Stories That Coach:

Two Choices.....

Please read, what would you do?

You make the choice! Don't look for a punch line; there isn't one! Read it anyway.


My question to all of you is: *Would you have made the same choice?*


At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves learning disabled children,the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended.

After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question:

"When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does is done with perfection. Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do. Where is the natural order of things in my son?"

The audience was stilled by the query. The father continued. "I believe that when a child like Shay, physically and mentally handicapped comes into the
[FONT=Courier
New]world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it [/FONT]comes, in the way other people treat that child."

Then he told the following story: Shay and his father had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, "Do you think they'll let me play?"

Shay's father knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but the father also understood that if his son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.

Shay's father approached one of the boys on the field and asked if Shay could play, not expecting much. The boy looked around for guidance and a few boys nodded approval, why not? So he took matters into his own hands and said, "We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning."

Shay struggled over to the team's bench put on a team shirt with a broad smile and his Father had a small tear in his eye and warmth in his heart. The boys saw the father's joy at his son being accepted. In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three. In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from
ear to ear as his father waved to him from the stands.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again. Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game?

Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible 'cause Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball.However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher, recognizing the other team putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's life, moved in a few
steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least be able to make contact. The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed.

The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay. As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher.The game would now be over, but the pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman. Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game.

Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the head of the first baseman,out of reach of all team mates. Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, "Shay, run to first! Run to first!" Never in his life had
Shay ever ran that far but made it to first base.
He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled. Everyone yelled,"Run to second, run to second!" Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to second base.By the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the
ball, the smallest guy on their team, who had a chance to be the hero for his team for the first time. He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitchers intentions and he
too intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman's head. Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the
bases toward home. All were screaming, "Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay"

Shay reached third base, the opposing shortstop ran to help him and! turned him in the direction of third base, and shouted, "Run to third! Shay, run to third" As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams and those watching were on their feet were screaming, "Shay, run home!" Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the "grand slam" and won the game for his team.

That day," said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world."

Shay didn't make it to another summer and died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making his Father so happy and coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!

 

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sToRiEs ThAt CoAcH - A Clever Dog !!

A butcher watching over his shop is really surprised when he saw a dog coming inside the shop. He shoos him away. But later, the dog is back again.
So, he goes over to the dog and notices he has a note in his mouth. He takes the note and it reads "Can I have 12 sausages and a leg of lamb, please. The dog has money in his mouth, as well."

The butcher looks inside and, lo and behold, there is a ten dollar Note there. So he takes the money and puts the sausages and lamb in a bag, placing it in the dog's mouth. The butcher is so impressed, and since it's about closing time, he decides to shut up shop and follow the dog.
So off he goes. The dog is walking down the street when he comes To a level crossing.
The dog puts down the bag, jumps up and presses the button. Then he waits patiently, bag in mouth, for the lights to turn. They do, and he walks across the road, with the butcher following him all the way.
The dog then comes to a bus stop, and starts looking at the timetable. The butcher is in awe at this stage. The dog checks out the times, and then sits on one of the seats provided. Along comes a bus. The dog walks around to the front, looks at the number, and goes back to his seat.
Another bus comes. Again the dog goes and looks at the number, notices it's the right bus, and climbs on. The butcher, by now, open-mouthed, follows him onto the bus.
The bus travels through the town and out into the suburbs, the dog Looking at the scenery. Eventually he gets up, and moves to the front of the bus. He stands on 2 back paws and pushes the button to stop the bus. Then he gets off, his groceries still in his mouth.
Well, dog and butcher are walking along the road, and then the dog turns into a house. He walks up the path, and drops the groceries on the step.
Then he walks back down the path, takes a big run, and throws himself against the door. He goes back down the path, runs up to the door and again, it throws himself against it. There's no answer at the house, so the dog goes back down the path, jumps up on a narrow wall, and walks along the perimeter of the garden. He gets to the window, and beats his head against it several times, walks back, jumps off, and waits at the door.

The butcher watches as a big guy opens the door, and starts abusing the dog, kicking him and punching him, and swearing at him.
The butcher runs up, and stops the guy. "What in heaven's name are You doing? The dog is a genius. He could be on TV, for the life of me!" to which the guy responds: "You call this clever? This is the second time this week that this stupid dog's forgotten his key."
Reflection:
Looks like some, people will never be satisfied with what they've got. When it comes to the work place, Employers do not know how to appreciate their people who have served them loyally through the years. I've seen companies lose good people for the simple fact their leaders failed to show appreciation. Employers with big egos enjoy the fact that they have more power and authority than others. They show, in the way they give orders and directions, that they think they are superior. They get a kick out of displaying this superiority. People who do this are fools, and everyone but them knows it. They are never satisfied because they could not be satisfied even if their people perform well.

They don't listen to the opinion and ideas of their subordinates. Why? Because of their stupid pride and insecurity.
People of this kind will never be satisfied. Why? Because they are so busy wrapped up in themselves and, fact is, the self can never be satisfied. Happy and productive people are always those who are "others-centered" rather than "self- centered."

The greatest idea of leadership is not someone who throws his weight around. Rather, he is a servant. As Bible would say, "He who wish to be a leader should first be a servant." His joy is derived from delivering a job that others benefit from his contribution. Aim for service and success will follow.

 

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Stories That Coach: In The Masters Hands

In The Masters Hands....

Wishing to encourage her young son's progress on the piano, a mother took her boy to a Paderewski concert. After they were seated, the mother spotted a friend in the audience and walked down the aisle to greet her.
Seizing the opportunity to explore the wonders of the concert hall, the little boy rose and eventually explored his

way through a door marked "NO ADMITTANCE." When the house lights dimmed and the concert was about to begin, the mother returned to her seat and discovered that the child was missing.
Suddenly, the curtains parted and spotlights focused on
the impressive Steinway on stage. In horror, the mother saw
her little boy sitting at the keyboard, innocently picking out "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star."

