00

We tried so hard to make things better for our kids that we made them worse. For my grandchildren, I'd like better.

I'd really like for them to know about hand-me down clothes and homemade ice cream and leftover meatloaf sandwiches. I really would.

My cherished grandson, I hope you learn humility by being humiliated, and that you learn honesty by being cheated.

I hope you learn to make your bed and mow the lawn and wash the car. And I really hope nobody gives you a brand new car when you are sixteen. I hope you have a job by then.

It will be good if at least one time you can see a baby calf born and your old dog put to sleep.

I hope you get a black eye fighting for something you believe in.

I hope you have to share a bedroom with your younger brother. And it's all right if you have to draw a line down the middle of the room, but when he wants to crawl under the covers with you because he's scared, I hope you let him. When you want to see a Disney movie and your little brother wants to tag along, I hope you'll let him.

I hope you have to walk uphill to school with your friends and that you live in a town where you can do it safely. On rainy days when you have to catch a ride I hope your driver doesn't have to drop you two blocks away so you won't be seen riding with someone as uncool as your mom.

If you want a slingshot, I hope your dad teaches you how to make one instead of buying one.

I hope you learn to dig in the dirt and read books. When you learn to use those newfangled computers, I hope you also learn to add and subtract in your head.

I hope you get razzed by your friends when you have your first crush on a girl, and when you talk back to your mother that you learn what Ivory soap tastes like.

May you skin your knee climbing a mountain, burn your hand on the stove and stick your tongue on a frozen flagpole.

I hope you get sick when someone blows cigar smoke in your face. I don't care if you try beer once, but I hope you don't like it. And if a friend offers you dope or a joint, I hope you realize he is not your friend.

I sure hope you make time to sit on a porch with your grandpa and go fishing with your uncle. May you feel sorrow at a funeral and the joy of holidays.

I hope your mother punishes you when you throw a baseball through a neighbor's window and that she hugs you and kisses you at Christmas time when you give her a plaster of Paris mold of your hand.

These things I wish for you - tough times and disappointment, hard work and happiness.

Are we friends or are we not? You told me once but I forgot. So tell me now and tell me true. So I can say....... "I'm here for you."

Of all the friends I've ever met, you're the one I won't forget. And if I die before you do, I'll go to heaven and wait for you.

"We secure our friends not by accepting favors but by doing them."

These things I wish for each of you

By Paul Harvey.

"Lord ain't it hard when it ain't"

Friends' Secrets

2009-02-25T15:20:00.002+08:00

It is rightly said that one can share any secret with a true friend. He may know your deepest fears and weaknesses and yet will never take advantage of you. However, keeping a friend's secrets to yourself and not telling the world about is what makes the bond grow strong and last forever. You need to develop a trust and mutual understanding before you start sharing secrets with each other. With friends, secret talks never seem to end and it can get really amusing to know what has been going on in your friend's mind.

It is a general notion that only girls share secrets. But boys have their own secrets that they discuss with only closest of pals. The secret talks can range from crushes, relationships, talks regarding fights with parents, secret missions, hideouts and anything that is not supposed to be known to others! If you think secrets are limited to only teenagers, get your facts right! Secrets can be shared at any age and there is absolutely no such hard and fast rule that secrets are shared only among youngsters.

Sharing secrets with a friend is not just fun, but it also helps to develop a lasting trust on one another. Sometimes, sharing secrets will tell you more about the person. You will come to know whether your friend is reliable and trustworthy and whether it is worth sharing your secrets with them. You can call it a test of friendship and if a person passes it, he / she is definitely worth being made a trustworthy friend.

Friendship Betrayal

2009-02-25T15:19:00.032+08:00

True friends are hard to find and even harder to keep. With increasing corruption and disloyalty, it is hard to find the right person to trust and accept as a friend. With so many people believing in gossip and cheap plots, betrayal of friendship has become very common. People are so self absorbed these days that they don't tend to see whether the friends they have are trustworthy individuals or not. Worse are those people who betray true friends because of materialistic pleasures. Coping up with friends cheating is quite hard, more so if you have no fault of yours. But, life goes on and you make new friends. You push away your hurtful past and learn a valuable lesson from it.

When friends let you down and are not there for you when you need them the most, it is known as betrayal. Sometimes the reason why friends betray you is just not known. When you are at the receiving end, you feel hurt, confused and angry. You demand answers as to why have you been betrayed for absolutely no fault of yours. The talks end abruptly, phone calls are not returned, letters remain unanswered and there is no contact whatsoever. Hate it as much as you want, you will have to come to terms with reality and accept that things were not meant to be.

Though it may seem like the end of the world, there are ways to cope up with it. If the friendship has been ended by you, then there has to be reason concrete enough to justify the action you have taken. There is no point in dragging along a friendship when you know you are not comfortable with it. End it politely and quickly and most importantly, don't regret your action. If you start feeling sorry, you are putting yourself in trouble. There is a reason for every action you take and you must have thought a lot about it before taking a decision. Learn to trust your gut feelings and have confidence in yourself. Make sure you don't end the friendship (however short it may be) with bitter feelings and make it a bitter experience for yourself as well.

However, if you have been at the receiving end and feel that you have been betrayed for no fault of yours, it can be very hurtful. Don't be embarrassed to cry and scream. You have been hurt and you have the right to vent out your frustration. Believe me, you will feel a lot better after you have cried your heart out. Seek out other friends, siblings or your parents and talk to them.

Tell them you have been hurt and ask them for solace. You will be surprised to see that help was just around the corner. All that you needed to do was ask. One thing that should be remembered is that these betrayals are experiences that teach you valuable lessons in life. Don't be afraid to seek help and talk about it to others. Such betrayals should not stop you from trusting people and making new friends.

True Friendship

2009-02-25T15:19:00.031+08:00

Ever wondered what is the real essence of the saying "A Friend in Need is a Friend Indeed"? People talk about the true value of friendship without knowing what it stands for. True friendship is when there are no formalities; when the person you are talking about is counted as family; when the relation you share reaches a stage that even if you don't correspond for sometime, your relationship remains intact. Best friends need not meet up often to make sure that the friendship remains constant. The trust between best friends is such that if one friend falls in trouble, the other will not think twice to help.

If the bond between two friends is strong, true friends can endure even long distances. They find a way of being in touch despite busy schedules. True friendship never fades away; in fact it grows better with time. True friends don't need a posh place to hang out. Their most precious hideout is each others' rooms! True friendship thrives on trust, inspiration and comfort. Best friends come to know when the other person is in trouble, merely by listening to their "Hello" over the phone.

True friends don't desert each other when there is trouble. They face it together and support each other even if it hurts the other individual's interest. Best friends don't analyze each other; they don't have to. They accept each other with their positive and negative qualities. Nothing is hidden between true friends; they know each other's strengths and weaknesses. Best friends don't stand any outsider commenting or criticizing their friendship and they can put up a very firm resistance if anyone does so.

True friends are not opportunists. They don't help because they have something to gain out of it. True friendship is selfless. Best friends support even when the whole world opposes you. It is not easy getting true friends and if you have even one true friend, consider yourself blessed. In this world of cynics and back stabbers, there are still some people who are worth being friends with.

Reflections On Friendship

2009-02-25T15:19:00.030+08:00

Reflections on Friendship

by David and Faye Wetherow

Reflections on Friendship

What steps can we take to invite and support real friendships for our sons and daughters who live with disabilities? We sometimes see other children moving along in a sea of friendship, and we see our children struggling with isolation. The natural ebb and flow of play, enjoyment and affection may seem out of reach, and we worry about the possibility of a life-long pattern of separateness. What can we do?

To begin, I’m not sure that I know anything about ‘making’ friends. The older I get, the more I think that we discover each other. Then if we're lucky, pay attention, stay faithful, and don't mess up, we have a friend for life.

We hope that our children who live with disabilities will receive the blessings of friendship. As we seek that blessing, it may be useful to examine how the ordinary patterns of discovery and friendship work, and see if we can follow those patterns, but perhaps in a way that is more focused and intentional.

How did our most important friendships come into being? Where were we when we discovered each other? Among the dozens, hundreds, even thousands of people we've met in our lifetimes, how is it that some of us are still friends ‘after all these years’?

Being There

At the simplest level, we were ‘there’ in the same place at the same time. If I'm not there – if I've been sent away for ‘special’ [you fill in the blanks] – friendship doesn’t have much of a chance.

Now I was ‘there’ at a Janis Joplin concert at the Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco in 1967 with about a thousand other people. We were close-packed. It was, after all, the Summer of Love. We were young, feeling groovy, and we loved the same music. But nobody from that concert is in my life today. In fact, nobody from that concert was in my life the next morning. We can spend a lifetime going from one ‘activity’ to another and still be alone the next day (and for the rest of our lives), or we can try another tack.

If we think about it, we see that one basic condition for the development of friendship (love-at-first-sight being a wonderful possible exception) is that we keep going back to the same place over time.

But just going back may not be enough. Twenty years after that night at the Fillmore, I was attending a large church in Winnipeg. The church was packed for four services every Sunday. But one could go back for a month (or a year) of Sundays and still not find friendship, because the ordinary pattern of the service didn't really lend itself to making connections. You had to make connections around the ‘edges’ of the service.

The edges are always there: times when we’re arriving and departing, waiting for the first notes to sound from the organ, coffee after the service. But if you are shy or don’t know how to ‘make time’ in those brief moments, you still might miss the boat.

In 1993, a fellow named Fred conducted a little survey inside this big congregation. Fred made an interesting discovery: there were seventy-six small associations within the church, each focused on something different. Coffee might be just a brief moment for the people who made their way downstairs after the service, but the people who made the coffee were pretty solidly connected to each other. They were a bit ‘political’, so we drank ‘fair trade’ coffee.

As the coffee-makers gathered every Sunday, they talked. They got to know each other well. They appreciated each others’ contributions, gifts and interests: Mary makes wonderful lemon cookies. Frank just found a new connection for ‘fair trade’ tea. Mark and Jess discovered that they both love sailing.

