A baby’s hug
We were the only family with children in the restaurant.I sat Erik in a high chair and noticed everyone was quietly eating and talking.Suddenly, Erik squealed with glee and said, “Hi there.â€
He pounded his fat baby hands on the high chair tray. His eyes were crinkled in laughter and his mouth was bared in a toothless grin as he wriggled and giggled with merriment.
I looked around and saw the source of his merriment.It was a man whose pants were baggy with a zipper at half-mast and his toes poked out of would-be shoes. His shirt was dirty and his hair was uncombed and unwashed. His whiskers were too short to be called a beard and his nose was so varicose it looked like a road map. We were too far from him to smell, but I was sure he smelled.
His hands waved and flapped on loose wrists. “Hi ya, buster,†the man said to Erik. My husband and I exchanged looks,“What do we do?†Erik continued to laugh and answer, “Hi, hi there.â€
Everyone in the restaurant noticed and looked at us and then at the man. The old geezer was creating a nuisance with my beautiful baby. Our meal came and the man began shouting from
across the room, “Do ya patty cake? Do you know peek-a-boo? Hey, look, he knows peek-a-boo.â€
Nobody thought the old man was cute. He was obviously drunk. My husband and I were embarrassed. We ate in silence, all except for Erik, who was running through his repertoire for the admiring skid row bum, who in turn, reciprocated with his cute comments.We finally got through the meal and headed for the door.My husband went to pay the check and told me to meet him in the parking lot.
The old man sat poised between me and the door.“Lord, just let me out of here before he speaks to me or Erik,â€I prayed.As I drew closer to the man, I turned my back trying to sidestep
him and avoid any air he might be breathing. As I did, Erik leaned over my arm, reaching with both arms in a baby’s “pick-me-up†position.
Before I could stop him, Erik had propelled himself from my arms to the man’s. Suddenly a very old smelly man and a very young baby consummated their love relationship. Erik in an act of
total trust, love, and submission laid his tiny head upon the man’s ragged shoulder.
The man’s eyes closed, and I saw tears hover beneath his lashes. His aged hands full of grime, pain, and hard labor, cradled my baby’s bottom and stroked his back. No two beings have ever
loved so deeply for so short a time. I stood awestruck. The old man rocked and cradled Erik in his arms and his eyes opened and set squarely on mine. He said in a firm commanding
voice,“You take care of this baby.â€
Somehow I managed, “I will,†from a throat that contained a stone. He pried Erik from his chest unwillingly, longingly,as though he were in pain.I received my baby, and the man said, “God bless you, ma’am,you’ve given me my Christmas gift.â€I said nothing more than a muttered thanks.With Erik in my arms, I ran for the car.
My husband was wondering why I was crying and holding Erik so tightly and why I was saying, “My God, my God, forgive me.â€
I had just witnessed Christ’s love shown through the innocence of a tiny child who saw no sin, who made no judgment; a child who saw a soul, and a mother who saw a suit of clothes.I was a Christian who was blind, holding a child who was not.I felt it was God asking, “Are you willing to share your son for a moment?†when He shared His for all eternity.
The ragged old man unwittingly, had reminded me, “To enter the
Kingdom of God, we must become as little children.â€
Author Unknown
I do not know who is the author since I copied it from a forum but there is another version here….
http://www.trumbore.org/sam/sermons/s6c4.htm
and
http://authorsden.com/visit/viewPoetry.asp?id=147487&AuthorID=16611
Posted in on June 30th, 2007 by suzie | |
on June 30th, 2007 at 11:13 am
Today’s Verse from the New Living Translation
Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
Proverbs 31:30
view in context
Encouragement for Today
This verse is so contrary to what the world tells us, isn’t it? The world tells us that being beautiful, rich, or charming is what brings happiness and will make people love us. Are you afraid that no one would love you if they knew the hidden things about you? No matter what you have or haven’t done in life, and no matter what you look like, God’s love never changes. His love is stronger and deeper than we can ever imagine. Take off the façade and run to God. Let his love cover all your imperfections
From
Today Christian women
Laura speaks :-
We all want to be rich , charming and beautiful.
When we are rich and beautiful , we wamt more riches and more beauty….and it will never end.
Rich does not mean that you have lots of money . You can be rich in other things ,like knowledge, a happy family, a contented life or a good health. If you are rich financially but poor in health , whats the use?
What’s good about beauty if you have an evil and black heart? A plain girl with a clean and good heart is more beautiful than a women who only looks beautiful on the outside. There is no joy in her beauty..
on June 30th, 2007 at 2:23 pm
Today’s Verse from the New Living Translation
“Dear woman,” Jesus said to her, “your faith is great. Your request is granted.” And her daughter was instantly healed.
