Now, I Choose Not To Fear

I feared being alone
until I learned to like myself.

I feared failure
until I realized that I only fail when I don't try.

I feared success
until I realized that I had to try in order to be happy with myself.

I feared people's opinions
until I learned that people would have opinions about me anyway.

I feared rejection
ntil I learned to have faith in myself.

I feared pain
until I learned that it's necessary for growth.

I feared the truth
until I saw the ugliness in lies.

I feared life
until I experienced its beauty.

I feared death
until I realized that it's not an end, but a beginning.

I feared my destiny,
until I realized that i had the power to change my life.

I feared hate
until I saw that it was nothing more than ignorance.

I feared love
until it touched my heart, making the darkness fade into endless sunny days.

I feared ridicule
until I learned how to laugh at myself.

I feared growing old
until I realized that I gained wisdom every day.

I feared the future
until I realized that life just kept getting better

I feared the past
until i realized it could no longer hurt me.

I feared the dark
until I saw the beauty of the starlight.

I feared the light
until I learned that the truth would give me the strength.

I feared change
until I saw that even the most beautiful butterfly had to undergo a metamorphosis before it could fly.

27 Amazing Miracles in Real Life

From simple everyday joys to amazing new leases on life, readers share their most poignant moments of joy.

The sunrise my father and I watched standing at the top of one of the Smoky Mountains.
—Marilyn M., Huntington, Indiana

Our son fell 40 feet off his barn roof onto cement and didn't break any bones.
—Ladonna S., George, Iowa

All the factors that came together to help me find the daughter I had given up for adoption.
—Sandy M., Soda Springs, Idaho

A bumblebee flying.
—Karen D., Inverness, Florida

My husband getting out of the Pentagon on 9/11.
—Patti G., Fort Bliss, Texas

The way my mother always knew I was coming home, even when I tried to surprise her. She would always have that extra baked potato in the oven.
—G. E. G., Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

Losing my wife and business and surviving bankruptcy all at once, without dying of stress.
—Jack K., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

During a serious kidney stone attack at age 37, I went into a coma and saw a light at the end of a tunnel. I regained consciousness and lived. I am now 88 years old.
—Euphemia R., Arcadia, California

Understanding how and why my grandfather acted like he did, now that I have grandchildren of my own.
—Steve M., Sunapee, New Hampshire

Some would say that my actually getting married was a miracle.
—Don L., Sherman Oaks, California

The Grand Canyon.
—Kimberly V., Orrville, Ohio

I survived flying into a thunderstorm in a small airplane. It required more than my piloting skills. I was being watched over.
—Bill B., Versailles, Kentucky

The births of my children and grandchildren.
—MaryLou M., Ooltewah, Tennessee

The days are filled with miracles: a flower blooming, my heart beating, the purr of a cat, the Internet.
—Barbara F., Penfield, New York

I feel that someone turning his life around for the better is a miracle.
—Susan D., Stanford, Montana

Love for the unlovable.
—Mary C., Mount Vernon, Ohio

Forgiveness.
—Laura W., Aston, Pennsylvania

Our son died of a brain tumor at 17. On the second anniversary of his death, as I was driving to work, a double rainbow appeared in the clear sky. One end was on the road in front of us and the other at the cemetery where he was buried.
—Peggy H., Boone, North Carolina

Microwave ovens. Color TV. Finding someone who actually loves me for who I am.
—Steve R., Athens, Pennsylvania

Our country has gone from slavery to the election of an African American president.
—Colleen D., Bonner Springs, Kansas

Being able to have enough income to share with others less fortunate.
—Carol S., Islamorada, Florida

I was saved in a fire by the vision of my first-grade teacher telling me how to survive.
—Larry W., Pahokee, Florida

Hearts changed.
—Suzi E., Howell, Michigan

A father who wrote poems to his wife and loved her forever.
—Joanne L., Plymouth, Michigan

Surviving two cancers for almost ten years!
—Connie R., Denver, North Carolina

One I haven't witnessed is the Vikings winning a Super Bowl.
—Jann W., Maple Grove, Minnesota

The miracle of friendship.
—Regina W., Columbus, Ohio

* Text from Reader's Digest
** Photos from Google

The Boy and the Puppy

A farmer had some puppies he needed to sell. He painted a sign
advertising the 4 pups.

