There once was a little boy who wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip to where God lived, so he packed his suitcase with Twinkies and a six-pack of root beer, and he started his journey. When he had gone about three blocks, he met an old woman. She was sitting in the park just staring at some pigeons. The boy sat down next to her and opened his suitcase. He was about to take a drink from his root beer when he noticed that the old lady looked hungry, so he offered her a Twinkie. She gratefully accepted it and smiled at him. Her smile was so pretty that the boy wanted to see it again, so he offered her a root beer. Once again she smiled at him. The boy was delighted! They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling, but they never said a word. As it began to grow dark, the boy realized how tired he was and he got up to leave. He turned around, ran back to the old woman and gave her a hug. She gave him her biggest smile yet. When the boy opened the door to his own house a short time later, his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face. She asked him, "What did you do today that made you so happy?" He replied, "I had lunch with God. You know what? She's got the most beautiful smile I've ever seen!" Meanwhile, the old woman, also radiant with joy, returned to her home. Her son was stunned by the look of peace on her face and he asked, "Mother, what did you do today that made you so happy?" She replied, "I ate Twinkies in the park with God. You know, he's much younger than I expected."
After the lady finished her meal while the waitress went to get her change from a hundred dollar bill, the lady slipped right out the door. She was gone by the time the waitress came back. The waitress wondered where the lady could be, then she noticed something written on a napkin. There were tears in her eyes, when she read what the lady wrote. It said, "You don't owe me a thing, I've been there too. Someone once helped me out, the way I'm helping you. If you really want to pay me back, here's what you do. Don't let the chain of love end with you." Well, there were tables to clear, sugar bowls to fill, and people to serve, but the waitress made it through another day. That night when she got home from work and climbed into bed, she was thinking about the money and what the lady had written. How could she have known how much she and her husband needed the money? With the baby due next month, it was going to be hard. She knew how worried her husband was, and as he lay sleeping next to her, she gave him a soft kiss and whispered soft and low, "Everything's gonna be alright, I love you Joe."
He was driving home one evening, on a two-lane country road. Work, in this small mid-western community, was almost as slow as his beat-up Pontiac. But he never quit looking. Ever since the factory closed, he'd been unemployed, and with winter raging on, the chill had finally hit home. It was a lonely road. Not very many people had a reason to be on it, unless they were leaving. Most of his friends had already left. They had families to feed and dreams to fulfil. But he stayed on. After all, this was where he buried his mother and father. He was born here and knew the country. He could go down this road blind, and tell you what was on either side, and with his headlights not working, that came in handy. It was starting to get dark and light snow flurries were coming down. He'd better get a move on. He almost didn't see the old lady, stranded on the side of the road. But even in the dim light of day, he could see she needed help. So he pulled up in front of her Mercedes and got out. His Pontiac was still sputtering when he approached her. Even with the smile on his face, she was worried. No one had stopped to help for the last hour or so. Was he going to hurt her? He didn't look safe, he looked poor and hungry. He could see that she was frightened, standing out there in the cold. He knew how she felt. It was that chill that only fear can put in you. He said, "I'm here to help you ma’am. Why don't you wait in the car where it's warm. By the way, my name is Joe." All she had was a flat tire, but for an old lady, that was bad enough. Joe crawled under the car looking for a place to put the jack, skinning his knuckles a time or two. Soon he was able to change the tire. But he had to get dirty and his hands hurt. As he was tightening up the lug nuts, she rolled down her window and began to talk to him. She told him that she was from St. Louis and was only just passing through. She couldn't thank him enough for coming to her aid. Joe just smiled as he closed her trunk. She asked him how much she owed him. Any amount would have been alright with her. She had already imagined all the awful things that could have happened had he not stopped. Joe never thought twice about the money. This was not a job to him. This was helping someone in need, and God knows there were plenty who had given him a hand in the past. He had lived his whole life that way, and it never occurred to him to act any other way. He told her that if she really wanted to pay him back, the next time she saw someone who needed help, she could give that person the assistance that he needed, and Joe added "...and think of me." He waited until she started her car and drove off. It had been a cold and depressing day, but he felt good as he headed for home, disappearing into the twilight. A few miles down the road the lady saw a small diner. She went in to grab a bite to eat, and take the chill off before she made the last leg of her trip home. It was a dingy looking restaurant. Outside were two old gas pumps. The whole scene was unfamiliar to her. The cash register was like the telephone of an out of work actor, it didn't ring much. Her waitress came over and brought a clean towel for her to wipe her wet hair. She had a sweet smile, one that even being on her feet for the whole day couldn't erase. The lady noticed that the waitress was nearly eight months pregnant, but she never let the strain and aches change her attitude. The old lady wondered how someone who had so little could be so giving to a stranger.