Matthew 15:28
view in context
Encouragement for Today
Perhaps you are going through a time where you can’t even see two steps in front of you—you can’t even begin to see the future God has in store for you. Will you start putting faith in yourself and start working harder, or will you run to God, fall into his arms, rest in his presence, and allow him to guide your life? Will you be as shamelessly persistent as the woman in this verse? Have faith—God has a purpose for your life. He will answer your prayers.
From
Today Christian Women .com
Laura speaks:-
Nobody knows what tomorrow will bring or next week or next month. Have faith and trust in God..Enjoy what today brings….
on June 30th, 2007 at 5:30 pm
Why Women Cry Message List
Reply | Forward | Delete Message #4426 of 6672
Why Women Cry ?
A little boy asked his mother, “Why are you crying?” “Because I’m a woman,” she
told him. “I don’t understand,” he said. His Mom just hugged him and said, “And
you never will.”
Later the little boy asked his father, “Why does mother seem to cry for no
reason?” “All women cry for no reason,” was all his dad could say.
The little boy grew up and became a man, still wondering why women cry. Finally
he put in a call to God. When God got on the phone, he asked, “God, why do women
cry so easily?”
God said: “When I made the woman she had to be special. I made her shoulders
strong enough to carry the weight of the world, yet gentle enough to give
comfort.
I gave her an inner strength to endure childbirth and the rejection that many
times comes from her children.
I gave her a hardness that allows her to keep going when everyone else gives up,
and take care of her family through sickness and fatigue without complaining.
I gave her the sensitivity to love her children under any and all circumstances,
even when her child has hurt her very badly.
I gave her strength to carry her husband through his faults and fashioned her
from his rib to protect his heart.
I gave her wisdom to know that a good husband never hurts his wife, but
sometimes tests her strengths and her resolve to stand beside him
unfalteringly.
And finally, I gave her a tear to shed. This is hers exclusively to use whenever
it is needed.”
“You see my son,” said God, “the beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she
wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of
a woman must be seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart - the
place where love resides.”
Send this to all the beautiful women you know today in celebration of Women’s
History Month. If you do, something good will happen - You will boost another
woman’s self-esteem!
——————————
This mobile e-mail sent by PocketMail
PocketMail handheld devices available
from $99 plus service. For where to
buy, go to http://www.pocketmail.com
on June 30th, 2007 at 5:37 pm
English -The malaysian way..hehe!
The English did invent the English Language, but they cannot
use it economically when communicating their intentions.
Compare these phrases that Malaysians and Britons use to say the same
thing: So, why make things so confusing and waste of money when you
are on a long distance call.
Make it snappy.
WHEN GIVING A CUSTOMER BAD NEWS
Britons: I’m sorry, Sir, but we don’t seem to have the sweater
you want in your size, but if you give me a moment, I can call the
other outlets for you.
Malaysians: No Stock.
RETURNING A CALL
Britons: Hello, this is John Smith. Did anyone page for me a
few moments ago?
Malaysians: Hallo, who page?
ASKING SOMEONE TO MAKE WAY.
Britons: Excuse me, I’d like to get by. Would you please make
way?
Malaysians: S-kews (excuse)
WHEN SOMEONE OFFERS TO PAY
Britons: Hey, put your wallet away, this drink is on me.
Malaysians: No-need, lah. (Lah - has got no meanings except to make
it sound better)
WHEN ASKING FOR PERMISSION
Britons: Excuse me, but do you think it would be possible for
me to enter through this door?
Malaysians: (while pointing at door) Can or not?
WHEN ENTERTAINING
Britons: Please make yourself right at home.
Malaysians: Don’t be shy, lah!
WHEN DOUBTING SOMEONE
Britons: I don’t recall you giving me the money.
Malaysians: Where got?
WHEN DECLINING AN OFFER
Britons: I’d prefer not to do that, if you don’t mind.
Malaysians: Doe-waaaan! (Dont want,)
WHEN DECIDING ON A PLAN OF ACTION
Britons: What do you propose we do now that the movie’s sold
out and all the restaurants are closed?
Malaysians: So how?
IN DISAGREEING ON A TOPIC OF DISCUSSION
Britons: Err. Tom, I have to stop you there. I understand
where you’re coming from, but I really have to disagree with what
you said about issue.
Malaysians: You mad, ah?
WHEN ASKING SOMEONE TO LOWER THEIR VOICE.
Britons: Excuse me, but could you please lower your voice, I’m
try ing to concentrate over here.
Malaysians: Shaddap lah! (Shut up)
WHEN ASKING SOMEONE IF HE/SHE KNOWS YOU.
