Fish that live in a flowing stream cannot see the water. They exist in it all the time and feel the push of the current, but for some reason they cannot perceive it.
If fish can see water, then all they can see is water and nothing else. So it is necessary for their eyes to filter out water and then see other things swimming in water.
This is the same reason why we cannot see air but can see the effect of air.
If God is ever present and all around us it would make sense following this analogy that God is invisible to us.(else we see nothing else). But can we see the effects of God? Too many Coincidences?
If the Word of God can change the world, it would make sense that God is silent to us. But can we see the effects of God's words?
Believe nothing of what you heard and half of what you see.
(What you hear can be seen as silent and what you see can be emptiness.)
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Origami Koan
excerpt from The Way of the Sword by Christ Bradford
What does Origami Teach Us?
Nothing is as it appears. Just like a piece of paper can be more than a piece of paper in origami, becoming a crane, a fish or a flower so a samurai should never underestimate their own potential to bend and fold to life. To strive to become more than they first appear, to go beyond their obvious limits.
無限 Mugen. unlimited potential!
What does Origami Teach Us?
Nothing is as it appears. Just like a piece of paper can be more than a piece of paper in origami, becoming a crane, a fish or a flower so a samurai should never underestimate their own potential to bend and fold to life. To strive to become more than they first appear, to go beyond their obvious limits.
無限 Mugen. unlimited potential!
一期一会
Ichi Go Ichi E.
This is the concept that each meeting is special. There is no encore or repeat. The World is Transience. Change and keep changing. Points out that the only permanence is change.
In the duel of samurai, each meeting is a chance. Chance to live and chance to die. There is no repeat,therefore give it everything and live this moment.
I don't Wanna Miss a Thing by Aerosmith.
I could stay lost in this moment forever
Every moment spent with you is a moment I treasure
"Let's Get Dangerous.." Darkwing Duck
This is the concept that each meeting is special. There is no encore or repeat. The World is Transience. Change and keep changing. Points out that the only permanence is change.
In the duel of samurai, each meeting is a chance. Chance to live and chance to die. There is no repeat,therefore give it everything and live this moment.
I don't Wanna Miss a Thing by Aerosmith.
I could stay lost in this moment forever
Every moment spent with you is a moment I treasure
"Let's Get Dangerous.." Darkwing Duck
Friday, November 11, 2011
Tai Chi Philosophy
I quote from a website i visited to understand more about tai chi.
The philosophy of yin and yang is applied to tai chi in the same way that it is applied to many martial arts.
On a basic level, it teaches us to be like water, yielding to the most subtle force, yet as powerful and irresistible as the ocean. When the opponent uses force, we use softness. Where there is an opening, we flow right through. If they push, we pull. If they pull, we follow. If they miss, we don't resist.
As a principle, we seek internal balance, and modify our position relative to the opponent's force in a way that helps to improve our balance. We move at right angles to the opponent's force, rather than resisting it or surrendering to it. In this way we allow the opponent's own aggression to disarm them.
Understanding the nature of yin and yang allows us to see our own contribution to the opponent's attack. It also allows us to find the strengths in our own weaknesses and the weaknesses in the opponent's strength.
We learn that when the opponent's offensive energy increases, his/her defensive energy decreases. We also see how the same is true for ourselves.
This leads us to a level of skill which requires balancing attack and defence, and finally eliminating attack and defence as absolutes. Attack and defence become one with each other as we achieve "emptiness. This leads to a state of being and a method of engaging that involves attacking without attacking, and defending without defending. Awareness and "structure" allow us to transcend technique.
This state of emptiness, an internal stillness that exists when the ego and individual emotions are set aside, is what some call being "one with the Universe." In this state there is no enemy. The opponent defeats themselves by the nature of their own attack.
When you learn the physical skills that are used in combat, you progresses in stages:
First you learn the basic techniques that are used when the opponent already has you at a disadvantage.
Next you learn to intercept such attacks and prevent the opponent from getting you at a disadvantage.
Then you learn to prevent the attack from forming.
Finally, you learn to prevent the conflict altogether.
The final stage is a level of achievement called “no enemy.” When you reach this level you experience a level of rapport with all things. You understand their needs and fears, and deal with them as if they were your own. Active compassion prevents conflict.
Until you have achieved this highest level of skill, you may need to use lower level techniques. But the point to remember is that the purpose of training is to seek peace and harmony. To attach one’s goals to conflict guarantees defeat.
The most notable military strategist in history was Sunzi, the author of “The Art of War,” who lived in the 6th century BC. His strategies are still studied by military planners today and are still applied in war. He wrote that since no battle is without loss, it is a bad strategy to engage in battle, even when you are victorious 100% of the time. The only true victory is the one that is achieved without engaging in bloody combat.
Quote from
http://www.taichicentral.com/tai-chi/tai-chi-philosophy/tai-chi-philosophy.html
I am not a pacifist. I don't believe in passive anything - Mahatmat Gandhi
Hatred is a poison we drink ourselves and hope that it makes our enemy sick - Native proverb.
The philosophy of yin and yang is applied to tai chi in the same way that it is applied to many martial arts.
On a basic level, it teaches us to be like water, yielding to the most subtle force, yet as powerful and irresistible as the ocean. When the opponent uses force, we use softness. Where there is an opening, we flow right through. If they push, we pull. If they pull, we follow. If they miss, we don't resist.
As a principle, we seek internal balance, and modify our position relative to the opponent's force in a way that helps to improve our balance. We move at right angles to the opponent's force, rather than resisting it or surrendering to it. In this way we allow the opponent's own aggression to disarm them.
Understanding the nature of yin and yang allows us to see our own contribution to the opponent's attack. It also allows us to find the strengths in our own weaknesses and the weaknesses in the opponent's strength.
We learn that when the opponent's offensive energy increases, his/her defensive energy decreases. We also see how the same is true for ourselves.
This leads us to a level of skill which requires balancing attack and defence, and finally eliminating attack and defence as absolutes. Attack and defence become one with each other as we achieve "emptiness. This leads to a state of being and a method of engaging that involves attacking without attacking, and defending without defending. Awareness and "structure" allow us to transcend technique.
This state of emptiness, an internal stillness that exists when the ego and individual emotions are set aside, is what some call being "one with the Universe." In this state there is no enemy. The opponent defeats themselves by the nature of their own attack.
When you learn the physical skills that are used in combat, you progresses in stages:
First you learn the basic techniques that are used when the opponent already has you at a disadvantage.
Next you learn to intercept such attacks and prevent the opponent from getting you at a disadvantage.
Then you learn to prevent the attack from forming.
Finally, you learn to prevent the conflict altogether.
The final stage is a level of achievement called “no enemy.” When you reach this level you experience a level of rapport with all things. You understand their needs and fears, and deal with them as if they were your own. Active compassion prevents conflict.
Until you have achieved this highest level of skill, you may need to use lower level techniques. But the point to remember is that the purpose of training is to seek peace and harmony. To attach one’s goals to conflict guarantees defeat.
The most notable military strategist in history was Sunzi, the author of “The Art of War,” who lived in the 6th century BC. His strategies are still studied by military planners today and are still applied in war. He wrote that since no battle is without loss, it is a bad strategy to engage in battle, even when you are victorious 100% of the time. The only true victory is the one that is achieved without engaging in bloody combat.
Quote from
http://www.taichicentral.com/tai-chi/tai-chi-philosophy/tai-chi-philosophy.html
I am not a pacifist. I don't believe in passive anything - Mahatmat Gandhi
Hatred is a poison we drink ourselves and hope that it makes our enemy sick - Native proverb.
How to be Honest, In case of doubt remain silence?
http://www.wikihow.com/Be-Honest
Why would one read up on how to be honest? Why shouldn't one learn to be honest as others learn to lie. Be professional honest person? Exercise the right to remain silent.
Some quotes about being honest or being silent rather than saying anything incriminating.
"You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say or do can and will be held against you in a court of law."
"Never do something you will have to lie about later. If you have to lie about it, you shouldn’t be doing it."
"Son, always tell the truth. Then you'll never have to remember what you said the last time." Sam Rayburn (1882 - 1961), quoted Washingtonian, November 1978
"A half truth is a whole lie." Yiddish Proverb
"Truth fears no questions." Unknown
"The cruelest lies are often told in silence." Adlai Stevens
"Oh what a tangled web we weave, When first we practice to deceive" Sir Walter Scott
Why would one read up on how to be honest? Why shouldn't one learn to be honest as others learn to lie. Be professional honest person? Exercise the right to remain silent.
Some quotes about being honest or being silent rather than saying anything incriminating.
"You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say or do can and will be held against you in a court of law."
"Never do something you will have to lie about later. If you have to lie about it, you shouldn’t be doing it."
"Son, always tell the truth. Then you'll never have to remember what you said the last time." Sam Rayburn (1882 - 1961), quoted Washingtonian, November 1978
"A half truth is a whole lie." Yiddish Proverb
"Truth fears no questions." Unknown
"The cruelest lies are often told in silence." Adlai Stevens
"Oh what a tangled web we weave, When first we practice to deceive" Sir Walter Scott
Silence 静
静 Practiced listening for the spaces between sound. The silence in between. The full stop to mark the break of words or the brief time to catch a breath.
Experience the sense of hearing. Layer upon layer of sounds.
静 Practiced focusing the mind on experience of the body. the Breath so that it is not focusing on other thoughts. Being Present in the moment.
Experience the sense of hearing. Layer upon layer of sounds.
静 Practiced focusing the mind on experience of the body. the Breath so that it is not focusing on other thoughts. Being Present in the moment.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Power of Questions?
What is this link http://www.squidoo.com/questions about?
What is the format of jeopardy?
How to phase a question as answer?
Are there ways of asking questions that helps with getting the answers?
What sort of questions provokes thought?
Why do we need to reframe questions?
Where are my questioning leading me to?
What is the format of jeopardy?
How to phase a question as answer?
Are there ways of asking questions that helps with getting the answers?
What sort of questions provokes thought?
Why do we need to reframe questions?
Where are my questioning leading me to?
Monday, November 7, 2011
Dynamic Heart?
