New Lbc 2 Inspirational

8/11/2019 New Lbc 2 Inspirational

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Benefits of Struggling

byStephen on June 9, 2011 36 comments

inInspirational stories

A man found a cocoon of a butterfly. One day a small opening appeared, he sat and watched the butterfly forseveral hours as it struggled to force its body through that little hole.

Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could and it could go nofarther. Then the man decided to help the butterfly, so he took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remainingbit of the cocoon. The butterfly then emerged easily.

But it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings. The man continued to watch the butterfly because heexpected that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body, which wouldcontract in time.

Neither happened!

In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings.

It never was able to fly.

What the man in his kindness and haste did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the strugglerequired for the butterfly to get through the tiny opening were Gods way of forcing fluid from the body of thebutterfly into its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon.

Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life.If God allowed us to go through our life withoutany obstacles, it would cripple us. We would not be as strong as what we could have been.

And we could never fly.

A Smile

byStephen on September 16, 2008 44 comments

inLife

A smile costs nothing, but gives much.

It enriches those who receive, without making poorer those who give.

It takes a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever.

None is so rich or mighty that he can get along without it, and none is so poor, but that he can be made rich byit.
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A smile creates happiness in the home, fosters good will in business, and is the countersign of friendship.

It brings rest to the weary, cheer to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and it is natures best antidote fortrouble.

Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is of no value to anyone, until it isgiven away.

Some people are too tired to give you a smile;

Give them one of yours, as none needs a smile so much as he who has no more to give.

Put Mind at Ease


inLife

One day, Buddha was walking from one town to another with a few of his followers.

While they were traveling, they happened to pass by a lake. They stopped to rest there and Buddha asked one ofhis disciples to get him some water from the lake.

A disciple walked up to the lake. When he reached it, he noticed some people were washing clothes in the waterand, right at that moment, a bullock cart started crossing through the lake.

As a result, the water became very muddy. The disciple thought, How can I give this muddy water to Buddhato drink!

So he came back and told Buddha, The water in the lake is very muddy. I dont think it is suitable to drink.

After a while, Buddha again asked the same disciple to go back to the lake and get him some water.

The disciple obediently went back to the lake. This time he found that the mud had settled down and the waterwas clean so he collected some in a pot and brought it to Buddha.

Buddha looked at the water then looked up at the disciple and said, See what you did to make the water clean.You let it be and the mud settled down on its own. It is also the same with your mind. When it is disturbed, justlet it be. Give it a little time and it will settle down on its own.

Author Unknown

Chopsticks!


inInspiring stories
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A woman who had worked all her life to bring about good was granted one wish, Before I die letme visit bothhell and heaven. Her wish was granted.

She was whisked off to a great banqueting hall. The tables were piled high with delicious food and drink.Around the tables sat miserable, starving people as wretched as could be.

Why are they like this? she asked the angel who accompanied her.

Look at their arms, the angel replied.

She looked and saw that attached to the peoples arms were long chopsticks secured above the elbow. Unable tobend their elbows, the people aimed the chopsticks at the food, missed every time and sat hungry, frustrated andmiserable.

Indeed this is hell! Take me away from here!

She was then whisked off to heaven. Again she found herself in a great banqueting hall with tables piled high.Around the tables sat people laughing, contented, joyful.

No chopsticks I suppose, she said.

Oh yes there are. Look, just as in hell they are long and attached above the elbow but look, here people havelearnt to feed one another.

Author Unknown

An Office Boy



A jobless man applied for the position of office boy at a very big company.

The employer interviewed him, then a test: clean the floor.

You are hired. the employer said. Give me your email address, and Ill send you the application to fill, aswell as when you will start.

The man replied, I dont have a computer, neither an email.

Im sorry, said the employer, if you dont have an email that means you do not exist. And who doesnt exist,cannot have the job.

The man left with no hope. He didnt know what to do, with only $10 USD in his pocket.

He then decided to go to the supermarket, bought a 10kg tomato crate, then sold the tomatoes door to door. Inless than two hours, he succeeded and doubled his capital.
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He repeated the operation 3 times and returned home with $60 USD. The man realized that he could survive bythis way, and started to go everyday earlier, and returned late. Thus, his money doubled or tripled everyday.Shortly later, he bought a cart, then a truck, and then he had his own fleet of delivery vehicles.

