General - Are you a Carrot, an Egg or Coffee Bean?

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life, and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it, and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved a new one arose.

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water. In the first pot, she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs and the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil without saying a word. In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl.

Turning to her daughter, she asked, "Tell me what do you see?" "Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied. She brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they got soft. She then asked her to take the egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg. Finally, she asked her to smell and sip the coffee. The daughter smiled, as she smelled and tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, "What's the point, mother?"

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity- boiling water-but each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior. But, after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water they had changed the water.

"Which are you?" she asked her daughter. "When trials and adversity knock on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?"

Think of this: Which am I?

Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity, do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?

Am I the egg that starts with a passive heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside, am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and a hardened heart?

Or, am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you become better and change the situation around you.

When the hours are the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate to another level?

How do you handle adversity? Like the CARROT, the EGG, OR the COFFEE BEAN?

Christian - A Touching Christmas Story

On the last day before Christmas, I hurried to go to the supermarket to buy the gifts I didn't manage to buy earlier. When I saw all the people there, I started to complain to myself: 'It is going to take forever here and I still have so many other places to go...'

Christmas really is getting more and more annoying every year. How I wish I could just lie down, go to sleep and only wake up after it. Nonetheless, I made my way to the toy section, and there I started to curse the prices, wondering if kids really play with such expensive toys.

While looking in the toy section, I noticed a small boy of about 5 years old, pressing a doll against his chest. He kept on touching the hair of the doll and looked so sad. I wondered who this doll was for.

Then the little boy turned to the old woman next to him: 'Granny, are you sure I do! n't have enough money?' The old lady replied: 'You know that you don't have enough money to buy this doll, my dear.' Then she asked him to stay here for 5 minutes while she went to look around. She left quickly. The little boy was still holding the doll in his hand. Finally, I started to walk towards him and asked who he wanted to give this doll to.

'It is the doll that my sister loved most and wanted so much for this Christmas. She was so sure that Santa Claus would bring it to her.' I replied to him that maybe Santa Claus will bring it to her, after all, and not to worry. But he replied to me sadly. 'No, Santa Claus can not bring it to her where she is now. I have to give the doll to my mother so that she can give it to her when she goes there.' His eyes were so sad while saying this.

'My sister has gone to be with God. Daddy say that Mummy will also go to see God very soon, so I thought that she could bring the doll with her! to give it to my sister'.

My heart nearly stopped. The little boy looked up at me and said: 'I told daddy to tell mummy not to go yet. I asked him to wait until I come back from the supermarket' Then he showed me a very nice photo of him where he was laughing. He then told me: 'I also want mummy to take this photo with her so that she will not forget me.' I love my mummy and I wish she doesn't have to leave me but daddy says that she has to go to be with my little sister' then he looked again at the doll with sad eyes, very quietly. I quickly reached for my wallet and took a few notes and said to the boy. 'What if we checked again, just in case if u have enough money?' 'Ok' he said. 'I hope that I have enough.' I added some of my money to his without him seeing and we started to count it. There was enough for the doll, and even some spare money. The little boy said:
'Thank you God for giving me enough money' then he looked at me and added: 'I asked yesterday before I slept for God to make sure I have enough money to buy this doll so that mummy can give it to my sister. He heard me' 'I also wanted to have enough money to buy a white rose for my mummy, but I didn't dare to ask God too much. But He gave me enough to buy the doll and the white rose.'

'You know, my mummy loves white rose'

A few minutes later, the old lady came again and I left with my trolley. I finished my shopping in a totally different state from when I started. I couldn't get the little boy out of my mind. Then I
remembered a local newspaper article 2 days ago, which mentioned of a drunk man in a truck who hit a car where there was one young lady and a little girl.

The little girl died right away, and the mother was left in a critical state. The family had to decide whether to pull the plug on the life-assisting machine, because the young lady would not be able to get out of ! the coma. Was this the family of the little boy?

Two days after this encounter with the little boy, I read in the newspaper that the young lady had passed away.

I couldn't stop myself and went to buy a bunch of white roses and I went to the mortuary where the body of the young woman was exposed for people to see and make last wish before burial. She was there, in her coffin, holding a beautiful white rose in her hand with the photo of the little boy and the doll placed over her chest. I left the place crying, feeling that my life had been changed forever.

The love that this little boy had for his mother and his sister is still, to that day, hard to imagine. And in a fraction of a second, a drunk man had taken all this away from him.

General - A SIMPLE GESTURE (by Jackie Sagner )

A little boy selling magazines for school walked up to a house that people rarely visited. The house was very old and run down and the owner hardly ever came out. When he did come out he would not say hello to neighbors or passers by but simply just glare at them.

The boy knocked on the door and waited, sweating from fear of the old man. The boy's parents told him to stay away from the house, a lot of the other neighborhood children were told the same from their parents.

As he was ready to walk away, the door slowly opened. " What do you want?" the old man said. The little boy was very afraid but he had a quota to meet for school with selling the magazines.

