A well known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20 note. In the room of 200, he asked, "who would like this $20 note?". Hands started going up. He said, "I am going to give this to one of you, but let me do this first". He proceeded to crumple the note. He then asked, "who still wants it?". Still the hands were up in the air. "Well," he replied, "what if I do this?". He dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty. "Now, who still wants it?". Still hands went up in the air.
"My friends, you all have learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth 20 dollars."
Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled and ground into the dirt by the circumstances that come our way. We feel that we are worthless, but, no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never loose your value, dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to those who love you. The worth of our lives come not in what we do, or who we know, but who we are. You are special, don't ever forget that.
Always count your blessings, not your problems.
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Friday, October 14, 2005
Just the Way It Is
There is a lot that is bad with the world and too many people are ready to give up on it. I was one of them. Now, I'm not. Why? Because I honestly believe in the goodness of a person.
People will never stop whispering behind my back. I think that if I lived life like a saint and walked with two feet in one shoe... If I wore the clothes of St Francis of Assisi and suffered like a martyr... If I lived life by the 'rules' and never committed a sin, people would still talk. Because they are just like that. They'll always find someone to talk about. Which brings me to my next belief. Telstra would go broke if it weren't for the Lebanese :)
People will never stop whispering behind my back. I think that if I lived life like a saint and walked with two feet in one shoe... If I wore the clothes of St Francis of Assisi and suffered like a martyr... If I lived life by the 'rules' and never committed a sin, people would still talk. Because they are just like that. They'll always find someone to talk about. Which brings me to my next belief. Telstra would go broke if it weren't for the Lebanese :)
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Peace
I feel totally at peace and most blessed when:
- I wake up to the sound of happily chirping birds.
- Outside it is pouring and pouring with rain and I am comfortably cuddled up in bed.
- I am sitting in bed, after a long day, listening to soothing music, writing in my diary.
- Smiling and laughing with children. Nothing is comparable to the happiness I feel whilst with children.
- I am sitting outside on a beautiful spring day, just soaking in the atmosphere around me.
- I fall asleep and rise thinking of the most sweet soul each day.
- someone says "I understand".
I love the most simple things in life and it is these most simple things that let me love life.
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Picture of My Life
My life reminds me of a jigsaw puzzle.
As one piece fits into another,
so my days join together to form the picture of my life.
I have mixed feelings as I examine the picture
already partly assembled.
Some pieces I would like to remove or rearrange,
but I cannot, for they are fixed in place.
My life, like a jigsaw puzzle, has been made up
of many shades of colour.
There have been the bright, happy times when things
have gone smoothly.
There have been the dark, shadowy times of suffering,
despair and uncertainty.
The bright periods have been pleasant,
but I know it has been the difficult and dark times
that have given my life perspective and depth.
As I look to the future, I feel some trepidation -
the boundaries of the picture are not fixed.
How much of my life is still to be completed?
I have no way of knowing, because you only give the pieces
to me daily, one at a time.
How many dark periods await me?
Will I have the strength and endurance to keep going
no matter what comes my way?
I know I must step into the future with faith,
believing that as you have been with me in the first part of my life,
guiding, comforting and teaching,
you will continue to walk beside me in the future.
I do not know how or when my life will end,
but it is my prayer, that when the last piece of the puzzle is put into place,
what will appear is not a picture of me,
but a picture of you, Lord.
As one piece fits into another,
so my days join together to form the picture of my life.
I have mixed feelings as I examine the picture
already partly assembled.
Some pieces I would like to remove or rearrange,
but I cannot, for they are fixed in place.
My life, like a jigsaw puzzle, has been made up
of many shades of colour.
There have been the bright, happy times when things
have gone smoothly.
There have been the dark, shadowy times of suffering,
despair and uncertainty.
The bright periods have been pleasant,
but I know it has been the difficult and dark times
that have given my life perspective and depth.
As I look to the future, I feel some trepidation -
the boundaries of the picture are not fixed.
How much of my life is still to be completed?
I have no way of knowing, because you only give the pieces
to me daily, one at a time.
How many dark periods await me?
Will I have the strength and endurance to keep going
no matter what comes my way?
I know I must step into the future with faith,believing that as you have been with me in the first part of my life,
guiding, comforting and teaching,
you will continue to walk beside me in the future.
I do not know how or when my life will end,
but it is my prayer, that when the last piece of the puzzle is put into place,
what will appear is not a picture of me,
but a picture of you, Lord.