Five years later, the mans company was one of the biggest food retailers. He started to plan his familys future,and decided to have a life insurance.

He called an insurance broker and chose a protection plan. When the conversation was concluded, the broker

asked him his email. The man replied: I dont have an email.

The broker replied curiously, You dont have an email, and yet have succeeded to build an empire. Do youimagine what you could have done if you had an email?

The man paused for a while, and replied: An office boy!

Author Unknown

Dont be discouraged if something is not in your favor today. Better opportunities are waiting ahead.

A Poor Young Boy and The Dog


inInspiring stories

A few days ago I landed at the Bombay Airport (India) and took a cab to my scheduled destination in SouthBombay.

I was enjoying the busy traffic with people rushing in every possible directions then we got stranded at a very

busy intersection.

As we waited for the signal to turn green, my eyes met up with a poor young boy, about 12 years old. Heremoved a piece of bread from his pocket and took a bite.

As he was about to take his next bite, a stray dog wagged his tail looking at him. Without hesitation, he satdown and put the bread on the road for the dog to eat.

The dog sniffed the bread and walked away. The boy waited until he was sure the dog was gone then he pickedup the bread and ate it!

My heart cried and wanted to walk up to the boy but before I could open the door the signal turned Green andour car drove away. I kept thinking about the boy and later during my evening meal I realized that I wasthinking of approaching the boy but never did, I could have stopped the car and walked up to him which again Inever did.

All I did was thinking and this poor little boy who had only one piece of bread without any hesitation sharingit with the dog, though he himself seemed to be very hungry.

I learnt one of the biggest lessons in my life which that boy taught me without a conversation. He taught me toshare with love and happiness. I am so blessed to have learnt this beautiful lesson from my little unknown
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master. It is my moral duty to share this incident with all my friends across the globe and be blessed withhappiness.

Thank you friends for making this world a beautiful place to dwell.

By Dr. Derrick AngelszIndia

A Short Story on Self Confidence


inMotivational stories

There was a business executive who was deep in debt and could see no way out.

Creditors were closing in on him. Suppliers were demanding payment. He sat on the park bench, head in hands,wondering if anything could save his company from bankruptcy.

Suddenly an old man appeared before him. I can see that something is troubling you, he said.

After listening to the executives woes, the old man said, I believe I can help you.

He asked the man his name, wrote out a check, and pushed it into his hand saying, Take this money. Meet mehere exactly one year from today, and you can pay me back at that time.

Then he turned and disappeared as quickly as he had come.

The business executive saw in his hand a check for $500,000, signed by John D. Rockefeller, then one of the

richest men in the world!

I can erase my money worries in an instant! he realized. But instead, the executive decided to put theuncashed check in his safe. Just knowing it was there might give him the strength to work out a way to save hisbusiness, he thought.

With renewed optimism, he negotiated better deals and extended terms of payment. He closed several big sales.Within a few months, he was out of debt and making money once again.

Exactly one year later, he returned to the park with the uncashed check. At the agreed-upon time, the old manappeared. But just as the executive was about to hand back the check and share his success story, a nurse came

running up and grabbed the old man.

Im so glad I caught him! she cried. I hope he hasnt been bothering you. Hes always escaping from the resthome and telling people hes John D. Rockefeller.

And she led the old man away by the arm.

The astonished executive just stood there, stunned. All year long hed been wheeling and dealing, buying andselling, convinced he had half a million dollars behind him.
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Suddenly, he realized that it wasnt the money, real or imagined, that had turned his life around. It was hisnewfound self-confidence that gave him the power to achieve anything he went after.

Author UnknownStory submitted by A.Bhatia

Salt, Glass of Water and the Lake

byStephen on August 26, 2013 32 comments


Once an unhappy young man came to an old master and told he had a very sad life and asked for a solution.

The old Master instructed the unhappy young man to put a handful of salt in a glass of water and then to drinkit.

How does it taste? the Master asked.

Terrible. spat the apprentice.

The Master chuckled and then asked the young man to take another handful of salt and put it in the lake. Thetwo walked in silence to the nearby lake and when the apprentice swirled his handful of salt into the lake.

The old man said, Now drink from the lake.

As the water dripped down the young mans chin, the Master asked, How does it taste?