"Uh, sir, I uh am selling these magazines and uh I was wondering if you would like to buy one." The old man just stared at the boy. The boy could see inside the old man's house and saw that he had dog figurines on the fireplace mantle. "Do you collect dogs?" the little boy asked. "Yes, I have many collectibles in my house, they are my family here, they are all I have." The boy then felt sorry for the man, as it seemed that he was a very lonely soul. "Well, I do have a magazine here for collectors, it is perfect for you, I also have one about dogs since you like dogs so much." The old man was ready to close the door on the boy and said, "No boy, I don't need any magazines of any kind, now goodbye."

The little boy was sad that he was not going to make his quota with the sale. He was also sad for the old man being so alone in the big house that he owned. The boy went home and then had an idea. He had a little dog figure that he got some years ago from an aunt. The figurine did not mean nearly as much to him since he had a real live dog and a large family. The boy headed back down to the old man's house with the figurine. He knocked on the door again and this time the old man came right to the door. "Boy, I thought I told you no magazines."

"No, sir I know that, I wanted to bring you a gift." The boy handed him the figurine and the old man's face lit up. "It is a Golden Retriever, I have one at home, this one is for you." The old man was simply stunned; no one had ever given him such a gift and shown him so much kindness. "Boy, you have a big heart, why are you doing this?" The boy smiled at the man and said, "Because you like dogs."

From that day on the old man started coming out of the house and acknowledging people. He and the boy became friends; the boy even brought his dog to see the man weekly.

This simple gesture changed both of their lives forever.

General - A MUSIC LESSON (by Jackie Sagner )

One day while walking through the forest, LB bear saw a sign "Forest Band Tryouts Next Week".

"Wow, a band, I would love to be in a band," he thought. LB had never played an instrument before but he was willing to try. He had seen concerts in the forest before and really admired the animals that could sing and play instruments.

He hurried home to tell his parents of the tryouts. LB's Mom was cooking dinner; Dad was sitting in his favorite chair reading the newspaper when LB rushed in with the news.

" Mom, Dad guess what, I am going to be in a band." Well his parents were stunned since they knew the little cub did not know the first thing about a musical instrument. LB's Mom just hesitated for a second and then said, "Well, that is great dear, uh, what will you play." She did not want to disappoint the cub so she tried to be encouraging.

"I am going to play the harmonica," he replied. " I just know I can do that, I know I can." He then ran to his room to practice, and he practiced every day for the next week until the tryouts. He woke up bright eyed and bushy tailed on the day of the tryouts and ran to the forest only to see all of his friends there. Sammy the squirrel was there with his guitar, Robby the rabbit with his drum set and everyone was practicing until their name was called. Finally they got to LB and he was nervous but he went in and did his very best. When he was finished he was told that he was good but not quite good enough for the band, the judges were sorry but he just could not be in the band.

LB was heart broken especially since all the other animals were chosen for the band and he wasn't. With his head down he headed home, trying not to cry. He was almost home when he heard his name being called, "Wait LB, wait, I have to talk to you," said one of the judges running toward him. LB could not imagine what was going on since he was already told he could not join his friends in the band.

"LB we need a manager for the band, can you do that." LB stood for a second and then replied, "I don't know how to be a band manager, what if I mess up?"

"Well, you won't know until you try, and anyway, all of your friends want you to be a part of the band, so will you do it?" Just at that time all the other animals joined LB. "Please do it," they all shouted. "Come on LB you can do it," said Sammy the squirrel.

"OK, I will do it, thanks guys." Everyone won that day, the other animals would be in the band and LB would be their manager.

It just goes to show that if you don't find success in one area, have patience and you will find it in another!

Christian - True Story - 57 Cents

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.

General - True Story - 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 fund raising 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 world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it 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 toplay, 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!

Religious - THE FERN AND THE BAMBOO

One day I decided to quit...I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality.... I wanted to quit my life. I went to the woods to have one last talk with God.

"God", I said. "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"

His answer surprised me.

"Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"

"Yes", I replied.

"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.

In the second year the fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.

"In year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit. The same in year four.

"Then in the fifth year, a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fern, it was seemingly small and insignificant.

But just six months later, the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle.

"Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots? I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you.

"Don't compare yourself to others." He said. "The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern. Yet they both make the forest beautiful.

"Your time will come", God said to me. "You will rise high"

"How high should I rise?" I asked.

"How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return.

"As high as it can?" I questioned

"Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can."

I left the forest, realizing that God will never give up on me. And He will never give up on you.

Never regret a day in your life.

Good days give you happiness; bad days give you experiences; both are essential to life.

General - SHIP REPAIRMAN

Ever heard the story of the giant ship engine that failed? The ship's owners tried one expert after another, but none of them could figure but how to fix the engine. Then they brought in an old man who had been fixing ships since he was a youngster. He carried a large bag of tools with him, and when he arrived, he immediately went to work. He inspected the engine very carefully, top to bottom.

Two of the ship's owners were there, watching this man, hoping he would know what to do. After looking things over, the old man reached into his bag and pulled out a small hammer. He gently tapped something. Instantly, the engine lurched into life. He carefully put his hammer away. The engine was fixed! A week later, the owners received a bill from the old man for ten thousand dollars.

"What?!" the owners exclaimed. "He hardly did anything!"