And set about nailing it to a post on the edge of his yard.
As he was driving the last nail into the post, he felt a tug on his
overalls.

He looked down into the eyes of a little boy.

"Mister," he said, "I want to buy one of your puppies."

"Well," said the farmer, as he rubbed the sweat off the back off his
neck,

"These puppies come from fine parents and cost a good deal of money."

The boy dropped his head for a moment. Then reaching deep into
his pocket, he pulled out a handful of change and held it up to the
farmer.

"I've got thirty-nine cents. Is that enough to take a look?"

"Sure," said the farmer. And with that he let out a whistle. "Here,
Dolly!" he called.

Out from the doghouse and down the ramp ran Dolly followed by four
little balls of fur.

The little boy pressed his face against the chain link fence. His
eyes danced with delight.

As the dogs made their way to the fence, the little boy noticed
something else stirring inside the doghouse. Slowly another little ball appeared, this one noticeably smaller.

Down the ramp it slid. Then in a somewhat awkward manner, the little
pup began hobbling toward the others,doing its best to catch up....
"I want that one," the little boy said, pointing to the runt.
The farmer knelt down at the boy's side and said, "Son, you don't
want that puppy. He will never be able to run and play with you like these other dogs would."

With that the little boy stepped back from the fence, reached down,
and began rolling up one leg of his trousers. In doing so he revealed a steel brace running down both sides of his leg attaching itself to a specially made shoe.

Looking back up at the farmer, he said, "You see sir, I don't run too
well myself, and he will need someone who understands."

With tears in his eyes, the farmer reached down and picked up the
little pup. Holding it carefully he handed it to the little boy.
"
How much?" asked the little boy.

"No charge," answered the farmer, "There's no charge for love."
The world is full of people who need someone who understands.

The Doll and a White Rose

I hurried into the local department store to grab somelast minute

Christmas gifts. I looked at all the people and grumbled to myself.

I would be in here forever and I just had so much to do. Christmas

was beginning to become such a drag. I kinda wished that I could

just sleep through Christmas.

But I hurried the best I could through all the people to the toy

department. Once again I kind of mumbled to myself at the prices of all

these toys.

And wondered if the grandkids would even play with them.

I found myself in the doll aisle. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a

little boy about 5 holding a lovely doll. He kept touching her hair and

he held her so gently.

I could not seem to help myself. I just kept looking over at the little

boy and wondered who the doll was for. I watched him turn to a woman

and he called his aunt by name and said, "Are you sure I don't have

enough money"

She replied a bit impatiently, "You know that you don't have enough

money for it. The aunt told the little boy not to go anywhere that she

had to go get some other things and would be back in a few minutes.

And then she left the aisle. The boy continued to hold the doll.

After a bit I asked the boy who the doll was for.

He said,"It is the doll my sister wanted so badly for Christmas.

She just knew that Santa would bring it."I told him that maybe Santa

was going to bring it. He said "No, Santa can't go where my sister is.

I have to give the doll to my Mamma to take to her."

I asked him where his sister was. He looked at me with the saddest eyes

and said "She was gone to be with Jesus." My Daddy says that Mama

is going to have to go be with her. My heart nearly stopped beating.

Then the boy looked at me again and said, "I told my Daddy to tell

Mama not to go yet.

I told him to tell her to wait till I got back from the store." Then

he asked me if I wanted to see his picture. I told him I would love to.

He pulled out some pictures he'd had taken at the front of the store.He

said "I want my Mama to take this with her so she don't ever forget me."

"I love my Mama so very much and I wish she did not have to leave me."

"But Daddy says she will need to be with my sister." I saw that the

little boy had lowered his head and had grown so very quiet.

While he was not looking I reached into my purse and pulled out a

handful of bills. I asked the little boy, "Shall we count that money

one more time?" He grew excited and said "Yes, I just know it has to be

enough".So I slipped my money in with his and we began to count it.