过去心不可得，现在心不可得，未来心不可得，未来已成现在，现在已成过去，随心而去吧！看、能得否？
Thoughts and Feelings are fleeting and may change from moments to moments therefore it is hard to have permanence for "Having" and everlasting. e.g. Hard to be feeling "Happy" every moment. The sure thing is change and very dynamic change. One way would be to go with the flow and be dynamic and see where it leads. Moving along with the change will relatively remain unchange.
Thoughts and Feelings are fleeting and may change from moments to moments therefore it is hard to have permanence for "Having" and everlasting. e.g. Hard to be feeling "Happy" every moment. The sure thing is change and very dynamic change. One way would be to go with the flow and be dynamic and see where it leads. Moving along with the change will relatively remain unchange.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
我愿化身石桥，受500年风吹，500年日晒，500年雨打，只愿伱从桥上走.
阿難對佛祖說：我喜歡上一女子。
佛祖問：你有多喜歡這女子？
阿難說：我願化作石橋，受五百年風吹，五百年日曬，五百年雨淋，只求她從橋上走過。
會有多喜歡？
可是一見鍾情便傾心一世？
可是不問回報而付出等待？
阿難，某日等那女子從橋上經過，那也便只是經過了，此刻你已化身石橋，註定只與風與廝守。
這一切你都明白，仍舊只爲那場遇見而感受造化之苦。
阿難，你究竟有多喜歡那從橋上經過的女子，令你捨身棄道，感受情節之苦？
I thought this is a beautiful story. Spending a moment to appreciates heroes, wise men, prophets, teachers who have build so many bridges to bring people across.
佛祖問：你有多喜歡這女子？
阿難說：我願化作石橋，受五百年風吹，五百年日曬，五百年雨淋，只求她從橋上走過。
會有多喜歡？
可是一見鍾情便傾心一世？
可是不問回報而付出等待？
阿難，某日等那女子從橋上經過，那也便只是經過了，此刻你已化身石橋，註定只與風與廝守。
這一切你都明白，仍舊只爲那場遇見而感受造化之苦。
阿難，你究竟有多喜歡那從橋上經過的女子，令你捨身棄道，感受情節之苦？
I thought this is a beautiful story. Spending a moment to appreciates heroes, wise men, prophets, teachers who have build so many bridges to bring people across.
Love and Marriage. Plato story
What is Love?
One day, Plato asked his teacher, “What is love? How can I find it?” His teacher answered, “There is a vast wheat field in front. Walk forward without turning back, and pick only one stalk. If you find the most magnificent stalk, then you have found love.” Plato walked forward, and before long, he returned with empty hands,having picked nothing.His teacher asked, ”Why did you not pick any stalk?” Plato answered, ”Because I could only pick once, and yet I could not turn back. I did find the most magnificent stalk, but did not know if there were any better ones ahead, so I did not pick it. As I walked further, the stalks that I saw were not as good as the earlier one, so I did not pick any in the end.His teacher then said, “And that is love.”
What is Marriage?
On another day, Plato asked his teacher, “What is marriage? How can I find it?” His teacher answered, ”There is a thriving forest in front. Walk forward without turning back, and chop down only one tree. If you find the tallest tree, then you have found marriage.” Plato walked forward, and before long, he returned with a tree. The tree was notthriving, and it was not tall either. It was only an ordinary tree. His teacher asked, “Why did you chop down such an ordinary tree?” Plato answered, “Because of my previous experience. I walked halfway through the forest. This time, I saw this tree, and I felt that it was not bad, so I chopped it down and brought it back. I did not want to miss the opportunity.” His teacher then said, ”And that is marriage.”
One day, Plato asked his teacher, “What is love? How can I find it?” His teacher answered, “There is a vast wheat field in front. Walk forward without turning back, and pick only one stalk. If you find the most magnificent stalk, then you have found love.” Plato walked forward, and before long, he returned with empty hands,having picked nothing.His teacher asked, ”Why did you not pick any stalk?” Plato answered, ”Because I could only pick once, and yet I could not turn back. I did find the most magnificent stalk, but did not know if there were any better ones ahead, so I did not pick it. As I walked further, the stalks that I saw were not as good as the earlier one, so I did not pick any in the end.His teacher then said, “And that is love.”
What is Marriage?
On another day, Plato asked his teacher, “What is marriage? How can I find it?” His teacher answered, ”There is a thriving forest in front. Walk forward without turning back, and chop down only one tree. If you find the tallest tree, then you have found marriage.” Plato walked forward, and before long, he returned with a tree. The tree was notthriving, and it was not tall either. It was only an ordinary tree. His teacher asked, “Why did you chop down such an ordinary tree?” Plato answered, “Because of my previous experience. I walked halfway through the forest. This time, I saw this tree, and I felt that it was not bad, so I chopped it down and brought it back. I did not want to miss the opportunity.” His teacher then said, ”And that is marriage.”
Think Like Da Vinci by Michael Gelb
7 steps to boosting your everyday genius
1. Curiosita
An insatiably curious approach to life and an unrelenting quest for continuous learning
2. Dimonstrazione
A commitment to Test Knowledge through Experience, Persistence, and a Willingness to Learn from Mistakes
3. Sensazione
The continual Refinement of the Senses, Especially Sight, as the Means to Enliven Experience
4. Sfumato
(Literally "Going up in smoke") A Willingness to Enbrace Ambiquity, Paradox, and Uncertainty
5. Arte/Scienza
The Development of the Balance between Science and Art, Logic and Imagination. "Whole Brain" Thinking.
6. Corporalita
The cultivation of Grace, Ambidexterity, Fitness and Poise
7. Connessione
A Recognition of and Appreciation for the Interconnectedness of all Things and Phenomena. Systems Thinking.
1. Curiosita
An insatiably curious approach to life and an unrelenting quest for continuous learning
2. Dimonstrazione
A commitment to Test Knowledge through Experience, Persistence, and a Willingness to Learn from Mistakes
3. Sensazione
The continual Refinement of the Senses, Especially Sight, as the Means to Enliven Experience
4. Sfumato
(Literally "Going up in smoke") A Willingness to Enbrace Ambiquity, Paradox, and Uncertainty
5. Arte/Scienza
The Development of the Balance between Science and Art, Logic and Imagination. "Whole Brain" Thinking.
6. Corporalita
The cultivation of Grace, Ambidexterity, Fitness and Poise
7. Connessione
A Recognition of and Appreciation for the Interconnectedness of all Things and Phenomena. Systems Thinking.
English Composition Joke
I remembered this joke from my college days. took time to find it online. if u
haven't read this enjoy if u did, enjoy it again. =p
Remember the book "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus"? Well, here's a
prime example offered by an English professor at an American University.
In-class Assignment for Wednesday "Today we will experiment with a new form
called the tandem story."
"The process is simple. Each person will pair off with the person sitting to his
or her immediate right. One of you will then write the first paragraph of a
short story. The partner will read the first paragraph and then add another
paragraph to the story. The first person will then add a third paragraph, and so
on back and forth. Remember to re-read what has been written each time in order
to keep the story coherent. There is to be absolutely NO talking and anything
you wish to say must be written on the paper. The story is over when both agree
a conclusion has been reached.
"The following was actually turned in by two of my English students:
Rebecca - last name deleted, and Gary - last name deleted:"
STORY: (first paragraph by Rebecca)
At first, Laurie couldn't decide which kind of tea she wanted. The chamomile,
which used to be her favorite for lazy evenings at home, now reminded her too
much of Carl, who once said, in happier times, that he liked chamomile. But she
felt she must now, at all costs, keep her mind off Carl. His possessiveness was
suffocating, and if she thought about him too much her asthma started acting up
again. So chamomile was out of the question.
--------------------------------------¡
Meanwhile, Advance Sergeant Carl Harris, leader of the attack squadron now in
orbit over Skylon 4, had more important things to think about than the neuroses
of an air-headed asthmatic bimbo named Laurie with whom he had spent one sweaty
night over a year ago. "A.S. Harris to Geostation 17," he said into his
transgalactic communicator. "Polar orbit established. No sign of resistance so
far..." But before he could sign off a bluish particle beam flashed out of
nowhere and blasted a hole through his ship's cargo bay. The jolt from the
direct hit sent him flying out of his seat and across the cockpit.
--------------------------------------¡
He bumped his head and died almost immediately, but not before he felt one last
pang of regret for psychically brutalizing the one woman who had ever had
feelings for him. Soon afterwards, Earth stopped its pointless hostilities
towards the peaceful farmers of Skylon 4. "Congress Passes Law Permanently
Abolishing War and Space Travel," Laurie read in her newspaper one morning. The
news simultaneously excited her and bored her. She stared out the window,
dreaming of her youth - when the days had passed unhurriedly and carefree, with
no newspapers to read, no television to distract her from her sense of innocent
wonder at all the beautiful things around her. "Why must one lose one's
innocence to become a woman?"she wondered wistfully.
--------------------------------------¡
Little did she know, but she had less than 10 seconds to live. Thousands of
miles above the city, the Anu'udrian mothership launched the first of its
lithium fusion missiles. The dim-witted wimpy peaceniks who pushed the
Unilateral Aerospace Disarmament Treaty through congress had left Earth a
defenseless target for the hostile alien empires who were determined to destroy
the human race. Within two hours after the passage of the treaty the Anu'udrian
ships were on course for Earth, carrying enough firepower to pulverize the
entire planet. With no one to stop them, they swiftly initiated their diabolical
plan. The lithium fusion missile entered the atmosphere unimpeded. The
President, in his top-secret mobile submarine headquarters on the ocean floor
off the coast of Guam, felt the inconceivably massive explosion which vaporized
poor, stupid, Laurie and 85 million other Americans. The President slammed his
fist on the conference table. "We can't allow this! I'm going to veto that
treaty! Let's blow 'em out of the sky!"
--------------------------------------¡
This is absurd. I refuse to continue this mockery of literature. My writing
partner is a violent, chauvinistic, semi-literate adolescent.
--------------------------------------¡
Yeah? Well, you're a self-centered tedious neurotic whose attempts at writing
are the literary equivalent of Valium. "Oh shall I have camomile tea? Or shall I
have some other sort of ******* TEA??? Oh no, I'm such a air headed bimbo who
reads too many Mills &
Boon novels."