While we were making coffee (or doing any of the things that focused the other seventy-five small associations), we had a chance to discover each other. We shared time, space, conversation, and most importantly, we shared a common interest. This is even more powerful when the interest is passionate. When we share a passionate interest, we begin to feel that we share an identity.

In our community, the people who were working to save the Englishman River Estuary came from all walks of life. They represented a wide range of ages, incomes and backgrounds, but they all shared a passion for this beautiful place. As they worked together on something they felt passionate about, many of them discovered new friendships across those 'natural' boundaries.

Passionate interests don't have to be big deals, but it helps if they're about more than 'consuming' something. Making music brings people closer together than listening to music. Listening to music (especially if we keep going back and the place is small enough) brings people closer than merely buying (or these days, downloading) music.

So what does this have to do with our children?

Understanding where and how adult friendships flourish tells us that there are some things we can do to make friendship more likely for a child with disabilities:

	Children need to be present with other children.
	Children need to be in a place that allows time for them to connect.
	It helps to have a ‘bridge-builder’ on the scene. The school playground allows time for children to connect, but in the absence of conscious bridge-building, an isolated child can remain isolated for a very long time.
	Introductions help. We have the power to introduce children in ways that define them as ‘alike’ or as ‘other’. Shared interests and gifts make children alike. Defining children by their disabilities makes them ‘other’, so it helps to focus on shared interests and gifts and let disability fade into the background.
	One of the important ways in which children might be alike is that they share a passionate interest. It also helps when we have the time to identify, mobilize and celebrate gifts and contributions. ‘Community exposure’ isn’t enough.
	Even when a child is present, there are places that are more or less conducive to connection. Places that are primarily based on consumption or competition are not particularly fruitful.
	Competition can quickly define us as ‘other’, so it makes sense to look for places where cooperation is the hallmark.

Robert Fulghum, [Everything I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten], suggested a civilized reengineering of the game of [Musical Chairs]. In this version, the object is not to exclude people, but to find ways to include them, even when there are no chairs left. People do remarkable and often quite pleasant things to find room on their laps for one another. He has seen groups find seats for everyone even when there are no chairs left — they support one another in the air, like a suspension bridge. He once watched the entire student body of a college make room for one another in their human latticework.

-- The Masters Forum

Following Natural Opportunities for Connection

If we think back and remember where we met our best friends, we see that many of those friendships emerged in the context of doing something interesting together over time. We went to school together. We worked in the same company. We were members of the Naturalists’ Society. We sang together in a summer stock production of Annie Get Your Gun.

We may begin with one shared interest and discover others. The last time we were in Tennessee I said to Jake, who is becoming a good friend, “You know that if we lived in the same town, we'd be getting into trouble together.” What I mean is that I'd be connecting with more of the elements of Jake’s life (he's a BMW motorcycle rider), and he with mine (I'm a sometimes-sailor).

Repeating the connection makes a difference. When Peter moved out to BC, I introduced him to my old friend, John. As I look back, I remember that I kept creating occasions for the three of us to get together, and we've done so for years. Peter and John are good friends now, and their friendship has a life that is independent of me.

The depth and quality of the introduction makes a big difference. We don't just introduce our friend to another person, we share our enjoyment; we give a good account; we announce the ways in which we think they might connect.

‘Numbers’ have something to do with this: Most of us have met thousands of people in our lives, but only a handful of them have become good friends. We need to create many opportunities for connection.

The Promise

Once we discover each other, we still need to pay attention, deepen the invitation, and be good to each other. Friendship is a gift, but once we open the gift, we need to be ‘on purpose’ if friendship is to endure.

The highest form of friendship is something that might be called a ‘covenant relationship’ (my friend Don talks about the fact that good friends make ‘unreasonable commitments’ to each other). When we marry, when a child is born or when we adopt a child, we make a promise. And we see that there is often an unspoken promise at the heart of a deep friendship. Wendell Berry reminds us in Standing by Words:

As the traditional marriage ceremony insists, not everything we stay to find out will make us happy. The faith, rather, is that by staying, and only by staying we will learn something of the truth, that the truth is good to know, and that it is always both different and larger than we thought. We must accept the duration and effort, even the struggle, of formal commitment. We must come prepared to stay.

As we make the journey with our children and our friends who live with disabilities, we seek that promise, and we hope to find it extending beyond the boundaries of the family.

The Circle of Friends

Almost two decades ago our friend Judith Snow described what seemed to be a new form of a promised relationship – the Circle of Friends. Judith tells us that hers was not the first circle. She says that people have been building circles for thousands of years. But Judith’s ‘Joshua Committee’ – the group of committed friends who helped her get out of a nursing home and begin a new life, and who have been with her for twenty years – may have been one of the first where overcoming the challenges associated with disability played such an important role.

Judith says, “I think that what I have isn't a disability. If I ‘have’ anything, it is an invitation.” She says that what we call a disability is a powerful invitation to be more intimate, more cooperative, more inventive, and to make new kinds of promises.

Judith's Circle (you can find books about this at http://www.inclusion.com/) has become a model for the development of circles all over the world. There are others: Mennonite Central Committee’s pattern for Supportive Care in the Congregation, the Personal Support Networks described in Al Etmanski’s book, A Good Life, and the Canadian First Nations tradition of caregiving societies. Each of these examples reminds us about a couple of important things:

First, there are times when we need to be more consciously ‘on purpose’ about expressing the invitation – times when the quick-acting ‘rules of attraction’ or the recognition of shared identity is slowed down by the presence of a disability.

Amber can't talk, and when she's excited about something her body moves in a way that is easy to interpret as distress. So we need to be ‘on purpose’ about introducing her and inviting people to experience who she is ‘underneath’ her disability – interpreting her expressions and movements, and revealing her interests and gifts.

Second, it may take more-than-one-of-us to make and keep the promise, especially when we're challenged by time and space and other responsibilities. One of the beautiful things about Judith's Circle is that it includes a natural way of renewing itself. When Doris and Alan moved out of town, the people who remained in the circle were in a position to invite new partners.

The Pattern of Friendship

We know that friendship goes far beyond simple attraction and ‘hanging out’. It’s far more complex. A couple of years ago, Faye began speaking about something she calls ‘the Family Pattern’. Originally we intended this to describe what a family (ideally) offers to each of its members and especially to its children. But the Family Pattern could also be a picture of what good friends can offer each other, and what circles of friends might offer to our sons and daughters who live with disabilities.

	We sense (or promise) that our relationship will endure, that we'll be there through thick and thin, mistakes and misunderstandings, even times when we're unattractive, disagreeable, or out of sorts.
	We recognize, mobilize and celebrate each others' gifts. We look for places where our friend's gifts might blossom and we build bridges to those places.
	We see the essential beauty in each other, and we celebrate that.
	We carry dreams for each other and encourage each others' dreams.
	We share our time, our worldly goods, and our 'standing' in the community. We share the things that delight us (I lose a lot of books that way).
	We connect each other with trusted (trustworthy) people.
	We're watchful – we look out for each other's well being and best interests.
	Sometimes we offer direction. Our First Nations friends in British Columbia have four different words for the idea of 'encouragement', and one of those words means pointing out when someone is on a path that might be harmful.

Ordinary Ways and Tender Work

In Bob Perske’s words, ‘I have the will to believe’ that all of the qualities, experiences, and blessings of friendship can be available to our children and our friends with disabilities. But because we are working to overcome the distance associated with disability and the fact that the ordinary ‘rules of attraction’ may not be immediately in play, we know that we will have to be ‘on purpose’ about this. The good news is that all of the ‘ways’ are the known ways of friendship, family and community. They’re not disability-specific or special, but they are more intentional.

	Because the ordinary balance of time and energy may be stretched by the presence of disability, we may have to think in terms of inviting and supporting an intentional ‘circle’ of companionship. But the ways of doing this are familiar – literally ‘of the family’.
	Because mutuality might be harder to see at the outset (it’s likely to start out as a mystery), we will need to be more conscious and self-reflective. Once again, the ways of doing this are nothing ‘special’ (see Key Circle Questions).
	Because it is tender work, we need to move in a way that allows people to feel safe, loved, loving and very gently engaged. Friendship is a discovery, not a requirement, and it helps to remember the value of small beginnings. At the outset, we’re not asking for a lifetime commitment: “Murray, you know that Amber is interested in peace-making. Could you come for coffee and help us think about how she might get connected with the Monday night group?”

The good news is that to find friendship, we don’t need a ‘program’. All of this is within the reach of families and friends. As Wendell Berry reminds us in Home Economics:

We hear again the voices out of our cultural tradition telling us that to have community people don't need a 'community center' or 'recreational facilities' or any of the rest of the paraphernalia of 'community improvement' that is always for sale. Instead, they need to love each other, trust each other, and help each other. That is hard. All of us know that no community is going to do these things easily or perfectly, and yet we know there is more hope in that difficulty and imperfection than in all the neat instructions for getting big and getting rich that have come out of the universities and agribusiness corporations in the past fifty years.

Friends And Friendship

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Friends and Friendship
by Dr. Bill Denton

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. (Proverbs 17:17)

You can always tell a real friend: when you’ve made a fool of yourself, he doesn’t feel you’ve done a permanent job. (Laurence J. Peter)

A lot of people go through life with only a few friends. It seems that some have less than that. They have no one on whom they can call in good times or bad. There is no one with whom to bounce ideas around, or to talk about deep and troubling subjects. They have no one to call in times of need or difficulty. They are at the mercy of life, standing alone.

Others seem to have a multitude of friends. Wherever they go, people know them, and like to be around them. Should trouble strike, their biggest hesitation might be over which friend to call. They know exactly the person with whom to discuss the topics of inquiry and debate. Life is full of entertaining and invigorating relationships because it is full of friends.

There ought to be a course in school on friendship. Of course, some people are perfectly happy to operate with fewer friends. They might rather have a few deep and loyal friends, than many superficial ones. Others thrive best when friends are everywhere and numerous. It is not so much the number of friends that is important as is the possession of friends, period.