Monday, October 03, 2005
God Be a Part of Me
God be my rock.
Let me lean on you.
Help me feel secure with myself.
God be my rock.
kkk
God be my strength.
Help me draw confidence from you.
Help me be strong.
God be my strength.
kkk
God be my wisdom.
Help me make decisions
and let them be the right ones.
God be my wisdom.
kkk
God be my eyes.
Let me see things in a different way
and appreciate everything that is unique.
God be my eyes.
kkk
God be my ears.
Let me hear all that is beautiful.
Let me hear your word.
God be my ears.
kkk
God be my mouth.
May I preach your word.
May nothing insulting to others
ever pass through my lips.
God be my mouth.
kkk
God be my mind.
Let me be filled with knowledge.
Let me truly understand who you really are.
God be my mind.
kkk
God be my faith.
May I believe in you fully.
May I believe in you for eternity.
God be my faith.
kkk
God be my heart.
Let me be filled with your love.
May I love all people for who they are on the inside.
God be my heart.
kkk
God be a part of me.
Be my rock, my strength, my wisdom, my faith.
Be my ears, my eyes, my mouth, my mind and my heart.
God be a part of me, forever.
Sunday, October 02, 2005
Spring
God, give us eyes to see
the beauty of the spring
And to behold your majesty
in every living thing,
And may we see in lacy leaves
and every budding flower
The hand that rules the universe
with gentleness and power.
Helen Steiner Rice
the beauty of the spring
And to behold your majesty
in every living thing,
And may we see in lacy leaves
and every budding flower
The hand that rules the universe
with gentleness and power.
Helen Steiner Rice
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Beauty
http://community.webshots.com/album/121922225OpoOEy
You
With you
I am complete.
With you
I am so happy.
With you
I feel comfort.
With you
My heart is overflowing.
Near you
I forget everything.
Near you
I feel so strong.
Because of you
My love knows no end.
Because of you
My life flourishes.
You are so precious
Oh so precious my love.
I am complete.
With you
I am so happy.
With you
I feel comfort.
With you
My heart is overflowing.
Near you
I forget everything.
Near you
I feel so strong.
Because of you
My love knows no end.
Because of you
My life flourishes.
You are so precious
Oh so precious my love.
Friday, September 09, 2005
In the Garden
Lying on the grass,
In a beautiful, peaceful garden.
Sun beaming down,
Filtered by the tall, majestic trees.
I feel the warmth of the sun,
How much I love it's comfort.
Every thought, every worry fades away.
I feel so relaxed.
A divine light breeze passes,
Wafting a beautiful odour.
It is invigorating.
Birds are happily chirping,
How much I love their laughter.
I listen.
No thoughts.
No worries.
I feel peaceful.
How much I love this peace.
How much I need it.
In a beautiful, peaceful garden.
Sun beaming down,
Filtered by the tall, majestic trees.
I feel the warmth of the sun,
How much I love it's comfort.
Every thought, every worry fades away.
I feel so relaxed.
A divine light breeze passes,
Wafting a beautiful odour.
It is invigorating.
Birds are happily chirping,
How much I love their laughter.
I listen.
No thoughts.
No worries.
I feel peaceful.
How much I love this peace.
How much I need it.
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Money
Do you know what really shits me?
How money makes the world go round.
The way people think that they can buy your love/friendship/admiration.
The way people think money can 'heal' or make up for something.
That when you have money, you're the one everyone wants to be around.
When you don't, nobody knows you.
That so many people are caught up in money making that they forget the important things in life.
Money does not buy true happiness.
Money cannot ever buy true love.
Money cannot ever buy true friendship.
Money will not ever win you real admiration.
Money does not 'heal'.
Money does not even compare to a person's presence/understanding.
Money will not ever change who you really are.
Money is money.
And love is love.
So put your money back in your pocket...
And go buy happiness with love.
How money makes the world go round.
The way people think that they can buy your love/friendship/admiration.
The way people think money can 'heal' or make up for something.
That when you have money, you're the one everyone wants to be around.
When you don't, nobody knows you.
That so many people are caught up in money making that they forget the important things in life.
Money does not buy true happiness.
Money cannot ever buy true love.
Money cannot ever buy true friendship.
Money will not ever win you real admiration.
Money does not 'heal'.
Money does not even compare to a person's presence/understanding.
Money will not ever change who you really are.
Money is money.