At that moment, the great piano master made his entrance, quickly moved to the piano, and whispered in the boy's ear, "Don't quit. Keep playing."
Then leaning over, Paderewski reached down with his left
hand and began filling in a bass part. Soon his right arm reached around to the other side of the child and he added a running obbligato. Together, the old master and the young novice transformed a frightening situation into a wonderfully creative experience. The audience was mesmerized.

That's the way it is in life. What we can accomplish on our own is hardly noteworthy. We try our best, but the results aren't exactly graceful flowing music. But when we trust in the hands of a Greater Power, our life's work truly can be beautiful.

Next time you set out to accomplish great feats, listen carefully. You can hear the voice of the Master, whispering in your ear, "Don't quit. Keep playing."

 

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:*: sToRiEs ThAt CoAcH -The True Meaning of Happiness *:*

Once upon a time in a country far away lived a loving mother and father with their two children, (Betty & Freddie). The father was very wealthy and owned several acres of land with five dozen cattle. The family lived in a large farmhouse with a fireplace in each room and running water from a pump set in the kitchen. The parents loved their children very much, giving them anything that their hearts desired, if Betty wanted a dollhouse made from the finest teakwood in Japan, her father would have it imported. If Freddie wanted an Arabian horse, he too would have it. Betty and Freddie were growing quite spoiled and began to behave mean & nasty.

One day a little girl from the orphanage wanted to play with Betty and Freddie. Freddie laughed at her for the way she dressed and Betty laughed at the way her hair was pulled back with straw rope. Neither one wanted to play with a girl who looked so terrible. The little girl walked away with tears swelled in her eyes. She wasn't upset that Betty or Freddie didn't want to play with her, she was sad because Betty and Freddie thought that money made you happy and better than anyone else who didn't have any.

The very next day, the little girl again asked them if they wanted to play at her home, the orphanage, Betty and Freddie laughed at the thought. The little girl told them of great places to play hide -n- seek, which aroused their curiosity, Betty and Freddie agreed to come over and play.

Later on that afternoon, Betty and Freddie walked over to the orphanage to play with the little girl. As they walked into the building, they saw many children running about in moth eaten clothes. All of the children were laughing and having fun. Betty and her brother were very surprised to see laughter because they thought that money made you happy. The children were not wealthy and yet they were laughing and playing. Betty asked the little girl why they were happy and the little girl replied "money doesn't buy you happiness" you see happiness comes from within and having the best toys and clothes really doesn't make you happy, just greedy, until you have so much that you turn mean.

Betty and Freddie looked at each other and realized that they weren't really happy no matter how many toys they owned. They both knew that they turned mean and nasty. Betty started to cry and wanted to go home.

Freddie had walked Betty home and thought of a way to make them truly happy. He explained his plan to Betty and the very next day, Betty and Freddie returned back to the orphanage carrying a large cloth bag, inside the bag they had put all of their toys, they gave all of the children a toy of their own. The children were so very happy and that made Betty and Freddie very happy.

From that day on Betty and Freddie were no longer selfish and mean. They both learned what true happiness meant and were very thankful to the little girl who showed them.


By Debi H.

 

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Stories that Coach : 'Eagles in a Storm'

Did you know that an eagle knows when a storm is approaching long before it breaks?

The eagle will fly to some high spot and wait for the winds to come. When the storm hits, it sets its wings so that the wind will pick it up and lift it above the storm. While the storm rages below, the eagle is soaring above it.

The eagle does not escape the storm. It simply uses the storm to lift it higher. It rises on the winds that bring the storm.

When the storms of life come upon us - and all of us will experience them - we can rise above them by setting our minds and our belief toward God. The storms do not have to overcome us. We can allow God's power to lift us above them.

God enables us to ride the winds of the storm that bring sickness, tragedy, failure and disappointment in our lives. We can soar above the storm.

Remember, it is not the burdens of life that weigh us down, it is how we handle them.

Source : www.indianchild.com

 

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Stories That Coach: Changing Lifestyles

CHANGING LIFESTYLES.........
by Catherine Pulsifer

We stood in the kitchen talking. I was discussing my upcoming change in lifestyle. I was excited yet hesitant as I talked about it. We set a goal many years ago to change our lifestyle from one of the hectic city life, working to pay the bills….. to one of a slower country pace, working on our "wanna do's". Yet as I talked to my friend about this, there was hesitation in my voice.

Leaving a company where I had worked for over 26 years, leaving friends who have become like family to me, leaving a province where I had lived, raised my children and worked for the last 16 years. I expressed my concerns of leaving a steady paycheck for a much, much lower income. As I talked, that little voice in my head was saying, "what are you doing, will you be able to make it?"

My friend left the room and came back carrying a bag. "This is for you," she said smiling.

I opened the bag and in it was a plaque with the following poem:

Believe In Yourself
And in your dream
though impossible
things may seem,
Someday, somehow you'll get through to
the goal you have in view.
Mountains fall and
seas divide before
the one who in his stride
Takes a hard road
day by day
sweeping obstacles away.
Believe in yourself
and in your plan.
Say not - I cannot but, I can.
The prizes of life we
fail to win, Because we doubt the
power within.

As I read the poem, my hesitation disappeared, my confidence restored, I knew it would be all right. I did have a dream, and although, at times it appeared impossible, I set my goal and never lost sight of that end goal. Yes, many times as I worked towards that goal I had setbacks, obstacles. However, I never lost focus. I believed I could do it. And, as I reflected on the poem I knew, tomorrow will work out. I have come this far and faced many obstacles, but I overcame them.

I am writing this story on Sunday, and tomorrow, on Monday, June 23rd, the moving truck will arrive. I am leaving Mississauga, ON and moving to the country in New Brunswick. My goal now a reality!

What are your dreams?

Do they seem impossible?

Set your goal, don't give up when you face obstacles, and stay focused, as the power within is truly amazing!!