--------------------------------------¡
Asshole.
--------------------------------------¡
*****.
--------------------------------------¡
Wanker.
--------------------------------------¡
Slut.
--------------------------------------¡
Get ******.
--------------------------------------¡
Eat ****.
----------------------
haven't read this enjoy if u did, enjoy it again. =p
Remember the book "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus"? Well, here's a
prime example offered by an English professor at an American University.
In-class Assignment for Wednesday "Today we will experiment with a new form
called the tandem story."
"The process is simple. Each person will pair off with the person sitting to his
or her immediate right. One of you will then write the first paragraph of a
short story. The partner will read the first paragraph and then add another
paragraph to the story. The first person will then add a third paragraph, and so
on back and forth. Remember to re-read what has been written each time in order
to keep the story coherent. There is to be absolutely NO talking and anything
you wish to say must be written on the paper. The story is over when both agree
a conclusion has been reached.
"The following was actually turned in by two of my English students:
Rebecca - last name deleted, and Gary - last name deleted:"
STORY: (first paragraph by Rebecca)
At first, Laurie couldn't decide which kind of tea she wanted. The chamomile,
which used to be her favorite for lazy evenings at home, now reminded her too
much of Carl, who once said, in happier times, that he liked chamomile. But she
felt she must now, at all costs, keep her mind off Carl. His possessiveness was
suffocating, and if she thought about him too much her asthma started acting up
again. So chamomile was out of the question.
--------------------------------------¡
Meanwhile, Advance Sergeant Carl Harris, leader of the attack squadron now in
orbit over Skylon 4, had more important things to think about than the neuroses
of an air-headed asthmatic bimbo named Laurie with whom he had spent one sweaty
night over a year ago. "A.S. Harris to Geostation 17," he said into his
transgalactic communicator. "Polar orbit established. No sign of resistance so
far..." But before he could sign off a bluish particle beam flashed out of
nowhere and blasted a hole through his ship's cargo bay. The jolt from the
direct hit sent him flying out of his seat and across the cockpit.
--------------------------------------¡
He bumped his head and died almost immediately, but not before he felt one last
pang of regret for psychically brutalizing the one woman who had ever had
feelings for him. Soon afterwards, Earth stopped its pointless hostilities
towards the peaceful farmers of Skylon 4. "Congress Passes Law Permanently
Abolishing War and Space Travel," Laurie read in her newspaper one morning. The
news simultaneously excited her and bored her. She stared out the window,
dreaming of her youth - when the days had passed unhurriedly and carefree, with
no newspapers to read, no television to distract her from her sense of innocent
wonder at all the beautiful things around her. "Why must one lose one's
innocence to become a woman?"she wondered wistfully.
--------------------------------------¡
Little did she know, but she had less than 10 seconds to live. Thousands of
miles above the city, the Anu'udrian mothership launched the first of its
lithium fusion missiles. The dim-witted wimpy peaceniks who pushed the
Unilateral Aerospace Disarmament Treaty through congress had left Earth a
defenseless target for the hostile alien empires who were determined to destroy
the human race. Within two hours after the passage of the treaty the Anu'udrian
ships were on course for Earth, carrying enough firepower to pulverize the
entire planet. With no one to stop them, they swiftly initiated their diabolical
plan. The lithium fusion missile entered the atmosphere unimpeded. The
President, in his top-secret mobile submarine headquarters on the ocean floor
off the coast of Guam, felt the inconceivably massive explosion which vaporized
poor, stupid, Laurie and 85 million other Americans. The President slammed his
fist on the conference table. "We can't allow this! I'm going to veto that
treaty! Let's blow 'em out of the sky!"
--------------------------------------¡
This is absurd. I refuse to continue this mockery of literature. My writing
partner is a violent, chauvinistic, semi-literate adolescent.
--------------------------------------¡
Yeah? Well, you're a self-centered tedious neurotic whose attempts at writing
are the literary equivalent of Valium. "Oh shall I have camomile tea? Or shall I
have some other sort of ******* TEA??? Oh no, I'm such a air headed bimbo who
reads too many Mills &
Boon novels."
--------------------------------------¡
Asshole.
--------------------------------------¡
*****.
--------------------------------------¡
Wanker.
--------------------------------------¡
Slut.
--------------------------------------¡
Get ******.
--------------------------------------¡
Eat ****.
----------------------
What does "Love" mean?
Perhaps u can find out what love means through children ha ha..
What does 'Love' mean?
A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4
to 8 year-olds, 'What does 'love' mean?'
The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have
imagined. See what you think:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
'When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint
her toenails anymore.
So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands
got arthritis too. That's love.'
Rebecca- age 8
---------------------------------------------------------------------
'When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different.
You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.'
Billy - age 4
---------------------------------------------------------------------
'Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving
cologne and they go out and smell each other.'
Karl - age 5
---------------------------------------------------------------------
'Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your
French fries without making them give you any of theirs.'
Chrissie - age 6
---------------------------------------------------------------------
'Love is what makes you smile when you're tired.'
Terri - age 4
---------------------------------------------------------------------
'Love is when my mummy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip
before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.'
Danny - age 7
---------------------------------------------------------------------
'Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of
kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more.
My Mummy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss'
Emily - age 8
---------------------------------------------------------------------
'Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop
opening presents and listen.'
Bobby - age 7 (Wow!)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
'If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend
who you hate,'
Nikka - age 6
(we need a few million more Nikka's on this planet)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
'Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it
everyday.'
Noelle - age 7
---------------------------------------------------------------------
'Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still
friends even after they know each other so well.'
Tommy - age 6
---------------------------------------------------------------------
'During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I
looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and
smiling.
He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore.'
Cindy - age 8
--------------------------------------------------------------------
'My mummy loves me more than anybody
You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night.'
Clare - age 6
---------------------------------------------------------------------
'Love is when Mummy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken.'
Elaine-age 5
--------------------------------------------------------------------
'Love is when Mummy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he
is handsomer than Robert Redford.'
Chris - age 7
---------------------------------------------------------------------
'Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him
alone all day'
Mary Ann - age 4
---------------------------------------------------------------------
'I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old
clothes and has to go out and buy new ones.'
Lauren - age 4
---------------------------------------------------------------------
'When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little
stars come out of you.' (what an image)
Karen - age 7
---------------------------------------------------------------------
'Love is when Mummy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think
it's gross.'
Mark - age 6
---------------------------------------------------------------------
'You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if
you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget.'
Jessica - age 8
---------------------------------------------------------------------
And the final one -- Author and lecturer Leo Buscaglia once talked
about a contest he was asked to judge.
The purpose of the contest was to find the most caring child.
The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an
elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife.
Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old
gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there..
When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbour, the little
boy said,
'Nothing, I just helped him cry'
---------------------------------------------------------------------
What does 'Love' mean?
A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4
to 8 year-olds, 'What does 'love' mean?'
The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have
imagined. See what you think:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
'When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint
her toenails anymore.
So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands
got arthritis too. That's love.'
Rebecca- age 8
---------------------------------------------------------------------
'When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different.
You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.'
Billy - age 4
---------------------------------------------------------------------
'Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving
cologne and they go out and smell each other.'
Karl - age 5
---------------------------------------------------------------------
'Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your
French fries without making them give you any of theirs.'
Chrissie - age 6
---------------------------------------------------------------------
'Love is what makes you smile when you're tired.'
Terri - age 4
---------------------------------------------------------------------
'Love is when my mummy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip
before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.'
Danny - age 7
---------------------------------------------------------------------
'Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of
kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more.
My Mummy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss'
Emily - age 8
---------------------------------------------------------------------
'Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop
opening presents and listen.'
Bobby - age 7 (Wow!)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
'If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend
who you hate,'
Nikka - age 6
(we need a few million more Nikka's on this planet)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
'Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it
everyday.'
Noelle - age 7
---------------------------------------------------------------------
'Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still
friends even after they know each other so well.'
Tommy - age 6
---------------------------------------------------------------------
'During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I
looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and
smiling.
He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore.'
Cindy - age 8
--------------------------------------------------------------------
'My mummy loves me more than anybody
You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night.'
Clare - age 6
---------------------------------------------------------------------
'Love is when Mummy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken.'
Elaine-age 5
--------------------------------------------------------------------
'Love is when Mummy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he
is handsomer than Robert Redford.'
Chris - age 7
---------------------------------------------------------------------
'Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him
alone all day'
Mary Ann - age 4
---------------------------------------------------------------------
'I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old
clothes and has to go out and buy new ones.'
Lauren - age 4
---------------------------------------------------------------------
'When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little
stars come out of you.' (what an image)
Karen - age 7
---------------------------------------------------------------------
'Love is when Mummy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think
it's gross.'
Mark - age 6
---------------------------------------------------------------------
'You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if
you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget.'
Jessica - age 8
---------------------------------------------------------------------
And the final one -- Author and lecturer Leo Buscaglia once talked
about a contest he was asked to judge.
The purpose of the contest was to find the most caring child.
The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an
elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife.
Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old
gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there..
When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbour, the little
boy said,
'Nothing, I just helped him cry'
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Nature vs. Nurture
Posted October 2007
2 weeks ago 22nd sept, i attended an interesting training for social
worker with Trans Center where i do my volunteer work (teach a kid
tuition).
One of the topics, is regarding nature and nurture part of people's
life. The trainer assert that there are things that we cannot change
as a person. These are our genes and all that comes with it (nature).
What we can change is the nurture part. Which also play a part in
developing character.
One of the exercise i participated in is roleplaying. A few of us
took part in a discussion to plan for an event for children. The
interesting part is on our forehead are written what people think of
us and how they should react to each of us in the roleplaying.
e.g.
Role 1: Stupid ( Ignore whatever i say)
Role 2: Boss (Follow exactly whatever i say)
Role 3: Expert ( Ask me for Advise)
Role 4: Deviant (Disagree with whatever i say)
The results is really tough to complete the task. One particular
insight is that group dynamics managed to shut up people who wanted
to contribute but were label stupid/ deviant eventually kept quiet.
People who usually quiet at first are pressured to excel
(Boss/Expert) and run the whole show. The effects of nurture is
really highlighted.