Good! remarked the apprentice.

Do you taste the salt? asked the Master.

No. said the young man.

The Master sat beside this troubled young man, took his hands, and said, The pain of life is pure salt; no more,no less. The amount of pain in life remains the same, exactly the same. But the amount we taste the paindepends on the container we put it into. So when you are in pain, the only thing you can do is to enlarge yoursense of things. Stop being a glass. Become a lake.

Author Unknown

Story Submitted by Camilia

Making Assumptions

byStephen on August 12, 2013 15 comments

inLife
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8/24

The Blind Men and The Elephant

byStephen on July 28, 2013 14 comments

inEducation

A long time ago in the valley of the Brahmaputra River in India there lived six men who were much inclined toboast of their wit and lore. Though they were no longer young and had all been blind since birth, they wouldcompete with each other to see who could tell the tallest story.

One day, however, they fell to arguing. The object of their dispute was the elephant. Now, since each was blind,none had ever seen that mighty beast of whom so many tales are told. So, to satisfy their minds and settle thedispute, they decided to go and seek out an elephant.

Having hired a young guide, Dookiram by name, they set out early one morning in single file along the foresttrack, each placing his hands on the back of the man in front. It was not long before they came to a forestclearing where a huge bull elephant, quite tame, was standing contemplating his menu for the day.

The six blind men became quite excited; at last they would satisfy their minds. Thus it was that the men tookturns to investigate the elephants shape and form.

As all six men were blind, neither of them could see the whole elephant and approached the elephant fromdifferent directions. After encountering the elephant, each man proclaimed in turn:

O my brothers,the first man at once cried out, it is as sure as I am wise that this elephant is like a greatmud wall baked hard in the sun.

Now, my brothers,the second man exclaimed with a cry of dawning recognition, I can tell you whatshapethis elephant ishe is exactly like a spear.

The others smiled in disbelief.

Why, dear brothers, do you not see,said the third man, this elephant is very much like a rope,he shouted.

Ha, I thought as much,the fourth man declared excitedly, this elephant much resembles a serpent.

The others snorted their contempt.

Good gracious, brothers,the fifth man called out, even a blind man can see what shape the elephantresembles most. Why hes mightily like afan.

At last, it was the turn of the sixth old fellow and he proclaimed, This sturdy pillar, brothers, mine, feelsexactly like the trunk of a great areca palm tree.

Of course, no one believed him.

Their curiosity satisfied, they all linked hands and followed the guide, Dookiram, back to the village. Oncethere, seated beneath a waving palm, the six blind men began disputing loud and long. Each now had his ownopinion, firmly based on his own experience, of what an elephant is really like. For after all, each had felt theelephant for himself and knew that he was right!
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And so indeed he was. For depending on how the elephant is seen, each blind man was partly right, though allwere in the wrong.

Submitted by CamiliaRiordan, 1986, pp. 30-33

An ancient and well known fable from India.What do the blind men have to teach us?

The Alphabet Of Happiness


inEducation,Life

The Alphabet:

AACCEPT Accept others for who they are and for the choices theyve made even if you have difficultyunderstanding their beliefs, motives, or actions.

BBREAK AWAY Break away from everything that stands in the way of what you hope to accomplish with your life.

CCREATE Create a family of friends whom you can share your hopes, dreams, sorrows, and happiness with.

DDECIDEDecide that youll be successful and happy come what may, and good things will find you. The

roadblocks are only minor obstacles along the way.

EEXPLORE

Explore and experiment. The world has much to offer, and you have much to give. And every time

you try something new, youll learn more about yourself.

FFORGIVEForgive and forget. Grudges only weigh you down and inspire unhappiness and grief. Soar above it,

and remember that everyone makes mistakes.

GGROW Leave the childhood monsters behind. They can no longer hurt you or stand in your way.

HHOPEHope for the best and never forget that anything is possible as long as you remain dedicated to the

task.
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IIGNOREIgnore the negative voice inside your head. Focus instead on your goals and remember your

accomplishments. Your past success is only a small inkling of what the future holds.

JJOURNEYJourney to new worlds, new possibilities, by remaining open-minded. Try to learn something new

every day, an youll grow.

KKNOWKnow that no matter how bad things seem, theyll always get better. The warmth of spring always

follows the harshest winter.