So they wrote the old man a note saying, "Please send us an itemized bill."

The man sent a bill that read:

Tapping with a hammer ......................$ 2.00

Knowing where to tap ..........................$ 9998.00

Effort is important, but knowing where to make an effort in your life makes all the difference.

Christian - CHILD DEMONSTRATES GENEROSITY WITH CANDY (Kevin Harney tells the following story in his book Seismic Shifts)

Years ago, a little boy named Dustin entered the Smarties stage of life. It might not be in the psychological journals, but there is a time in the development of every child when they are ready to receive their first pack of Smarties. You remember Smarties, a row of multicolored, chalk-like, bite-size candies wrapped in clear plastic, about 10 to 12 pieces in a pack. They are perfect for sharing.

I am not a huge fan of Smarties, but when I saw Dustin come into church with a fresh roll, I just had to ask him if I could have one.

Dustin immediately became my Smarties hero. He peeled out a piece with a smile and handed it over gladly. This was surprising enough, but at that moment, something happened in this little boy's heart. From that day on, for the next two years, every time Dustin got a pack of Smarties, he took out the first one and set it aside for me. Every Sunday, Dustin would track me down at church and generously offer me one or more Smarties. He did it gladly, with a smile, as if he enjoyed it.

Sometimes Dustin would open a pack of Smarties during the week, but he would still save me the first round, sugary, chalky tablet in his pocket. By the time Sunday came, the Smarty was a little mangy and would have lint and other pocket paraphernalia stuck to it, but he never forgot to bring it for me. In those cases, I thanked him and put it in my pocket so I could "enjoy it later."

Dustin loved Smarties. He also loved his pastor. Every week before the worship service began, Dustin and I shared a time of communion. Jesus was present as we shared a few moments of conversation and partook of some Smarties together.

Somewhere along the way, Dustin's mother pointed out that the packs of Smarties she bought for him had ten pieces, and she saw this weekly ritual as Dustin's introduction to tithing. What I saw was a little boy who loved to share and who understood the power of generosity. Since that time, I have asked myself many times, How am I doing with my Smarties?

Christian - THE ANT AND THE CONTACT LENS (Josh and Karen Zarandona)

Brenda was a young woman who was invited to go rock climbing. Although she was scared to climb, she went with her group to a tremendous granite cliff. In spite of her fear, she put on the gear, took a hold on 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 s! he 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 Bible 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.

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." I think it would probably do some of us 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.

PASS THIS STORY ON ONLY IF YOU MEAN IT. "Yes I do love GOD"

He 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

Christian - True Story - 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 be called a beard and his nose was so 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."

Success Stories - THE IRON HORSE

An old couple made their way down the mountain to witness the “iron horse”. As they approached the railway station their hearts began to pound faster and faster since this was the first time they were going to witness a train – the iron horse. Both of them were amazed at the size of the iron horse. They looked at each other and “Ma” asked “Pa”, “What do you think?” “Pa” said, “It will never get moving”. Just then the whistle blew and the train started moving slowly and then gathering speed. After a while the train began to gain more speed and disappeared around the sharp corner. “Ma” asked “Pa” again, “What do you think?” “Pa” was still recovering from his shock, and he replied, “I don’t think that it will ever stop”.

Success Stories - THE FASTEST WOMAN ON EARTH

Wilma Rudolph was born into poverty in the state of Tennessee. When she was four years old she had double pneumonia with scarlet fever, which left her paralyzed with polio. She had to wear braces and the doctor said that she would not be able to walk normally again. Her
mother encouraged her and said that she could do anything she wanted if she only believed. Wilma said, “I want to be the fastest woman on this earth.” At the age of nine, against the advice of the doctors, she removed the braces and took her first step. At the age of thirteen, she took part in her first race and came way, way last. She entered various other races and came way, way last until one day, she came in first. At the age of fifteen she went to Tennessee State University where she met a coach. She told him that she wanted to become the fastest woman on the track, on this earth. The coach replied, “With your spirit nobody can stop you.” In the 1960 Olympics Wilma Rudolph, the paralytic girl, became the fastest woman on this earth by winning three gold medals - in the 100 meter race, 200 meter race, and 400 meter relay.

Success Stories - THE THREE VISITORS

A woman came home and saw three old men sitting in her front yard. She did not recognize them but invited them to enter her house to have something to eat. They asked, “Is the man of the house, home?” She said, “No, he is out!” “Then we cannot come in,” they replied. When her husband returned, she told him what had happened, and he told her to invite them in. When she
invited them, they replied, “We cannot go into the house together.” One of the old man explained: “His name is Wealth,” he said, pointing to one of his friends, and pointing to the other one, “He is Success.” “I am Love.” “Now go in and discuss with your husband which one of us you want in your home.”

The couple had a discussion. The husband wanted to invite Wealth, in order to fill their home with wealth. The wife on the other hand wanted to invite Success. Their daughter heard the commotion, and came to join the discussion. She said that it would be better to invite Love so that their home will be filled with love. Finally the couple agreed to follow the daughter’s advice. The wife went out to invite Love as their guest. Love started walking into the house. The
other two men also got up and followed him. Surprised, the lady asked Wealth and Success, “I invited Love. Why are you two coming in?” The old men replied together, “If you had invited
Wealth or Success, the other two of us would have stayed out, but since you invited Love, wherever he goes, we go with him. Wherever there is Love, there is also Wealth and Success!”