 

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Stories that Coach : 'The Ant and the Contact Lens'

The Ant and the Contact Lens
A True Story by Josh and Karen Zarandona

Brenda was a young woman who was invited to go rock climbing. Although she was very scared, she went with her group to a tremendous granite cliff. In spite of her fear, she put on the gear, took hold of the rope, and started up the face of that rock. Well, she got to a ledge where she could take a breather. As she was hanging on there, the safety rope snapped against Brenda's eye and knocked out her contact lens.

Well, here she is, on a rock ledge, with hundreds of feet below her and hundreds of feet above her. Of course, she looked and looked and looked, hoping it had landed on the ledge, but it just wasn't there.

Here she was, far from home, her sight now blurry. She was desperate and began to get upset, so she prayed to the Lord to help her to find it.
When she got to the top, a friend examined her eye and her clothing for the lens, but there was no contact lens to be found. She sat down, despondent, with the rest of the party, waiting for the rest of them to make it up the face of the cliff.

She looked out across range after range of mountains, thinking of that verse that says, "The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth." She thought, "Lord, You can see all these mountains. You know every stone and leaf, and You know exactly where my contact lens is. Please help me."

Finally, they walked down the trail to the bottom. At the bottom there was a new party of climbers just starting up the face of the cliff. One of them shouted out, "Hey, you guys! Anybody lose a contact lens?"

Well, that would be startling enough, but you know why the climber saw it? An ant was moving slowly across the face of the rock, carrying it on it's back.

Brenda told me that her father is a cartoonist. When she told him the incredible story of the ant, the prayer, and the contact lens, he drew a picture of an ant lugging that contact lens with the words, "Lord, I don't know why You want me to carry this thing. I can't eat it, and it's awfully heavy. But if this is what You want me to do, I'll carry it for You."
-----
It would probably do some of us a lot of good to occasionally say, "God, I don't know why you want me to carry this load. I can see no good in it and it's awfully heavy. But, if you want me to carry it, I will."

God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called. GOD is my source of existence and my Savior. He keeps me functioning each and every day. Without Him, I am nothing, but with Him... "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." (Philipians 4:13)

 

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Stories that Coach : 'The Window Salesman'

The Window Salesman
by Gary Hanley

Allow me to introduce you to Terry, a window salesman from England. If I take you back about 20 years, you'd know Terry as a complete newbie... a not-long-since teenager who was wet behind the ears in just about everything he attempted. The kind of person who couldn't sell false teeth to his own Granny, let alone compete with the other salespeople in the industry. You know, the kind who could sell snow to Eskimos.

So. to add a twist to this scenario, Terry's boss decides to send him out on a practical field trip on his first day. He throws him right into the deep end by asking him to visit an interested prospect at the posh end of town... where the big money is in Windows/Double-glazing sales. So off he goes.

He was extremely nervous. With his hands shaking and his knees nobbling, he approaches the front door and thuds the door knocker several times. An oldish woman approaches and, after his first shaking introduction, she invites him in.

He stays there for over 3 hours. Then, after dozens of cups of tea and mounds of biscuits, the woman signs a contract and purchases over £7000 worth of windows (that's over $11,000 in U.S. dollars!)

And, Here's The REAL Kicker - The woman had already spoken with 6 other dynamite glazing salesmen that week. ALL of them offered her a cheaper quote! That's right - Terry's price was the MOST expensive. He was also the most inexperienced salesman there ever was.

So, what happened in the background? And moreover, how can you replicate these powerful sales techniques to step up a notch on your own profit ladder? Here comes the secret.

The woman said, "She liked the young lad more than the others."

That's ALL there was to it. She didn't care about the extra expense. Even the other slick salesmen couldn't persuade her to pay LESS than this young chap was asking for.

The truth is, this lad's first impression shone brighter than any of the sales talk the others subjected the old woman to. First impressions count, and this young lad's courtesy, attitude, politeness and likability are what closed the sale. Not the sales hype. Not the low prices with the gigantic over-hyped benefits. But, the actual 'personality' and 'impression' the kid honestly gave was all that was required.

If you market your own products and services, consider what impression you are giving to your prospects. If you appeal to them, then you've already done half of the work. If this means redesigning your presentation, then so be it. If this means going out of your way to be polite, helpful and giving the best possible shopping experience to your customers, then so be it.

Is it really too much work to secure those big sales? I'll leave you to ponder on that thought.

 

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Stories that Coach : 'Keep Your Fork'

Keep Your Fork
-- Attributed to Roger William Thomas.
Submitted to Ann Landers by Kay in California.

A woman was diagnosed with a terminal illness and given three months to live. She asked her Pastor to come to her home to discuss her final wishes. She told him which songs she wanted sung at her funeral, and what scriptures she wanted read, and which outfit she wanted to be buried in.

Then she said, "One more thing... I want to be buried with a fork in my hand."

The pastor was surprised.

The woman explained, "In all my years of attending church socials and potluck dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably say to everyone, 'Keep your fork.' It was my favorite time of the dinner, because I knew something better was coming, like velvety chocolate cake or deep dish apple pie - something wonderful. So, I want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and wonder, ' What's with the fork?' Then, I want you to tell them, ' Keep your fork, because the best is yet to come.' "

The pastor's eyes welled up with tears of joy as he bid the woman goodbye. He realized she had a better grasp of heaven than he did, and knew something better was coming.

At the funeral, when people asked him why she was holding a fork, the pastor told them of the conversation he had with the woman before she died. He said he could not stop thinking about the fork, and knew they probably would not be able to stop thinking about it either. He was right.

"Keep your fork. The best is yet to come."

 

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Stories That Coach: Survivor

Survivor....

A teenage girl survived an air crash in the rain forest, which
happened on December 24, 1971. As a lone survivor she found her way
through the uninhabited jungle to civilisation in spite of the
injuries and other difficulties. The jungle creatures showed their
best hospitality as usual by not interfering with her business.