Point of learning: As social worker, parents and a part of society,
one way we can contribute to people is be the listening ear, give
understanding, encouragement and appreciation. It really makes the
difference.
Note:
Children more than adults needs Love and Attention to grow. Parents,
i encourage to give lots of verbal and physical expression of love
to growing children.
(i have seen the opposite spectrum, people who have to constantly be
labeled as unimportant, naughty, stubborn, violent. Really sad to
see this).
If you expose to people suffering from lack of these positive
nurturing, please take heart and show them otherwise. Deep down i
believe that people can make the change.
Which is one of the reasons i can keep volunteering now
2 weeks ago 22nd sept, i attended an interesting training for social
worker with Trans Center where i do my volunteer work (teach a kid
tuition).
One of the topics, is regarding nature and nurture part of people's
life. The trainer assert that there are things that we cannot change
as a person. These are our genes and all that comes with it (nature).
What we can change is the nurture part. Which also play a part in
developing character.
One of the exercise i participated in is roleplaying. A few of us
took part in a discussion to plan for an event for children. The
interesting part is on our forehead are written what people think of
us and how they should react to each of us in the roleplaying.
e.g.
Role 1: Stupid ( Ignore whatever i say)
Role 2: Boss (Follow exactly whatever i say)
Role 3: Expert ( Ask me for Advise)
Role 4: Deviant (Disagree with whatever i say)
The results is really tough to complete the task. One particular
insight is that group dynamics managed to shut up people who wanted
to contribute but were label stupid/ deviant eventually kept quiet.
People who usually quiet at first are pressured to excel
(Boss/Expert) and run the whole show. The effects of nurture is
really highlighted.
Point of learning: As social worker, parents and a part of society,
one way we can contribute to people is be the listening ear, give
understanding, encouragement and appreciation. It really makes the
difference.
Note:
Children more than adults needs Love and Attention to grow. Parents,
i encourage to give lots of verbal and physical expression of love
to growing children.
(i have seen the opposite spectrum, people who have to constantly be
labeled as unimportant, naughty, stubborn, violent. Really sad to
see this).
If you expose to people suffering from lack of these positive
nurturing, please take heart and show them otherwise. Deep down i
believe that people can make the change.
Which is one of the reasons i can keep volunteering now
God and Spider Story
During World War II, a US marine was separated from his unit on a
Pacific Island. The fighting had been intense, and in the smoke and
the crossfire he had lost touch with his comrades.
Alone in the jungle, he could hear enemy soldiers coming in his
direction. Scrambling for cover, he found his way up a high ridge to
several small caves in the rock. Quickly he crawled inside one of
the caves. Although safe for the moment, he realized that once the
enemy soldiers looking for him swept up the ridge, they would
quickly search all the caves and he would be killed.
As he waited, he prayed, "Lord, if it be your will, please protect
me. Whatever your will though, I love you and trust you. Amen."
After praying, he lay quietly listening to the enemy begin to draw
close. He thought, "Well, I guess the Lord isn't going to help me
out of this one.." Then he saw a spider begin to build a web over
the front of his cave.
As he watched, listening to the enemy searching for him all the
while, the spider layered strand after strand of web across the
opening of the cave.
"Ha, he thought. "What I need is a brick wall and what the Lord has
sent me is a spider web. God does have a sense of humor."
As the enemy drew closer he watched from the darkness of his hideout
and could see them searching one cave after another. As they came to
his, he got ready to make his last stand. To his amazement, however,
after glancing in the direction of his cave, they moved on.
Suddenly, he realized that with the spider web over the entrance,
his cave looked as if no one had entered for quite a while. "Lord,
forgive me," prayed the young man. "I had forgotten that in you a
spider's web is stronger than a brick wall."
We all face times of great trouble. When we do, it is so easy to
forget the victories that God would work in our lives, sometimes in
the most surprising ways. As the great leader, Nehemiah, reminded
the people of Israel when they faced the task of rebuilding
Jerusalem, "In God we will have success!" [Nehemiah 2:20]
Remember: Whatever is happening in your life, with God, a mere
spider's web can become a brick wall of protection. Believe He is
with you always. Just speak His name through Jesus His son, and you
will see His great power and love for you.
Source Unknown
Pacific Island. The fighting had been intense, and in the smoke and
the crossfire he had lost touch with his comrades.
Alone in the jungle, he could hear enemy soldiers coming in his
direction. Scrambling for cover, he found his way up a high ridge to
several small caves in the rock. Quickly he crawled inside one of
the caves. Although safe for the moment, he realized that once the
enemy soldiers looking for him swept up the ridge, they would
quickly search all the caves and he would be killed.
As he waited, he prayed, "Lord, if it be your will, please protect
me. Whatever your will though, I love you and trust you. Amen."
After praying, he lay quietly listening to the enemy begin to draw
close. He thought, "Well, I guess the Lord isn't going to help me
out of this one.." Then he saw a spider begin to build a web over
the front of his cave.
As he watched, listening to the enemy searching for him all the
while, the spider layered strand after strand of web across the
opening of the cave.
"Ha, he thought. "What I need is a brick wall and what the Lord has
sent me is a spider web. God does have a sense of humor."
As the enemy drew closer he watched from the darkness of his hideout
and could see them searching one cave after another. As they came to
his, he got ready to make his last stand. To his amazement, however,
after glancing in the direction of his cave, they moved on.
Suddenly, he realized that with the spider web over the entrance,
his cave looked as if no one had entered for quite a while. "Lord,
forgive me," prayed the young man. "I had forgotten that in you a
spider's web is stronger than a brick wall."
We all face times of great trouble. When we do, it is so easy to
forget the victories that God would work in our lives, sometimes in
the most surprising ways. As the great leader, Nehemiah, reminded
the people of Israel when they faced the task of rebuilding
Jerusalem, "In God we will have success!" [Nehemiah 2:20]
Remember: Whatever is happening in your life, with God, a mere
spider's web can become a brick wall of protection. Believe He is
with you always. Just speak His name through Jesus His son, and you
will see His great power and love for you.
Source Unknown
Spider Web by Michael Siau 4th December 2005
In this morning, I did find
A clearing by the tall tree vines,
Sun Beam o'er the leave reveals,
Diamond thread fill with zeal.
Waving out to me as the gentle breeze blows,
Joining leaves to leaves and made light flows.
Intricacy, beauty and pattern did i see,
Knowing the weaver lay hidden, waiting, maybe for a bee.
" Not for honey did I spin, silky web of iron net,
But for that breakfast, lunch as well as bed."
Lo I see a Spider Web.
A clearing by the tall tree vines,
Sun Beam o'er the leave reveals,
Diamond thread fill with zeal.
Waving out to me as the gentle breeze blows,
Joining leaves to leaves and made light flows.
Intricacy, beauty and pattern did i see,
Knowing the weaver lay hidden, waiting, maybe for a bee.
" Not for honey did I spin, silky web of iron net,
But for that breakfast, lunch as well as bed."
Lo I see a Spider Web.
Law of the Seed
The Law Of The Seed
Take a look at an apple tree. There might be five hundred apples on
the tree, but each apple has just ten seeds. That's a lot of seeds!
We might ask, "Why would you need so many seeds to grow just a few
more apple trees?"
Nature has something to teach us here. It's telling us: "Not all
seeds grow. In life, most seeds never grow. So if you really want to
make something happen, you had better try more than once."
This might mean:
1. You'll attend twenty interviews to get one job.
2. You'll interview forty people to find one good employee.
3. You'll talk to fifty people to sell one house, one car, one
vacuum cleaner, one insurance policy, or a business idea.
4. And you might meet a hundred acquaintances just to find one
special friend.
When we understand the "Law of the Seed", we don't get so
disappointed. We stop feeling like victims. We learn how to deal
with things that happen to us. Laws of nature are not things to take
personally. We just need to understand them and work with them.
In a nutshell, successful people fail more often. But they plant
more seeds.
When things are beyond your control, here's something that you must
NOT DO so as to avoid misery in your life:
- You must not decide how you think the world SHOULD be.
- You must not make rules for how everyone SHOULD behave.
- Then, when the world doesn't obey your rules, you get angry.
- That's what miserable people do!
On the other hand, let's say you expect that:
- Friends SHOULD return favors.
- People SHOULD appreciate you.
- Planes SHOULD arrive on time.
- Everyone SHOULD be honest.
- Your husband or best friend SHOULD remember your birthday.
These expectations may sound reasonable. But often, these things
won't happen!
- So you end up frustrated and disappointed.
- There's a better strategy. Demand less, and instead, have
preferences!
- For things that are beyond your control, tell yourself: "I would
prefer "A", but if "B" happens, it's OK too!"
This is really a change in mindset. It is a shift in attitude, and
it gives you more peace of mind.
You prefer that people are polite but when they are rude, it doesn't
ruin your day.
You prefer sunshine but if it rains, it is ok too!
To become happier, we either need to change the world or change our
thinking. It is easier to change our thinking!
In summary it is not the problem that is the issue, but rather it is
your attitude attending to the problem that is the problem.
It's not what happens to you that determine your happiness. It's how
you think about what happens to you
Take a look at an apple tree. There might be five hundred apples on
the tree, but each apple has just ten seeds. That's a lot of seeds!
We might ask, "Why would you need so many seeds to grow just a few
more apple trees?"
Nature has something to teach us here. It's telling us: "Not all
seeds grow. In life, most seeds never grow. So if you really want to
make something happen, you had better try more than once."
This might mean:
1. You'll attend twenty interviews to get one job.
2. You'll interview forty people to find one good employee.
3. You'll talk to fifty people to sell one house, one car, one
vacuum cleaner, one insurance policy, or a business idea.
4. And you might meet a hundred acquaintances just to find one
special friend.
When we understand the "Law of the Seed", we don't get so
disappointed. We stop feeling like victims. We learn how to deal
with things that happen to us. Laws of nature are not things to take
personally. We just need to understand them and work with them.
In a nutshell, successful people fail more often. But they plant
more seeds.
When things are beyond your control, here's something that you must
NOT DO so as to avoid misery in your life:
- You must not decide how you think the world SHOULD be.
- You must not make rules for how everyone SHOULD behave.
