How Small I Am

On the evening of March 9, 1995, I was "stranded" in Baltimore, MD by a snowstorm. The airport shutdown and my flight was canceled. I got a room in a Marriott Hotel and was on about the 10th floor. I opened the window curtains and sat overlooking the light falling snow on a surprisingly clear and very cold night, wishing I was home, but thankful I was in a very nice, warm room. I looked out through the night and snow and began to think of all that was going on in the world, as I sat snug and warm and secure. This is what I jotted down that night:

It's bitter cold here in Baltimore, MD tonight. The air is crisp and clear and the lights are bright. Somewhere in the city someone is laughing, someone is crying, someone happy, someone hurting, someone making love, someone fighting, someone being born, someone dying, someone with dreams, someone with no hope, someone planning good, someone planning evil, someone dancing, someone crippled, someone in a warm home, someone homeless and cold. And I sit here as an observer of the world and think how much must be happening all around this great ball we call earth...and I think how very small I am.

Stanley :)

Laughter is Great!!

Still one of my all-time favorite videos!!

(If you wish to hear the video sound better, go to the bottom of the page and "pause" the player)

Continue With Me

My children have all gone back to their homes now. God sent a special blessing when he let me have them, first-hand, for a few brief days. Thank You, God!

O how You look upon me,
Your humble creature,
With such Goodness of heart.
You forever bring to me
Rivers of life.
I deserve so little,
You give so much.
What more could I ask
But that Your favor might continue with Your servant...
And that Your servant
Might continue
In Your Will
Amen

Stanley :)

Thankfulness!

Thank You, O God, for supplying all my needs and giving me so much more. For my family...for love...for safety and protection...for health...for food and shelter and clothing...for the morning light and the joy of life...for good people and good thoughts and good deeds...for being my God...and caring.
Stanley :)

Great Spirit, you lived first, and you are older than all need.
Black Elk, Oglala Sioux, 1863-1950

Encourage Art Talent in Your Children!

The Invisible Couple

An invisible man married an invisible woman.
Nobody could figure out exactly what they saw in each other.....
The kids weren't much to look at either.

Family

Family…they are a warm fire on a cold night, laughter on a dreary day, a hug that never lets go...and a thousand other pleasures of life.

My children, and my children’s children, and our adopted family member, Jimmy, are all home for the holidays. I can’t describe how good that feels. I’m thankful for my life and for what God has blessed me with today. Amen!
Stanley :)

Good Now, Bad Later

When you think to do good, tell yourself, “Do it Now”.
When you think to do bad, tell yourself, “Later”.

The first thought comes from experiences in my life of too many times when I know I should have done the “good” that first came into my mind rather than allow fear, hesitation and lack of confidence to take the lead. God is the One who planted that thought of doing good…listen to it…now.

The second thought is really a great help in life. It’s not a way to “plan” to do bad...it allows you to not let the thought take over, to push it aside, and quite possibly become uninterested, or even forget it. It’s a low-pressure way of bypassing the bad. It comes from this statement by a Lakota (American Indian), Dr. A.C. Ross (Ehanamani):

“When temptation comes, I don’t say, “Yes” and I don’t say, “No”. I say, “Later”. I just keep walking the Red Road -- down the middle. When you are in the middle, you don’t go to either extreme. You allow both sides to exist.”

Some would say, “this is not good”. I say, “it is wise”. Try it.
Stanley :)

Puprose of Life

This is a quote from my most favorite Unknown Author. I've tried to make it a part of my heart for years now. "Tried" is the key word...but it is a valiant purpose to strive toward.

As I stumble through this life,

help me to create more laughter than tears,

dispense more happiness than gloom,

and spread more cheer than despair.

Never let me become so indifferent,

that I fail to see the wonder in the eyes of a child,

or the twinkle in the eyes of the aged.

Never let me forget that my total effort is to cheer people,

make them happy, and to forget, at least momentarily,

all the unhappiness in their lives.

And in my final moment,

may I hear You whisper,

"When you made my people smile,

you made Me smile."