An elderly woman and her little grandson, whose face was sprinkled with bright freckles, spent the day at the zoo. Lots of children were waiting in line to get their cheeks painted by a local artist who was decorating them with tiger paws. "You've got so many freckles, there's no place to paint!" a girl in the line said to the little fella. Embarrassed, the little boy dropped his head. His grandmother knelt down next to him. "I love your freckles. When I was a little girl I always wanted freckles," she said, while tracing her finger across the child's cheek. "Freckles are beautiful." The boy looked up, "Really?" "Of course," said the grandmother. "Why just name me one thing that's prettier than freckles." The little boy thought for a moment, peered intensely into his grandma's face, and softly whispered, "Wrinkles."
Prayer I asked God for strength, that I might achieve. I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey. I asked for health, that I might do greater things. I was given infirmity, that I might do better things. I asked for riches, that I might be happy. I was given poverty, that I might be wise. I asked for power that I might have the praise of men. I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God. I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life. I was given life, that I might enjoy all things. I got nothing that I asked for but got everything I had hoped for. Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered. I am, among all people, most richly blessed. ~ C. F. Watters
A baby asked God, 'They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?' God said, 'Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you.'
The child further inquired,' But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy.' God said, 'Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy.'
Again the child asked, 'And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?' God said, 'Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak.'
'And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?' God said, 'Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray.'
'Who will protect me?' God said, 'Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life.'
'But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore.' God said, 'Your angel will always talk to you about me and will teach you the way to come back to me, even though I will always be next to you.'
At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name.' God said, 'You will simply call her, 'Mom.'
Lies are the substance by which we as people create the bastions and ramparts of the fortresses, which unnecessarily 'protect' us from the world around us. Each lie we tell requires more and more lies to substantiate the ideal. When this twisted skein is applied to those around us they require as much work to maintain as another entire life. Eventually the person birthing these fictitious views is so overwhelmed by the pressures of this new 'life' that they lose their original one. By now so much effort and constant work has been applied to the fortress of illusion that we live in, that we cannot abide the loss of our life's great work, when it begins to crumble as it inevitably will. First one crossed wire in the web, then another, then the panic stricken frenzy of trying to realign the 'truths'. The multitude of bandages applied to the castle can no longer support the fragile foundation and the keep comes crumbling down. Despair sets in as the 'life' created falls to pieces despite the most valiant attempts to rebuild the crumbling edifice. This despair is no less real than any other despair, because even though the fictional house of cards we applied as our front to the world was never really there, the resources required to create it were real nonetheless. Now the person has a choice to abandon the fraudulent for reality. Human nature and the pride associated with it, make a subtle attempt to assure the person that they can do better next time, after all if at first you do not succeed, try, try again. The truly wise abandon the course of deceit, but then again life is all but over when the true course of wisdom arrives at one's doorstep. Most often the repentant learn a few new tricks to the art of misconstruction, and sets sail for new lands in which to build glass houses more resistant to the stones of truth. If this is the course chosen, as is sadly to be expected of most, the person gradually becomes a shadow of their former self as the energy allotted to a person's life divided by two (or more) makes each fragment not truly whole in any way. The whole person has a fair chance of living life to its fullest, the fragmented, none at all. The liar ends up with nothing, but the sands of their ‘lives’, which slip constantly between fingers, made of frail shadow. The only means to the end of such despair is the creation of yet more illusions, to the point of the loss of the liar to all who once knew them. A burden the liar never intended for themselves in the first place nor the loss they envisioned for the living they leave behind. A very lonely sort of wasting created by the grey lies that burn in the light of truth at every dawn.
