Letter from Jesus about Christmas --

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season.

How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8. 
If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it: 

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them. 
3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up... It will be nice hearing from you again. 
 4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

5 Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary-- especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.

10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.

Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember

I LOVE YOU, Merry Christmas.....
JESUS

Acts of Mercy

1. Resist sarcasm; it is the antithesis of mercy: “Set, O Lord, a guard over my mouth; keep watch, O Lord, at the door of my lips!” (Psalm 141:3).
2. 
   
3. Pare down possessions: share your things with the needy.
4.  
5. Call someone who you know is lonely, even if you understand why they’re lonely. Especially if you do.
6.  
7. Write a letter of forgiveness to someone. If you cannot send it, sprinkle it with holy water, ask Christ Jesus to have mercy on you both and then burn or bury it.
8. 
   
9. Learn to say this prayer: “Dear Lord, bless [annoying person’s name] and have mercy on me!”
10.  
11. Plan a mini pilgrimage to a local shrine; make an effort along the way to live the corporal work of mercy of “welcoming the stranger” as Christ.
12.  
13. Do something kind and helpful for someone who you don’t get along with, or who has wronged you.
14.  
15. Be mindful of your behavior online. Is that post designed to improve your image … and leave others feeling bad? Are you hammering people in order to serve your anger and humiliate others?
16.  
17. Have masses said for the living: friends and family members, even strangers you read/hear about, who are having a hard time.
18.  
19. Be generous enough to allow someone to help you; people need to feel needed.
20.  
21. If you didn’t mean to be a pain in the neck to someone, admit that you were and ask the person to forgive you.
22.  
23. Take a tip from Cardinal Timothy Dolan and carry around $5 Starbucks and McDonald’s gift cards for the homeless.
24.  
25. Take time in prayer to contemplate the good qualities of someone who is difficult for you. Do the same for each member of your family.
26.  
27. Send a card, flowers, gift or note to someone on the six-month anniversary of his or her loved one’s death. By then most people have stopped recognizing their grief.
28.  
29. Offer to babysit for a busy mom to go out and have a couple of hours to her self.
30.  
31. Make a meal (or buy a gift certificate) for a mom who’s just given birth or adopted a child, or for someone who’s just gone through a loss.
32.  
33. Hold. Your. Tongue.
34.  
35. Offer to run an errand (groceries, dry cleaning pick up, dog-walking) for a busy parent or homebound person.
36.  
37. If you can’t sit down beside a homeless person to talk for a while today, at least send a donation to a ministry that does do this (such as Christ in the City).
38.  
39. If you’re sharing a treat, take the smaller portion.
40.  
41. Memorize the 14 corporal and spiritual works of mercy and show your children what they mean.
42.  
43. Instead of losing patience with someone online (or in person), try to hear their fear. Ask God for what Solomon asked for: “an understanding heart.”
44.  
45. Offer to drive an elderly person to Mass.
46.  
47. Recall a time you were not given a benefit of a doubt, and extend one to someone else.
48.  
49. Put down the phone and really listen to someone else. With eye contact.
50.  
51. Have alternative drinks, other than water, for times when those who have been struggling with alcohol come to visit.
52. 
    
53. Take advantage of sales to buy small toothpastes, soaps, shampoos, socks and feminine products/toiletries; donate them to parish outreach, or make gift bags and have them ready to hand out where needed.
54.  
55. Read John Paul II’s “Dives in misericordia” bit-by-bit through the year.
56.  
57. Create a short end-of-day ritual to ask for (and extend) forgiveness with those you live with. “…do not let the sun set on your anger” (Eph 4:26).
58.  
59. Make a list of your “enemies.” Then, every day, say a prayer for them.
60.  
61. Make a point to smile, greet or make conversation with someone who is not in your everyday circle.
62.  
63. Give away something of yours (that you really like) to someone you know who would enjoy it.
64.  
65. Pray a Divine Mercy Chaplet as you are traveling to or from work.
66.  
67. When mercy for others is difficult, pray Cardinal Merry del Val’s Litany of Humility.
68.  
69. Make a gratitude journal for your spouse and jot down little things he or she does that you’re grateful for. Bite your tongue and go write in it (or at least read it) the next time you want to criticize in a moment of frustration.
70.  
71. Learn to make an Ignatian “Examen” every night. Remembering God’s mercy each night helps us to be merciful.
72. 
    