Friendship is a blessing...

Friendship is a blessing, and a friend is the channel through whom great emotional, spiritual, and sometimes even physical blessings flow. Friends can cheer us when we’re sorrowful or depressed. Friends can challenge us when we allow ourselves to get beyond our reasonable boundaries. Friends can motivate us when we’re ready to give in, and they can provide for us when life falls apart. They are there when all is well, and we want someone with whom to share life’s pleasant and memorable moments. We often just want them around to have a good time, to laugh, to act silly, to enjoy some mutually liked activity. In how many ways have friends enriched our lives and made us feel loved, accepted, respected and cared for? Probably, too many to list, and the list grows daily.

It is safe to say that when God created the world and all the majestic things in it, when he streaked the heavens with radiant color and the earth with grand mountains and awe-inspiring canyons, when he painted the plains with waving grasses and erected noble forests of towering trees, he outdid it all by creating friends. Why not take a moment or two and thank someone today for being a friend to you?

May God bless you with all the friends you need, and may he turn you into a blessing by using you as a friend to others.

Why Friendship And What Is Need Of Friendship

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Why Friendship and what is need of friendship

Why we need friendships when we have a lovely life in this world.
Why we need friends in our life.

Well friends, this is a tedious question to answer. Lets see each questions.

Why we need friendships?

Friendships are the gift to the man kind. The relation which we get in this world are blood related. But the only relationships which doesnot related to blood is friendship. Friendship has many forms and shapes. It is like water. If we pour the water into a jug it takes the shape of jug. if you pour the same water into a bowl it takes the shape o bowl. Sameway friendships will take a different shapes and sizes according to our heart. Friendship gives pleasure to human beings. Where there is friendship then there will not be any sorrow. When you see a child laughing you will forget your sorrows for a second, sameway when you are with a friend you forget your sorrows.

Friendships crosses boundries

The world is rotating smoothly because of the friendly hearts in the world. it crosses boundries and share a mutual bonding of love. Friendships will take care of this entire world from problems. If we are friends then our countries will, when our countries are friends then there is not need of weapons. So take weapon named friendship and love and conqure the world with love.

Friendships saves life

Trusted true friendships never makes others down. it helps a lot to make friends to comeup from the situation. Friendships never expect anything in return for all its offering. It saves life without looking into situation.

Why we need friends & friendships?

Friends comes with friendships, They are the channel of love and affection. Friends are like child's heart which doesn't know wrong thinkings. When there is a friend with us we feel secure, happy, huge support, and comfortable which you can't get from others.

So Lets get some real friends in this world. and lets Be Friends.

A Definition Of Friendship

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Friendship is the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but pouring all right out just as they are, chaff and grain together, certain that a faithful friendly hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping and, with a breath of comfort, blow the rest away.

Source: A Life for a Life, , 1859

Friendship

2009-02-25T15:19:00.024+08:00

Friendship is more than just being friends. It is a connection deep within the spiritual soul that is an unearned gift of love.

“True friendship is seen through the heart not through the eyes.”
Unknown

Friendship is one of those parts of life that we at times take for granted. It rolls off of our tongues as if we expect it to be present in all areas of our lives. I hear our ‘friendship is forever’ or ‘friends always’ is a common thread that runs through our lives. But in truth how many true friendships do you have? Think for a moment and list those you feel are true friends and those with which you have a close relationship. Are they true friends? Is their friendship from the heart? How many people do you truly see as friends?

“Friendship is a living thing that lasts only as long as it is nourished with kindness, empathy and understanding.”
Author Unknown

Friendship is a gift that two people give to each other. It is not an expected result of meeting but a true and unanticipated gift of enormous potential. True friends form a special connection that will weather any storm. True friends understand being human and give the other room to grow. True friends are there even when they are not expected to be present. True friends know and cherish each other’s gift.

“Friendship is love with understanding.”
Author Unknown

Friendship is a path of unrelenting compassion. It is a view of life that encompasses not just your life but the life of the other. It is a special bond that is created out of genuine affection and is given freely to those who have shown their truth. It is given without the thought of reward but with the essence of the heart which longs for this special connection.

“Life is to be fortified by many friendships. To love and to be loved is the greatest happiness of existence.”
Sydney Smith (1771 - 1845)

When friendship comes from the heart it forms a link to our soul that cannot be broken. It connects so strongly that even death does not sever the cord. That type of friendship exists forever in the realm of wonder for true friendship is genuinely a wondrous thing. It connects the physical with the spiritual and creates an energy that is impossible to describe.

“False friendship, like the ivy, decays and ruins the walls it embraces; but true friendship gives new life and animation to the object it supports.”
Richard Burton

Friendship brings light into your world for it gives you the missing link to your soul. It provides a passageway from one heart to another and allows the transference of peace and solitude. Friendship gives and receives all that your innermost spirit desires for within friendship you will discover the Creator’s love.

“The best mirror is an old friend.”
George Herbert, 1651

When you look at your true friends you will uncover who you are. You will see a reflection of your soul and will in turn become educated in the pathway you follow. You will see your world before you and will see without any doubts the truth of your way. You see true friends are simply your self in disguise. By uncovering that disguise you see before your eyes the world you created and the being your have become.

“What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies.”
Aristotle (384 BC - 322 BC), from Diogenes Laertius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers

By understanding the true value of a friend you begin to see the importance of looking at the reflection they provide and peering into the life you lead. You will see all the gifts you bring into the world as well as any shortcoming you may possess. You will also become a witness to the beauty, wonder, and peace that you give to the world and understand your contribution to the ongoing discoveries you will make.

“Remember, the greatest gift is not found in a store nor under a tree, but in the hearts of true friends.”
Cindy Lew

Think of your true friends and be grateful for the gifts they bring to your life. Allow your hearts to connect and bring comfort to each other. Expand your world by seeing through their eyes. Give them your love in return for each friend you have is an unearned gift that should be accepted with grace and thankfulness.

“Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.”
Anais Nin (1903 - 1977)

Friendship

2009-02-25T15:19:00.020+08:00

People are always part of our lives. They come in for a reason, or just for a season. Friendships may be of the lasting kind that we treasure all our lives, or may be fleeting friendships that don't really last. Friendships of all shapes, sizes and ages. Acquaintances, friends of convenience, necessary friends. When you were a child, friendship was the main thing in your life. Then, your requirements were very simple. You needed a companion to play with you, someone you could spend time with. As you grew older, your requirements also changed. You looked for something more tangible; you needed a friend to sympathise with you, someone who was on the same wavelength to whom you could open your heart; someone you could confide in with no holds barred.

Childhood friends, who we have literally known all our lives, often seem to remember everything about us. For all you know, they might remember you as a fat, clumsy girl with no particular talents and with zero self-confidence - a far cry from the svelte, successful young lady you have become! A bit embarrassing or what! At the same time, you don't have to keep explaining your motives or your feelings to them - they are almost an extension of yourself and know you so well.

Often, we may get attracted to people and become friendly with them only because they are so different from us. They may be from a different culture, different economic status, and in many ways, an antithesis of ourselves - which may be what attracts us towards them. Interesting friendships where there is a lot of 'discovering' each other.

Neighbours who get close to us and are often on the same wavelength, make great friends. They also double up as the proverbial 'friend, philosopher and guide'. They chip in with good advice when we are in trouble, or double up as counsellors when we are in need of a sympathetic ear. And I'm not talking about those jealous troublemakers who can also be neighbours!

Then there are school/college friends with whom we may or may not keep in touch. We may have once shared our deepest confidences with these, but not all of them last as friends for a lifetime. As for work friends, we may have shared delightful, comradely moments together, but a change in job or even department will often see the fading away of such friendships. They would have served their purpose.

A strange phenomenon in friendships is the one that exists between what we may call 'kindred souls'. These are people you may meet about whom you have this instant gut feeling, that they are going to have a place in your life and in your heart forever. These will often turn out to be the friends who will support you at any cost, even at times when they don't agree with you.

And then there are friends who are akin to passing ships. You may meet them during a trip, maybe on a cruise, and have a whale of a time with them. You may continue to keep in touch for a while, but as there are no strong bonds, these often fade away with time.

We cannot forget to mention another important facet of friendship - the affinity shared between grown up children and their parents. This is especially true of daughters and mothers who often share a really special bond that only gets strengthened with the passage of time. This is a truly unique relationship that often transcends even the term 'friendship' and goes far beyond it - into the realm of what can be termed a 'perfect' and sublime relationship in every way.

A couple often shares a special relationship which has grown stronger over the years spent in togetherness. This is one relationship that should never be taken for granted, but nurtured in every possible way. There comes a stage in our lives when it is each for the other - and that is the time you will understand the full value of the relationship.

It is true that luck plays an important part in acquiring good friends. But it is up to us to see that the friendship does not fade into oblivion. Any relationship needs to be constantly worked upon and enriched from time to time for it to grow and flourish. It is so easy to take a friend for granted.

Why don't you take some time today to renew a friendship that meant so much to you once? An old friend in town? Just fix up lunch or dinner with her and pick up lost threads. You might just be surprised to know how much you've missed her company!

Friendship

2009-02-25T15:19:00.018+08:00

"What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies". - Aristotle

Perhaps the one relation that has survived the trials and tribulations of time and has still remained unconditional is friendship. A unique blend of affection, loyalty, love, respect, trust and loads of fun is perhaps what describes the true meaning of friendship between two individuals. Similar interests, mutual respect and strong attachment with each other are what friends share between each other. These are just the general traits of a friendship. To experience what is friendship, one must have true friends, who are indeed rare treasure.

Different people have different definitions of friendship. For some, it is the trust in an individual that he / she won't hurt you. For others, it is unconditional love. There are some who feel that friendship is companionship. People form definitions based on the kind of experiences they have had. This is one relation that has been nurtured since times immemorial. There are famous stories about friends in mythologies of different religions all over the world. They say a person who has found a faithful friend has found a priceless treasure.