- Then, when the world doesn't obey your rules, you get angry.
- That's what miserable people do!
On the other hand, let's say you expect that:
- Friends SHOULD return favors.
- People SHOULD appreciate you.
- Planes SHOULD arrive on time.
- Everyone SHOULD be honest.
- Your husband or best friend SHOULD remember your birthday.
These expectations may sound reasonable. But often, these things
won't happen!
- So you end up frustrated and disappointed.
- There's a better strategy. Demand less, and instead, have
preferences!
- For things that are beyond your control, tell yourself: "I would
prefer "A", but if "B" happens, it's OK too!"
This is really a change in mindset. It is a shift in attitude, and
it gives you more peace of mind.
You prefer that people are polite but when they are rude, it doesn't
ruin your day.
You prefer sunshine but if it rains, it is ok too!
To become happier, we either need to change the world or change our
thinking. It is easier to change our thinking!
In summary it is not the problem that is the issue, but rather it is
your attitude attending to the problem that is the problem.
It's not what happens to you that determine your happiness. It's how
you think about what happens to you
Story
Story time
A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four year old grandson.The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered.
The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.
The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. "We must do something about Grandfather," said the son. I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.
So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.
The four year old watched it all in silence. One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?" Just as sweetly, the boy responded, "Oh, I am making
a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up." The four year old smiled and went back to work.
The words so struck the parents that they were speechless. Then tears tarted to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.
That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.
On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.
I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life."
I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.
I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But, if you focus on your family, the needs of others, and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.
I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.
I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone and make a difference.
I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.
I learned that all of u matters to me
A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four year old grandson.The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered.
The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.
The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. "We must do something about Grandfather," said the son. I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.
So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.
The four year old watched it all in silence. One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?" Just as sweetly, the boy responded, "Oh, I am making
a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up." The four year old smiled and went back to work.
The words so struck the parents that they were speechless. Then tears tarted to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.
That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.
On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.
I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life."
I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.
I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But, if you focus on your family, the needs of others, and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.
I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.
I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone and make a difference.
I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.
I learned that all of u matters to me
A Teacher's Lesson
A Teacher's Lesson
There is a story many years ago of an elementary teacher. Her name
was Mrs. Thompson. And as she stood in front of her 5th grade class
on the very first day of school, she told the children a lie. Like
most teachers, she looked at her students and said that she loved
them all the same.
But that was impossible, because there in the front row, slumped in
his seat, was a little boy named Teddy Stoddard. Mrs. Thompson had
watched Teddy the year before and noticed that he didn't play well
with the other children, that his clothes were messy and that he
constantly needed a bath. And Teddy could be unpleasant. It got to
the point where Mrs. Thompson would actually take delight in marking
his papers with a broad red pen, making bold X's and then putting a
big "F" at the top of his papers.
At the school where Mrs. Thompson taught, she was required to review
each child's past records and she put Teddy's off until last.
However, when she reviewed his file, she was in for a surprise.
Teddy's first grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is a bright child with a
ready laugh. He does his work neatly and has good manners. He is a
joy to be around."
His second grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is an excellent student, well
liked by his classmates, but he is troubled because his mother has a
terminal illness and life at home must be a struggle."
His third grade teacher wrote, "His mother's death has been hard on
him. He tries to do his best but his father doesn't show much
interest and his home life will soon affect him if some steps aren't
taken."
Teddy's fourth grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is withdrawn and doesn't
show much interest in school. He doesn't have many friends and
sometimes sleeps in class."
By now, Mrs. Thompson realized the problem and she was ashamed of
herself. She felt even worse when her students brought her Christmas
presents, wrapped in beautiful ribbons and bright paper, except for
Teddy's. His present which was clumsily wrapped in the heavy, brown
paper that he got from a grocery bag.
Mrs. Thompson took pains to open it in the middle of the other
presents. Some of the children started to laugh when she found a
rhinestone bracelet with some of the stones missing, and a bottle
that was one quarter full of perfume. But she stifled the children's
laughter when she exclaimed how pretty the bracelet was, putting it
on, and dabbing some of the perfume on her wrist.
Teddy Stoddard stayed after school that day just long enough to
say, "Mrs. Thompson, today you smelled just like my Mom used to."
After the children left she cried for at least an hour. On that very
day, she quit teaching reading, and writing, and arithmetic.
Instead, she began to teach children.
Mrs. Thompson paid particular attention to Teddy. As she worked with
him, his mind seemed to come alive. The more she encouraged him, the
faster he responded. By the end of the year, Teddy had become one of
the smartest children in the class and, despite her lie that she
would love all the children the same, Teddy became one of
her "teacher's pets."
A year later, she found a note under her door, from Teddy, telling
her that she was still the best teacher he ever had in his whole
life. Six years went by before she got another note from Teddy. He
then wrote that he had finished high school, third in his class, and
she was still the best teacher he ever had in his whole life.
Four years after that, she got another letter, saying that while
things had been tough at times, he'd stayed in school, had stuck
with it, and would soon graduate from college with the highest of
honors. He assured Mrs. Thompson that she was still the best and
favorite teacher he ever had in his whole life.
Then four more years passed and yet another letter came. This time
he explained that after he got his bachelor's degree, he decided to
go a little further. The letter explained that she was still the
best and favorite teacher he ever had. But now his name was a little
longer - the letter was signed, Theodore F. Stoddard, M.D.
The story doesn't end there. You see, there was yet another letter
that spring. Teddy said he'd met this girl and was going to be
married. He explained that his father had died a couple of years ago
and he was wondering if Mrs. Thompson might agree to sit in the
place at the wedding that was usually reserved for the mother of the
groom. Of course, Mrs. Thompson did. And guess what? She wore that
bracelet, the one with several rhinestones missing. And she made
sure she was wearing the perfume that Teddy remembered his mother
wearing on their last Christmas together.
They hugged each other, and Dr. Stoddard whispered in Mrs.
Thompson's ear, "Thank you Mrs. Thompson for believing in me. Thank
you so much for making me feel important and showing me that I could
make a difference."
Mrs. Thompson, with tears in her eyes, whispered back. She
said, "Teddy, you have it all wrong. You were the one who taught me
that I could make a difference. I didn't know how to teach until I
met you."
There is a story many years ago of an elementary teacher. Her name
was Mrs. Thompson. And as she stood in front of her 5th grade class
on the very first day of school, she told the children a lie. Like
most teachers, she looked at her students and said that she loved
them all the same.
But that was impossible, because there in the front row, slumped in
his seat, was a little boy named Teddy Stoddard. Mrs. Thompson had
watched Teddy the year before and noticed that he didn't play well
with the other children, that his clothes were messy and that he
constantly needed a bath. And Teddy could be unpleasant. It got to
the point where Mrs. Thompson would actually take delight in marking
his papers with a broad red pen, making bold X's and then putting a
big "F" at the top of his papers.
At the school where Mrs. Thompson taught, she was required to review
each child's past records and she put Teddy's off until last.
However, when she reviewed his file, she was in for a surprise.
Teddy's first grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is a bright child with a
ready laugh. He does his work neatly and has good manners. He is a
joy to be around."
His second grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is an excellent student, well
liked by his classmates, but he is troubled because his mother has a
terminal illness and life at home must be a struggle."
His third grade teacher wrote, "His mother's death has been hard on
him. He tries to do his best but his father doesn't show much
interest and his home life will soon affect him if some steps aren't
taken."
Teddy's fourth grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is withdrawn and doesn't
show much interest in school. He doesn't have many friends and
sometimes sleeps in class."
By now, Mrs. Thompson realized the problem and she was ashamed of
herself. She felt even worse when her students brought her Christmas
presents, wrapped in beautiful ribbons and bright paper, except for
Teddy's. His present which was clumsily wrapped in the heavy, brown
paper that he got from a grocery bag.
Mrs. Thompson took pains to open it in the middle of the other
presents. Some of the children started to laugh when she found a
rhinestone bracelet with some of the stones missing, and a bottle
that was one quarter full of perfume. But she stifled the children's
laughter when she exclaimed how pretty the bracelet was, putting it
on, and dabbing some of the perfume on her wrist.
Teddy Stoddard stayed after school that day just long enough to
say, "Mrs. Thompson, today you smelled just like my Mom used to."
After the children left she cried for at least an hour. On that very
day, she quit teaching reading, and writing, and arithmetic.
Instead, she began to teach children.
Mrs. Thompson paid particular attention to Teddy. As she worked with
him, his mind seemed to come alive. The more she encouraged him, the
faster he responded. By the end of the year, Teddy had become one of
the smartest children in the class and, despite her lie that she
would love all the children the same, Teddy became one of
her "teacher's pets."
A year later, she found a note under her door, from Teddy, telling
her that she was still the best teacher he ever had in his whole
life. Six years went by before she got another note from Teddy. He
then wrote that he had finished high school, third in his class, and
she was still the best teacher he ever had in his whole life.
Four years after that, she got another letter, saying that while
things had been tough at times, he'd stayed in school, had stuck
with it, and would soon graduate from college with the highest of
honors. He assured Mrs. Thompson that she was still the best and
favorite teacher he ever had in his whole life.
Then four more years passed and yet another letter came. This time
he explained that after he got his bachelor's degree, he decided to
go a little further. The letter explained that she was still the
best and favorite teacher he ever had. But now his name was a little
longer - the letter was signed, Theodore F. Stoddard, M.D.
The story doesn't end there. You see, there was yet another letter
that spring. Teddy said he'd met this girl and was going to be
married. He explained that his father had died a couple of years ago
and he was wondering if Mrs. Thompson might agree to sit in the
place at the wedding that was usually reserved for the mother of the
groom. Of course, Mrs. Thompson did. And guess what? She wore that
bracelet, the one with several rhinestones missing. And she made
sure she was wearing the perfume that Teddy remembered his mother
wearing on their last Christmas together.
They hugged each other, and Dr. Stoddard whispered in Mrs.
Thompson's ear, "Thank you Mrs. Thompson for believing in me. Thank
you so much for making me feel important and showing me that I could
make a difference."