Success Stories - TWENTY YEARS LATER

In 1953 Yale University did a research on its graduating seniors. The graduates interviewed were
asked if they had a clear, specific set of goals written down with a plan for achieving those goals.
Only 3 percent had their goals written down. Twenty years later, in 1973, these surviving graduates were tracked down and interviewed again. It was discovered that the 3 percent with specific written down goals were worth more financially as compared to the 97 percent put together. They were also more successful in other areas of their lives.

Success Stories - OVERNIGHT PACKAGES

Fred Smith attended Yale University business school. He wrote a project paper on overnight packages deliveries, and was given a C minus for it. The professors commented that nobody would want to send overnight packages when they have the service of the US Mail. This result did not deter Fred Smith and he later put all his money into his idea and started Federal Express. On the first day of operation Federal Express intended to deliver 167 packages. However, they only
delivered seven. Five of the packages were to themselves and only two were to outsiders. Did Fred
Smith quit? We know the answer because Federal Express is now a billion dollars corporation.

Success Stories - TWENTY YEARS COMMITMENT

Oliver Napoleon Hill was born to a poor family in 1883. He fought his way out of his backwoods Virginia town with a burning desire to be successful. He was always searching for ways to improve himself and was involved in numerous ventures, including managing a coal-mine,
practicing law, and becoming a business journalist. His big break came when he had the opportunity of meeting Andrew Carnegie, the “Steel King”. Andrew Carnegie asked Napoleon Hill if he would take up the challenge of devoting 20 years of his life in order to prepare a
formula of success for helping others to become successful. Andrew Carnegie would provide him with letters of reference to meet hundreds of successful people in the likes of Woodrow Wilson, Henry Ford,Thomas Edison, Theodore Roosevelt, John D. Rockefeller,to name a few. Napoleon Hill made his decision to take up the challenge in less than 60 seconds. Later he came to know that Andrew Carnegie had given him 60 seconds to make up his mind, failing which he would have lost his chance of undertaking the important assignment. After 20 years of dedicated research in 1937 he came out with his best seller, “Think And Grow Rich”, which has helped countless of people around the world to achieve success. One of his famous saying was, “Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve”.

Success Stories - FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT

She was born normal on 27th June 1880, in Tuscumbia, Alabama. When she was 19 months old she had a severe fever and illness which left her blind and deaf. As a result she could not speak. Over the next five years she was a problem child, always in uncontrollable rage and violence. When she was seven years old her parents sought help for the young girl. Help came in the form
of Annie Mansfield Sullivan. With love, patience, and understanding given by Annie, the little girl gradually awaken her intellectual faculty and was “born again”. The stubborn, headstrong, self-willed, and almost unmanageable child became patient, gentle and obedient. She developed an eagerness to learn. At 16 years old she could speak well enough to enter college, and she
later graduated from Radcliffe College.

After her graduation Helen Keller dedicated her life to bringing messages of hope and courage to the handicapped people everywhere. Helen Keller’s books were translated into more than 50 languages. She lectured in over 25 countries and raised millions of dollars for the benefit of the blind.

Success Stories - HE BURNED HIS BOATS

A long time ago there was a great General who was faced with a situation which made it necessary for him to make a drastic decision to insure his success on the battlefield. He was about to send his army on shore to face a powerful enemy, whose men outnumbered his. He loaded his soldiers into boats, and sailed to face the enemies on shore. When they reached the shore, he ordered them to unload the soldiers and cargoes. He then ordered for all the ships and boats to be burned. Addressing his men before the battle, he said, “You see the ships and boats going up in smoke. That means that we cannot leave these shores alive unless we win! We now, have no choice – either we win, or we perish.” They WON!

Success Stories - HOW TO BOIL A BULLFROG?

Years ago some scientists did a simple experiment on a bullfrog. They threw a bullfrog into a container of boiling water, and the bullfrog instantly popped out of the boiling water. Next they put the bullfrog into a container of cold water. The bullfrog liked it and stayed in the container. The scientists then turned on the heat at the bottom of the container. As the water got warmer, the bullfrog relaxed and took a nap. The bullfrog was so comfortable that it stayed in the container and was “cooked”.

Success Stories - DREAM OF FLIGHT

In the late 1800s, a well-known bishop was travelling the United States, speaking to religious and academic leaders. At one of his stops, he was invited to have dinner with some prominent leaders. During the dinner he was asked, “What do you think the future holds for us?” After a moment’s pause, he replied, “The future is bleak, and in my opinion, we have discovered all there is to discover, created all there is to create, and invented all there is to invent.” One of the leaders commented, “I think someday, man shall learn to fly like the birds.” To this, the bishop replied, “You are mad, flight is only reserved for the angels.” With that statement he stormed out of the room. The good news was that the bishop’s last name was Wright! Years later, his two sons Orville and Wilbur, made the dream of flying real on the windswept salt marshes of Kitty Hawk.