73. Respond to provocation with the respect you wish a person would show you.
74.  
75. Learn the Jesus Prayer and use it.
76.  
77. Take a few minutes during the week to stop at a church and sit before the Tabernacle, simply to be with Christ, the Merciful. If you cannot do that, meditate upon the crucifix.
78.  
79. Pray a novena for the good of someone you dislike.
80.  
81. Dig out your most attractive stationery and hand-write an actual letter to someone, as a means of demonstrating their importance to you.
82.  
83. Offer to read to someone who is feeling ill or is just feeling blue.
84.  
85. Ask the Holy Spirit to groan for you when you cannot bring yourself to pray for someone who has done you an injury.
86.  
87. Lead with a kind comment with friends as well as strangers.
88.  
89. When conversations devolve into “the dark joy” of gossip, help change the subject.
90.  
91. Can you play the piano, or any instrument? Can you recite poetry? Give free “concerts” to the forgotten people in nursing homes and assisted living centers.
92.  
93. Visit the graves of your ancestors, or visit a local cemetery and walk around praying a rosary for all the souls buried there
94. 
    
95. Go On Retreat. It’s a way to be merciful to yourself and also to the people around you, who know you need to go on retreat. If you cannot do that, at least try to make a day, or evening, of recollection.
96.  
97. Admit your jealousy, both to yourself and your confessor.
98.  
99. Offer to pray with someone, even someone you encounter on the street or public transport who looks like they could use it.
100.  
101. Keep holy cards, short prayers, or blessed medals handy and give them out to people you meet as you are inspired as a blessing to others.
102.  
103. Offer hospitality in your home to someone or a group of people you would normally never invite over.
104.  
105. With a few other people at your church, plan a party and invite all those from “the highways and byways” to come.
106.  
107. If someone you know seems to lack faith, share some of yours — tell him or her how Christ has changed your life.
108.  
109. Pay the parking or toll fee for the person behind you.
110.  
111. Give the much-maligned Pope Benedict XVI a fair reading sometime. You’ll be surprised.
112.  
113. Pray every day for the souls in Purgatory. Pray for your dead.

Gospel, Matthew 21:28-32

Gospel, Matthew 21:28-32

28 'What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He went and said to the first, "My boy, go and work in the vineyard today."

29 He answered, "I will not go," but afterwards thought better of it and went.

30 The man then went and said the same thing to the second who answered, "Certainly, sir," but did not go.

31 Which of the two did the father's will?' They said, 'The first.' Jesus said to them, 'In truth I tell you, tax collectors and prostitutes are making their way into the kingdom ofGod before you.

32 For John came to you, showing the way of uprightness, but you did not believe him, and yet the tax collectors and prostitutes did. Even after seeing that, you refused to think better of it and believe in him.

"Dark Horse" 3d Battalion, 5th Marines

Request for Prayer!

We are asking everyone to say a prayer for the "Dark Horse" 3d Battalion, 5th Marines and their families. 

Between 8 October 2010 and its April 2011 return home, the 3/5 lost 24 Marines while conducting Operation Enduring Freedom combat operations in Helmand province: 

• Sgt. Jason G. Amores, 29, of Lehigh Acres, Florida, died 20 January 2011
• Cpl. Tevan L. Nguyen, 21, of Hutto, Texas, died 28 December 2010.
• Lance Cpl. Kenneth A. Corzine, 23, of Bethalto, Illinois, died 24 December 2010.
• Lance Cpl. Jose L. Maldonado, 21, of Mathis, Texas, died 17 December 2010.
• Sgt. Jason D. Peto, 31, of Vancouver, Washington, died 7 December 2010.
• Cpl. Derek A. Wyatt, 25, of Akron, Ohio, died 6 December 2010.
• Pfc. Colton W. Rusk, 20, of Orange Grove, Texas, died 6 December 2010.
• Sgt. Matthew T. Abbate, 26, of Honolulu, Hawaii, died 2 December 2010.
• 1st Lt. William J. Donnelly IV, 27, of Picayune, Mississippi, died 25 November 2010.
• Lance Cpl. James B. Stack, 20, of Arlington Heights, Ill, died 10 November 2010.
• 2nd Lt. Robert M. Kelly, 29, of Tallahassee, Florida, died 9 November 2010.
• Lance Cpl. Randy R. Braggs, 21, of Sierra Vista, Arizona, died 6 November 2010.
• Lance Cpl. Brandon W. Pearson, 21, of Arvada, Colorado, died 4 November 2010.
• Lance Cpl. Matthew J. Broehm, 22, of Flagstaff, Arizona, died 4 November 2010.
• Sgt. Ian M. Tawney, 25, of Dallas, Oregon, died 16 October 2010.
• Lance Cpl. James D. Boelk, 24, of Oceanside, California, died 15 October 2010.
• Lance Cpl. Joseph C. Lopez, 26, of Rosamond, California, died 14 October 2010.
• Lance Cpl. Alec E. Catherwood, 19, of Byron, Illinois, died 14 October 2010.
• Lance Cpl. Irvin M. Ceniceros, 21, of Clarksville, Arkansas, died 14 October 2010.
• Pfc. Victor A. Dew, 20, of Granite Bay, California, died 13 October 2010.
• Lance Cpl. Joseph E. Rodewald, 21, of Albany, Oregon, died 13 October 2010.
• Lance Cpl. Phillip D. Vinnedge, 19, of Saint Charles, Mo, died 13 October 2010.
• Cpl. Justin J. Cain, 22, of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, died 13 October 2010.
• Lance Cpl. John T. Sparks, 23, of Chicago, Illinois, died 8 October 2010.