LLOVELet love fill your heart instead of hate. When hate is in your heart, theres room for nothing else, but

when love is in your heart, theres room for endless happiness.

MMANAGEManage your time and your expenses wisely, and youll suffer less stress and worry. Then youll be

able to focus on the important things in life.

NNOTICENever ignore the poor, infirm, helpless, weak, or suffering. Offer your assistance when possible, and

always your kindness and understanding.

OOPENOpen your eyes and take in all the beauty around you. Even during the worst of times , theres still

much to be thankful for.

PPLAY Never forget to have fun along the way. Success means nothing without happiness.

QQUESTION Ask many questions, because youre here to learn.

RRELAXRefuse to let worry and stress rule your life, and remember that things always have a way of

working out in the end.

SSHAREShare your talent, skills, knowledge, and time with others. Everything that you invest in others will

return to you many times over.

TTRYEven when your dreams seem impossible to reach, try anyway. Youll be amazed by what you can

accomplish.

UUSEUse your gifts to your best ability. Talent thats wasted has no value. Talent thats used bill bring

unexpected rewards.

VVALUEValue the friends and family members whove supported and encouraged you, and be there for

them as well.

WWORKWork hard every day to be the best person you can be, but never feel guilty if you fall short of your

goals. Every sunrise offers a second chance.

XX-RAY Look deep inside the hearts of those around you and youll see the goodness and beauty within.

YYIELDYield to commitment. If you stay on track and remain dedicated, youll find success at the end of the

road.


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ZZOOMZoom to a happy place when bad memories or sorrow rears its ugly head. Let nothing interfere with

your goals. Instead, focus on your abilities, your dreams, and a brighter tomorrow.

Two castle Builders

byStephen on March 12, 2013 11 comments

inAwakening,Life

Hot sun.Salty air.Rhythmic waves.

A little boyis on his knees scooping and packing the sand with plastic shovels into a bright blue bucket. Then heupends the bucket on the surface and lifts it. And, to the delight of the little architect, a castle tower is created.

All afternoon he will work. Spooning out the moat.Packing the walls. Bottle tops will be sentries. Popsiclesticks will be bridges. A sandcastle will be built.

Big city.Busy streets.Rumbling traffic.

A man is in his office.At his desk he shuffles papers into stacks and delegates assignments. He cradles thephone on his shoulder and punches the keyboard with his fingers. Numbers are juggled and contracts are signedand much to the delight of the man, a profit is made.

All his life he will work. Formulating the plans.Forecasting the future. Annuities will be sentries. Capital gainswill be bridges. An empire will be built.

Two builders of two castles. They have much in common. They shape granules into grandeurs. They seenothing and make something. They are diligent and determined. And for both the tide will rise and the end willcome.

Yet that is where the similarities cease. For the boy sees the end while the man ignores it. Watch the boy as thedusk approaches.

As the waves near, the wise child jumps to his feet and begins to clap. There is no sorrow. No fear. No regret.He knew this would happen. He is not surprised. And when the great breaker crashes into his castle and hismasterpiece is sucked into the sea, he smiles. He smiles, picks up his tools, takes his fathers hand,and goeshome.

The grownup, however, is not so wise. As the wave of years collapses on his castle he is terrified. He hoversover the sandy monument to protect it. He blocks the waves from the walls he has made. Salt-water soaked andshivering he snarls at the incoming tide.

Its my castle, he defies.

The ocean need not respond. Both know to whom the sand belongs

I dont know much about sandcastles. But children do. Watch them and learn. Go ahead and build, but buildwith a childs heart. When the sun sets and the tides takeapplaud. Salute the process of life and go home.
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12/24

Author Unknown

Why dogs live less than human!


inAwakening,Inspirational stories

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dogsowners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker and they were hopingfor a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying. I told the family we couldnt do anything for Belker and offered toperform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane toobserve the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belkers family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm,petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes,Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belkers transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for awhile after Belkers death, wondering aloud about the sadfact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, I know why.

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. Id never heard a more comfortingexplanation.

He said, Peopleare born so that they can learn how to live a good lifelike loving everybody all the time andbeing nice, right? The six-year-old continued, Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they dont have tostay as long.