Success Stories - WHO PUSHED ME?

There was a wealthy man who wanted to choose a husband for his only daughter. One day he invited the eligible young men from the whole town. During the occasion, when everyone was present he made an announcement, “Today, I am going to choose a husband for my daughter.
Anyone who can swim across this pool can have my daughter’s hand in marriage and inherit half of my wealth. The only challenge is that the pool is full of alligators.” With that announcement everyone present was silent. Suddenly, there was a loud splash, and in a matter of seconds a young man swam across the pool to the other side. Everybody cheered at the heroic feat of the young man. The wealthy man walked towards the young man and congratulated him. The young man said, “Sir, I am not interested in marrying your daughter. What I want to know is the name of the person who pushed me into the pool?”

Success Stories - CATCHING MONKEYS

The way to catch a monkey is to use a box with a small opening at the top- big enough for the monkey to slide its hand inside. Inside the box are nuts to lure the monkeys. The monkey will grab the nuts with its hand and forms a fist. When the monkey tries to get its hand out, the opening will be too small for the fist to come out. The monkey has a choice to either let go of the nuts in order to escape or to hang on to the nuts and get captured. It is sad that the monkey will hold on to the nuts and risks being caught.

Success Stories - THE MAN WHO WILLED HIMSELF TO DIE

There was a man who worked for the railroad. One day as he went into the freezer compartment to do his routine work, the door accidentally closed and he found himself trapped in the compartment. He shouted for help but no one heard him since it was past midnight. He tried to
break down the door but he could not. As he lay in the freezer compartment, he began to feel colder, and colder. Then he began to feel weaker, and weaker, and he wrote on the wall of the compartment, “I am feeling colder, and colder; and I am getting weaker, and weaker. I am dying, and this may be my last words”. In the morning when the other workers opened up the
compartment they found him dead. The sad twist to the above story is that the freezing apparatus in the compartment had broke down a few days earlier. The poor worker did not know about the damaged freezing apparatus and in his mind the freezing apparatus was working perfectly. He felt cold, got weaker and literally willed himself to die.

Success Stories - MY DOG CAN WALK ON WATER

There was a hunter who came into the possession of a special bird dog. The dog was the only one of its kind, because it can walk on water. One day he invited a friend to go hunting with him so that he could show off his prized possession. After some time, they shot a few ducks, which fell into the river. The man ordered his dog to run and fetch the birds. The dog ran on water to fetch the birds. The man was expecting a compliment about the amazing dog, but did not receive it. Being curious, he asked his friend if the friend had noticed anything unusual about the dog. The friend replied,
“Yes, I did see something unusual about your dog. Your dog can’t swim!”

Success Stories - THE SMART DRIVER

There was once a very famous motivational speaker. He had a driver who followed him to all his speaking engagements. The driver saw and heard the motivational speaker spoke so often that he knew word for word what the motivational speaker was going to say. He became an expert too. The driver told the motivational speaker that he could speak just as well. One day when the
motivational speaker was not feeling well, the driver asked for a chance to speak in his place. The motivational speaker agreed and the driver went on stage confidently and gave the best motivational speech of his life. The motivational speaker was shocked because the driver spoke and moved exactly like him. The driver got a standing ovation from the big audience at the end of his speech. After the speech, it was question time. One of the audiences asked a very difficult question. The driver knew that there was no way he could answer the question. He paused for a
moment and confidently told the audience that the question was too easy for him so he will ask his driver (the motivational speaker) to answer it instead.

Success Stories - NO FREE LUNCH

Once upon a time there was a king who wanted to compile the “wisdom of ages”. He commissioned his wise men together and asked them to carry out the urgent task immediately, and condensed it into a book. The wise men began their research and after one year they returned with a thick book on the “wisdom of ages”. The king was pleased, but requested them to condensed it further. The wise men later came back with one chapter, and yet the king insisted that it was too long. Finally, they condensed it into a sentence. When the king read it he was very pleased and said, “This is truly the wisdom of ages.” The sentence simply said, “There are no free lunch” – and there “aren’t”.

Success Stories - THE TRAP

There was a village that was attacked by wild boars. Everyday the wild boars would enter the village to rampage the whole village of their food. The villagers tried various means to fight and chase away the wild boars, but without much success.

One day a wise man approached the village headman to offer his advice. He told the villagers that they will have to follow all his advice and directions. Out of desperation, the villagers agreed. The wise man told the villagers to gather all the food from every household and put it in the middle of a big empty field. They followed his advice, and immediately they saw hundreds of wild boars approaching the vicinity where the food was placed. The wild boars were
apprehensive initially, but after a while they went for the food. Once the wild boars had a taste of the food they came back for the free food everyday. And everyday the villagers would put more food in the field and the wild boars would come to have their free meals. After a while, the wise man asked the villagers to erect four poles at the four-corners of the field.

The wild boars were too busy having their food that they did not take notice of what was happening. After a few weeks, the wild boars developed the habit of having free food. The wise man then asked the villagers to put fencing around the field, with a large gate through which the wild boars can enter to have their food. Finally once the fencing and the gate were completed
the villagers closed the gate and all the wild boars were trapped inside the field. The wild boars were finally defeated!