Dark Horse Battalion was rotated back to the U.S. in April 2011. Its place in Afghanistan was taken by the1st Battalion,  5th Regiment, also from Camp Pendleton. 

Advent Today

Advent Today                                   

Today, the Advent season lasts for four Sundays leading up to Christmas. At that time, the new Christian year begins with the twelve-day celebration of Christmastide, which lasts from Christmas Eve until Epiphany on January 6. (Advent begins on the Sunday that falls between November 27th and December 3rd each year.) 

Advent symbolizes the present situation of the church in these “last days” (Acts 2:17, Hebrews 1:2), as God’s people wait for the return of Christ in glory to consummate his eternal kingdom. The church is in a similar situation to Israel at the end of the Old Testament: in exile, waiting and hoping in prayerful expectation for the coming of the Messiah. Israel looked back to God’s past gracious actions on their behalf in leading them out of Egypt in the Exodus, and on this basis they called for God once again to act for them. In the same way, the church, during Advent, looks back upon Christ’s coming in celebration while at the same time looking forward in eager anticipation to the coming of Christ’s kingdom when he returns for his people. In this light, the Advent hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” perfectly represents the church’s cry during the Advent season:

O come, O come, Emmanuel, 

And ransom captive Israel, 

That mourns in lonely exile here

Until the Son of God appears.

Rejoice! Rejoice!

Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

While Israel would have sung the song in expectation of Christ’s first coming, the church now sings the song in commemoration of that first coming and in expectation of the second coming in the future.

MERCY MERCY MERCY

Works of Mercy

Corporal Works of Mercy

The Corporal Works of Mercy are these kind acts by which we help our neighbors with their material and physical needs.

1. feed the hungry
2. give drink to the thirsty
3. clothe the naked
4. shelter the homeless
5. visit the sick
6. visit the imprisoned
7. bury the dead

Spiritual Works of Mercy

The Spiritual Works of Mercy are acts of compassion, as listed below, by which we help our neighbors with their emotional and spiritual needs.

1. counsel the doubtful
2. instruct the ignorant
3. admonish sinners
4. comfort the afflicted
5. forgive offenses
6. bear wrongs patiently
7. pray for the living and the dead

Novena for Paris

Novena for Paris

(Pray the rosary with these intentions in your mind and heart)

Glorious St. Francis, you have acted as a peacemaker even in the face of extreme physical danger. You sought to end the Crusades by converting the sultan of Egypt through the audacious love of Christ, which knows no end, and knows no fear.

Through your intercession, may this love be brought to those who hate us, those members of the Islamic State who attacked the innocents of Paris in order to inspire terror. Pray for the conversion of these persecutors, that where there is hatred, through your intercession, there will instead be sown love.

Pray for all of those suffering in Paris, that they may be given consolation. Through your intercession to our Lord who suffered for us, where there is injury, let there be pardon; where there is error, truth; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. We pray that the love of Christ Crucified may accomplish this great work, through the power of his glorious Resurrection.

St. Francis, pray for us!

Notre Dame de Paris, pray for us! 

Prayer for Tulsa woman's Ovarian Cancer Surgery August 19, 2015 UPDATE

August 20, 2015
UPDATE...Surgery complete...prayers REALLY needed.

"Surgery was scheduled at 10:30 AM, but didn't begin till 2:10 and went on for SIX agonizing hours.

It was a long night, and "CT" was and still is in a lot of pain.