Author Unknown

If a dog was your teacher,these are some of the lessons you might learn:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

When youre happy, dance around and wag your entire body. Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Never pretend to be something youre not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

Do you build Bridge or Fence?

byStephen on January 24, 2013 23 comments
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13/24

inAwakening,Life

Once upon a time two brothers, who lived on adjoining farms, fell into conflict. It was the first serious rift in 40years of farming side by side, sharing machinery, and trading labor and goods as needed without a conflict.

Then the long collaboration fell apart. It began with a small misunderstanding and it grew into a majordifference, and finally it exploded into an exchange of bitter words followed by weeks of silence.

One morning there was a knock on the older brothers door. He opened it to find a man with a carpenters toolbox.

Im looking for a few days work. he said. Perhaps you would have a few small jobs here and there I couldhelp with?

Yes. said the older brother. I do have a job for you. Look across the creek at that farm. Thats myneighbor; in fact, its my younger brother. Last week there was a meadow between us and he took his bulldozerto the river levee and now there is a creek between us. Well, he may have done this to spite me, but Ill do himone better.

See that pile of lumber by the barn? I want you to build me a fence an 8-foot fenceso I wont need to seehis place or his face anymore.

The carpenter said, I think I understand the situation. Show me the nails and the post-hole digger and Ill beable to do a job that pleases you.

The older brother had to go to town, so he helped the carpenter get the materials ready and then he was off forthe day.

The carpenter worked hard all that day measuring, sawing, nailing. About sunset when the farmer returned, thecarpenter had just finished his job.

The farmers eyes opened wide, his jaw dropped. There was no fence there at all. It wasa bridgea bridge stretching from one side of the creek to the other! A fine piece of work, handrails and alland the neighbor, his younger brother, was coming toward them, his arms outstretchedYou are quite afellow to build this bridge after all Ive said and done.

The two brothers stood at each end of the bridge, and then they met in the middle, taking each others hand.

They turned to see the carpenter hoist his toolbox onto his shoulder.

No, wait! Stay a few days. Ive a lot of other projects for you, said the older brother.

Id love to stay on, the carpenter said, but I have many more bridges to build.

Author Unknown
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Student Counting Apples

byStephen on April 16, 2013 28 comments

inEducation

A teacher teaching Maths to seven-year-old Laiq asked him, If I give you one apple and one apple and oneapple, how many apples will you have?

Within a few seconds Laiq replied confidently, Four!

The dismayed teacher was expecting an effortless correct answer, three. She was disappointed. Maybe thechild did not listenproperly. she thought.

She repeated, Laiq, listen carefully. If I give you one apple and one apple and one apple, how many apples willyou have?

Laiq had seen the disappointment on his teachers face.He calculated again on his fingers. But within him hewas also searching for the answer that will make the teacher happy. His search for the answer was not for thecorrect one, but the one that will make his teacher happy.

This time hesitatingly he replied, Four.

The disappointment stayed on the teachers face. She remembered that Laiq liked strawberries.

She thought maybe he doesnt like apples and that is making him loose focus.

This time with an exaggerated excitement and twinkling in her eyes she asked, If I give you one strawberryand one strawberry and one strawberry, then how many you will have?

Seeing the teacher happy, young Laiq calculated on his fingers again. There was no pressure on him, but a littleon the teacher. She wanted her new approach to succeed.

With a hesitating smile young Laiq replied, Three?

The teacher now had a victorious smile. Her approach had succeeded. She wanted to congratulate herself.

But one last thing remained. Once again she asked him, Now if I give you one apple and one apple and onemore apple how many will you have?

Promptly Laiq answered, Four!

The teacher was aghast. How Laiq, how? she demanded in a little stern and irritated voice.

In a voice that was low and hesitating young Laiq replied, Because I already have one apple in my bag.

Author UnknownStory submitted by Kshama
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13 rules you did not learn in school

byStephen on November 13, 2012 6 comments

inEducation,Life

Here are some basic rules that children should be learning in school, but unfortunately dont. Not all of thesehave to do with academics.

Rule #1:Life is not fair. Get used to it. The average teen-ager uses thephrase, Its not fair 8.6 times a day.

Rule #2:The real world wont care as much about your self-esteem as much as your school does. Itll expectyou to accomplish something before you feel good about yourself. This may come as a shock. Usually, wheninflated self-esteem meets reality, kids complain its not fair.