Success Stories - TWO HORSE POWER

There was once an old Indian who was poverty stricken. But one day, he strike it big when oil was discovered on his land. He became wealthy overnight and decided to reward himself by buying a Cadillac touring car. In those days, the Cadillac touring cars had two spare tires on the back. The old Indian wanted to be different and so he placed four spare tires at the back of his car. He bought himself a beautiful suit and hat. Everyday, with a cigar in his mouth he would drive into the hot, dusty, little Oklahoma cowboy town nearby. He wanted to show off his new car. He waved and spoke to everyone that he passed by, on the right and on the left. He sometimes turned all the way around to speak to the folks. The strange thing is that he never ran into anybody or over anybody. He never did hit anybody or anything. Guess why? Directly in front of that big beautiful car, there were two horses – pulling it!

Success Stories - THE JUNK DEALER

There was once a junk dealer who made his living by picking up things other people had thrown away. He lived in a run down house on his own. Everyday he would go out early in the morning and return late at night. He had no relations or friends, as he was a loner. One day he fell sick and never recovered. He passed away and since he had no close relatives, the police entered his house to investigate. They found the whole house littered with old furnishings and assorted items from
his past. However, to their surprise, the police discovered more than $100,000 in old bills packed in small boxes throughout the house.

Success Stories - THE MAGICIAN

Houdini was the greatest magician during his time. He was also a fantastic locksmith, and boasted that he could escape from any jail cell in the world in less than one hour. A small town in the British Isles built a new jail and issued Houdini the challenge. Houdini loved challenges and there was a prize money offered, so he accepted the challenge. When the big day arrived, there was a large crowd present and the media was also there to cover the special event. Houdini
confidently walked into the cell, and the door was closed. He immediately took off his coat and went to work. Hidden in his belt was a flexible, yet tough and durable ten-inch piece of steel, which he used to work on the lock. At the end of 30 minutes, his confidence disappeared. At the end of an hour, he was soaked in perspiration. After two hours, Houdini literally collapsed against the door – which opened! The door had never been locked, except in Houdini’s own mind.

Success Stories - THIS IS FAITH

There was a tightrope walker, who was so good that he could walk between two twenty stories building on a tight rope with a balancing pole. Thousands of people would watch him perform his breathtaking feat. After he walked across the building he would have his assistant sit on his shoulder and he would proceed to walk across the building. Everybody were amazed and gave him a thunderous applause. He asked them whether they believed that he could do it again. The crowd said, “Yes, we believe that you can!” After a while he asked the crowd again, “Now, who wants to volunteer to get on my shoulder?” With that the crowd became silent.

Success Stories - THE SHOE SALESMAN

There was a successful company that manufactured and sold shoes. One day the management had a meeting to consider opening their market in Africa. They sent one of their top salesman to Africa to make a study of the market potential there. Upon arriving in Africa he noticed that most of the Africans were bare-footed. He faxed home the message, “ Bad news, nobody wears shoes here!” And he followed up with the report that there is no market for shoes in Africa. The management considered it wise to have a second opinion, and decided to send another salesman to Africa to assess the market there. Upon arrival in Africa, the second salesman was so excited that he quickly faxed a message back, “Good news, nobody wears shoes here!” He hurried home and reported to the management, “Gentlemen, we are going to be “rich”, there is a big market in Africa , and what we need to do is to educate them on the benefits and importance of wearing shoes.”

Success Stories - WHOSE TIME IS RIGHT?

There was a man who works as a foreman at a factory. Every morning on his way to work , he would pass a particular shop selling watches. He will stop in front of the shop and adjust the time on his wrist watch, and will then proceed to work. He will do this everyday. The watch shop owner became very curious and one day stopped the man and asked him what he was doing. The man said that he was the foreman of the factory and everyday it was his duty to ring the bell to sound the alarm at 5.00pm to indicate that it was time to stop work for the day. He wanted to be accurate with the time and therefore everyday he would look at the big clock in the shop to adjust the time on his wrist watch. The shop owner started laughing! He said, “Everyday at 5.00pm when the factory bell sounds the alarm, I would quickly adjust the time on my clock”.

Success Stories - LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE

Norman Cousins is a man who laughed his way from sickness to complete health. He had a terminal illness which the doctors gave him a one-in-five-hundred chance of making a full recovery. Norman Cousins refused to accept the doctors opinion and decides to take matters
into his own hand. Laughter was one tool Cousins used in a conscious effort to mobilize his will to live and to succeed. He spend most of his time immersed in films, television programs, and books that made him laugh. He eventually recovered completely and wrote a book entitled, “Anatomy of an Illness”.

Success Stories - SHARPEN YOUR AXE

Allan, a woodcutter, was employed in a timber company for ten years, yet he never got a raise. The company later hired Richard to do the same job. However, Richard got a raise within the first twelve months. Allan was disappointed and decided to approach the management of the company. He was told that his production had never increased over the last ten years. On the other hand Richard had cut more trees in the period of one year. The company however promised to give Allan a raise if his production goes up. He went back to work and tried harder but unfortunately his result did not improve. One day he happened to meet Richard and decided to get Richard’s advice. Richard told Allan that after he cut down a tree, he would take a short break to sharpen his axe. Allan suddenly realized that he was too busy cutting down trees that he failed to take a break to sharpen his axe.