This German girl aged 17 named Juliane Margaret Koepcke who wanted to
be a naturalist when grown up was travelling with her mother in the
LANSA (Lineas Nacionales Airlines) Lockheed Electra L-188, to meet
her father who was a famous Naturalist himself. The Peruvian
commercial airliner was flying to Pucallpa. Just forty minutes after
the take-off, the bird that was carrying them was struck by a
lightning, which caused a fire in the right wing. The systems in the
aircraft stopped working and soon the aircraft went out of control.
The crew in the aircraft couldn't do anything they were spectators to
the fiery wing dislodging itself.

The plane crashed down in the mountainous vegetation of the Amazon.
The 17-year old last remembered seeing the right wing of the aircraft
burning before the flight started to hit the ground. Out of the 92
people including crewmembers on board, only this17-year old girl
survived bearing a injured collarbone and suffering concussions. When
she woke up, she found herself strapped to the seat of the aircraft.
She started looking for her mother and other co-travellers but found
no one and came to the conclusion that her mother, a leading
ornithologist, Maria Koepcke, had died.

Being raised with admiration for environment and having experiences
of forest life was the advantage she had, which came to her rescue
and she started following the water flow so that she can trace it
down to the large river where human habitats can be expected. she was
wearing a tattered miniskirt and walked her way down to the river for
9 days, in the insect infected place. Her wounds were so bad that her
arm was filled with maggots. Insects had nested eggs in her wounds,
but she neither cared for this or for the poisonous creatures and the
crocodiles, which were her encounters downstream.

She survived in the forest and while walking her way to civilisation,
found a hut where the natives who helped her use gasoline to clean
her wounds helped her. She recollected counting 35 worms coming out
of her arms. Water was tonic, food and cleanser for all those days;
she was sick, malnourished and completely exhausted and looked like a
two dimensional living object. With the help of the Peruvian hunters,
she was flown to her father in Pucallpa.

The girl helped the rescue team find the bodies of those who lost
their lives in the crash. Juliane Margaret Koepcke pursued her dreams
to be a naturalist; she lives to tell her tale of adventure. It was
later found that as many as 14 people survived the crash but they
didn't have the nerves, which this small girl possessed. This was the
subject of two films. The famous one being "Wings of Hope" by Werner
Herzog.

"It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most
intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable
to change." - Charles Darwin

 

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:*: sToRiEs ThAt CoAcH :*: Box Full Of Kisses :*:


The story goes that some time ago, a man punished his 3-year-old daughter for wasting a roll of gold wrapping paper. Money was tightand he became infuriated when the child tried to decorate a box to put under the Christmas tree. Nevertheless, the little girl brought the gift to her father the next morning and said, "This is for you, Daddy."

The man was embarrassed by his earlier overreaction, but his anger flared again when he found out the box was empty. He yelled at her,stating, "Don't you know, when you give someone a present, there is supposed to be something inside? The little girl looked up at him with tears in her eyes and cried, "Oh, Daddy, it's not empty at all.
I blew kisses into the box. They're all for you, Daddy."

The father was crushed. He put his arms around his little girl, and he begged for her forgiveness.

Only a short time later, an accident took the life of the child. It is also told that her father kept that gold box by his bed for many years and, whenever he was discouraged, he would take out an imaginary kiss and remember the love of the child who had put it there.

In a very real sense, each one of us, as humans beings, have been given a gold container filled with unconditional love and kisses...from our children, family members, friends, and God. There is simply no other possession, anyone could hold, more precious than this.

​

Unknown Author ​

 

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Stories that Coach : " Learn & Earn "

Learn and Earn
by: Author Unknown, Source Unknown

Chuan and Jing joined a wholesale company together just after graduation. Both worked very hard.

After several years, the boss promoted Jing to sales executive but Chuan remained a sales rep. One day Chuan could not take it anymore, tender resignation to the boss and complained the boss did not value hard working staff, but only promoted those who flattered him. The boss knew that Chuan worked very hard for the years, but in order to help Chuan realise the difference between him and Jing, the boss asked Chuan to do the following. Go and find out anyone selling water melon in the market? Chuan returned and said yes. The boss asked how much per kg? Chuan went back to the market to ask and returned to inform boss the $12 per kg. Boss told Chuan, I will ask Jing the same question? Jing went, returned and said, boss, only one person selling water melon. $12 per kg, $100 for 10 kg, he has inventory of 340 melons. On the table 58 melons, every melon weighs about 15 kg, bought from the South two days ago, they are fresh and red, good quality. Chuan was very impressed and realised the difference between himself and Jing. He decided not to resign but to learn from Jing. My dear friends, a more successful person is more observant, think more and understand in depth. For the same matter, a more successful person sees several years ahead, while you see only tomorrow. The difference between a year and a day is 365 times, how could you win? Think! how far have you seen ahead in your life? How thoughtful in depth are you?

Source : www.inspirationalstories.com

 

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sToRiEs ThAt CoAcH - CaNdLe !!!

One evening a man took a small candle from a box and began to climb a long winding stairway.

"Where are we going?" asked the candle.

"We're going up higher than a house to show the ships the way to the harbour."

"But no ship in the harbour could ever see my light ,"
the candle said , "it is so very small."

"If your light is small, the man said , "just keep on burning brightly and leave the rest to me."

When they reached the top of the long stairs, they came to a large lamp . Then he took the little candle and lit the lamp.

Soon the large polished mirrors behind the lamp sent beams of light out across the miles of sea.

We are GOD's Candle !
Our job is to keep on ShiNing !!!

The SUCCESS of our work is in His Hands. A tiny candle or match can start a forest fires . The little flame of your Good example can actually change the lives of others without you knowing it. Be a light to them like the beacon light in the story which guide the ship to safe Harbour !


Source Unknown

 

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:*: sToRiEs ThAt CoAcH - ReSeNtMeNts :*:

A Story tell of a Hotel Owner in a small town who had identical twin sons. The boys worked for their father in the Hotel he owned and when he died, they took over the Hotel.

Everything went well until the day a Five Rupee Note disappeared.One of the brothers had left the Hotel on the cash Table and walked outside with a customer.When he returned, the money was gone.