Rule #3:Sorry, you wont make $40,000 a year right out of high school.And you wont be a vice president orhave a car phone either. You may even have to wear a uniform that doesnt have a label.

Rule #4:If you think your teacher is tough, wait until you get a boss. He doesnt have tenure, so he tendsto be abit edgier. When you screw up, hesnot going to ask you how you feel about it.

Rule #5:Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your grand-parents had a different word of burgerflipping. They called it opportunity. Theywerent embarrassed making minimum wage either. They wouldhave been embarrassed to sit around talking about Kurt Cobain all weekend.

Rule #6:Its not your parents fault. If you screw up, you areresponsible. This is the flip side of Its my life,and Youre not theboss of me, and other eloquent proclamations of your generation. When youturn 18, itson your dime. Dont whine about it, or youll sound like ababy boomer.

Rule #7:Your school may have done away with winners and losers. Life hasnt. In some schools, theyll giveyou as many times as you want to get the right answer. Failing grades have been abolished andclass valedictorians scrapped, lest anyones feelings be hurt. Effort is asimportant as results. This, of course,bears not the slightest resemblance to anything in real life.

Rule #8:Life is not divided into semesters, and you dont get summersoff. Not even Easter break. They expectyou to show up every day. For eight hours. And you dont get a new life every 10 weeks. It just goes on andon. While were at it, very few jobs are interesting in fostering your self-expression or helping you find yourself.Fewer still lead to self-realization.

Rule #9:Television is not real life. Your life is not a sitcom. Your problems will not all be solved in 30 minutes,minus time for commercials. In real life, people actually have to leave the coffee shop to go to jobs. Your friendswill not be as perky or pliable as Jennifer Aniston.

Rule #10:Be nice to nerds. You may end up working for them. We all could.

Rule #11:Smoking does not make you look cool. It makes you look moronic.Next time youre out cruising,watch an 11-year-old with a butt in his mouth. Thats what you look like to anyone over 20. Ditto forexpressingyourself with purple hair and/or pierced body parts.

Rule #12:You are not immortal. If you are under the impression that living fast, dying young and leaving abeautiful corpse is romantic, you obviously havent seen one of your peers at room temperature lately.
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Rule #13:Enjoy your youth time while you can. Sure parents are a pain, school is a bother and life isdepressing but someday youll realize how wonderful itwas to be a kid. Maybe you should start now.

By Charles J. SykesPrinted in San Diego Union Tribune

September 19, 1996

An Office Boy



A jobless man applied for the position of office boy at a very big company.

The employer interviewed him, then a test: clean the floor.

You are hired. the employer said. Give me your email address, and Ill send you the application to fill, as

well as when you will start.

The man replied, I dont have a computer, neither an email.

Im sorry, said the employer, if you dont have an email that means you do not exist. And who doesnt exist,cannot have the job.

The man left with no hope. He didnt know what to do, with only $10 USD in his pocket.

He then decided to go to the supermarket, bought a 10kg tomato crate, then sold the tomatoes door to door. Inless than two hours, he succeeded and doubled his capital.

He repeated the operation 3 times and returned home with $60 USD. The man realized that he could survive bythis way, and started to go everyday earlier, and returned late. Thus, his money doubled or tripled everyday.Shortly later, he bought a cart, then a truck, and then he had his own fleet of delivery vehicles.

Five years later, the mans company was one of the biggest food retailers. He started to plan his familys future,and decided to have a life insurance.

He called an insurance broker and chose a protection plan. When the conversation was concluded, the brokerasked him his email. The man replied: I dont have an email.

The broker replied curiously, You dont have an email, and yet have succeeded to build an empire. Do youimagine what you could have done if you had an email?

The man paused for a while, and replied: An office boy!

Author Unknown

Dont be discouraged if something is not in your favor today. Better opportunities are waiting ahead.
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Daddy Hands


inInspirational stories,Marriage

I awoke in the night to find my husband, Marty, gently rocking our baby son, Noah.

I stood for a moment in the doorway, watching this amazing man with whom I was so blessed to share my life,lovingly strokeNoahs fat pink cheeks in an effort to comfort him.

I felt in my heart that something was seriously wrong with Noah. This was one of several nights Noah had beenup, burning with a high fever.