Psychologically speaking, friendship may be defined as "a dynamic, mutual relationship between two individuals. As children become friends, they negotiate boundaries within which both partners function". This helps them to function like healthy individuals in life as they learn to draw a line as and when needed in a relation. This greatly helps in the emotional development of an individual. However, any relation needs constant nurturing and development from all the people that are involved in one. Friendship cannot survive if one person makes all the effort to sustain it without any mutual recognition from others.

Since friendship starts the moment a child starts socializing, the kind of friends that the child chooses should be taken care of till the time he / she learns to differentiate between right and wrong. Wrong peers or lack of socializing can lead to severe psychological traumas and disorders, finally leading to social maladjustment. The correct peer group is essential for the development of the personality of a child. Both positive and negative experiences refine the personality of the individual. Thus it is essential that you find friends who are compatible with you on an emotional and psychological basis.

Right Brain v Left Brain

2009-02-25T15:18:00.076+08:00

THE Right Brain vs Left Brain test ...
do you see the dancer turning clockwise or anti-clockwise?

[Please click on the image above to get to the link if the image is not moving]

If clockwise, then you use more of the right side of the brain and vice versa.

Most of us would see the dancer turning anti-clockwise though you can try to focus and change the direction; see if you can do it.

LEFT BRAIN FUNCTIONS
uses logic
detail oriented
facts rule
words and language
present and past
math and science
can comprehend
knowing
acknowledges
order/pattern perception
knows object name
reality based
forms strategies
practical
safe

RIGHT BRAIN FUNCTIONS
uses feeling
"big picture" oriented
imagination rules
symbols and images
present and future
philosophy & religion
can "get it" (i.e. meaning)
believes
appreciates
spatial perception
knows object function
fantasy based
presents possibilities
impetuous
risk taking

I see the dancer turning clockwise and anti-clockwise once a while. So I'm a right and left brain person then =)

Left Vs. Right - Which Side Are You On?

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In general the left and right hemispheres of your brain process information in different ways. We tend to process information using our dominant side. However, the learning and thinking process is enhanced when both side of the brain participate in a balanced manner. This means strengthening your less dominate hemisphere of the brain. Listed below are information processing styles that are characteristically used by your right or left brain hemisphere. Read the information below to help you understand how your brain processes information. Pay attention to your less dominant style so that you can learn how to improve it.

Linear Vs. Holistic Processing

The left side of the brain processes information in a linear manner. It processes from part to whole. It takes pieces, lines them up, and arranges them in a logical order; then it draws conclusions. The right brain however, processes from whole to parts, holistically. It starts with the answer. It sees the big picture first, not the details. If you are right-brained, you may have difficulty following a lecture unless you are given the big picture first. That is why it is absolutely necessary for a right-brained person to read an assigned chapter or background information before a lecture or to survey a chapter before reading. If an instructor doesn't consistently give an overview before he or she begins a lecture, you may need to ask at the end of class what the next lecture will be and how you can prepare for it. If you are predominantly right-brained, you may also have trouble outlining (You've probably written many papers first and outlined them latter because an outline was required). You're the student who needs to know why you are doing something. Left-brained students would do well to exercise their right-brain in such a manner.

Sequential Vs. Random Processing

In addition to thinking in a linear manner, the left brain processes in sequence. The left brained person is a list maker. If you are left brained, you would enjoy making master schedules and and daily planning. You complete tasks in order and take pleasure in checking them off when they are accomplished. Likewise, learning things in sequence is relatively easy for you. For example, spelling involves sequencing - if you are left-brained, you are probability a good speller. The left brain is also at work in the linear and sequential processing of math and in following directions.

By, contrast, the approach of the right-brained student is random. If you are right-brained, you may flit from one tack to another. You will get just as much done, but perhaps without having addressed priorities. An assignment may be late or incomplete, not because you weren't working but because you were working on something else. You were ready to rebel when asked to make study schedules for the week. But because of the random nature of your dominant side, you must make lists, and you must make schedules. This may be your only hope for survival in college. You should also make a special effort to read directions. Oh yes, the mention of spelling makes you cringe. Use the dictionary, carry a Franklin speller, use the spell checker on your computer. Never turn in an assignment without proofing for spelling. Because the right side of the brain is color sensitive, you might try using colors to learn sequence, making the first step green, the second blue, the last red. Or you may want to "walk" a sequence, either by physically going from place to place or by imagining it. For the first step of the sequence, you might walk to the frond door; for the second, to the kitchen; for the third, to the den, etc. Or make Step One a certain place or thing in you dorm room or study place, and Step Two another. If you consistently use the same sequence, you will find that this strategy is transferable to many tasks involving sequence.

Symbolic Vs. Concrete Processing

The left brain has no trouble processing symbols. Many academic pursuits deal with symbols-such as letters, words, and mathematical notations. The left brained person tends to be comfortable with linguistic and mathematical endeavors. Left-brained students will probably just memorize vocabulary words or math formulas. The right brain, on the other hand, wants things to be concrete. The right brain person wants to see, feel, or touch the real object. Right brain students may have had trouble learning to read using phonics. They prefer to see words in context, to see how the formula works. To use your right brain, create opportunities for hands-on activities, use something real whenever possible. You may also want to draw out a math problem or illustrate your notes.

Logical Vs. Intuitive Processing

The left brain processes in a linear, sequential, logical manner. When you process on the left side, you use information piece by piece to solve a math problem or work out a science experiment. When you read and listen, you look for the pieces so that you can draw logical conclusions. If you process primarily on the right side of the brain, you use intuition. You may know the right answer to a math problem but not be sure how you got it. You may have to start with the answer and work backwards. On a quiz, you have a gut feeling as to which answers are correct, and you are usually right. In writing, it is the left brain that pays attention to mechanics such as spelling, agreement, and punctuation. But the right side pays attention to coherence and meaning; that is, your right brain tells you it "feels" right.

Verbal Vs. Nonverbal Processing

Left brain students have little trouble expressing themselves in words. Right brain students may know what they mean, but often have trouble finding the right words. The best illustration of this is to listen to people give directions. The left brain person will say something like "From here, go west three blocks and turn north on Vine Street. Go three or four miles and then turn east onto Broad Street." The right brain person will sound something like this: "Turn right (pointing right), by the church over there (pointing again). Then you will pass a McDonalds and a Walmart. At the next light, turn right toward the BP station." So how is this relevant to planning study strategies? Right brain students need to back up everything visually. If it's not written down, they probably won't remember it. And it would be even better for right brain students to illustrate it. They need to get into the habit of making a mental video of things as they hear or read them. Right brain students need to know that it may take them longer to write a paper and the paper may need more revision before it says what they want it to say. This means allowing extra time when a writing assignment is due.

Reality-Based Vs. Fantasy-Oriented Processing

The left side of the brain deals with things the way they are-with reality. When left brain students are affected by the environment, they usually adjust to it. Not so with right brain students. They try to change the environment! Left brain people want to know the rules and follow them. In fact, if there are no rules for situations, they will probably make up rules to follow! Left brain students know the consequences of not turning in papers on time or of failing a test. But right brain students are sometimes not aware that there is anything wrong. So, if you are right brain, make sure you constantly ask for feedback and reality checks. It's too late the day before finals to ask if you can do extra credit. Keep a careful record of your assignments and tests. Visit with your professor routinely. While this fantasy orientation may seem a disadvantage, in some cases it is an advantage. The right brain student is creative. In order to learn about the digestive system, you may decide to "become a piece of food! And since emotion is processed on the right side of the brain, you will probably remember well anything you become emotionally involved in as you are trying to learn.

These are just some of the differences that exist between the left and right hemispheres, but you can see a pattern. Because left brain strategies are the ones used most often in the classroom, right brain students sometimes feel inadequate. However, you now know that you can be flexible and adapt material to the right side of your brain. Likewise, those of you who are predominantly left brain know that it would be wise to use both sides of the brain and employ some right brain strategies.

Malaysian Identification Card

2009-02-25T15:18:00.071+08:00

Construct Sentences Using Numeric!

2009-02-25T15:18:00.069+08:00

Exclusively only to great Malaysian and Singaporean Chinese as an Englishman could not construct sentences using numeric!

Ah Leong was asked to make a sentence using 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 and 10. Not only did he do it 1 to 10, he did it again back to 1.

This was what he came up with...

1 day I go 2 climb up a 3 outside a house to peep. But the couple saw me, so I panic and 4 down. The man rush out and wanted to 5 with me. I run so fast until I fall 6 and throw up. So I go into 7 eleven and grab some 8 to throw at him. Then I took a 9 and try to stab him. 10 God he run away. So, I put the 9 back and pay for the 8 and left 7 eleven. Next day, I call my boss and say I am 6 . He said 5, tomorrow also no need to come back 4 work. He also asks me to climb a 3 and jump down. I don't understand, I so nice 2 him but I don't know what he 1.

Thank You For Being My Friend

2009-02-25T15:18:00.067+08:00

Thank you for believing in me when I found it difficult to believe in myself...

for saying what I've needed to hear sometimes, instead of what I've wanted to hear....

for siding with me....

and for giving me another side to consider.

Thank you for opening yourself up to me....

for trusting me with your thoughts and disappointments and dreams....

for knowing you can depend on me and for asking my help when you've needed it.

Thank you for putting so much thought and care and imagination into our friendship...

for sharing so many nice times and making so many special memories with me.

Thank you for always being honest with me...

being kind to me...

being there for me.

Thank you for being a friend to me in so many meaningful ways.

I LOVE YOU ALL!

Sincerely & Truly from Me - AGNES YONG MEI MEI =)

Happy Valentine Day - 2008

2009-02-25T15:18:00.064+08:00

there is nothing nice or special to blog about today...
...cause work from 8:00 am till 10:00 pm!
...sad right? kesian... =P

which means no nice and romantic dinner with darling...
or what so ever...

BUT i manage to get a valentine present from my dear =)
...which is a pair of cultured freshwater pearls earring (^_^)
and i LOVE it...