Of course it was plenty for the doll. He softly said, "Thank you Jesus

for giving me enough money." Then the boy said "I just asked Jesus to

give me enough money to buy this doll so Mama can take it with her to

give to my sister." "And he heard my prayer. "I wanted to ask him for

enough to buy my Mama a white rose, but I didn't ask him, but he gave

me enough to buy the doll and a rose for my Mama."

"She loves white roses so very, very much."In a few minutes the aunt

came back and I wheeled my cart away. I could not keep from thinking

about the little boy as I finished my shopping in a totally different

spirit than when I had started. And I kept remembering a story I had

seen in the newspaper several days = earlier about a drunk driver

hitting a car and killing a little girl and the Mother was in serious

condition. The family was deciding on whether to remove the life support.

Now surely this little boy did not belong with that story. Two days

later I read in the paper where the family had disconnected the life

support and the young woman had died. I could not forget the little

boy and just kept wondering if the two were somehow connected.

Later that day, I could not help myself and I went out and bought some

white roses and took them to the funeral home where the young woman was.

And there she was holding a lovely white rose, the beautiful doll, and

the picture of the little boy in the store. I left there in tears,

my life changed forever. The love that little boy had for his little

sister and his mother was overwhelming. And in a split second a drunk

driver had ripped the life of that little boy to pieces.

The Bed To The Window

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.

The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation. And every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.

The man in the other bed began to live for those one-hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside. The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color of the rainbow. Grand old trees graced the landscape, and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance. As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene.

One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by.
Although the other man couldn't hear the band, he could see it in his
mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.

Days and weeks passed. One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away. As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.

Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first
look at the world outside. Finally, he would have the joy of seeing it for himself. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed.

It faced a blank wall.

The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window. The nurse
responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall. She said, "Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you."

Epilogue: There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations. Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled. If you want to feel rich, just count all of the things you have that money can't buy.

Why People Come into your Life?

People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. When you figure out which it is, you know exactly what to do. When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed outwardly or inwardly. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually.

They may seem like a godsend, and they are. They are there for the reason, you need them to be. Then, without any wrong doing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.

Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up or out and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and it is now time to move on.

When people come into your life for a SEASON, it is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They may bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; those things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person/people (any way); and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

*Photos from Google Image

The Day I Became a Mom

The day I became a mom was not the day my daughter was born, but seven years later. Up until that day, I had been too busy trying to survive my abusive marriage. I had spent all my energy trying to run a "perfect" home that would pass inspection each evening, and I didn't see that my baby girl had become a toddler. I'd tried endlessly to please someone who could never be pleased and suddenly realized that the years had slipped by and could never be recaptured.

Oh, I had done the normal "motherly" things, like making sure my daughter got to ballet and tap and gym lessons. I went to all of her recitals and school concerts, parent-teacher conferences and open houses - alone. I ran interference during my husband's rages when something was spilled at the dinner table, telling her, "It will be okay, Honey. Daddy's not really mad at you." I did all I could to protect her from hearing the awful shouting and accusations after he returned from a night of drinking. Finally I did the best thing I could do for my daughter and myself: I removed us from the home that wasn't really a home at all.

That day I became a mom was the day my daughter and I were sitting in our new home having a calm, quiet dinner just as I had always wanted for her. We were talking about what she had done in school and suddenly her little hand knocked over the full glass of chocolate milk by her plate. As I watched the white tablecloth and freshly painted white wall become dark brown, I looked at her small face. It was filled with fear, knowing what the outcome of the event would have meant only a week before in her father's presence. When I saw that look on her face and looked at the chocolate milk running down the wall, I simply started laughing. I am sure she thought I was crazy, but then she must have realized that I was thinking, "It's a good thing your father isn't here!" She started laughing with me, and we laughed until we cried. They were tears of joy and peace and were the first of many tears that we cried together. That was the day we knew that we were going to be okay.

Whenever either of us spills something, even now, seventeen years later, she says, "Remember the day I spilled the chocolate milk? I knew that day that you had done the right thing for us, and I will never forget it."

That was the day I really became a mom. I discovered that being a mom isn't only going to ballet, and tap and gym recitals, and attending every school concert and open house. It isn't keeping a spotless house and preparing perfect meals. It certainly isn't pretending things are normal when they are not. For me, being a mom started when I could laugh over spilled milk.