Tears filled my eyes as I watched my beautiful husband move Noahs little cheek up against his own chest, sothat Noah could feel the vibrations of his voice. Noah is deaf. Learning to comfort him has brought on a wholenew way of thinking for us. We relied on our voices, a soothing lullaby, audio toys, and music to comfort ourother children. But with Noah, we need to use touch, his soft blankie, sight, the feel of our voices, and mostimportantly, the use of sign language to communicate emotions and a sense of comfort to him. My husbandmade the sign for I love youwith his hand and I saw a tear roll down his cheek as he placed Noahs tiny,weak hand on top of his.

We had taken Noah to the doctor more times than I can remember. It had been a week and a half and Noahsfever remained very high and very dangerous, despite everything the doctor or we had tried. I knew in my soulthe way only a mother can know, that Noah was in trouble.

I gently touched my husbands shoulder and we looked into each others eyes with the same fear and knowledgethat Noahs wasnt getting any better. I offered to take over for him, but he shook his head, and once again, Iwas amazed at this wonderful man who is the father of my children. When many fathers would have gladlyhanded over the parenting duties for some much needed sleep, my husband stayed stubbornly and resolutelywith our child.

When morning finally came, we called the doctor and were told to bring him in again. We already knew that hewould probably put Noah in the hospital. So, we made arrangements for the other children, packed bags for allthree of us, and tearfully drove to the doctors office once again. Our hearts filled with dread, we waited in asmall room, different from the usual examining room we had become used to. Our doctor finally came in,looked Noah over, and told us the news we expected. Noah had to be admitted to the hospital. Now.

The drive to the hospital in a neighboring town seemed surreal. I couldnt focus on anything, couldnt think,couldnt stop crying. My husband reassured me that he felt in his heart that Noah would be okay. We admittedNoah and were taken to his room right away. It was a tortuous night, filled with horrible tests that made mysons tiny little voice echo through the halls as he screamed over and over.

I felt as if I were shattering from the inside out. My husband never wavered in his faith. He comforted me andNoah, and everyone who called to check on Noah. He was a rock.

When the first batch of tests were done, the nurse informed us that a spinal tap would be performed soon.Meningitis was suspected. Marty and I had prayer together with Noah. Our hands intertwined, we held our sonand the love of my life lifted his voice to the Lord, telling him how grateful we were for this awesome littlespirit with whom he had entrusted us. With tears streaming down his face, he humbly asked the Lord to heal ourson. My heart filled with comfort and gratitude.
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A short time later, the resident doctor came in. He told us that Noahs first results were back, and that he hadInfluenza A. No spinal tap was needed! Noah would recover and soon be back to his zesty, tornado little self.And Noah was already standing up in the hospital crib, bouncing like he was on a trampoline. My husbandstalk with the Lord was already being answered.

Marty and I grinned at each other through our tears, and waited for Noah to be released from the hospital.Finally, in the middle of the night, our own doctor came in and told us that it was fine to take Noah home. Wecouldnt pack fast enough!

A few days later, I was cooking dinner. Noah was healing, slowly but surely. I felt at peace and knew myhusband was the greatest father I could ever want for my children. I peeked around the corner into the livingroom, and chuckled at the picture I saw. There was my husband, sitting in his daddy chair, Noah in his lap.They were reading a book, dad taking Noahs teeny hands to help him form the signs for the words in the book.They both looked up and caught me watching them, and my husband and I simultaneously signed I love youto each other, then to Noah. And then Noah put his little arm up, trying to shape his tiny hand in his own effortto sign I love you to his daddy. I watched with tears as my husband carefully helped him form his tiny fingersinto the sign with his own gentle hands. Daddy hands.

By Susan Fahncke

Weakness or Strength?

byStephen on May 12, 2013 19 comments


Sometimes our biggest weakness can become our biggest strength. Take, for example, the story of one 10-year-old boy who decided to study Judo despite the fact that he had lost his left arm in a devastating car accident.

The boy began lessons with an old Japanese Judo master. The boy was doing well, so he couldnt understandwhy, after three months of training the master had taught him only one move.

Sensei, the boy finally said, Shouldnt I be learning more moves?

This is the only move you know, but this is the only move youll ever need to know. the sensei replied.

Not quite understanding, but believing in his teacher, the boy kept training.