I vote that she is desperately striving to keep her sidekick (stretchy underpants guy) from becoming entangled by his waistband on rooftop spires as he dashes to and fro seeking ciggies and wine for his lovely mistress...
See it how you will as this is the only way you ever have here at least. I am not going to get into a piss-flinging episode with you to make you feel the happiness you so dole out. I do not care what you think, I know what was done to me and Daniel knows too. Others have responded from their own episodes and they too know what they speak of as does Daniel. He is human and makes mistakes and I wish him the best. Unless you are the female incarnation of this man then you have no right to wander in and cast accusations and dispersions upon anyone. Good day... I said good day!!!
Thank you KMD I have not been a miserable person here and am very offended by this woman barging into something three days later to add the 'truth' as she wishes it to be. I tried to talk to him about what he did as I once considered him a friend and he just clammed up. I tried to make peace and see some rectification between us for what he had done. He offered none and then went completely nuts and attacked a few very nice women. His poems are heartfelt but sometimes his means of presenting them are not so altruistic. Please tell Eric I would like to talk to him for me. And do have a lovely life with him, you are both wonderful people even if you do not remember me.
In response to what he did to me? How is my response offensive because the truth should be overlooked because he knows how to colour within the lines and write his inane poetry as a lure to subdue innocence? Look around this place and see the misery he has etched in so many faces and imagine yourself, your friends and perhaps a daughter... then you might see for a second without rose coloured glasses donated by the misogynist society.
I feel that some of the frustration that has been posted in the case of Somechick (Anna) is due in part to the bitter pangs that other women who have endured Daniel at his finest have experienced. It is hard to feel supportive to someone who knowingly or unknowingly walks into a lion's den and tries to tell you that they are just kittens. Especially those whose hearts are bandaged after heinous assaults from the same cat. She has every right to defend what she believes as well and I am sorry that bee alergies are so personal to her, but there are threads here that are personal to each and every person here. If this has to continue, and I cannot for any reason fathom why, I do believe it would be more proper to take it behind the scenes where it will affect the least amount of persons through the fallout. JMO
It seems that the words have unravelled themselves so that the pristine can remain so for the further pursuit of others who see someone as an angel straight from heaven. It aids in ones ability to perceive oneself as perfect, and to forget the words that clearly brand one nothing like they purport to be. Smoke and Mirrors.
The true measure of a man is not in what he surrounds himself with but whom. You are a good man and it appears only you need to see this. Chin up buddy from the bottom the only way out is up.
Well I won't make you tell me What I've come to understand You're a certain kind of woman I'm a different kind of man I've tried to make you love me You've tried to find a spark of the flame that burned but Somehow turned to smoke rings in the dark
The loneliness within me Takes a heavy toll 'Cause it burns as slow as whiskey through an empty aching soul And the night is like a dagger Long and cold and sharp As I sit here on the front steps Blowing smoke rings in the dark
I- I- I know I must be going 'Cause loves already gone And all I'm taking with me are the pieces of my heart And all I'll leave are smoke rings in the dark
The rain falls where it wants to The wind blows where it will Everything on earth goes somewhere But I swear we're standin' still So I'm not going to wake you I'll go easy on your heart I'll just touch your face and drift away Like smoke rings in the dark
I- I- I know I must be going 'Cause loves already gone And all I'm taking with me are the pieces of my heart and All I'll leave are smoke rings in the dark