*Story By Linda Jones
*Photo's from Google

The Donkey and the Well.

                     One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he just decided that the animal was too old to retrieve plus the well needed to be covered up anyway, so saving the donkey he thought wouldn't be worth it. He then invited all his neighbors to come over and help him to bury the donkey alive. They all grabbed a shovel and began shoving dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was appening and cried horribly.

Then, to everyone's amazement, he quieted down. A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well and was astonished at what he saw. With every shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up. As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up.

Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and trotted off.

Reflections

Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a stepping stone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up!

Remember the (5) simple rules to be happy:

1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. and Expect less..

* Photo from Google Image

The King and his Four Wives

                         There was once a rich King who had four wives. He loved the fourth wife the most and adorned her with rich robes and treated her to the finest of delicacies. He gave her nothing but the best. He also loved the third wife very much, and he was always showing her off to neighboring kingdoms. However, he feared that one day she would leave him for another. He also loved his second wife. She was his confidante and was always kind, considerate, and patient with him. Whenever the King faced a problem, he could confide in her to help him get through the difficult times. The King's first wife was a very loyal partner and had made greatcontributions in maintaining his wealth and kingdom. However, he did not love the first wife and although she loved him deeply, he hardly took notice of her.

One day, the King fell ill, and he knew his time was short.He thought of his luxurious life and pondered, "I now have four wives with me, but when I die, I'll be all alone. Thus, he asked the fourth wife, "I have loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing, and showered great care over you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?" "Absolutely not!" replied the fourth wife, and she walked away without another word. Her answer cut like a sharp knife right into his heart. The sad King then asked the third wife, "I have loved you all my life. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?" "No," replied the third wife. "Life is too good! When you die, I'm going to remarry!" His heart sank and turned cold. He then asked the second wife, "I have always turned to you for help, and you've always been there for me. When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?" "I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time," replied the second wife. "At the very most, I can only send you to your grave." Her answer came like a bolt of thunder, and the King was devastated. Then a voice called out. "I'll leave with you and follow you no matter where you go."

The King looked up, and there was his first wife. She was so sad and thin, she looked half-starved. Greatly grieved, the King said, "I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!"

Reflections

In truth, we all have four wives in our lives: Our fourth wife is our body. No matter how much time and effort we lavish in making it look good, it'll leave us when we die. Our third wife is our possessions, status, and wealth. When we die, it will all go to others. Our second wife is our family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for us, the furthest they can stay by us is up to the grave. And our first wife is our soul, often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power, and pleasures of the ego. However, our soul is the only thing that will follow us wherever we go. So cultivate, strengthen, and cherish it now! It IS your greatest gift to offer the world.

*Photo from Google Image

Beginning a New Life

One day a seven-year-old boy was riding in the back seat of the family car. He was sitting between his older brother and sister. Their mother was driving.

On this day their mother was feeling especially distraught over having been recently abandoned by their father. Suddenly, in a fit of anger, she spun around and slapped the seven-year-old across the face. She
yelled at the boy: "And you! I never wanted you. The only reason I had you was to keep your father. But then he left anyway. I hate you!" That scene branded itself on the boy's memory.

Over the years, his mother reinforced her feelings toward him by constantly finding fault with him. Years later that son was able to tell his counselor. "I can't tell you how many times in the last twenty-three years I relived that experience. Probably thousands." He continued, "But recently I put myself in my mother's shoes. Here she was, a high school graduate with no skills, no job, no money and a family to support. I realized how lonely and depressed she must have felt.

"I thought of the anger and the pain that must have been there. And I thought of how much I reminded her of the failure of her young hopes. And so one day I decided to visit her and talk to her. I told her that
I understood her feelings and that I loved her just the same. "She broke down and we wept in each other's arms for what seemed to be hours. It was the beginning of a new life for me, for her, --- for both of us."

"Don't look back on yesterday
That's full of hurts and regrets,
Look ahead and seek God's way, And learn to forgive and forget."

*By Doris and Donnelly
From "Forgiveness Brings New Life
* Photos from Google Image