Britons: Excuse me, but I noticed you staring at me for some
time. Do I know you?
Malaysians: See what, see what?
WHEN ASSESSING A TIGHT SITUATION.
Britons: We seem to be in a bit of a predicament at the
moment.
Malaysians: Die-lah!!
Anonymous
on June 30th, 2007 at 7:10 pm
Guys are hard to understand…hehe!
Men Are Hard To Please
The problems with GUYS:
If u TREAT him nicely, he says u are IN LOVE with him;
If u Don’t, he says u are PROUD.
If u DRESS Nicely, he says u are trying to LURE him;
If u Don’t, he says u are from KAMPUNG.(Hillbillies)
If u ARGUE with him, he says u are STUBBORN;
If u keep QUIET, he says u have no BRAINS.
If u are SMARTER than him, he’ll lose FACE;
If he’s Smarter than u, he is GREAT.
If u don’t Love him, he tries to POSSESS u;
If u Love him, he will try to LEAVE u.(very true huh?)
If u don’t make love with him., he says u don’t Love him;
If u do!! he says u are CHEAP.
If u tell him your PROBLEM, he says u are TROUBLESOME;
If u don’t, he says that u don’t TRUST him.
If u SCOLD him, u are like a NANNY to him;
If he SCOLDS u, it is because he CARES for u.
If u BREAK your PROMISE, u Cannot be TRUSTED;
If he BREAKS his, he is FORCED to do so.
If u SMOKE, u are BAD girl;
If he SMOKES, he is a GENTLEMEN.
If u do WELL in your exams, he says it’s LUCK;
If he does WELL, it’s BRAINS.
If u HURT him, u are CRUEL;
If he HURTS u, u are too SENSITIVE!!
& sooo hard to please!!!!!
If u send this to guys, they will swear that it’s not true…….
but if u don’t, they say u are selfish…..
Anonymous..
MEN BLAH! BLAH! BLAH!
on June 30th, 2007 at 7:14 pm
That is his problem…
Tom had been a compulsive worrier for years until he found a way to
overcome this problem. His friends noticed the dramatic change. “You
don’t seem to be worried about anything anymore.”
“I hired a professional worrier for $1000.00 a week, “Tom
replied. “I haven’t had a single qualm since.”
“A thousand a week!” said Doug. “How are you going to pay him?”
“That’s his problem.”
Anonymous.
on June 30th, 2007 at 7:47 pm
IDIOTS IN SERVICE:
This week my phone went dead, and I had to contact the
telephone
repair people. They promised to be out between 8:00 a.m. and
7:00
p.m. When I asked if they could give me a smaller time window,
the
pleasant gentleman asked, “Would you like us to call you before
we
come?” I replied that I didn’t see how he would be able to do
that,
since our phones weren’t working. He also requested that we
report
future outages by email. I asked him, “Does YOUR email work
without a
telephone line?”
IDIOTS AT WORK:
I was signing the receipt for my credit card purchase when
the
clerk noticed I had never signed my name on the back of the
credit
card. She informed me that she could not complete the
transaction
unless the card was signed. When I asked why, she explained that
it
was necessary to compare the signature I had just signed on the
receipt. So I signed the credit card in front of her. She
carefully
compared the signature to the one I had just signed on the
receipt.
As luck would have it, they matched.
IDIOTS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD:
I live in a semi-rural area. We recently had a new neighbor
call the
local township administrative office to request the removal of
the Deer
Crossing sign on our road. The reason? Too many deer were being
hit
by cars, and he didn’t want them to cross there anymore.
IDIOTS IN FOOD SERVICE:
My daughter went to a local Taco Bell and ordered a taco. She
asked the person behind the counter for “minimal lettuce.” He
said
he was sorry, but they only had iceberg.
IDIOT SIGHTING:
I was at the airport, checking in at the gate when an
airport
employee asked, “Has anyone put anything in your baggage
without
your knowledge?” To which I replied, “If it was without my
knowledge,
how would I know? ” He smiled knowingly and nodded, “That’s
why
we ask.”
IDIOT SIGHTING:
At a good-bye luncheon for an old and dear coworker who was
leaving the company due to “downsizing,” our manager commented
cheerfully, “This is fun. We should do this more often.” Not a
word
was spoken. We all just looked at each other with that deer-in-
the-
headlights stare.
IDIOT SIGHTING:
I work with an individual who plugged her power strip back
into
itself and for the life of her couldn’t understand why her
system
would not turn on.
IDIOT SIGHTING:
When my husband and I arrived at an automobile dealership
to
pick up our car we were told the keys had been locked in it.