The surgery removed a cancerous mass that had consumed CT's uterus and ovaries.  It had attached to her colon, so they had to remove a section.  CT will be wearing a colostomy bag for 6 - 8 months."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
August 14, 2015
UPDATE...Surgery recommended...happening August 19, 2015.  Please offer a prayer.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
First Post:  July 30. 2015
Please say one quick prayer for someone in Tulsa, OK, that is being tested for Ovarian Cancer…waiting on CT Scan results…a referral to a cancer doctor has been recommended.

I will update you…to let you know your prayers were received…and hopefully answered.

A cancer that begins in the female organs that produce eggs (ovaries).

Rare

20,000 to 200,000 US cases per year

Medically treatable

By a doctor or professional

Consult a doctor for medical advice

Sources: Mayo Clinic and others.

Would you Pray for someone desiring to Conceive? Please....

Hi Bock!

Hope you are feeling great!!

I have a prayer request that I would like passed on to the prayer group if possible.

I am starting fertility treatments in the next week or so and I'm asking for prayers that the insurance authorizes the medications, that I am able to start them on time, that i not experience any negative side effects, and obviously that I conceive........not too much for our Heavenly Father!!

Thank you .... and the prayer warriors!

Prayer Ephesians 1:17

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better.

Ephesians 1:17

You're a Nurse?

"You're a nurse?" that's cool, I wanted to do that when I was a kid. How much do you make?" 

The nurse replied: "HOW MUCH DO I MAKE?" ... 

I can make holding your hand seem like the most important thing in the world when you're scared... I can make your child breathe when they stop...I can help your father survive a heart attack...I can make myself get up at 5AM to make sure your mother has the medicine she needs to live...I work all day to save the lives of strangers...I make my family wait for dinner until I know your family member is taken care of...I make myself skip lunch so that I can make sure that everything I did for your wife today is charted...I make myself work weekends and holidays because people don't just get sick Monday - Friday. Today, I might save your life. How much do I make? All I know is, I make a difference. 

God bless all Nurses...we have been so blessed with the kind ones that have helped us directly…and indirectly... these last 22 months...

Long before you entered nursing
The Lord had played His part,
Planting seeds of love and kindness
In the portals of your heart.
For it’s clear that you’ve been gifted
With a sympathetic ear,
And blessed from the beginning
With a willingness to cheer.
And the people who you care for
Are better off by far,
When they’re touched by your compassion,
By the person that you are.
For in times of woe and worry
When they’re frightened or they’re blue,
No one could be more consoling than the friend they’ll find in you

Today in prayer...every day... for all who suffer doubts that only the devil promotes...

Please pray today for our family...and yours.

Thank you,

RGB

Sean Casey...Triple By-Pass Surgery UPDATE!!!!

Update Sean came through the triple-by pass this was on 7/2. Well today 7/7 Sean is going home.  Thank you, Thank you all for the prayers.  
Love,
Aunt Mary Rose

Jul 2, 2015, at 11:28 AM, Palmero, Mary wrote:

Sean is like a nephew to Uncle Joe and I.  He and his 2 brothers and Tony and Marisa are like cousins.  We (both families) were and still are best of friends.

Sean will be 45 tomorrow and he is facing a triple by-pass today.  Had a heart attack early this morning.  Please pray for his recovery.

Katie Nairn-Beccari needs your prayer

On Jul 2, 2015, at 4:56 PM, Marilyn Cassidy wrote:

Hi Everyone,

 

This request came from a fellow Knight of my husband.  

Bock - can you put on your prayer line, and know that we are praying for Sean Casey.  Marilyn

Could you please do me a HUGE favor?  I need the word spread to have prayers sent for a dear, life-long friend, Katie Nairn-Beccari, and I don't have a list of all emails of our brothers.  She had surgery this morning to remove a mass from her lung and is now on a ventilator.  She and I have known each other for over 40 years and we went through CCD together.  Katie and her family live in Northwest Washington State, and I haven't seen her in years, but we keep in touch on Facebook.  Her husband and son are with her right now.  Thanks very much.  Best Regards,  John D.

Prayers by eMail...God Bless ;-)

GREAT NEWS!!! RICHARD BOCKWINKEL IS CANCER FREE!!!!

March 20, 2015...


CONFIRMED AFTER SECOND C-SCAN TODAY.

GREAT NEWS!!!  

RICHARD BOCKWINKEL IS 

CANCER FREE!!!!

THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR THEIR SUPPORT!!!!

NOW LET'S ALL ENJOY THIS FIRST DAY OF SPRING!!!!!

Mary Zanoni, beating Leukemia...Thanks for your prayers

Hello all!

