Was searching for some old email, and came across some assorted gems collected in my mail account.
What you possess in the world will be found at the day of your death to belong to someone else. But what you are will be yours forever -- Henry Van Dyke
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Two monks were once travelling together down a muddy road. A heavy rain was falling. Coming around a bend, they met a lovely girl in a silk kimono and sash, unable to cross the intersection.
"Come on, girl," siad the first monk. Lifting her in his arms, he carried her over the mud.
The second monk did not speak again until that night when they reached a lodging temple. Then he no longer could restrain himself. "We monks don't touch any females," he said. "Our path does not allow it. Why did you do that?"
"I left the girl across the muddy road, the first monk said. "Why are you still carrying her?"
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And the day came when the risk it took to remain tight inside the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom --Anais Nin
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To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty; to find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
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In Germany they came first for the Communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant.
Then they came for me, and by that time no one was left to speak up.
--Martin Niemoeller
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One SONG can spark a moment, One FLOWER can wake the dream
One TREE can start a forest, One BIRD can herald spring
One SMILE begins a friendship, One HANDCLASP lifts a soul
One STAR can guide a ship at sea, One WORD can frame the goal
One VOTE can change a nation, One SUNBEAM lights a room
One CANDLE wipes out darkness, One LAUGH will conquer gloom
One STEP must start each journey, One WORD must start a prayer
One HOPE will raise our spirits, One TOUCH can show you care
One VOICE can speak with wisdom, One HEART can know what is true
It takes only One LIFE - yours, that can make a difference.
--Author Unknown