Friday, April 5, 2013
A Knight is known by his/her virtues.
Virtues of Knight
From Truth comes Honesty
From Love comes Compassion
From Courage comes Valour
Truth and Love combined create Justice
Love and Courage combined create Sacrifice
Courage and Truth combined create Honour
From Truth, Love, and Courage comes Spirituality
Pride is caused by the absence of the Three Principles, the opposite of Pride is Humility.
https://sites.google.com/site/khoodlibrary/Home/theology-and-philosophy/the-eight-virtues
劍客
十年磨一劍，霜刃未曾試。今日把示君，誰有不平事?
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Telling a Fish about Water?
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.)
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.)
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."
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