Success Stories - TWO PATIENTS AT THE HOSPITAL

There were two patients in a small hospital room. They were Tom and Bob. The room has only one window, and it happened that Tom’s bed was by the window. Everyday, Tom would relate to Bob about the beauty of the outside world he saw through the window. He told Bob about the
trees with green leafs, the flowers blooming, the weather, the children playing outside, and cars passing by. This kept Bob entertained since he was unable to see it for himself. However, as time went by, Bob became envious of Tom. He thought to himself, how nice it would be if he could see everything for himself. One night, Tom was very sick, and he asked Bob to call for help. Bob could have shouted for assistance, but he did not do so. He secretly wished that Tom would die, so that he could occupy the bed by the window. Tom did die, and Bob was moved to the bed beside the window. Bob was excited now that he had the opportunity to see the outside world with his own eyes. However, to his utter shock, the only view he got was a brick wall. He realized that he had lost a true friend in Tom, but it was too late now!

Success Stories - LET’S PLAY GOLF AT NIGHT

Ben Hogan was one of the greatest golfers of all time. One day he was approached by a blind man, who praised him for his great skill of golf! Ben Hogan asked the blind man what he could do for him. The blind man said that it was his life long dream to play a round of golf with the great Ben Hogan. He added that he also wanted to have a bet with Ben. Ben was of course hesitant about the bet since there was no way that the blind man was going to beat him. He did not want to win money from a blind man. But the blind man kept on insisting, and eventually Ben agreed to the bet. Ben looked at the blind man and asked, “What time shall we play today?” To which the blind man replied, “I will meet you at this golf course at 9.00 pm tonight!” By the way during those days there was no “night golfing”.

Success Stories - DON’T LET ANYBODY STEAL YOUR DREAM

Dexter Yager turned down a scholarship to Yale University because he wanted to start his own free enterprise business. He started with a jug of Kool-Aid business and moved on to selling cars. He was involved in a few other ventures but without much success. Dexter and his wife, Birdie were later introduced to a network marketing business in November 1965. With sheer determination and commitment they built one of the most successful and largest network in the world. Today, they have achieved the highest possible level in their network marketing business and have helped thousands of people become successful. They have indeed achieved their dreams of financial independence, and helping people around the world to have a taste of freedom. Dexter’s favorite saying is, “Don’t let anybody steal your dream.”

Success Stories - THE EAGLE AND THE OYSTER

Once there were two eggs discussing what they wanted to be when they hatched. The first egg said, “I want to be an oyster when I hatch. An oyster just lay in the water and never has to make any decisions. The currents of the ocean move it about, so it doesn’t have to plan. The ocean water passing by brings its food. Whatever the ocean provides is what the oyster receives, no
more, no less.” The first egg continued, “That’s the life for me. It may be limited, but there are no decisions and no responsibilities. There is a secured existence controlled only by the ocean.”

The second egg said, “That’s not the life for me. I wish to be an eagle. An eagle is free to go where it wants and to do as it pleases. Of course it is responsible for hunting its own food and making survival decisions, but it is also free to fly as high as the mountains.” The second egg continued, “The eagle is in control, instead of being controlled by others. I want no limits placed on me, nor do I want to be a slave of the ocean. Consequently, I am willing to expend the effort required to live the life of an eagle.”

Success Stories - I WILL WAIT

A big flood hit a village. Everyone was evacuated and fled for safety, except for one man who said, “God will save me. I have faith.” As the water level rose, a jeep came to rescue him but he refused help and said, “God will save me. I have faith.” As the water level rose further, he went up to the second story, and a boat came to help him. Again he refused to go saying, “God will save me. I have faith.” The water kept rising and finally he climbed to the roof. A helicopter came to rescue him, but he said, “God will save me. I have faith.” Finally he drowned. When he came face to face with his Maker he angrily commented, “I have complete faith in you. Why did you ignore my prayers and let me drown?” The Lord replied, “Who do you think sent the jeep, the boat, and the helicopter?”

Success Stories - THE GENERAL AND THE BOY

Once, there was a General who wanted to cross a river.
He was unsure of the depth of the river, and whether
his horse could make it across the river. He looked
around for help and saw a little boy nearby. He asked
the boy for advice. The boy looked at the size of the
General’s horse and paused for a moment. He then
confidently told the General that it is safe for the
General and his horse to cross the river. The General
proceeded to cross the river on his horse. As he
approached the middle of the river, he suddenly
realized that the river was, in fact, very deep, and he
almost drowned. After he recovered from his shock he
shouted at the boy and threatened to punish him. The
boy was stunned and innocently replied, “But General, I
see my ducks crossing the river everyday without any
problem, and my ducks have shorter legs than your
horse”.