He asked his brother, "Did you see that Five Rupee Note on the cash Table?" His brother replied that he had not.But the young man kept probing and questioning.

"Five Rupee Note just dont't get up and walk away ! Surely you must have seen it !" There was subtle accusation in his voice. Tempers begin to rise.Resentment set in. Before long, a deep and bitter chasm divided the young men. They refused to speak. They finally decided they could no longer work together and a dividing wall was built down the centre of the Hotel. For twenty years hostility and bitterness grew , spreadin to their families. and to the community.

Then one day a man in Taxi licensed in another city stopped in front of the store. He walked in and asked the cashier, "How long have you been here ?"

The cashier replied that he'd been there all his life. The customer said, " I must share something with you .

Twenty years ago I was a farmer worker and came into this town in a bullock cart. I hadn't eaten for three days. I came into this Hotel from the back door and saw a Five Rupee Not on the cash Table. I put it in my pocket and walked out . All these years I havent been able to forget that. I know it wasn't much money , but I had to come back and ask your forgiveness by returning the money with interest..."

The stranger was amazed to see tears well up in the eyes of this middle aged man. "Would you please go next door and tell that same story to my brother in the other hotel?" he said.

After a while the man was even more amazed to see two middle aged men, who looked very much alike embracing each other and weeping together in front of the Hotel .

After twenty years, the brokenness was mended. The wall of resentment that divided them came down .

It is so often the little things that finally divide people words spoken in haste ..criticism..accusations..resentments.And once divided, they may never come together again .

The Solution , of course is TO LET GO. There is really nothing particularly profound about learning TO LET GO of little resentments. But for fufilling and lasting relationship, LETTING them GO is a MUST !

Refuse to carry around bitterness and you may be surprised at how much Energy you have left for Building Bonds with THOSE YOU LOVE !!!!!!



Source Unknown

 

[nick18_in]

Stories That Coach:: Failed Once !!

Failed Once !!

As I was passing the elephants, I suddenly stopped, confused by the fact that these huge creatures were being held by only a small rope tied to their front leg. No chains, no cages. It was obvious that the elephants could, at anytime, break away from their bonds but for some reason, they did not.

I saw a trainer near by and asked why these beautiful, magnificent animals just stood there and made no attempt to get away. "Well," he said, "when they are very young and much smaller we use the same size rope to tie them and, at that age, it's enough to hold them. As they grow up, they are conditioned to believe they cannot break away.

They believe the rope can still hold them, so they never try to break free." I was amazed. These animals could at any time break free from their bonds but because they believed they couldn't, they were stuck right where they were.

Like the elephants, how many of us go through life hanging onto a belief that we cannot do something, simply because we failed at it once before?

.............JUST THINK OF IT ONCE.............

 

[nick18_in]

Stories That Coach: 57 Cents...

57 Cents - True Story

"You may be only one person in the world, but you may also mean the world to one person"

A sobbing little girl stood near a small church from which she had been turned away because it was "too crowded." "I can't go to Sunday School," she sobbed to the pastor as he walked by. Seeing her shabby, unkempt appearance, the pastor guessed the reason and, taking her by the hand, took her inside and found a place for her in the Sunday school
class.

The child was so happy that they found room for her, and she went to bed that night thinking of the children who have no place to worship Jesus.

Some two years later, this child lay dead in one of the poor tenement buildings. Her parents called for the kind-hearted pastor who had befriended their daughter to handle the final arrangements. As her poor little body was being moved, a worn and crumpled red purse was found which seemed to have been rummaged from some trash dump. Inside was found 57 cents and a note, scribbled in childish handwriting, which read:

"This is to help build the little church bigger so more children can go to Sunday School." For two years she had saved for this offering of love. When the pastor tearfully read that note, he knew instantly what he would do. Carrying this note and the cracked, red pocketbook to the pulpit, he told the story of her unselfish love and devotion. He challenged his deacons to get busy and raise enough money for the larger building.

But the story does not end there...

A newspaper learned of the story and published it. It was read by a wealthy realtor who offered them a parcel of land worth many thousands. When told that the church could not pay so much, he offered to sell it to the little church for 57 cents.Church members made large donations. Checks came from far and wide. Within five years the little girl's gift had increased to $250,000.00, a huge sum for that time (near the turn of the century). Her unselfish love had paid large dividends.

When you are in the city of Philadelphia, look up Temple Baptist Church, with a seating capacity of 3,300. And be sure to visit Temple University, where thousands of students are educated. Have a look, too, at the Good Samaritan Hospital and at a Sunday School building which houses hundreds of beautiful children, built so that no child in the area will ever need to be left outside during Sunday School time. In one of the rooms of this building may be seen the picture of the sweet face of the little girl whose 57 cents, so sacrificially saved, made such remarkable history. Alongside of it is a portrait of her kind Pastor, Dr.Russel H. Conwell, author of the book, "Acres of Diamonds"

This is a true story, which goes to show WHAT GOD CAN DO WITH 57 CENTS

 

[nick18_in]

Stories that Coach:: Answered Prayers !!

ANSWERED PRAYERS

A voyaging ship was wrecked during a storm at sea and only two of the men on it were able to swim to a small, desert like island. The two survivors, not knowing what else to do, agreed that they had no other recourse but to pray to God. However, to find out whose prayer was more powerful, they agreed to divide the territory between them and stay on opposite sides of the island. The first thing they prayed for was food. The next morning, the first man saw a fruit-bearing tree on his side of the land, and he was able to eat its fruit. The other man's parcel of land remained barren. After a week, the first man was lonely and he decided to pray for a wife. The next day, another ship was wrecked, and the only survivor was a woman who swam to his side of the land. On the other side of the island, there was nothing. Soon the first man prayed for a house, clothes, more food. The next day, like magic, all of these were given to him. However, the second man still had nothing.

Finally, the first man prayed for a ship, so that he and his wife would leave the island. In the morning, he found a ship docked at his side of the island. The first man boarded the ship with his wife and decided to leave the second man on the island. He considered the other man unworthy to receive God's blessings, since none of his prayers had been answered. As the ship was about to leave, the first man heard a voice from heaven booming, "Why are you leaving your companion on the island?"