Realizes that true strength comes in forgiveness. Does not objectify a woman. Does not bring up the wrongs of her past. Lifts everyone around him to greater levels. Does not chase after other women. Does not prey upon the weak. Speaks from his heart. Respects the opinions and beliefs of others at all times. Doesn't try to force his beliefs on others or engage in debates over debatable issues. He regards his own opinions as flexible, but not completely liquid. Offers his help to others whenever he sees a need. Is gracious to others. He accepts help when it is offered whether it is required or not, even if it is a service he is paying for. Immediately offers a "Thank you" for services rendered and a "You're welcome" for thanks rendered. Is humble. Never gloats over who he is or what he's done. He does what he does because he believes he should, not because it impresses others or leaves them indebted to him. Is mindful of his own appearance. This is not the same as vanity, which is an obsession with one's appearance. Is magnanimous. Does not expect recognition but appreciates it when it comes. Has a strong hand and a gentle touch. Supports a woman’s individuality and choice. Does not force himself upon anyone. Can not only hear but listen. Is not afraid to cry. Will not use tears to gain attention. Apologizes to those he has wronged. Knows that Love is from God and that it is only on loan. Loves children and animals. Stands firm against gossip and malice. Is graceful. …
Life it seems, will fade away Drifting further every day Getting lost within myself Nothing matters no one else I have lost the will to live Simply nothing more to give There is nothing more for me Need the end to set me free
Things not what they used to be Missing one inside of me Deathly lost, this can't be real Cannot stand this hell I feel Emptiness is filling me To the point of agony Growing darkness taking dawn I was me, but now he 's gone
No one but me can save myself, but it's too late Now, I can't think, think why I should even try Yesterday seems as though it never existed Death Greets me warm, now I will just say goodbye
If both men and women would just slow down and stop running like they are in some sort of race, they just might see that what they thought they were chasing is right beside them walking the same course. I do not want to chase or be chased. If I were to bother looking in any way I would look to the left and right for the ones walking the same path. I could not imagine walking ahead of any woman or behind her (regarless of the heart-shaped view), I would much prefer hand in hand together one step at a time.
If you mean confident and secure in themselves then I am happy to agree. But if you mean not willing to pander to cheap flowers and cheaper words thrown together in form letters then I am saddened that you see them this way. The ladies of CS are strong, independent and have a voice that deserves to be heard. I have nothing but respect for each and every one of them. The days of flattery are long gone as a means to a woman's heart. Respect will carry you so much farther. They are our equals and not little toys to be flirted with and cast aside when the new shipment arrives. Very few people here have not experienced the bitter tang of regret for oversights in past relationships and it seems that the beautiful young ladies (all of them) have learned the most from these experiences. Just accept them for who they are and treat them with dignity and mutual respect... you'll see they are very diverse and wonderful at the same time.
Adoption agencies do this very thing. There is screening of a sort, but in essence it is a legalized trafficking of children. The parent receives nothing for the child and they do not deserve anything in my opinion. Money will only allow them to drift a short while through life possibly making more children that they likewise cannot take care of. I do believe that those who want children and have the means to provide the basic needs comfortably should have any and all legal (and moral) rights to do so, but to pay people for their children seems to cheapen the lives of the children involved. How do you put a value on a child's life? Could you ever tell them that you bought them? Children are the forgotten voices of the world's only useful resource, and do deserve to have every opportunity to be the best that they can, so I would not want them to wither and die needlessly by any means. Yes I do beleive they should be saved from poverty (not being poor by Western Standards of course but third world poor for sure).
My father tried repeatedly to bury me so perhaps a family heirloom of sorts but certainly not a national treasure. When I leave this country I am sure they will glad to be rid of me.
Lies I tell ya!!! Lies!!! You might be able to pretend that anyone of you darlings on here are shy to some damn novice but I have seen the defiance, the outrage, the defense of the weak, oh yeah and the skinning knives from all of you. I am wary now and on to your little ploy to get my guard down. Just keep laughing while I slink out the back door of this thread...
I tell ya this is just like old times, we laugh and laugh and laugh and then I find out you're laughing at me... Well at least you aren't being serious for a few minutes.
BarrenPneuma Forum Posts (1,561)
RE: Winners
By no means am I trying to ruin such a positive thread, even though there is no I in team, there is an M and an E... I always found that odd.