So for this month i have pearls for present =P

Pearl Pendant as Birthday Gift

Pearl Earring as Valentine Gift

Now i would like to wish everybody

HAPPY LOVELY VALENTINE DAY!

Have a nice day people =)

Officially 20!

2009-02-25T15:18:00.062+08:00

As of now...I'm officially

20 years old!

Gone is the teenage hood and I'm no longer a teenager.
Now I am beginning my journey as a young adult!
I'm still youthful & energetic...
But still; there is a lot more to learn...
Cause experience & education doesn't stop!
As it is a life long lesson & journey =)

I started off my day (as the clock strike 12:00 am)
with a phone call from my best girlfriend wishing me
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MISS AGNES YONG!
I was so surprise and happy cause
I did not realize it is the day of my birthday already...
as I was in my darling's house preparing for
Chinese New Year (coincidently fall on the same day of my birthday =p)
and she (Julia Chaw) is the first to wish me...Thanks babe!

My darling was the second person to wish me
(after hearing the conversation between me and Julia!)
and he gave me this for my birthday gift...

A Cultured Pearl Pendant

Have a nice day people!
Going to watch the fireworks & fire crackers...

2008 Chinese New Year Eve

2009-02-25T15:18:00.060+08:00

2007 RayaVali Celebration

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Venue: Haisan Sdn Bhd
Lot 506, Jln Pelabuhan Utara, Bdr Sultan Suleiman,
42000 Pelabuhan Klang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
Date: 17th November 2007

Table 19 (Part 2)

2009-02-25T15:18:00.045+08:00

this is the continuation of the previous post...

Table 19 (Part 1)

2009-02-25T15:17:00.038+08:00

Royal Rangers Selangor #1

25th Anniversary ~ Silver Jubilee Dinner

Date: 13th October 2007
Venue: Mun Siang Lo Restaurant (Klang Parade)

Fee: RM40.00 Per Person

This is what happens at and around our table

Steffi Teo Sue An Farewell Party

2009-02-25T15:17:00.037+08:00

Taken during Steffi's farewell dinner on 29th July 2007 in her house.

Ratatouille & Nail Colour

2009-02-25T15:17:00.030+08:00

Yeah! =)
Managed watched Ratatouille in 1U on Friday (24-08-2007) night at 11:50 pm.
The show was a good and interesting movie! Kinda funny and all...

Before the movie starts Lawrence and I went for our dinner in Chilli's.
It was a great meal! I had a broccoli cheese soup as starter Hehe (^_^)
It was not gross k! as some of you may find it to be =P
It taste good and Law insisted on having his moltan for dessert!

We went for a walk after our dinner since there is still plenty of time to spare.
And guess what happen!

I bought a nail colour!
I bet that you all will definately say "So what! What is the deal!" right? =)
It is not just an ordinary nail polish ok!
It is an Anna Sui nail polish! That cost me Rm 49.00 which is freaking expensive!
Don't believe me?! Here is the prove!

This is my first time buying such an expensive nail colour. Normally i will buy only those that cost me rm5.00 to rm15.00 each

After I bought that for myself; Law went to pamper himself by buying a new edifier!
It was so so so expensive! Dang! What is going man!

Friends

2009-02-25T15:17:00.026+08:00

Season

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each season has its joys to treasure,
to lift one's spirits and bring us pleasure

Season

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each season has its own wonder,
it's own special place,
and purpose in the pattern of creation

Thomas Hughes

2009-02-25T15:17:00.023+08:00

Blessed are they who have the gift of making friends,
for it is one of God's best gifts.

There Are 3 Kinds Of People

2009-02-25T15:17:00.022+08:00

Those who MAKE things happen.
Those who WATCH what happens.
Those who WONDER what happened.

Ps Henry K. Pillai & Lawrence Cham

2009-02-25T15:17:00.021+08:00

Early to Bed, Early to Rise;
Make a Person, Healthy and Wise.

By Ps Henry K. Pillai aka Ps Henry Ramaya

Late to Bed, Late to Rise;
Make a Person, Unhealthy and Lazy.

By Lawrence Cham.

Love & Life

2009-02-25T15:17:00.020+08:00

This story tells us something about...LOVE & LIFE.

My husband is an engineer by profession, I love him for his steady nature and I love the warm feeling when I lean against his broad shoulders.

Two years of courtship and now, five years into marriage; I would have to admit, that I am getting tired of it. The reasons of me loving him before, has now transformed into the cause of all my restlessness.

I am a sentimental woman and extremely sensitive when it comes to a relationship and my feelings. I yearn for the romantic moments, like a little girl yearning for candy.

My husband is my complete opposite; his lack of sensitivity and the inability of bringing romantic moments into our marriage have disheartened me about LOVE.

One day, I finally decided to tell him my decision, that I wanted a divorce.

"Why?" he asked, shocked.

"I am tired. There are no reasons for everything in the world!" I answered.

He kept silent the whole night, seemingly in deep thought. My feeling of disappointment only increased.

Here was a man who was not able to even express his predicament, so what else could I expect from him?

And finally he asked me: "What can I do to change your mind?"

Somebody said it right...It's hard to change a person's personality, and I guess, I have started losing faith in him.

Looking deep into his eyes I slowly answered: "Here is the question....If you can answer and convince my heart, I will change my mind."

Let's say; I want a flower located on the face of a mountain cliff, and we both are sure that picking the flower will cause your death. Will you do it for me?"

He said: "I will give you your answer tomorrow...." My hopes just sank by listening to his response.

I woke up the next morning to find him gone, and saw a piece of paper with his scratchy handwriting underneath a milk glass, on the dining table near the front door, that goes....

My dear, "I would not pick that flower for you, but.... please allow me to explain the reasons further....."

This first line was already breaking my heart. I continued reading.

"When you use the computer you always mess up the Software programs, and you cry in front of the screen. I have to save my fingers so that I can help to restore the programs. You always leave the house keys behind, thus I have to save my legs to rush home to open the door for you.

You love traveling but always lose your way in a new city. I have to save my eyes to show you the way.

You always have the cramps whenever your "good friend" approaches every month. I have to save my palms so that I can calm the cramps in your tummy.

You like to stay indoors, and I worry that you will be infected by infantile autism. I have to save my mouth to tell you jokes and stories to cure your boredom.

You always stare at the computer, and that will do nothing good for your eyes. I have to save my eyes so that when we grow old, I can help to clip your nails and help to remove those annoying white hairs. So I can also hold your hand while strolling down the beach, as you enjoy the sunshine and the beautiful sand…and tell you the colour of flowers, just like the colour of the glow on your young face…

Thus, my dear, unless I am sure that there is someone who loves you more than I do... I could not pick that flower yet, and die ... "

My tears fell on the letter, and blurred the ink of his handwriting...and as I continue on reading... "Now, that you have finished reading my answer, and if you are satisfied, please open the front door for I am standing outside bringing your favorite bread and fresh milk..."

I rushed to pull open the door, and saw his anxious face, clutching tightly with his hands, the milk bottle and loaf of bread....

Now I am very sure that no one will ever love me as much as he does, and I have decided to leave the flower alone...

That's LIFE, and LOVE.
When one is surrounded by love, the feeling of excitement fades away, and one tends to ignore the true love that lies in between the peace and dullness.

Love shows up in all forms; even in very small and cheeky forms.
It has never been a model. It could be the dullest and most boring form ...

Flowers, and romantic moments are only used and appear on the surface of the relationship. Under all this, the pillar of true love stands...
AND THAT'S LIFE

The happiest people in the world...are not those who have no problems,
but those who learn to live with things that are less than perfect.

LOVE is not just between two lovers, husband and wife--it also encompass; mother, father and siblings, sisters and brothers, friends and neighbors yeah!

Friendship A To Z

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A Friend....

(A)ccepts you as you are

(B)elieves in "you"

(C)alls you just to say "HI"

(D)oesn't give up on you

(E)nvisions the whole of you (even the unfinished parts)

(F)orgives your mistakes

(G)ives unconditionally

(H)elps you

(I)nvites you over

(J)ust "be" with you

(K)eeps you close at heart

(L)oves you for who you are

(M)akes a difference in your life

(N)ever Judges

(O)ffer support

(P)icks you up

(Q)uiets your fears

(R)aises your spirits

(S)ays nice things about you

(T)ells you the truth when you need it

(U)nderstands you

(V)alues you

(W)alks beside you

(X)-plains thing you don't understand

(Y)ells when you won't listen and

(Z)aps you back to reality

Be A Friend To Others And Yourself

2009-02-25T15:16:00.026+08:00

Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

Memorize your favorite poem.

Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have, or loaf all you want.

When you say, "I love you," mean it.

When you say, "I'm sorry," look the person in the eye.

Be engaged at least six months before you get married.

Believe in love at first sight.

Never laugh at anyone's dreams. People who don't have dreams don't have much.

Love deeply and passionately. You may get hurt, but it's the only way to live life completely.

In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.

Don't judge people by their relatives, or by the life they were born into.

Teach yourself to speak slowly but think quickly.

When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, "Why do you want to know?"

Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

Call your mother.

Say, "bless you" when you hear someone sneeze.

When you lose, don't lose the lesson.

Follow the three "Rs": Respect for self, Respect for others, Responsibility for all your actions.

Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.

Marry a person you love to talk to. As you get older, his/her conversational skills will be more important.

Spend some time alone.

Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.

Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

Eight Friendship Gifts

2009-02-25T15:16:00.025+08:00

THE GIFT OF LISTENING...
But you must REALLY listen. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response. Just listening.

THE GIFT OF AFFECTION...
Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.

THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER...
Clip cartoons. Share articles and funny stories. Your gift will say, "I love to laugh with you."

THE GIFT OF A WRITTEN NOTE...
It can be a simple "Thanks for the help" note or a full sonnet. A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime, and may even change a life

THE GIFT OF A COMPLIMENT...
A simple and sincere, "You look great in red," "You did a super job" or "That was a wonderful meal" can make someone's day.

THE GIFT OF A FAVOR...
Every day, go out of your way to do something kind.

THE GIFT OF SOLITUDE...
There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.