Several months later, the sensei took the boy to his first tournament. Surprising himself, the boy easily won hisfirst two matches. The third match proved to be more difficult, but after some time, his opponent became

impatient and charged; the boy deftly used his one move to win the match. Still amazed by his success, the boywas now in the finals.

This time, his opponent was bigger, stronger, and more experienced. For a while, the boy appeared to beovermatched. Concerned that the boy might get hurt, the referee called a time-out. He was about to stop thematch when the sensei intervened.

No, the sensei insisted, Let him continue.
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Soon after the match resumed, his opponent made a critical mistake: he dropped his guard. Instantly, the boyused his move to pin him. The boy had won the match and the tournament. He was the champion.

On the way home, the boy and sensei reviewed every move in each and every match. Then the boy summonedthe courage to ask what was really on his mind.

Sensei, how did I win the tournament with only one move?

You won for two reasons, the sensei answered. First, youve almost mastered one of the most difficultthrows in all of judo. And second, the only known defense for that move is for your opponent to grap your leftarm.

The boys biggest weakness had becomehis biggest strength.

Bits & Pieces, August 15, 1996, Economic Press Inc

Buying an hour of daddys time


inInspirational stories,Life

The man came home from work late again, tired and irritated, to find his 5 year old son waiting for him at thedoor.

Daddy, may I ask you a question?

Yeah, sure, what is it? replied the man.

Daddy, how much money do you make an hour?

Thats none of your business! What makes you ask such a thing? the man said angrily.

I just want to know. Please tell me, how much do you make an hour? pleaded the little boy.

If you must know, I make $20 an hour.

Oh, the little boy replied, head bowed. Looking up, he said, Daddy, may I borrow $10 please?

The father was furious. If the only reason you wanted to know how much money I make is just so you can

borrow some to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march yourself straight to your room and go tobed. Think about why youre being so selfish. I work long, hard hourseveryday and dont have time for suchchildish games.

The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door.

The man sat down and started to get even madder about the little boys questioning. How dare he ask suchquestions only to get some money.
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Butler was working in his garage in a small town in Arizona, USA on a hot summer day; when he heard awomans screams coming from a nearby house. He began rolling his wheelchair toward the house but the denseshrubbery wouldnt allow him access to the back door. So he got out of his chair and started to crawl throughthe dirt and bushes.

I had to get there, he says. It didnt matter how much it hurt. When Butler arrived at the poolthere was athree-year-old girl named Stephanie Hanes lying at the bottom. She had been born without arms and had fallenin the water and couldnt swim. Her mother stood over her baby screaming frantically. Butler dove to the

bottom of the pool and brought little Stephanie up to the deck. Her face was blue, she had no pulse and was notbreathing.

Butler immediately went to work performing CPR to revive her while Stephanies mother telephoned the firedepartment. She was told the paramedics were already out on a call. Helplessly, she sobbed and hugged Butlersshoulder.

As Butler continued with his CPR, he calmly reassured her. Dont worry, he said. I was her arms to get out ofthe pool. Itll be okay. I am now her lungs. Together we can make it.

Seconds later the little girl coughed, regained consciousness, and began to cry. As they hugged and rejoiced

together the mother asked Butler how he knew it would be okay. The truth is, I didnt know, he told her. Butwhen my legs were blown off in the war, I was all alone in a field. No one was there to help except a littleVietnamese girl. As she struggled to drag me into her village, she whispered in broken English, It okay. Youcan live. I be your legs. Together we make it . Her kind words brought hope to my soul and I wanted to do thesame for Stephanie.

There are simply those times when we cannot stand alone. There are those times when we need someone to beour legs, our arms, our friend.

Author Unknown

I wish you enough!

byStephen on February 1, 2013 33 comments


Recently, I overheard a mother and daughter in their last moments together at the airport as the daughtersdeparture had been announced.

Standing near the security gate, they hugged and the mother said: I love you and I wish you enough.

The daughter replied, Mom, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wishyou enough, too, Mom.

They kissed and the daughter left.

The mother walked over to the window where I sat. Standing there, I could see she wanted and needed to cry.

I tried not to intrude on her privacy but she welcomed me in by asking, Did you ever say good-bye to someoneknowing it would be forever?
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New Lbc 2 Inspirational

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Transcript of New Lbc 2 Inspirational