Editor: Richard (Dick) Innes
Published by: ACTS International
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Vol. 15 – No. 1313 March 30, 2013
Thought for the week: "Rumor travels faster, but it doesn't stay put as long as truth." – Will Rogers
"In calm water every ship has a good captain." – Grover Cleveland
"Much may be done in those little shreds and patches of time which every day produces, and which many men throw away." – Charles Caleb Colton
"When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you till it seems you could not hold on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn." –
Harriet Beecher Stowe
"We need a vocation, not just an occupation, and a vocation is where our 'deep gladness' and the 'worlds deep hunger' meet." – Frederich Buechner.
"There is a time to let things happen and a time to make things happen." – Hugh Prather
"Our lives are defined by opportunities, even the ones we miss." – F. Scott Fitzgerald
Hugging is healthy; it helps the body's immunity system, it keeps you healthier, it cures depression, it reduces stress, it induces sleep, it's invigorating, and rejuvenating, it has no unpleasant side effects, and hugging is nothing less than a miracle drug.
Hugging is all natural: it is organic, naturally sweet, no pesticides, no preservatives, no artificial ingredients, and is 100 percent wholesome.
Hugging is practically perfect: there are no moveable parts, no batteries to wear out, no periodic checkups, low energy consumption, high energy yield, insulation proof, non-fattening, no monthly payments, no insurance requirements, theft-proof, non taxable, non polluting, and, of course, fully returnable.
Ann's father, Sam Burke, was in the last stages of cancer, and his needs had gone beyond what she could provide at home. She was distraught at the thought of placing him in a convalescent home.
The check-in process confirmed her worst fears. Administrators, nurses, and doctors who seemed bothered, bored, or burned out quickly transformed Sam Burke into just another patient.
Driving home with tears in her eyes, she remembered when she told her dad that she hated her dorm during her first year of college. "Never accept the unacceptable," he had told her. "There's nothing you can't make better if you put your mind to it."
Determined to make his last days better, Ann got the names of every person at the convalescent home who might work with her father and delivered a personally addressed envelope to each of them. It contained a note and pictures of her dad getting married, posing with his children, and in military uniform. The note said, "This is my dad, Sam Burke; a good and proud man who fought for his country and worked hard for his family. I know you will treat him with kindness and dignity. I am very grateful."
During her next few visits, she made sure to introduce her father to everyone: "This is my dad, Sam Burke." Soon, the looks of suspicion disappeared, and the staff returned her smiles and personally greeted Sam. Each time they did, Sam squeezed Ann's hand.
When he died months later, Ann received a card signed by the entire staff: "Thanks for entrusting us with your dad, Sam, and for reminding us why we do what we do. He must have been a great father because you sure are a great daughter."
This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.
"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver."1
When President Gerald Ford was in office, he was, on one occasion, visited in the White House by Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. When the Ford's son, Jack, was dressing for a formal dinner with the queen and prince, he couldn't find the studs for his shirt so he rushed into his father's bedroom to see if he could borrow some.
He ran into the elevator with his shirt unbuttoned and hanging out and his hair disheveled—too late to discover that somebody else was already in the elevator. It was his parents with their guests, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.
Mrs. Ford, feeling awkward, introduced Jack to their distinguished visitors. Sensing Mrs. Ford's embarrassment, the queen remarked sympathetically, "I have one just like that!"
I used to have one at home something like that too. In time, I learned to keep his door closed and my mouth shut! Sometimes it's what we don't say that can say the most and be the most tactful.
Tact and kindness are great gifts to use every day.
Indeed, "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver."
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to guard my tongue and learn to say the right thing at the right time, for the right reason, in the right way, with the right motive. Help me, too, to know when to seal my lips and keep my mouth shut. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus'
name, amen."
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