THE GIFT OF A CHEERFUL DISPOSITION...
The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to someone, really it's not that hard to say, Hello or Thank You.

Friends are a very rare jewel, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share a word of praise, and they always want to open their hearts to us.

The Value Of Friendship

2009-02-25T15:16:00.024+08:00

A Tribute to Ricki Wummel!

by Connie Eccles

I have been blessed with good friends in my life and wish to take this opportunity to say goodbye to one of the best, Ricki Wummel. Ricki lost her battle with cancer on June 11, 2001. She was greatly loved and will be sorely missed.

Ricki and I met when she approached me across the bushes dividing our properties. She felt it necessary to inform me that our dog, Brutus had impregnated her dog. I was quick to inform her that Brutus, who she mistakenly always called Bruno, had been tied up on his dog run and her dog was the hussy.

We laughed. I apologized and told her that we would get Brutus neutered immediately, but unfortunately it would not change the current situation.

After that first meeting, we often met across the bushes as she let me know how her dog was progressing in the pregnancy. When the puppies were born, we went to see them. They were cute and cuddly but the mother dog was hostile so we kept our distance until they were older. My girls, would go over to see the puppies, hold them and play with them in the thick, green grass in Ricki's front yard.

It was sad that we could not keep one of the puppies, but with four cats and Brutus, it would have been irresponsible. Ricki also had two dogs and a cat, so her keeping one of the puppies was also impossible. So our families were equally disappointed when all the puppies were adopted out. And although it meant we no longer had any reason to continue our talks and meetings, we did. And our friendship flourished.

When her finances and health deteriorated, she was forced to move into a smaller house with less property to maintain. It was a difficult decision and one that she often said she regretted because she missed us as neighbors. We had to try harder to keep in touch once she moved away from the neighborhood. Through emails we would arrange to meet for breakfast at least once every 3 or 4 weeks.

She shared her concerns about her children, her job, her health and her finances. I was able to make her burdens seem lighter and she did the same for me. She enjoyed watching my girls grow and kept track of my son as she watched them change from youngsters to young adults. She had older boys so she was consoling when I became frustrated with choices my children were making.

Ricki taught at Rockford Chrisitian Academy and attended church faithfully. She wore her religion like a badge of honor. She was not ashamed to let others know of her beliefs. She knew God and loved him. She knew the importance of living one's religion, not just professing it. Although she and I were not of the same faith, she never put down my beliefs and was quite impressed by the structure, organization and love in the LDS Church.

Ricki lived an exemplary Christian life. She loved and shared with others. She prayed for others as well as herself. In all the time that I had been blessed to know her, her biggest concern involved her boys accepting the gospel and living the Christian lifestyle.

Good friends are those who make you a better person for having known them. Ricki was one of those friends. I am honored to have had her in my life. This article is a tribute to her - until we meet again....

How To Make Friends For Life

2009-02-25T15:16:00.023+08:00

Three Steps Towards Friendship

Friendship and friends continue to remain central to our lives. The relationship that we share with our friends is grounded in a mutual concern as our friends help us in shaping up our personalities as well. Even in this age of online social networking and ecards, the need of expanding the network of friends, whether online or offline remains a primary concern for people. We may have a very vague understanding of what makes a friend but we all want to have a good many number of friends around us.

Research has shown that the quality and nature of your friends are one of the key influencing factors in achieving happiness, self esteem, and satisfaction. Friends often affect the health and energy of a person as well. More and more people are increasingly turning towards their friends for support and mutual sharing rather than communicating to their relatives; and this sociological phenomenon has escalated the desire to make more friends. Though friendship is an impulsive relationship developed between two autonomous individuals marked by a voluntary, emotional and mutual concern, but there are certain steps, which, if implemented can win you friends or at least help you get close to those whom you want to make your friends.

The first step to make friends with someone is to make them like you. If they don’t like you in the first place, it is unlikely that they’ll be eager to become your friends. To let someone know that you are genuinely interested in them, simple gestures like a little smile and calling him by his name can lay the basic foundation. To make the other person feel important you need to be a good listener and encourage the other person to talk. Give your honest and sincere opinion but do not overtly criticize or make fun of him or her.

The second step of making someone your friend is to develop a mutual consideration between each other. You need to share his or her perspective and for that it is necessary for you to develop an inclination to see things from the other person’s point of view. To become best of friends you must show a genuine concern and consideration for your friend’s desires and opinions.

The third and final step towards friendship is to show your unconditional support and encouragement towards your friend. Moreover, you also need to be very clear about your expectations from your friend. If what you expect from the person you want to befriend, matches with what that person can and want to contribute in friendship, the developing friendship between you and your friend is assured to flourish, making both of you gratified with mutual emotional bonding.

Friendship has overwhelming significance on both social and individual level. Friendship doesn’t only provide us with emotional as well as utilitarian support but it also helps us to improve our personal identities. So it is quite natural to feel the urge to reach out and make new friends, expanding your friend’s circle. Using the internet and the associated services like free friendship ecards come as a natural extension to this escalating aspiration. Friendship remains familiar yet quite ambiguous for our deeper understanding of this elusive relationship but then again, friends remain the most important ingredients in the recipe of life!

To Walk In The Shoes Of Another

2009-02-25T15:16:00.022+08:00

Bill Andrews was a big, awkward, homely guy. He dressed oddly with ill-fitting clothes. There were several fellows who thought it smart to make fun of him. One day one fellow noticed a small tear in his shirt and gave it a small rip. Another worker in the factory added his bit, and before long there was quite a ribbon dangling. Bill went on about his work and as he passed too near a moving belt the shirt strip was sucked into the machinery. In a split second the sleeve and Bill were in trouble. Alarms were sounded, switches pulled, and trouble was avoided. The foreman, however, aware of what had happened, summoned the men and related this story:

In my younger days I worked in a small factory. That's where I first met Mike Havoc. He was big and witty, was always making jokes, and playing little pranks. Mike was a leader. Then there was Pete Lumas who was a follower. He always went along with Mike. And then there was a man named . . . Jake. He was a little older than the rest of us -- quiet, harmless, apart. He always ate his lunch by himself. He wore the same patched trousers for three years straight. He never entered into the games we played at noon, wrestling, horse shoes and such. He appeared to be indifferent, always sitting quietly alone under a tree instead.

Jake was a natural target for practical jokes. He might find a live frog in his dinner pail, or a dead rodent in his hat. But he always took it in good humor. Then one Fall when things were slack, Mike took off a few days to go hunting. Pete went along, of course. And they promised all of us that f they got anything they'd bring us each a piece. So we were all quite excited when we heard that they'd returned and that Mike had got a really nice big buck. We heard more than that. Pete could never keep anything to himself, and it leaked out that they had a real hopper to play on Jake. Mike had cut up the critter and had made a nice package for each of us. And, for the laugh, for the joke of it, he had saved the ears, the tail, the hoofs -- it would be so funny when Jake unwrapped them. Mike distributed his packages during the noon hour. We each got a nice piece, opened it, and thanked him. The biggest package of all he saved until last. It was for Jake.

Pete was all but bursting; and Mike looked very smug. Like always, Jake sat by himself; he was on the far side of the big table. Mike pushed the package over to where he could reach it; and we all sat and waited. Jake was never one to say much. You might never know that he was around for all the talking he did. In three years he'd never said a hundred words. So we were all quite astounded with what happened next. He took the package firmly in his grip and rose slowly to his feet. He smiled broadly at Mike -- and it was then we noticed that his eyes were glistening. His Adam's apple bobbed up and down for a moment and then he got control of himself.

"I knew you wouldn't forget me," he said gratefully; "I knew you'd come through! You're big and you're playful, but I knew all along that you had a good heart."

He swallowed again, and then took in the rest of us. "I know I haven't seemed too chummy with you men; but I never meant to be rude. You see, I've got nine kids at home -- and a wife that's been an invalid -- bedfast now for four years. She ain't ever going to get any better. And sometimes when she's real bad off, I have to sit up all night to take care of her. And most of my wages have had to go for doctors and medicine. The kids do all they can to help out, but at times it's been hard to keep food in their mouths. Maybe you think it's funny that I go off by myself to eat my dinner. Well, I guess I've been a little ashamed, because I don't always have anything between my sandwich. Or like today -- maybe there's only a raw turnip in my pail. But I want you to know that this meat really means a lot to me. Maybe more than to anybody here because tonight my kids," he wiped the tears from his eyes with the back of his hand, "...tonight my kids will have a really..." He tugged at the string.

We'd been watching Jake so intently we hadn't paid much notice to Mike and Pete. But we all noticed them now, because they both dove at once to try to grab the package. But they were too late. Jake had broken the wrapper and was already surveying his present. He examined each hoof, each ear, and then he held up the tail. It wiggled limply. It should have been so funny, but nobody laughed -- nobody at all. But the hardest part was when Jake looked up and said thank you while trying to smile. Silently one by one each man moved forward carrying his package and quietly placed it in front of Jake for they had suddenly realized how little their own gift had really meant to them ... until now....

This was where the foreman left the story and the men. He didn't need to say anymore; but it was gratifying to notice that as each man ate his lunch that day, they shared part with Bill Andrews and one fellow even took off his shirt and gave it to him.

Water For A Friend

2009-02-25T15:16:00.021+08:00

It was one of the hottest days of the dry season. We had not seen rain in almost a month. The crops were dying. Cows had stopped giving milk. The creeks and streams were long gone back into the earth. It was a dry season that would bankrupt several farmers before it was through. Every day, my husband and his brothers would go about the arduous process of trying to get water to the fields. Lately this process had involved taking a truck to the local water rendering plant and filling it up with water. But severe rationing had cut everyone off. If we didn't see some rain soon...we would lose everything.

It was on this day that I learned the true lesson of sharing and witnessed the only miracle I have seen with my own eyes. I was in the kitchen making lunch for my husband and his brothers when I saw my six-year old son, Billy, walking toward the woods. He wasn't walking with the usual carefree abandon of a youth but with a serious purpose. I could only see his back. He was obviously walking with a great effort...trying to be as still as possible. Minutes after he disappeared into the woods, he came running out again, toward the house. I went back to making sandwiches; thinking that whatever task he had been doing was completed.