And love is love.
So put your money back in your pocket...
And go buy happiness with love.
Hurt
Sticks and stones can brake my bones, but words will never hurt me. Bullshit. Words can rip you apart.
Sunday, September 04, 2005
Sama
This is my fiance and I. I encourage you to check out his blog www.sasmen.blogspot.com which contains links to his many other blogs. He also has an amazing online collection of photos. Just visit http://community.webshots.com/user/sassinabbout.
ENJOY!
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
It's Sad...
Sometimes life can get us down. That, unfortunately, is inevitable. But, as they say, if you don't taste the bitter, you wouldn't know the sweet.
I've learnt so much these past few weeks. About people. About love. About trust. It's sad what I've discovered. I find myself always questioning my gullibility - how is it that I didn't see that before? Am I too trusting?
Over the past few weeks, I have seen the true colours of some people I had grown to believe loved me. And it sure was disappointing. But now, at this present moment, it is empowering. Yes, empowering. Not in the proud, i'm-better-than-you sense but in the sense that I've emerged a stronger, wiser girl. I thank God for what happened and is happening for I have learnt who my real friends are... and also because I got to witness some mighty fine acting along the way :) :P I've always been one to think with my heart... and now I have learnt to be more cautious.
I feel so happy because I am much more educated about the nature of people I come across and will come across in my life. Yet, I feel so sad that this is how they are... how they think. I feel sad that they are missing out on experiencing true happiness. I would just like them to feel this true happiness and no more empty satisfaction. No more lies, deceit, hatred. It's sad that people deal with their problems by creating ones for others. That people think that by making other people sound filthy, they are no longer so filthy. But, my friends, the clear-conscienced will always be just that - clear-conscienced. No amount of gossip or jealous taunts can ever take that away.
No amount of gossiping and undeservingly degrading other people can ever make you better... it only makes you worse. If you want to be and feel better... love. Love purely with all your heart. Enjoy the simple things in life... and let others enjoy them too. Do this and you will reach a level of satisfaction that you never knew existed.
You can't trust everyone on everything (as I discovered), but on this my friends, you can trust me.
I've learnt so much these past few weeks. About people. About love. About trust. It's sad what I've discovered. I find myself always questioning my gullibility - how is it that I didn't see that before? Am I too trusting?
Over the past few weeks, I have seen the true colours of some people I had grown to believe loved me. And it sure was disappointing. But now, at this present moment, it is empowering. Yes, empowering. Not in the proud, i'm-better-than-you sense but in the sense that I've emerged a stronger, wiser girl. I thank God for what happened and is happening for I have learnt who my real friends are... and also because I got to witness some mighty fine acting along the way :) :P I've always been one to think with my heart... and now I have learnt to be more cautious.
I feel so happy because I am much more educated about the nature of people I come across and will come across in my life. Yet, I feel so sad that this is how they are... how they think. I feel sad that they are missing out on experiencing true happiness. I would just like them to feel this true happiness and no more empty satisfaction. No more lies, deceit, hatred. It's sad that people deal with their problems by creating ones for others. That people think that by making other people sound filthy, they are no longer so filthy. But, my friends, the clear-conscienced will always be just that - clear-conscienced. No amount of gossip or jealous taunts can ever take that away.
No amount of gossiping and undeservingly degrading other people can ever make you better... it only makes you worse. If you want to be and feel better... love. Love purely with all your heart. Enjoy the simple things in life... and let others enjoy them too. Do this and you will reach a level of satisfaction that you never knew existed.
You can't trust everyone on everything (as I discovered), but on this my friends, you can trust me.
Thank You
Thank you God
Thank you for your blessing
For your guidance
For your protection.
Thank you Habibi
Thank you for your friendship
For your support
For your affection.
Thank you Mum
Thank you Dad
For your love
For your patience
For your understanding.
Thanks to all
Who have made me the person I am today
To those who have made me smile
To those who have made me cry.
Without you all
I am nothing
Because of you all
I am Sama :)
Thank you for your blessing
For your guidance
For your protection.
Thank you Habibi
Thank you for your friendship
For your support
For your affection.
Thank you Mum
Thank you Dad
For your love
For your patience
For your understanding.
Thanks to all
Who have made me the person I am today
To those who have made me smile
To those who have made me cry.
Without you all
I am nothing
Because of you all
I am Sama :)
Where is the love?