"My blessings are mine alone, since I was the one who prayed for them," the first man answered. "His prayers were all unanswered
and so he does not deserve anything."

"You are mistaken!" the voice rebuked him. "He had only one prayer, which I answered. If not for that, you would not have received any of my blessings."
"Tell me," the first man asked the voice, "What did he pray for that I should owe him anything?"
"He prayed that all your prayers be answered."

For all we know, our blessings are not the fruits of our prayers alone, but those of another praying for us.

 

[nick18_in]

Stories That Coach: A Baby's Hug

A BABY'S HUG

We were the only family with children in the restaurant. I sat Erik in a high chair and noticed everyone was quietly sitting and talking.

Suddenly, Erik squealed with glee and said,
"Hi." He pounded his fat baby hands on the high chair tray. His eyes were crinkled in laughter and his mouth was bared in a
toothless grin, as he wriggled and giggled
with merriment.

I looked around and saw the source of his merriment. It was a man whose pants were baggy with a zipper at half-mast and his toes poked out of would-be shoes. His shirt was dirty and his hair was uncombed and unwashed. His whiskers were too short to
[FONT=Courier
New]be called a beard and his nose was so [/FONT]
varicose it looked like a road map. We were
too far from him to smell, but I was sure he smelled. His hands waved and flapped on
loose wrists.

"Hi there, baby; Hi there, big boy. I see ya, buster," the man said to Erik.

My husband and I exchanged looks as if to
say, "What do we do?"

Erik continued to laugh and answer, "Hi." Everyone in the restaurant noticed and
looked at us and then at the man. The old geezer was creating a nuisance with my beautiful baby.

Our meal came and the man began shouting from across the room, "Do ya patty cake? Do you know peek-a-boo? Hey, look, he knows peek-a-boo."

Nobody thought the old man was cute. He was obviously drunk. My husband and I were embarrassed.

We ate in silence; all except for Erik, who was running through his repertoire for the admiring skid row bum, who in turn, reciprocated with
his cute comments. We finally got through the meal and headed for the door.

My husband went to pay the check and told me to meet him in the parking lot.

The old man sat poised between me and the door.

"Lord, just let me out of here before he speaks to me or Erik," I prayed.

As I drew closer to the man, I turned my back trying to sidestep him and avoid any air he might be breathing. As I did, Erik leaned over my arm, reaching with both arms in a baby's "pick-me-up" position. Before I could stop him, Erik had propelled himself from my arms to the man's.

Suddenly a very old smelly man and a very young baby consummated their love and kinship. Erik in an act of total trust, love, and submission laid his tiny head upon the man's ragged shoulder. The man's eyes closed, and
I saw tears hover beneath his lashes. His
aged hands full of grime, pain, and hard labor, cradled my baby's bottom and stroked his back.

No two beings have ever loved so deeply for so short a time. I stood awestruck. The old man rocked and cradled Erik in his arms and his eyes opened and set squarely on mine.

He said in a firm commanding voice, "You take care of this baby."

Somehow I managed, "I will," from a throat that contained a stone.

He pried Erik from his chest, lovingly and longingly, as though he were in pain.

I received my baby, and the man said, "God bless you, ma'am, you've given me my Christmas gift."

I said nothing more than a muttered thanks.

With Erik in my arms, I ran for the car. My husband was wondering why I was crying and holding Erik so tightly, and why I was saying, "My God, my God, forgive me."

I had just witnessed Christ's love shown through the innocence of a tiny child who saw no sin, who made no judgment; a child who saw a soul, and a mother who saw a suit of clothes. I was a Christian who was blind, holding a child who was not.

I felt it was God asking, "Are you willing to share your son for a moment?"

when He shared His for all eternity.

The ragged old man, unwittingly, had reminded me, "To enter the Kingdom of God, we must become as little children."

 

[nick18_in]

5 Stories that coach

********** STORY 1 ************[FONT=="Trebuchet][SIZE==3] [/FONT][/SIZE]

[FONT=="Trebuchet][SIZE==2]A girl and a boy were on a motorcycle, speeding through the night.
They loved each other a lot.....
Girl:"slow down a little.. I'm scared.."
Boy: "No, it's so fun.."
Girl: "please..it's so scary.."
Boy: "Then say that you love me.."
Girl: "Fine..I love you..can you slow down now?"
Boy: "Give me a big hug.."
The girl gave him a big hug.
Girl: "Now can you slow down?"
Boy: "Can you take off my helmet and put it on? It's uncomfortable
and it's bothering me while i ride."

The next day, there was a story in the newspaper. A motorcycle had crashed into a building because its brakes were broken. There were two people on the motorcycle, of which one died, and the other had survived...The guy knew that the brakes were broken. He didn't want to let the girl know, because he knew that the girl would have gotten scared. Instead, he was told
the last time that she loved him,got a hug from her, put his helmet on her so that she can live, and die himself...

Once in a while, Right in the middle of an ordinary life, Love gives us a fairy tale...
[/SIZE][/FONT][COLOR=#00ed]
[FONT=="Trebuchet][SIZE==2]Message "Life consists not in holding good cards but in playing those you hold well"[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=#0b00e]
[FONT=="Trebuchet][SIZE==2]*************************** Story 2 ***************************[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR]
[FONT=="Trebuchet][SIZE==2]Nurse: "It was a busy morning, approximately 8:30 am, when an elderly gentleman, in his 80's, presented to have sutures (stitches) removed from
his thumb.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=="Trebuchet][SIZE==2]He stated that he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am. I (nurse) took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=="Trebuchet][SIZE==2]I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound. [/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=="Trebuchet][SIZE==2]While taking care of his wound, we began to engage in conversation. Asked him if he had a doctor's appointment this morning somewhere else, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=="Trebuchet][SIZE==2]I then inquired as to her health. He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer Disease. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=="Trebuchet][SIZE==2]As we talked, and I finished dressing his wound, I asked if she would be worried if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=="Trebuchet][SIZE==2]I was surprised, and asked him. "And you are still going every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?" He smiled as he patted my hand and said. "She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is." [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=="Trebuchet][SIZE==2]I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, "That is the kind of love I want in my life." [/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=="Trebuchet][SIZE==2]True love is neither physical, nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=="Trebuchet][SIZE==2]Good friends are like stars...You don't always see them, but you always know they're there!![/SIZE][/FONT]