Mrs. Thompson, with tears in her eyes, whispered back. She
said, "Teddy, you have it all wrong. You were the one who taught me
that I could make a difference. I didn't know how to teach until I
met you."
Quotes
"Tao is beyond words and beyond things" - Zhuangzi
"To name what can be named is not constant naming." - Laozi
"Tao is a name that indicates without naming." - Zhuangzi
"The massive wisdom sees everything in one. The lesser wisdom breaks things down
into numerous parts" --Zhuangzi
"Guidance pours out, but in using, something is not filled." -- Laozi
"When one attempts to exert control over objects, the objectss instead gain
control." -- Laozi
"One should hear by using one's spirit, one's entire being. " --Zhuangzi
"To hear with the spirit is not assigned to any single faculty, to one's ear or
to one's mind,so it requires emptiness in all of one's faculties." -- Zhuangzi
" The pivot of Tao passes through a center point at which every affirmation and
every negation converges. One who can grasp this pivot occupies a point of stillness
at which every movement aand every opposition occupies the correct situation." --
Zhuangzi
"when one's heart is right, one forgets 'pro' and 'con'" --Zhuangzi
"The non-action of the sage is not inaction." -- Zhuangzi
"To exercise no thought and find rest in nothing is one's first step to securing
repose in the Tao." --Zhuangzi
"Take a look at this window. It is only a hole placed in a wall. And yet as a
result, the room is flooded with light. Hence, when one's faculties become empty, one's heart fills with light." -- Zhuangzi
"The best warriors do not use violence." --Laozi
"If you want to become full, first let yourself become empty. " - Laozi
"To name what can be named is not constant naming." - Laozi
"Tao is a name that indicates without naming." - Zhuangzi
"The massive wisdom sees everything in one. The lesser wisdom breaks things down
into numerous parts" --Zhuangzi
"Guidance pours out, but in using, something is not filled." -- Laozi
"When one attempts to exert control over objects, the objectss instead gain
control." -- Laozi
"One should hear by using one's spirit, one's entire being. " --Zhuangzi
"To hear with the spirit is not assigned to any single faculty, to one's ear or
to one's mind,so it requires emptiness in all of one's faculties." -- Zhuangzi
" The pivot of Tao passes through a center point at which every affirmation and
every negation converges. One who can grasp this pivot occupies a point of stillness
at which every movement aand every opposition occupies the correct situation." --
Zhuangzi
"when one's heart is right, one forgets 'pro' and 'con'" --Zhuangzi
"The non-action of the sage is not inaction." -- Zhuangzi
"To exercise no thought and find rest in nothing is one's first step to securing
repose in the Tao." --Zhuangzi
"Take a look at this window. It is only a hole placed in a wall. And yet as a
result, the room is flooded with light. Hence, when one's faculties become empty, one's heart fills with light." -- Zhuangzi
"The best warriors do not use violence." --Laozi
"If you want to become full, first let yourself become empty. " - Laozi
Wu Wei
"[Wu-Wei]" is the practise of going against the stream, not by struggling
against it and
thrashing about, but by standing still and letting the stream do all the work.
Thus the sage
knows that relative to the river, he still moves against the current. To the
outside world,
the sage appears to take no action -- but in fact he takes action long before
others ever
foresee the need for action. "
From Taiosm the interfaith center of new york
against it and
thrashing about, but by standing still and letting the stream do all the work.
Thus the sage
knows that relative to the river, he still moves against the current. To the
outside world,
the sage appears to take no action -- but in fact he takes action long before
others ever
foresee the need for action. "
From Taiosm the interfaith center of new york
Emptiness II
A westerner may decide that a nature religion like Taiosm undermines the "
meaning of
life" because he is used to thinking that questions about life require a
transcendental
state, realm or being. For some people, there must be something outside this
life to give
meaning to it -- "God's plan," for instance.
Full absorption, participation, and appreciation of this life, Taiost hold,
requires accepting
that "nothing" lies outside or beyond it -- the very nothing on which
constrasting
existence depends. This insight is intended to guide us back to the present
moment and
force us to accept here and now as the locus of whatever meaning life has. For a
Taiost,
that is not taking meaning away, but learning to imbue nature (including your
self-nature
and ordinary activities) with awesome meaning and value. However we come to
grips with
the advice to seek meaning "where we are," it helps to accept that life is part
of an endless
process of transformation of being from form to form. That does not make it less
beautiful
or valuable, nor does it make life less spiritual or divine. The divinity lies
in nature -- not
viewed as a creation of something with true value, but viewed as just here --
from
nothing!
In chapter 6 of the Daode Jing we read, " The spirit of emptiness is immortal;
it is called
the Great Mother, because it gives birth to Heaven and Earth." Chapter 75 of the
Daode
Jing councels, " Only those who do not cling to their lives can save it"
meaning of
life" because he is used to thinking that questions about life require a
transcendental
state, realm or being. For some people, there must be something outside this
life to give
meaning to it -- "God's plan," for instance.
Full absorption, participation, and appreciation of this life, Taiost hold,
requires accepting
that "nothing" lies outside or beyond it -- the very nothing on which
constrasting
existence depends. This insight is intended to guide us back to the present
moment and
force us to accept here and now as the locus of whatever meaning life has. For a
Taiost,
that is not taking meaning away, but learning to imbue nature (including your
self-nature
and ordinary activities) with awesome meaning and value. However we come to
grips with
the advice to seek meaning "where we are," it helps to accept that life is part
of an endless
process of transformation of being from form to form. That does not make it less
beautiful
or valuable, nor does it make life less spiritual or divine. The divinity lies
in nature -- not
viewed as a creation of something with true value, but viewed as just here --
from
nothing!
In chapter 6 of the Daode Jing we read, " The spirit of emptiness is immortal;
it is called
the Great Mother, because it gives birth to Heaven and Earth." Chapter 75 of the
Daode
Jing councels, " Only those who do not cling to their lives can save it"
The Emptiness Inside
The Emptiness Inside
"Thirty spokes are joined together in a wheel,
But it is the center hole
That allows the wheel to function.
We mold clay into a pot,
But it is the emptiness inside
That makes the vessel useful.
We fashion wood for a house,
But it is the emptiness inside
That makes it livable.
We work with the substantial,
But the emptiness is what we use."
Daode Jing, chapter 5 (Mcdonald translation) *taken from complete idiot guide to
taoism
"Thirty spokes are joined together in a wheel,
But it is the center hole
That allows the wheel to function.
We mold clay into a pot,
But it is the emptiness inside
That makes the vessel useful.
We fashion wood for a house,
But it is the emptiness inside
That makes it livable.
We work with the substantial,
But the emptiness is what we use."
Daode Jing, chapter 5 (Mcdonald translation) *taken from complete idiot guide to
taoism
Interview with 110 years young lady
Posted April 15 2008 to SMSI96 Yahoo Group
Last sunday i have the good fortune to meet with a 110 years young lady. She is
Teresa Hsu. Singapore's mother teresa. She runs Heart to Heart Service a social
organisation to help poor elderly.
What questions would you ask some one who have lived through 2 world wars? Seen
so many life and death.
I dun know wat to ask so ask her what is the difference between the people then
and now?
The response i get was " People same everywhere. Anything wrong they blame you.
If people trip on a stone and fall down, they will blame the stone. " Seems like
technology doesn't do anything about this ha ha. . (sinkapore is a nation filled with
people who blame the Goberman)
Lots of people ask about her secret to long life and how she handle everyday.
She responded with..
Haa Haa Haa
Laugh and be happy. Otherewise no one wants to talk to me. if i happy everyone
around me smiling and if i sad all the time people will avoid me. So always ha ha ha
There is no secret to long life. It is a heavenly gift, I would give to you but
you can't take it.
When question on philosophy why she does the things she does.
If i have a bowl of rice, and you are hungry i will give half to you. If there
is two of you let me eat first (joke)
If have bowl of rice share with brother or sister. It is not sympathy, not doing
a good deed not pity. It is a DUTY.
When i was very young, i was so poor and hungry i have to eat grass by the
roadside. It does not satisfy. I remember and say to myself that no one should eat grass because it does not satisfy.
When i was young, we were poor. mother will take us to dig potatoes and put in
pot to cook and eat. once, a lady with her children knock on the door and ask for food to eat as they are starving for a few days. mother pass them the whole pot. She came and say to us, we must help those poorer than us. At least we have eaten yesterday, so give the potatoes to them.
What brings her joy everyday?
There is no time for regret.
See the sunshine, hear the bird sing and smell the flowers. nature is good.
whether i am naughty or good, give me everyday to be free.
Any advice or word of wisdom for the young people?
In life there are many problems. Do your best and be contend with the best.
Sometimes when your best is not enough. Learn to accept.
If you only have 10cent you cannot use 11cent. It is reality however much you
want it to be different.
At the end of the interview, i believe i have grown wiser being in her space.
Last sunday i have the good fortune to meet with a 110 years young lady. She is
Teresa Hsu. Singapore's mother teresa. She runs Heart to Heart Service a social
organisation to help poor elderly.
What questions would you ask some one who have lived through 2 world wars? Seen
so many life and death.
I dun know wat to ask so ask her what is the difference between the people then
and now?
The response i get was " People same everywhere. Anything wrong they blame you.
If people trip on a stone and fall down, they will blame the stone. " Seems like
technology doesn't do anything about this ha ha. . (sinkapore is a nation filled with
people who blame the Goberman)
Lots of people ask about her secret to long life and how she handle everyday.
She responded with..
Haa Haa Haa
Laugh and be happy. Otherewise no one wants to talk to me. if i happy everyone
around me smiling and if i sad all the time people will avoid me. So always ha ha ha
There is no secret to long life. It is a heavenly gift, I would give to you but
you can't take it.
When question on philosophy why she does the things she does.
If i have a bowl of rice, and you are hungry i will give half to you. If there
is two of you let me eat first (joke)
If have bowl of rice share with brother or sister. It is not sympathy, not doing
a good deed not pity. It is a DUTY.
When i was very young, i was so poor and hungry i have to eat grass by the
roadside. It does not satisfy. I remember and say to myself that no one should eat grass because it does not satisfy.