What is this world coming to? Where are we guiding our children, our hope? Where? Whatever happened to our values, our priorities? Whatever happened to us? The world is screaming for help. Will you help rescue it?
We are living in a war-torn world. A world where the incidence of violence and bloodshed is prevailing. "And in today's bulletin, 20 children were killed in a bomb blast...", "An attack today claimed 14 lives, 10 of whilch were women...", "22 civilians were killed today when war broke out...", headline after headline after headline. I cannot recall ever watching the news or reading the newspaper without coming across such chilling chilling stories and horrifying headlines. Poverty is growing, hunger is spreading, more and more people are becoming homeless. All in the name of war. Hatred is spreading, violence is growing. We - humans - are becoming inhumane. Yes, inhumane humans. We hear the words of leaders, politicians and even citizens defending their actions in honour of their country, like war is a way of showing one's patriotism. How many times have you heard "We must fight against this terrorism"? Yeah, fight against terrorism using terrorism. Good one. So totally justified! It's a vicious cycle. Surely, before the love of one's country comes the love felt for one's brother. When will we understand? Violence will not cure violence. Has abhorrence ever eliminated hatred? Let's stop kidding ourselves!
Not only is the world a war-torn place - families are themselves 'war-torn'. Conflicts are bound to arise in families - they always have and always will. Conflicts, arguments, misunderstandings... they are a part of life. But one must learn from these events. One must learn to handle them, learn the right way, learn to forgive and learn to move on. We must learn to love. Stubborn. Selfish. Cold-hearted. That's what kind of individuals we have become. A brother cannot forgive a brother. A sister cannot forgive a sister. Why? Where is the love? Recently I was watching a television program, "Open Your Heart". A brother had fallen out with his brother. They had not spoken for years. The brother wanted to reconcile. He had admitted that he was in the wrong and was asking him for his forgiveness. The brother did not even agree to listen! What kind of people have we become? Our father DIED for us, for the forgiveness of our sins... and a brother cannot even listen to his brother's pledge for forgiveness, let alone forgive him?! Sad. It really is. Why must I look at television to find an example? I just have to look at my family itself and those of my friends. What are we teaching our children? We have to forgive. We have to love.
The world and it's future is in our hands... under His supervision. Right now it looks so bleak. Let's work together on making it bright. Every action, every gesture counts.
We are living in a war-torn world. A world where the incidence of violence and bloodshed is prevailing. "And in today's bulletin, 20 children were killed in a bomb blast...", "An attack today claimed 14 lives, 10 of whilch were women...", "22 civilians were killed today when war broke out...", headline after headline after headline. I cannot recall ever watching the news or reading the newspaper without coming across such chilling chilling stories and horrifying headlines. Poverty is growing, hunger is spreading, more and more people are becoming homeless. All in the name of war. Hatred is spreading, violence is growing. We - humans - are becoming inhumane. Yes, inhumane humans. We hear the words of leaders, politicians and even citizens defending their actions in honour of their country, like war is a way of showing one's patriotism. How many times have you heard "We must fight against this terrorism"? Yeah, fight against terrorism using terrorism. Good one. So totally justified! It's a vicious cycle. Surely, before the love of one's country comes the love felt for one's brother. When will we understand? Violence will not cure violence. Has abhorrence ever eliminated hatred? Let's stop kidding ourselves!
Not only is the world a war-torn place - families are themselves 'war-torn'. Conflicts are bound to arise in families - they always have and always will. Conflicts, arguments, misunderstandings... they are a part of life. But one must learn from these events. One must learn to handle them, learn the right way, learn to forgive and learn to move on. We must learn to love. Stubborn. Selfish. Cold-hearted. That's what kind of individuals we have become. A brother cannot forgive a brother. A sister cannot forgive a sister. Why? Where is the love? Recently I was watching a television program, "Open Your Heart". A brother had fallen out with his brother. They had not spoken for years. The brother wanted to reconcile. He had admitted that he was in the wrong and was asking him for his forgiveness. The brother did not even agree to listen! What kind of people have we become? Our father DIED for us, for the forgiveness of our sins... and a brother cannot even listen to his brother's pledge for forgiveness, let alone forgive him?! Sad. It really is. Why must I look at television to find an example? I just have to look at my family itself and those of my friends. What are we teaching our children? We have to forgive. We have to love.
The world and it's future is in our hands... under His supervision. Right now it looks so bleak. Let's work together on making it bright. Every action, every gesture counts.
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