[COLOR=#0b00e]
[FONT=="Trebuchet][SIZE==3]*************************** STORY 3 ************************[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR]

[FONT=="Trebuchet][SIZE==2]The passengers on the bus watched sympathetically as the attractive young woman with the white cane made her way carefully up the steps. She paid the driver and, using her hands to feel the location of the seats, walked down the aisle and found the seat he'd told her was empty. Then she's settled in, placed her briefcase on her lap and rested her cane against her leg.

It had been a year since Susan became blind. Due to a medical misdiagnosis she had been rendered sightless, and she was suddenly thrown into a world of darkness, anger, frustration and self-pity. 'How could this have happened to me?' she would plead, her heart knotted with anger. But no matter how much she cried or ranted or prayed, she knew the painful truth, her sight was never going to return. A cloud of depression hung over Susan's once optimistic
spirit. All she had to cling to was her husband Mark.

Mark was an Air Force officer and he loved Susan with all his heart. When she first lost her sight, he watched her sink into despair and was determined to help his wife gain the strength she needed to become independent again.

Finally, Susan felt ready to return to her job, but how would she get there? She used to take the bus, but was now too frightened to get around the city by herself. Mark volunteered to drive her to work each day, even though they worked at opposite ends of the city. At first, this comforted Susan and fulfilled Mark's need to protect his sightless wife who was so insecure about performing the slightest task. Soon, however Mark realized that this arrangement
wasn't working - it was hectic, and costly.

Susan is going to have to start taking the bus again, he admitted to himself. But just the thought of mentioning it to her made him cringe. She was still so fragile, so angry. How would she react? Just as Mark predicted, Susan was horrified at the idea of taking the bus again. "I'm blind!" she responded bitterly. "How am I supposed to know where I'm going? I feel like you're abandoning me."

Mark's heart broke but he knew what had to be done. He promised Susan that each day he would ride the bus with her until she got the hang of it.

And that is exactly what happened. For two solid weeks, Mark, military uniform and all, accompanied Susan to and from work each day. He taught her how to rely on her other senses to determine where she was and how to adapt to her new environment. He helped her befriend the bus drivers who could watch out for her, and save her a seat. Each morning they made the journey together, and Mark would take a cab back to his office.

Although this routine was even more costly and exhausting than the previous one, Mark knew it was only a matter of time before Susan would be able to ride the bus on her own. Finally, Susan decided that she was ready to try the trip on her own. Monday morning arrived, and before she left, she threw her arms around Mark, her temporary bus riding companion, her husband, and her best friend. Her eyes filled with tears of gratitude for his loyalty, his patience, his love. She said good-bye, and for the first time, they went their separate ways. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday.... Each day on her own went perfectly, and Susan had never felt better.

On Friday morning, Susan took the bus to work as usual. As she was paying for her fare to exit the bus, the driver said, "Boy, I sure envy you." Susan wasn't sure if the driver was speaking to her or not. After all, who on earth would ever envy a blind woman who had struggled just to find the courage to live for the past year? "Why do you envy me?"

The driver responded, "It must feel so good to be taken care of and protected like you are." Susan had no idea what the driver was talking about, "What do you mean?" The driver said, "You know, every morning for the past week, a fine looking gentleman in a military uniform has been standing across the corner watching you when you get off the bus. He makes sure you cross the street safely and he watches you until you enter your office building. Then he
blows you a kiss, gives you a little salute and walks away. You are one lucky lady."

Tears of happiness poured down Susan's cheeks. For although she couldn't see him, she had always felt Mark's presence. She was blessed, so blessed, for he had given her a gift more powerful than sight, a gift she didn't need to see to believe - the gift of love that can bring light where there had been darkness.

"You don't love a woman because she is beautiful, but she is beautiful because you love her..."
[/SIZE][/FONT][COLOR=#00ed]
[FONT=="Trebuchet][SIZE==2]So if you love someone be faithful to that person.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=#0b00e]
[FONT=="Trebuchet][SIZE==2]***************************STORY 4************************[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR]

[FONT=="Trebuchet][SIZE==2]From the very beginning, girl's family objected strongly on her dating this guy, saying that it has got to do with family background, & that the girl will have to suffer for the rest of her life if she were to be with him.

Due to family's pressure, the couple quarrelled very often. Though the girl loved the guy deeply, she always asked him: "How deep is your love for me?" As the guy is not good with his words, this often caused the girl to be very upset. With that & the family's pressure, the girl often vents her anger on him. As for him, he only endured it in silence.

After a couple of years, the guy finally graduated & decided to further his studies overseas. Before leaving, he proposed to the girl:

"I'm not very good with words. But all I know is that I love you. If you allow me, I will take care of you for the rest of my life. As for your family, I'll try my best to talk them round. Will you marry me?" The girl agreed, & with the guy's determination, the family finally gave in & agreed to let them get married. So before he left, they got engaged. The girl went out to the working society, whereas the guy was overseas, continuing his studies. They sent their love through emails & phone calls. Though it was hard, but both never thought of giving up.

One day, while the girl was on her way to work, she was knocked down by a car that lost control. when she woke up, she saw her parents beside her bed. She realized that she was badly injured. Seeing her mum crying, she wanted to comfort her. But she realized that all that could come out of her mouth was just a sigh. she had lost her voice....