When i was young, we were poor. mother will take us to dig potatoes and put in
pot to cook and eat. once, a lady with her children knock on the door and ask for food to eat as they are starving for a few days. mother pass them the whole pot. She came and say to us, we must help those poorer than us. At least we have eaten yesterday, so give the potatoes to them.
What brings her joy everyday?
There is no time for regret.
See the sunshine, hear the bird sing and smell the flowers. nature is good.
whether i am naughty or good, give me everyday to be free.
Any advice or word of wisdom for the young people?
In life there are many problems. Do your best and be contend with the best.
Sometimes when your best is not enough. Learn to accept.
If you only have 10cent you cannot use 11cent. It is reality however much you
want it to be different.
At the end of the interview, i believe i have grown wiser being in her space.
John Goddard Life List
"My Life List", John Goddard
from USA Studies Weekly and Chicken Soup for the Soul
How would you like to climb the highest mountain, fly at the speed of sound, explore the ocean in a submarine, run a five minute mile, parachute from a plane, read the encyclopedia cover to cover, or play classical music on the piano?
These are some of the dreams John Goddard had as a child, and at age 15 he included these on a list -- 127 things he would like to do or see or experience during his lifetime. Today, John is 74, and he has completed 109 of his goals.
John is one of the world's famous adventurers and a world-class motivational speaker. Articles about him appear in Life, National Geographic Magazine, Reader's Digest, and the book Chicken Soup for the Soul. He has shared these amazing stories with students of all ages all over the world. Here are some of his accomplishments:
He climbed the Matterhorn during a blizzard that was so bad, not even the professional climbers would go along.
He retraced the route of Marco Polo through all of the Middle East, Asia and China.
He rode in the Rose Parade, visited the Great Wall of China, the Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia, and the everglades of Florida.
He was the first man to explore the whole length of the world's longest river, the Nile. Two other men went with him on this 4,200-mile, 10-month trek (John says he had yet one more traveling companion -- he contracted a tape worm that he named Rodney). And what kind of boat do you suppose they used for the trip? Each man paddled his own little kayak! He also boated down the Amazon, Congo and others.
He was charged by hippos, crocodiles, a furious wart hog, and bloodsucking leeches in the Congo.
He survived plane crashes, earthquakes, three rounds with quicksand, almost drowned twice, and had an appendicitis attack 200 miles from the nearest health care facility. He has faced death 38 times.
He was bitten by a diamondback rattlesnake and lived!
He became the youngest ever admitted to the Adventurers' Club of Los Angeles, and is a member of the Royal Geographic Society of England, the French Explorers' Club (only American), the Mach II Club, and others.
He has lived with 260 different tribal groups. John says these tribes range "from the head hunters of New Guinea, to the pygmies of Central Africa, to the hippies of Tempe ...."
He has climbed Ararat, Kilimanjaro, Fiji, Rainier, the Matterhorn, and the Grand Tetons.
He has been to 120 countries, learned to fly a plane, explored underwater the reefs of Florida, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the Red Sea, and more.
He has flown 47 different types of aircraft, and set several civilian air-speed records including one at 1,500 miles an hour. He flew an F-106 to an altitude of 63,000 feet, making him the only civilian to pilot an aircraft that high, a record which he still holds.
A graduate of the University of Southern California where he majored in anthropology and psychology, Goddard has studied obscure cultures in all parts of the globe. A resident of La Canada, California, where he lives with his wife and two of his five children, Goddard does not believe in pursuing adventure for the sake of frivolous thrills, but used these experiences to achieve a worthwhile end. This end, for him, is scientific exploration, adding to the world's store of knowledge. "Digging out the facts is the real challenge," Goddard says in summing up his career. "The adventure is exciting and enjoyable--but secondary."
Yet digging out the facts can be a hazardous occupation. Goddard has been bitten by a rattlesnake, charged by an elephant, and trapped in quicksand. He has crashed in planes, been caught in earthquakes, and almost drowned twice while running rapids. But his overwhelming desire to discover fresh knowledge and to complete his youthful list of goals has driven him on in spite of the danger.
The List
EXPLORE:
1. * Nile River
2. * Amazon River
3. * Congo River
4. * Colorado River
5. Yangtze River, China
6. Niger River
7. Orinoco River, Venezuela
8. * Rio Coco, Nicaragua
STUDY PRIMITIVE CULTURES IN:
9. * The Congo
10. * New Guinea
11. * Brazil
12. * Borneo
13. * The Sudan (nearly buried alive in a sandstorm)
14. * Australia
15. * Kenya
16. * The Philippines
17. * Tanganyika (Now Tanzania)
18. * Ethiopia
19. * Nigeria
20. * Alaska
CLIMB:
21. Mt. Everest
22. Mt. Aconcagua, Argentina
23. Mt. McKinley
24. * Mt. Hauscaran, Peru
25. * Mt. Kilimanjaro
26. * Mt. Ararat, Turkey
27. * Mt. Kenya
28. Mt. Cook, New Zealand
29. * Mt. Popocatepetl, Mexico
30. * The Matterhorn
31. * Mt. Rainier
32. * Mt. Fuji
33. * Mt. Vesuvius
34. * Mt. Bromo, Java
35. * Grand Tetons
36. * Mt. Baldy, California
37.Carry out careers in medicine and exploration (studied premed, treats illnesses among primitive tribes)
38. Visit every country in the world (30 to go)
39. * Study Navaho and Hopi Indians
40. * Learn to fly a plane
41. * Ride horse in Rose Parade
PHOTOGRAPH:
42. * Iguacu Falls, Brazil
43. * Victoria Falls, Rhodesia (Chased by a warthog in the process)
44. * Sutherland Falls, New Zealand
45. * Yosemite Falls
46. * Niagara Falls
47. * Retrace travels of Marco Polo and Alexander the Great
EXPLORE UNDERWATER:
48. * Coral reefs of Florida
49. * Great Barrier Reef, Australia (photographed a 300-pound clam)
50. * Red Sea
51. * Fiji Islands
52. * The Bahamas
53. * Explore Okefenokee Swamp and the Everglades
VISIT:
54. North and South Poles
55. * Great Wall of China
56. * Panama and Suez Canals
57. * Easter Island
58. * The Galapagos Islands
59. * Vatican City (saw the Pope)
60. * The Taj Mahal
61. * The Eiffel Tower
62. * The Blue Grotto
63. * The Tower of London
64. * The Leaning Tower of Pisa
65. * The Sacred Well of Chichen-Itza, Mexico
66. * Climb Ayers Rock in Australia
67. Follow River Jordan from Sea of Galilee to Dead Sea
SWIM IN:
68. * Lake Victoria
69. * Lake Superior
70. * Lake Tanganyika
71. * Lake Titicaca, S. America
72. * Lake Nicaragua
ACCOMPLISH:
73. * Become an Eagle Scout
74. * Dive in a submarine
75. * Land on and take of from an aircraft carrier
76. * Fly in a blimp, balloon and glider
77. * Ride an elephant, camel, ostrich and bronco
78. * Skin dive to 40 feet and hold breath two and a half minutes underwater.
79. * Catch a ten-pound lobster and a ten-inch abalone
80. * Play flute and violin
81. * Type 50 words a minute
82. * Make a parachute jump
83. * Learn water and snow skiing
84. * Go on a church mission
85. * Follow the John Muir trail
86. * Study native medicines and bring back useful ones
87. * Bag camera trophies of elephant, lion, rhino, cheetah, cape buffalo and whale
88. * Learn to fence
89. * Learn jujitsu
90. * Teach a college course
91. * Watch a cremation ceremony in Bali
92. * Explore depths of the sea
93. Appear in a Tarzan movie (he now considers this an irrelevant boyhood dream)
94. Own a horse, chimpanzee, cheetah, ocelot, and coyote (yet to own a chimp or cheetah)
95. Become a ham radio operator
96. * Build own telescope
97. * Write a book (On Nile trip)
98. * Publish an article in National Geographic Magazine
99. * High jump five feet
100. * Broad jump 15 feet
101. * Run mile in five minutes
102. * Weigh 175 pounds stripped (still does)
103. * Perform 200 sit-ups and 20 pull-ups
104. * Learn French, Spanish and Arabic
105. Study dragon lizards on Komodo Island (Boat broke down within 20 miles of island)
106. * Visit birthplace of Grandfather Sorenson in Denmark
107. * Visit birthplace of Grandfather Goddard in England
108 * Ship aboard a freighter as a seaman
109. Read the entire Encyclopedia Britannica (Has read extensive parts in each volume)
110. * Read the Bible from cover to cover
111.* Read the works of Shakespeare, Plato, Aristotle, Dickens, Thoreau, Rousseau, Conrad, Hemingway, Twain, Burroughs, Talmage, Tolstoi, Longfellow, Keats, Poe, Bacon, Whittier, and Emerson (not every work of each)
112.* Become familiar with the compositions of Bach, Beethoven, Debussy, Ibert, Mendelssohn, Lalo, Liszt, Rimski-Korsakov, Respighi, Rachmaninoff, Paganini, Stravinsky, Toch, Tschaikosvsky, Verdi
113.* Become proficient in the use of a plane, motorcycle, tractor, surfboard, rifle, pistol, canoe, microscope, football, basketball, bow and arrow, lariat and boomerang
114. * Compose music
115. * Play Clair de Lune on the piano
116. * Watch fire-walking ceremony (In Bali and Surinam)
117. * Milk a poisonous snake (bitten by diamondback during photo session)
118. * Light a match with .22 rifle
119. * Visit a movie studio
120. * Climb Cheops' pyramid
121. * Become a member of the Explorer's Club and the Adventure's Club
122. * Learn to play polo
123. * Travel through the Grand Canyon on foot and by boat
124. * Circumnavigate the globe (four times)
125. Visit the moon ("Someday, if God wills")
126. * Marry and have children (has five children)
127. * Live to see the 21st century
References
USA Studies Weekly, http://ushistoryteacher.com/resources/goddard.html
Chicken Soup for the Soul, Canfield and Hansen, Health Communications Inc., 1993
from USA Studies Weekly and Chicken Soup for the Soul
How would you like to climb the highest mountain, fly at the speed of sound, explore the ocean in a submarine, run a five minute mile, parachute from a plane, read the encyclopedia cover to cover, or play classical music on the piano?