We
went to the service department and found a mechanic working
feverishly to unlock the driver’s side door. As I watched
from the
passenger side, I instinctively tried the door handle and
discovered
that it was unlocked. “Hey,” I announced to the
technician, “It’s
open!” To which he replied, “I know. I already got that side.”
NOW, DON’T WE ALL FEEL BETTER? …………
Anonymous
on June 30th, 2007 at 8:35 pm
CHEWING GUM
Do you know the reason why Singapore government restricts the
citizens not to chew gum? Here is the story….
One day Lee Kwan Yew went to Thailand and had lobster at the dinner
with the Thai King. After Lee finished, he asked the King.
Lee : Your Highness, what can you do with this lobster skin?
King : We cannot do anything with it, we just throw away.
Lee : Oh, no. In our country, we send it to the factory and produce
some prawn cracker.
Then Lee had an orange. After he finished, he asked the King.
Lee : What can you do with the orange skin?
King : We cannot do anything. We just throw away.
Lee : Oh, no. In Singapore, we send it to the factory and produce
some orange jam.
Then Lee asked for some chewing gum. After he finished, he put on the
plate and asked the King.
Lee : What can you do with the chewing gum?
King : Oh, no. We just throw it away.
Lee : In Singapore, we send it to the factory and produce condoms
send it to Thailand.
Lee said good-bye to the King and the King asked Lee.
King : What can you do with the condom when you finish using it?
Lee : We cannot do anything. We throw it away.
King : In Thailand when we finish using the condom, we send it to the
factory to produce chewing gum and send it back to Singapore!!!
Anonymous
on June 30th, 2007 at 8:42 pm
Most Important part of the body
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 good-bye 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
your 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.”
Then and there I knew the most important body part
is not a selfish one. It is sympathetic to the pain of others.
People will forget what you said…
People will forget what you did….
But people will NEVER forget how you made them feel.
Good friends are like stars…You don’t always see them,
but you always know they’re there.
Anonymous
on June 30th, 2007 at 8:52 pm
Job Applications for Mums
If you’re a mom you’ll enjoy
and relate to this. If you’re
not, pass this along to your
mom, your wife (if
applicable) or just enjoy it
for its truthfulness!
POSITION: Mom
JOB DESCRIPTION: Long term
team players needed for
challenging permanent work in
an often chaotic
environment. Candidates must
possess excellent
communication and
organizational skills and be
willing to work various
hours, which will include
evenings and weekends and
frequent 24 hour shifts on
call. Some overnight travel
required, including trips to
primitive camping sites on
rainy weekends and endless
sports tournaments in faraway
cities. Travel expenses not
reimbursed. Extensive
courier duties also required.
RESPONSIBILITIES: This is
for the rest of your life.
Must be willing to be hated
at least temporarily, until
someone needs $5 to go
skating. Must be willing to
bite tongue repeatedly.
Also, must possess the
physical stamina of a pack
mule and be able to go from
zero to 60 mph in three
seconds flat, in case this
time, the screams from the
backyard are not someone
just crying wolf. Must be
willing to face stimulating
technical challenges, such as
small gadget repair,
mysteriously sluggish toilets
and stuck zippers. Must
screen phone calls, maintain
calendars and coordinate
production of multiple
homework projects. Must
have ability to plan and
organize social gatherings
for clients of all ages and
mental outlooks. Must be
willing to be indispensable
one minute, an embarrassment
the next. Must handle
assembly and product safety
testing of a half million
cheap, plastic toys and
battery operated devices.
Must always hope for the
best but be prepared for the
worst. Must assume final,
complete accountability for
the quality of the end
product. Responsibilities
also include floor
maintenance and janitorial
work throughout the facility.
POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT
AND PROMOTION: Virtually
none. Your job is to remain
in the same position for
years, without complaining,
constantly retraining and
updating your skills, so that
those in your charge can
ultimately surpass you.
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE: None
required, unfortunately. On-
the-job training offered on a
continually exhausting basis.
WAGES AND COMPENSATION: You
pay them, offering frequent
raises and bonuses. A balloon
payment is due when they turn
18 because of the assumption
that college will help them
become financially
independent. When you die,
you give them whatever is
left. The oddest thing about
this reverse-salary scheme
is that you actually enjoy
it and wish you could only
do more.
BENEFITS: While no health or
dental insurance, no
pension, no tuition
reimbursement, no paid
holidays and no stock
options are offered, job
supplies limitless
opportunities for personal
growth and free hugs for
life if you play your cards
right.
Anonymous
on June 30th, 2007 at 8:59 pm
Come watch this beautiful video ..God speaking to you…
http://www.homewithgod.com/Cards/fathersloveletter.shtml