The doctor says that the impact on her brain has caused her to lose her voice. Listening to her parents' comfort, but with nothing coming out from her, she broke down. During the stay in hospital, besides silence cry,..it's still just silence cry that accompanied her. Upon reaching home, everything seems to be the same. Except for the ringing tone of the phone. Which pierced into her heart everytime it rang. She does not wish to let the guy know & not wanting to be a burden to him, she wrote a letter to him saying that she does not wish to wait any longer.

With that, she sent the ring back to him. In return, the guy sent millions & millions of reply, countless of phonecalls,.. all the girl could do, besides crying, is still crying.... The parents decided to move away, hoping that she could eventually forget everything & be happy.

With a new environment, the girl learns sign language & started a new life. Telling herself everyday that she must forget the guy. One day, her friend came & told her that he's back. She asked her friend not to let him know what happened to her. Since then, there wasn't anymore news of him. A year has passed & her friend came with an envelope, containing a invitation card for the guy's wedding. The girl was shattered. When she open the letter, she saw her name in it instead. When she was about to ask her friend what's going on, she saw the guy standing in front of her.

He used sign language to tell her "I've spent a year to learn sign language. Just to let you know that I've not forgotten our promise. Let me have the chance to be your voice. I Love You." With that, he slipped the ring back into her finger. The girl finally smiled. Treat every relationship as if it's the last one, then you'll know how to Give. Treat every moment as is it's the last day, then you'll know how to treasure. [/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=="Trebuchet][SIZE==2]
[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=="Trebuchet][SIZE==2][COLOR=#00ed]Treasure what you have right now, or else you will regret one day...[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[COLOR=#0b00e]
[FONT=="Trebuchet][SIZE==2]************************ STORY 5 **************************[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR]

[FONT=="Trebuchet][SIZE==2]After 21 years of marriage, I discovered a new way of keeping alive the spark of love. A little while ago I had started to go out with another woman. It was really my wife's idea. "I know that you love her," she said one day, taking me by surprise. "But I love YOU," I protested. "I know, but you also love her."The other woman that my wife wanted me to visit was my mother, who has been a widow for 19 years, but the demands of my work and my three children had made it possible to visit her only occasionally. That night I called to invite her to go out for dinner and a movie. "What's wrong, are you well?" she asked. My mother is the type of woman who suspects that a late night call or a surprise invitation is a sign of bad news.

"I thought that it would be pleasant to pass some time with you," I responded.

"Just the two of us."

She thought about it for a moment then said "I would like that very much."

That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick her up I was a bit nervous. When I arrived at her house, I noticed that she, too, seemed to be nervous about our date. She waited in the door with her coat on. She had curled her hair and was wearing the dress that she had worn to celebrate her last wedding anniversary. She smiled from a face that was as radiant as an angel's.

"I told my friends that I was going to go out with my son, and they were impressed," she said, as she got into the car. "They can't wait to hear about our meeting". We went to a restaurant that, although not elegant, was very nice and cozy. my mother took my arm as if she were the First Lady. After we sat down, I had to read the menu to her. Her eyes could only read large print. Half way through the entree, I lifted my eyes and saw Mom sitting there staring at me. A nostalgic smile was on her lips. "It was I who used t o have to read the menu when you were small," she said. "Then it's time for you to relax and let me return the favor," I responded.

During the dinner we had an agreeable conversation, nothing extraordinary - but catching up on recent events of each others lives. We talked so
much that we missed the movie. As we arrived at her house later, she said "I'll go out with you again, but only if you let me invite you". I agreed.

"How was your dinner date?" asked my wife when I got home. "Very nice. Much more so than I could have imagined," I answered.

A few days later my mother died of a massive heart attack. It happened so suddenly that I didn't have a chance to do anything for her. Some time later I received an envelope with a copy of a restaurant receipt from the same place mother and I had dined.

An attached note said: "I paid this bill in advance. I was almost sure that I couldn't be there but, nevertheless, I paid for two plates - one for you and the other for your wife. You will never know what that night meant to me. I love you." At that moment I understood the importance of saying, in time: "I
LOVE YOU" and giving our loved ones the time that they deserve. Nothing in life is more important than God and your family and friends.

Give them the time they deserve, because these things cannot be put off til "some other time".
[/SIZE][/FONT][COLOR=#00ed]
[FONT=="Trebuchet][SIZE==2]Someone once said "I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=="Trebuchet][SIZE==2]

I think this is true with your in-laws, grandchildren, sisters, brothers and your friends. Anyone that means something to you-you should spend time with them and let them know how much they mean to you as often as you can. [/SIZE][/FONT]

 

[nick18_in]

Stories That Coach: Smoke Signal

Smoke Signal.....

He, the only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small,
uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions.

But then one day, after scavenging for food on the island, he arrived
home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. Worst happened; everything was lost. He was stunned with grief and anger. "God, how could you do this to me!" he cried.

Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him. "How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied.

It is easy to get discouraged when things are going bad. But we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering. Remember, next time your little hut is burning to the ground it just may be a smoke signal that summons the grace of God.

 

[nick18_in]

Stories That Coach: The Seven Wonders

WHAT DO YOU PERCEIVE AS THE SEVEN WONDERS OF THE WORLD?
by Author Unknown

A group of students was asked to list what they thought were the present "Seven Wonders of the World."

Though there were some disagreements, the following received the most votes:

1. Egypt's Great Pyramids
2. Taj Mahal
3. Grand Canyon
4. Panama Canal
5. Empire State Building
6. St. Peter's Basilica
7. China's Great Wall

While gathering the votes, the teacher noticed that one quiet student hadn't turned in her paper yet. So she asked the girl if she was having trouble with her list.

The girl replied, "Yes, a little. I couldn't quite make up my mind because there were so many."

The teacher said, "Well, tell us what you have, and maybe we can help."
The girl hesitated, then read, "I think the 'Seven Wonders of the World' are:

1. to see
2. to hear
3. to touch
4. to taste
5. to feel
6. to laugh
7. and to love."

The room was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop.

The things we overlook as simple and ordinary and that we take for granted are truly wondrous!