Moments later, however, he was once again walking in that slow purposeful stride toward the woods. This activity went on for an hour: walk carefully to the woods, run back to the house. Finally I couldn't take it any longer and I crept out of the house and followed him on his journey (being very careful not to be seen...as he was obviously doing important work and didn't need his Mommy checking up on him).

He was cupping both hands in front of him as he walked; being very careful not to spill the water he held in them... maybe two or three tablespoons were held in his tiny hands. I sneaked close as he went into the woods. Branches and thorns slapped his little face but he did not try to avoid them. He had a much higher purpose. As I leaned in to spy on him, I saw the most amazing sight.

Several large deer loomed in front of him. Billy walked right up to them. I almost screamed for him to get away. A huge buck with elaborate antlers was dangerously close. But the buck did not threaten him...he didn't even move as Billy knelt down. And I saw a tiny fawn laying on the ground, obviously suffering from dehydration and heat exhaustion, lift its head with great effort to lap up the water cupped in my beautiful boy's hand.

When the water was gone, Billy jumped up to run back to the house and I hid behind a tree. I followed him back to the house; to a spigot that we had shut off the water to. Billy opened it all the way up and a small trickle began to creep out. He knelt there, letting the drip slowly fill up his makeshift "cup," as the sun beat down on his little back. And it came clear to me. The trouble he had gotten into for playing with the hose the week before. The lecture he had received about the importance of not wasting water. The reason he didn't ask me to help him. It took almost twenty minutes for the drops to fill his hands.

When he stood up and began the trek back, I was there in front of him. His little eyes just filled with tears. "I'm not wasting," was all he said. As he began his walk, I joined him...with a small pot of water from the kitchen. I let him tend to the fawn. I stayed away. It was his job.

I stood on the edge of the woods watching the most beautiful heart I have ever known working so hard to save another life. As the tears that rolled down my face began to hit the ground, they were suddenly joined by other drops...and more drops...and more. I looked up at the sky. It was as if God, himself, was weeping with pride.

Some will probably say that this was all just a huge coincidence. That miracles don't really exist. That it was bound to rain sometime. And I can't argue with at...I'm not going to try. All I can say is that the rain that came that day saved our farm...just like that actions of one little boy saved another.

I don't know if anyone will read this...but I had to send it out. To honor the memory of my beautiful Billy, who was taken from me much too soon.... But not before showing me the true face of God, in a little sunburned body.

Anatomy Of Friendship

2009-02-25T15:16:00.020+08:00

My mother used to ask me what is the most important part of the body. Through the years I would take a guess at what I thought was the correct answer. When I was younger, I thought sound was very important to us as humans, so I said, "My ears, Mommy."

She said, "No. Many people are deaf. But you keep thinking about it and I will ask you again soon."

Several years passed before she asked me again. Since making my first attempt, I had contemplated the correct answer. So this time I told her, "Mommy, sight is very important to everybody, so it must be our eyes."

She looked at me and told me, "You are learning fast, but the answer is not correct because there are many people who are blind."

Stumped again, I continued my quest for knowledge and over the years, Mother asked me a couple more times and always her answer was, "No. But you are getting smarter every year, my child."

Then last year, my grandpa died. Everybody was hurt. Everybody was crying. Even my father cried. I remember that especially because it was only the second time I saw him cry. My Mom looked at me when it was our turn to say our final goodbye to Grandpa. She asked me, "Do you know the most important body part yet, my dear?"

I was shocked when she asked me this now. I always thought this was a game between her and me. She saw the confusion on my face and told me, "This question is very important. It shows that you have really lived in our life. For every body part you gave me in the past, I have told you were wrong and I have given you an example why. But today is the day you need to learn this important lesson."

She looked down at me as only a mother can. I saw her eyes well up with tears. She said, "My dear, the most important body part is your shoulder."

I asked, "Is it because it holds up my head?"

She replied, "No, it is because it can hold the head of a friend or a loved one when they cry. Everybody needs a shoulder to cry on sometime in life, my dear. I only hope that you have enough love and friends that you will always have a shoulder to cry on when you need it."

Apple Tree

2009-02-25T15:16:00.018+08:00

Beauty SOS!

2009-02-25T15:15:00.040+08:00

10-minute emergency rescue of breakouts, flaky skin, dullness and puffiness.

It's 7 am and you have a morning meeting with the boss over your performance appraisal, and the skin on your nose is peeling off. Makeup just doesn't stick. It's prom night and you got a zit that popped up right on your forehead. It's the first time you meet with your boyfriend's parents and you woke up with puffy eyes. It's your wedding day and you woke up with dull skin and a few zits.

You panic, you curse, and you feel cursed.

Before you resign to the assumption that you are doomed to look your worst on your most important occasions, here are some trick-of-the-trade tips from makeup artists to the rescue.

That Darned Zit

~For the suddenly erupted swollen pimple, anti-redness eyedrops (or the kind with antihistamine) can tame redness and shrink blood vessels. Saturate a Q-tip or a cotton pad with the eyedrop and place it on affected area for 5 minutes. Don't rinse off, and proceed to the rest of your beauty regimen. For best results, refrigerate the eyedrop prior to application.

~Because gel type acne treatment can flake off, it's better to use powder instead of liquid foundation.

~Don't rub concealer onto the pimple. Use a light tapping motion to apply the product.

~Don't use oily makeup on affected area(s).

*please note that this is an emergency treatment only. If you are a chronic acne sufferer, you will need to find a suitable regimen for daily use, or may need to seek the help of a dermatologist in severe cases.

Flaky Skin

Many people are sensitive to seasonal changes. The most common reaction to seasonal changes is flaky skin, especially around the nose areas. Flaky skin is a symptom of dehydration and needs to be treated for makeup to stay on and stay smooth.

~When you have flaky skin, avoid using powder. Powders will accentuate the look of flakiness and dryness.

~If you discover flakiness before you apply makeup, do a 10-minute essence sheet mask to hydrate skin, and massage the remaining essence onto skin. You will discover that makeup sinks in much more quickly once your skin is hydrated.

~If you wear foundation, you can mix a moisturizer with your foundation in the ratio of 1:1 on the back of your hand, then apply onto face. If needed, use a very small amount of loose powder to set makeup, preferably with a brush. Avoid using a sponge with the powder - it will make your face look cakey and dry.

~If you experience flakiness after you have already applied makeup, you can use a non greasy moisturizer and lightly pat/tap onto the flaky areas. Use a small amount so it doesn't ruin your makeup.

~During seasonal changes, try using an essence sheet mask once every 2-3 days to keep your skin hydrated and balanced.

Puffy Eyes

Trick #1: Boiled red tea bags can reduce puffiness in eyes. Don't forget to cool them before putting them on your eyes!

Trick #2: Mix homogenized milk (not skim milk) with vinegar in the ratio of 10:1. After blending, saturate a cotton pad and put on eye lids for 3-5 minutes, followed by placing warm towels on the eye lids.

Trick #3: Coffee can improves metabolism of water. In the morning, drink a cup of coffee while standing up. This will reduce the water retention in skin and body.

Trick #4: Massage eye contours with an eye essence or eye cream. Wipe off excess.

Dull Skin

Dull skin is usually caused by either bad circulation or dryness/dehydration. If you wake up with dull skin, simply use a massage cream to improve blood circulation or a non-abrasive exfoliant to buff away dead skin cells to reveal radiant skin.

______________________________________________________________________

While these tips are tried and true from makeup artists, please don't forget that they are for emergency treatments only. To maintain or achieve healthy, clear skin, don't forget to use a line of products suitable for your age and skin type!

A Child's Faith

2009-02-25T15:15:00.039+08:00

A little girl went to her bedroom and pulled a glass of jelly jar from its hiding place in the closet. She poured all the change out on the floor and counted it carefully. Three times, even. The total had to be exactly perfect. No chance here for mistakes. Carefully placing the coins back in the jar and twisting on the cap, she slipped out the back door and made her way 6 blocks to Rexall's Drug Store with the big red Indian Chief sign above the door.

She waited patiently for the pharmacist to give her some attention but he was too busy at this moment. Tess twisted her feet to make a scuffing noise. Nothing. She cleared her throat with the most disgusting sound she could muster. No good. Finally she took a quarter from her jar and banged it on the glass counter. That did it!

"And what do you want?" the pharmacist asked in an annoyed tone of voice. I'm talking to my brother from Chicago whom i haven't seen in ages," he said without waiting for a reply to his question.

"Well, I want to talk to you about my brother." Tess answered back in the same annoyed tone. " He's really, really sick... and I want to buy a miracle."

"I beg your pardon?" said the pharmacist. "His name is Andrew and he has something bad growing inside his head and my Daddy says only a miracle can save him now. So how much does a miracle cost?"

"We don't sell miracles here, little girl. I'm sorry but I can't help you," the pharmacist said, softening a little.

"Listen, I have the money to pay for it. If it isn't enough, I will get the rest. Just tell me how much it costs."

The pharmacist's brother was a well dressed man. He stooped down and asked the little girl, "What kind of a miracle does your brother need?" "I don't know," Tess replied with her eyes welling up. "I just know he's really sick and Mommy says he needs an operation. But my Daddy can't pay for it, so I want to use my money."

"How much do you have?" asked the man from Chicago. "One dollar and eleven cents," Tess answered barely audibly. "And it's all the money I have, but I can get some more if I need to."

"Well, what a coincidence," smiled the man. "A dollar and eleven cents---the exact price of a miracle for little brothers." He took her money in one hand and with the other hand he grasped her mitten and said "Take me to where you live. I want to see your brother and meet your parents. Let's see if i have the kind of miracle you need."