Success Stories - THE SECRET OF SUCCESS

There was once a boy who wanted to seek the secret of
success. One day he approached a wise man living up in the
mountain. When he found the wise man at the hut, he asked,
“Wise man, can you tell me the secret to becoming successful
in life?” The wise man was silent for a while. After a
moment of silence, the wise man led the young lad to a
nearby river. They kept walking into the river until the
boy’s head was fully submerged in the water. The boy
struggled to keep his head above the water. To his
astonishment, the wise man did not help him. Instead, the
wise man held the boy’s head in the water. After a few
minutes the wise man pulled the boy out of the water and
they proceeded to walk back to the hut. At the hut the wise
man asked the young boy what he desired most when his head
was submerged in water. To this the young boy quickly
responded, “Of course, I wanted to breathe, you old fool!”
To which the wise man replied, “Son, if you desire success
as much as you wanted to breathe, then you would have found
the true secret of success.”

Success Stories - SEE YOUR REACHING

The Catalina Island is twenty-one miles away from the coast
of California, and many people have taken the challenge to
swim across it. On July 4th 1952, Florence Chadwick stepped
into the water off Catalina Island to swim across to the
California coast. She started well and on course, but later
fatigue set in, and the weather became cold. She persisted,
but fifteen hours later, numb and cold, she asked to be
taken out of the water. After she recovered, she was told
that she had been pulled out only half a mile away from the
coast. She commented that she could have made it, if the fog
had not affected her vision and she would have just seen the
land. She promised that this would be the only time that she
would ever quit.

She went back to her rigorous training. And two months later
she swam that same channel. The same thing happened. The
fatigue set in, and the fog obscured her view, but this time
she swam with faith and vision of the land in her mind. She
knew that somewhere behind the fog was land. She succeeded
and became the first woman to swim the Catalina Channel. She
even broke the men’s record by two hours.

Success Stories - SEARCH NO MORE

Ali Hafed was a farmer from Africa, who was happy and
contented. One day a priest came to visit him and told him
about the glory of diamonds and the power that goes along
with having them. The priest said, “If you have a diamond
the size of your thumb, you could have your own city. If you
had a diamond the size of your fist, you could own the whole
country.” After the priest left, the farmer could not sleep
that night. He became unhappy and discontented with what he
had, and the whole night he thought to himself how rich and
powerful he would become if he could possess some diamonds.

The next morning, he sold off his farm, left his family with
his neighbor, and set off to search for diamonds. He
traveled all over Africa, but could not find any. He looked
all over Europe and couldn’t find any. Finally, he became
emotionally, physically and financially broke and decided to
take his own life by throwing himself into the river.
Back home, the person who had bought his farm was watering
the camels at a stream that ran through the farm. He
suddenly saw a curious flash of light from the white sands
of the shallow stream. Reaching into the water, he pulled
out a rough stone that sparkled like the colors of the
rainbow. Finding the stone interesting, he took it back to
his house and placed it as a decoration piece in his living
room. One day the priest came to visit, and saw the
sparkling stone. He exclaimed, “Here is a diamond! Is Hafed
back?” The man replied, “No, no, Hafed has not returned, and
that is not a diamond. It is only a stone I found right here
in the garden.” When the priest heard this, he declared, “I
know a diamond when I see one.”

Together they rushed out to the garden stream and began
searching. To their amazement, there came up other more
beautiful and valuable stones than the first. Thus, was
discovered the largest diamond mine in the world.

Success Stories - HE PLAYED HIS BEST

This is the story of Robby. He was a young boy who lived
with his elderly mother. His mother wanted him to learn how
to play the piano because she longed to hear her son play
for her. She sent her son to a piano teacher who took Robby
in under her guidance. However, there was one small problem
because Robby was not musically inclined and therefore was
very slow in learning. The teacher did not have much faith
in the boy because of his weakness. The mother was very
enthusiastic and every week she would send Robby to the
teacher.

One day Robby stopped attending the piano lessons. The
teacher thought that he had given up and in fact she was
quite pleased since she did not give much hope to Robby. Not
long after, the piano teacher was given the task to organize
a piano concert in town. She sent out circulars to invite
the students and public to attend the event. Suddenly, she
received a call from Robby who offered to take part in the
concert. The teacher told Robby that he was not good enough
and that he was no longer a student since he had stopped
coming for lessons. Robby begged her to give him a chance
and promised that he would not let her down.

Finally, she gave in and she put him to play last, hoping
that he will change his mind at the last minute. When the
big day came, the hall was packed and the children gave
their best performance. Finally, it was Robby’s turn to play
and as his name was announced, he walked in. He was not in
proper attire and his hair was not properly groomed. The
teacher was really nervous since Robby’s performance could
spoil the whole evening’s brilliant performance. As Robby
started playing the crowd became silent and was amazed at
the skill of this little boy. In fact, he gave the best
performance of the evening. At the end of his presentation
the crowd and the piano teacher gave him a standing ovation.
The crowd asked Robby how he managed to play so brilliantly.
With a microphone in front of him, he said, “I was not able
to attend the weekly piano lessons as there was no one to
send me because my mother was sick with cancer. She just
passed away this morning and I wanted her to hear me play.
You see, this is the first time she is able to hear me play
because when she was alive she was deaf and now I know she
is listening to me. I have to play my best for her!”