These are some of the dreams John Goddard had as a child, and at age 15 he included these on a list -- 127 things he would like to do or see or experience during his lifetime. Today, John is 74, and he has completed 109 of his goals.
John is one of the world's famous adventurers and a world-class motivational speaker. Articles about him appear in Life, National Geographic Magazine, Reader's Digest, and the book Chicken Soup for the Soul. He has shared these amazing stories with students of all ages all over the world. Here are some of his accomplishments:
He climbed the Matterhorn during a blizzard that was so bad, not even the professional climbers would go along.
He retraced the route of Marco Polo through all of the Middle East, Asia and China.
He rode in the Rose Parade, visited the Great Wall of China, the Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia, and the everglades of Florida.
He was the first man to explore the whole length of the world's longest river, the Nile. Two other men went with him on this 4,200-mile, 10-month trek (John says he had yet one more traveling companion -- he contracted a tape worm that he named Rodney). And what kind of boat do you suppose they used for the trip? Each man paddled his own little kayak! He also boated down the Amazon, Congo and others.
He was charged by hippos, crocodiles, a furious wart hog, and bloodsucking leeches in the Congo.
He survived plane crashes, earthquakes, three rounds with quicksand, almost drowned twice, and had an appendicitis attack 200 miles from the nearest health care facility. He has faced death 38 times.
He was bitten by a diamondback rattlesnake and lived!
He became the youngest ever admitted to the Adventurers' Club of Los Angeles, and is a member of the Royal Geographic Society of England, the French Explorers' Club (only American), the Mach II Club, and others.
He has lived with 260 different tribal groups. John says these tribes range "from the head hunters of New Guinea, to the pygmies of Central Africa, to the hippies of Tempe ...."
He has climbed Ararat, Kilimanjaro, Fiji, Rainier, the Matterhorn, and the Grand Tetons.
He has been to 120 countries, learned to fly a plane, explored underwater the reefs of Florida, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the Red Sea, and more.
He has flown 47 different types of aircraft, and set several civilian air-speed records including one at 1,500 miles an hour. He flew an F-106 to an altitude of 63,000 feet, making him the only civilian to pilot an aircraft that high, a record which he still holds.
A graduate of the University of Southern California where he majored in anthropology and psychology, Goddard has studied obscure cultures in all parts of the globe. A resident of La Canada, California, where he lives with his wife and two of his five children, Goddard does not believe in pursuing adventure for the sake of frivolous thrills, but used these experiences to achieve a worthwhile end. This end, for him, is scientific exploration, adding to the world's store of knowledge. "Digging out the facts is the real challenge," Goddard says in summing up his career. "The adventure is exciting and enjoyable--but secondary."
Yet digging out the facts can be a hazardous occupation. Goddard has been bitten by a rattlesnake, charged by an elephant, and trapped in quicksand. He has crashed in planes, been caught in earthquakes, and almost drowned twice while running rapids. But his overwhelming desire to discover fresh knowledge and to complete his youthful list of goals has driven him on in spite of the danger.
The List
EXPLORE:
1. * Nile River
2. * Amazon River
3. * Congo River
4. * Colorado River
5. Yangtze River, China
6. Niger River
7. Orinoco River, Venezuela
8. * Rio Coco, Nicaragua
STUDY PRIMITIVE CULTURES IN:
9. * The Congo
10. * New Guinea
11. * Brazil
12. * Borneo
13. * The Sudan (nearly buried alive in a sandstorm)
14. * Australia
15. * Kenya
16. * The Philippines
17. * Tanganyika (Now Tanzania)
18. * Ethiopia
19. * Nigeria
20. * Alaska
CLIMB:
21. Mt. Everest
22. Mt. Aconcagua, Argentina
23. Mt. McKinley
24. * Mt. Hauscaran, Peru
25. * Mt. Kilimanjaro
26. * Mt. Ararat, Turkey
27. * Mt. Kenya
28. Mt. Cook, New Zealand
29. * Mt. Popocatepetl, Mexico
30. * The Matterhorn
31. * Mt. Rainier
32. * Mt. Fuji
33. * Mt. Vesuvius
34. * Mt. Bromo, Java
35. * Grand Tetons
36. * Mt. Baldy, California
37.Carry out careers in medicine and exploration (studied premed, treats illnesses among primitive tribes)
38. Visit every country in the world (30 to go)
39. * Study Navaho and Hopi Indians
40. * Learn to fly a plane
41. * Ride horse in Rose Parade
PHOTOGRAPH:
42. * Iguacu Falls, Brazil
43. * Victoria Falls, Rhodesia (Chased by a warthog in the process)
44. * Sutherland Falls, New Zealand
45. * Yosemite Falls
46. * Niagara Falls
47. * Retrace travels of Marco Polo and Alexander the Great
EXPLORE UNDERWATER:
48. * Coral reefs of Florida
49. * Great Barrier Reef, Australia (photographed a 300-pound clam)
50. * Red Sea
51. * Fiji Islands
52. * The Bahamas
53. * Explore Okefenokee Swamp and the Everglades
VISIT:
54. North and South Poles
55. * Great Wall of China
56. * Panama and Suez Canals
57. * Easter Island
58. * The Galapagos Islands
59. * Vatican City (saw the Pope)
60. * The Taj Mahal
61. * The Eiffel Tower
62. * The Blue Grotto
63. * The Tower of London
64. * The Leaning Tower of Pisa
65. * The Sacred Well of Chichen-Itza, Mexico
66. * Climb Ayers Rock in Australia
67. Follow River Jordan from Sea of Galilee to Dead Sea
SWIM IN:
68. * Lake Victoria
69. * Lake Superior
70. * Lake Tanganyika
71. * Lake Titicaca, S. America
72. * Lake Nicaragua
ACCOMPLISH:
73. * Become an Eagle Scout
74. * Dive in a submarine
75. * Land on and take of from an aircraft carrier
76. * Fly in a blimp, balloon and glider
77. * Ride an elephant, camel, ostrich and bronco
78. * Skin dive to 40 feet and hold breath two and a half minutes underwater.
79. * Catch a ten-pound lobster and a ten-inch abalone
80. * Play flute and violin
81. * Type 50 words a minute
82. * Make a parachute jump
83. * Learn water and snow skiing
84. * Go on a church mission
85. * Follow the John Muir trail
86. * Study native medicines and bring back useful ones
87. * Bag camera trophies of elephant, lion, rhino, cheetah, cape buffalo and whale
88. * Learn to fence
89. * Learn jujitsu
90. * Teach a college course
91. * Watch a cremation ceremony in Bali
92. * Explore depths of the sea
93. Appear in a Tarzan movie (he now considers this an irrelevant boyhood dream)
94. Own a horse, chimpanzee, cheetah, ocelot, and coyote (yet to own a chimp or cheetah)
95. Become a ham radio operator
96. * Build own telescope
97. * Write a book (On Nile trip)
98. * Publish an article in National Geographic Magazine
99. * High jump five feet
100. * Broad jump 15 feet
101. * Run mile in five minutes
102. * Weigh 175 pounds stripped (still does)
103. * Perform 200 sit-ups and 20 pull-ups
104. * Learn French, Spanish and Arabic
105. Study dragon lizards on Komodo Island (Boat broke down within 20 miles of island)
106. * Visit birthplace of Grandfather Sorenson in Denmark
107. * Visit birthplace of Grandfather Goddard in England
108 * Ship aboard a freighter as a seaman
109. Read the entire Encyclopedia Britannica (Has read extensive parts in each volume)
110. * Read the Bible from cover to cover
111.* Read the works of Shakespeare, Plato, Aristotle, Dickens, Thoreau, Rousseau, Conrad, Hemingway, Twain, Burroughs, Talmage, Tolstoi, Longfellow, Keats, Poe, Bacon, Whittier, and Emerson (not every work of each)
112.* Become familiar with the compositions of Bach, Beethoven, Debussy, Ibert, Mendelssohn, Lalo, Liszt, Rimski-Korsakov, Respighi, Rachmaninoff, Paganini, Stravinsky, Toch, Tschaikosvsky, Verdi
113.* Become proficient in the use of a plane, motorcycle, tractor, surfboard, rifle, pistol, canoe, microscope, football, basketball, bow and arrow, lariat and boomerang
114. * Compose music
115. * Play Clair de Lune on the piano
116. * Watch fire-walking ceremony (In Bali and Surinam)
117. * Milk a poisonous snake (bitten by diamondback during photo session)
118. * Light a match with .22 rifle
119. * Visit a movie studio
120. * Climb Cheops' pyramid
121. * Become a member of the Explorer's Club and the Adventure's Club
122. * Learn to play polo
123. * Travel through the Grand Canyon on foot and by boat
124. * Circumnavigate the globe (four times)
125. Visit the moon ("Someday, if God wills")
126. * Marry and have children (has five children)
127. * Live to see the 21st century
References
USA Studies Weekly, http://ushistoryteacher.com/resources/goddard.html
Chicken Soup for the Soul, Canfield and Hansen, Health Communications Inc., 1993
Life choices: a heartwarming story
I received this story sometime in 2006 thought it is good to keep it.
A heart-warming story for sharing.
What would you do?....you make the choice. Don't look for a punch line,there isn't one.
My question is: Would you have made the same choice?
At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves learning-disabled children, 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, physically and mentally handicapped 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 his father had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, "Do you think they'll let me play?"
Shay's father knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but the father also understood that if his 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.
Shay's father 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. His Father watched with a small tear in his eye and warmth in his heart. The boys saw the father's joy at his 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 his father 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 his father so happy, and coming Home and seeing his Mother tearfully embraces her little hero of the day!
A heart-warming story for sharing.
What would you do?....you make the choice. Don't look for a punch line,there isn't one.
My question is: Would you have made the same choice?
At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves learning-disabled children, 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, physically and mentally handicapped 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 his father had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, "Do you think they'll let me play?"
Shay's father knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but the father also understood that if his 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.
Shay's father 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. His Father watched with a small tear in his eye and warmth in his heart. The boys saw the father's joy at his 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 his father 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 his father so happy, and coming Home and seeing his Mother tearfully embraces her little hero of the day!
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