That well dressed man was Dr. Carlton Armstrong, a surgeon, specializing in neuro-surgery. The operation was completed without a charge and it wasn't long until Andrew was home again and doing well. Mom and Dad were happily talking about the chain of events that had led them to this place. "That surgery," her Mom whispered. "was a real miracle. I wonder how much it would have cost?" Tess smiled. She knew exactly how much a miracle cost...one dollar and eleven cents .... plus the faith of a little child.

A miracle is not the suspension of natural law, but the operation of a higher law...... (A TRUE STORY)

I know you'll keep the ball moving! Here it goes. Throw it back to someone who means something to you!

A ball is a circle, no beginning, no end.
It keeps us together like our Circle of Friends.
But the treasure inside for you to see is the treasure of friendship you've granted to me.

Today I pass the friendship ball to you. Pass it on to someone who is a friend to you.

MY OATH TO YOU...

When you are sad.....I will dry your tears.
When you are scared.....I will comfort your fears.
When you are worried.....I will give you hope.
when you are confused.....I will help you cope.
And when you are lost.....And can't see the light. I shall be your beacon.....Shining ever so bright.
This is my oath.....I pledge till the end.
Why you may ask?.....Because you're my friend.

Signed: GOD

What A Prayer Weighs

2009-02-25T15:15:00.038+08:00

Louise Redden, a poorly dressed lady with a look of defeat on her face, walked into a grocery store. She approached the owner of the store in a most humble manner and asked if he would let her charge a few groceries. She softly explained that her husband was very ill and unable to work, they had seven children and they needed food.

John Longhouse, the grocer, scoffed at her a requested that she leave his store. Visualizing the family needs, she said: ''Please, sir! I will bring you the money just as soon as I can.'' John told her he could not give her credit, as she did not have a charge account at his store.

Standing beside the counter was a customer who overheard the conversation between the two. The customer walked forward and told the grocer-man that he would stand good for whatever she needed for her family. The grocer-man said in a very reluctant voice, ''Do you have a grocery list?'' Louise replied, ''Yes sir!'' ''O.K.'' he said, ''Put your grocery list on the scales and whatever your gocery list weighs, I will give you that amount in groceries.''

Louise, hesitated a moment with a bowed head, then she reached into her purse and took out a piece of paper and scribbled something on it. She then laid the piece of paper on the scale carefully with her head still bowed. The eyes of the grocer-man and the customer showed amazement when the scales went down and stayed down. The grocer-man, staring at the scales, turned slowly to the customer and said begrudgingly, ''I can't believe it.''

The customer smiled and the grocer-man started putting the groceries on the other side of the scales. The scale did not balance so he continued to put more and more groceries on them until the scales would hold no more. The grocer-man stood there in utter disgust. Finally, he grabbed the piece of paper from the scales and looked at it with greater amazement. It was not a grocery list, it was a prayer, which said: Dear Lord, you know my needs and I am leaving this in your hands.'' The grocer-man gave her the groceries that he had gathered and placed on the scales and stood in stunned silence. Louise thanked him and left the store.

The customer handed a fifty-dollar bill to John as he said, ''It was worth every penny of it.'' It was sometime later that John Longhouse discovered the scales were broken, therefore only God knows how much a prayer weighs.

Our Father In Heaven

2009-02-25T15:15:00.037+08:00

A Garden Just For You

2009-02-25T15:15:00.035+08:00

For the garden of your daily living plant three rows of peas:
1. Peace of mind
2. Peace of heart
3. Peace of soul

Plant four rows of squash:
1. Squash gossip
2. Squash indifference
3. Squash grumbling
4. Squash selfishness

Plant four rows of lettuce:
1. Lettuce be faithful
2. Lettuce be kind
3. Lettuce be patient
4. Lettuce really love one another

No garden is without turnips:
1. Turnip for meetings
2. Turnip for service
3. Turnip to help one another

To conclude our garden we must have thyme:
1. Thyme for each other
2. Thyme for family
3. Thyme for friends

Water Freely With Patience And Cultivate With Love.
There Is Much Fruit In Your Garden Because You Reap What You Sow.

Friendship Is Like...

2009-02-25T15:15:00.033+08:00

A Friend Is Like A Flower,
A Rose To Be Exact,
Or Maybe Like A Brand New Gate
That Never Comes Unlatched.

A Friend Is Like An Owl,
Both Beautiful And Wise.
Or Perhaps A Friend Is Like A Ghost,
Whose Spirit Never Dies.

A Friend Is Like Those Blades Of Grass,
You Can Ever Mow,
Standing Straight, Tall,
And Proud In A Perfect Little Row.

A Friend Is Like A Heart,
That Goes Strong Until The End.
Where Would We Be In This World,
If We Didn't Have A Friend.

Friendship Angel

2009-02-25T15:15:00.030+08:00

Many People Will Walk In And Out Or Your Life,
But Only True Friends Will Leave Footprints In Your Heart.

To Handle Yourself, Use Your Head,
To Handle Others, Use Your Heart.

Anger Is Only One Letter Short Of Danger.

If Someone Betrays You Once, It's His Fault.
If He Betrays You Twice, It's Your Fault.

Great Minds Discuss Ideas;
Average Minds Discuss Events;
Small Minds Discuss People.

God Gives Every Bird It's Food,
But He Does Not Throw It Into It's Nest.

He Who Loses Money, Loses Much
He Who Loses A Friend, Loses More
He Who Loses Faith, Loses All.

Beautiful Young People Are Acts Of Nature,
But Beautiful Old People Are Works Of Art.

Learn From The Mistakes Of Others.
You Can't Live Long Enough To Make Them All Yourself.

The Tongue Weighs Practically Nothing, But So Few People Can Hold It.

Friends, You And Me
You Brought Another Friend
And Then There Were Three
We Started Our Group
Our Circle Of Friends
And Like That Circle
There Is No Beginning
There Is No End.

From Your Angel Of Friendship

My Special List

2009-02-25T15:15:00.028+08:00

I Have A List Of Folks I Know...
All Written In A Book,
And Every Now And Then..
I Go And Take A Look.

That Is When I Realize
These Names... They Are A Part,
Not Of The Book They're Written In...
But Taken From The Heart.

For Each Name Stands For Someone...
Who Has Crossed My Path Sometime,
And In That Meeting They Have Become...
The Reason And The Rhyme.

Although It Sounds Fantastic...
For Me To Make This Claim,
I Really Am Composed...
Of Each Remembered Name.

Although You're Not Aware...
Of Any Special Link,
Just Knowing You, Has Shaped My Life...
More Than You Could Think.

So Please Don't Think My Greeting...
As Just A Mere Routine,
Your Name Was Not...
Forgotten In Between.

For When I Send A Greeting...
That Is Addressed To You,
It Is Because You're On The List...
Of Folks I'm Indebted To.

So Whether I Have Known You...
For Many Days Or Few,
In Some Ways You Have A Part...
In Shaping Things I Do.

I Am But A Total...
Of Many Folks I've Met,
You Are A Friend I Would Prefer...
Never To Forget.

A Waterfall Of Feeling

2009-02-25T15:15:00.024+08:00

You Asked Me If I Liked Your Hair Worn Short
As You Planned To Cut It Shorter.
It Makes No Difference To Me For In My Eyes
You Are Beauty Itself And If Your Hair Were As Long
As A Waterfall Cascading Over A Mile Long Cliff To Fall
Into A Foaming Pool That Throws Up Mist-Forming Rainbows;
Or If Your Hair Were As Short As
An Underground Spring That Only Brings Its Clear,
Cold Water Just Barely To The Surface Of The Earth
You Could Not Seem More Lovely More Beautiful To Me.
If I Seemed Sad And Looked Away When You Asked
If I Minded If You Cut Your Hair Shorter
My Regret Was Not That Your Hair Be Short Or Long
But That I Have Never Seen It On The Pillow Next To Me
And I Know I Never Shall For Your Heart Is Not Meant For Me
As Much As Your Beauty Is A Feast To Me.
My Rough Hands And Common Speech Were Not Meant For Thee
And I Would Not Try And Damn The Fates For Fear Of Damning Thee
So I Only Stand By Gazing On Your Loveliness Your Beauty A Moving Feast,
A Rich Repast To Me But Never Meant For Me.

By Bill Johnson

"Behind"

2009-02-25T15:15:00.020+08:00

Behind This Skin
There Is A Girl,
A Girl With Hopes And Dreams.
I Have Morals And Standards,
I May Not Be What I Seem.
Behind These Eyes
There Are Tears
Waiting To Get Out.
The World Is Corrupted With Sin And Pain,
Seems Like No One Is Cared About.
Behind This Face
There Are Thoughts
Flowing Through My mind.
I Hope They See The Real Me,
The Person That’s Inside.
Behind my image
There Is A Girl
Dying To Be Heard.
I Want People To See Me For Me,
Because I Am Not Of This World.
Behind The Hurt
On This Earth
You Are Being Cared For.
Someone’s Knocking On Your Heart.
Won’t You Open The Door?
Behind The Door
You Will Find
Your Saving Grace.
Every Doubt Is Cast Aside
As You Look In Jesus’ Face.
Behind His Eyes,
You Can See
Forgiveness Shining Through.
Give Him Your Life And Fall Into His Arms,
Because He Loves You.

By Hannah H.

A Cloudless Love

2009-02-25T15:11:00.009+08:00

I Dream A Dream
Of A Cloudless Love
Of A Lover Sent
Directly From Above
I Open My Eyes
To A Misty Day
And Dream A Dream
Of My Wedding Day
A Clean, Crisp Groom
Me, A Bride To Be
The Occasion Of Love
Expressed All Around Me
The Song Is Playing
"That's My Cue"
On The Tip Of My Tongue Is
" I Love You "
I Look Into His Eyes
A Look Never To Be Imitated
Mountain High....Valley Low
Our Love Can Never Be Intimidated
As I Read You My Vows
"There Is No Other For You"
No Words Can Explain The Happines
When I Said "I Do"
A Streak Of Tears
Romance And Candlelight
This Is The Type Of Love
Everyday And Night
I Pinch Myself
And Look Around And Above
It Isn't A Dream
It's A Cloudless Love

By Quindrana Gee.