Monday I had my scheduled checkup with my oncologist in Ann Arbor where the sun is shining and it is 50 degrees! My doctor was very pleased with my health, and he told me that I could stop taking prednisone now! WOW!! This is a major milestone that I am so excited to reach. My next checkup will be in 6 months again on September 10^th, but if that goes as well, then I won’t have to have another checkup for a year. It is just about 4 years since I was diagnosed with Leukemia. I have survived and certainly plan to continue to do so. At this point there is now only a 20% chance of relapse. Next year that will be down to 5%! I still may end up with side effects from the chemo and other drugs, but as Jesus told us, we cannot add one minute to our life by worrying. Great advice!

One comment my doctor made was “Don’t wait to enjoy life.” I had no problem telling him that sure wasn’t the case with me. Just last weekend, 4 of my sisters and 4 nieces plus 11 other relatives and friends, all met up in Appleton, Wisconsin to have our toes done, hang out in the Jacuzzi, go out to eat, and see “Mamma Mia”. My sister and niece even helped me get a new wig that I wore for my checkup; that’s probably why my doctor  thought I was doing so well - because I looked so good with hair J. Louie is always there supporting me and trying to get me not to go out in crowds too much. Since my immune system is still compromised, he is worried about my getting sick. Now that I will be off prednisone, my immune systems should start improving.

Today, I had my eye exam, and again it was good news. There has been no increase in the GVHD dryness of my eyes, or in the drug induced cataracts, which are still pretty minimal.

With this pleasant weather, Louie and I have been enjoying our trip, but we are anxious to get home and go cross country skiing again, now that it is not below zero anymore. I bet we have a month left of skiing; it will take that long for all the snow to melt.

So blue skies and sunshine are in my heart, and so much thanksgiving to God who is so good.  May you all have a joyful spring!

Love,

Mary

--

Mary M. Zanoni

Keep this Cancer Candle Burning in Prayer

Have a great day!  Life has many choices, eternity has two!

Chemo Day

Some will say you will pray because it is a nice thing to say or it is politically correct.

Then there are those of you who will  really do it. I'm sending this to some who will.

This prayer means so much so please say the prayer for everyone and pass it on. 

Cancer is a strange cell.

If you ever have it, you will never be free of it. If you never had it, don't feel too cozy,

you can get it.  Pray for the day there will be a permanent cure.

A SMALL REQUEST.....

93% won't forward, but I'm Sure You Will.

A small request.....Just one line;

'Dear God,

I pray that You will guide someone to find a cure for

cancer in 2015......Amen'.

All you are asked to do is keep this circulating, Even if it's only to one more person.  In memory of anyone you know who has been struck down by cancer or is still living with it. 

A Candle Loses Nothing by Lighting Another Candle.

Please Keep This Candle Going......

Four Boyfriends....a must read!!!!

Once upon a time there was a girl who had four boyfriends. 
  
She loved the fourth boyfriend the most and adorned him with rich robes and treated him to the finest of delicacies. She gave him nothing but the best. 
 
She also loved the third boyfriend very much and was always showing him off to neighboring kingdoms. However, she feared that one day he would leave her for another. 
 
She also loved her second boyfriend. He was her confidant and was always kind, considerate and patient with her. Whenever this girl faced a problem, she could confide in him, and he would help her get through the difficult times. 
 
The girl's first boyfriend was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining her wealth and kingdom. However, she did not love the first boyfriend, although he loved her deeply, she hardly took notice of him! 
 
One day, the girl fell ill and she knew her time was short. She thought of her luxurious life and wondered, 'I now have four boyfriends with me, but when I die, will I be alone.' 
 
Thus, she asked the fourth boyfriend, 'I loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?
'No way!', replied the fourth boyfriend, and he walked away without another word. 
 
His answer cut like a sharp knife right into her heart. 
  
The sad girl then asked the third boyfriend, 'I loved you all my life. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?' 'No!', replied the third boyfriend. 'Life is too good! When you die, I'm going to marry someone else!' Her heart sank and turned cold. 
 
She then asked the second boyfriend, 'I have always turned to you for help and you've always been there for me. When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?' 
  
'I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!', replied the second boyfriend. 'At the very most, I can only walk with you to your grave.' 
His answer struck her like a bolt of lightning, and the girl was devastated. 
  
Then a voice called out: 'I'll go with you. I'll follow you no matter where you go.' The girl looked up, and there was her first boyfriend. He was very skinny as he suffered from malnutrition and neglect. 
  
Greatly grieved, the girl said, 'I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!' 
 
In truth, you have four boyfriends in your lives: 
 
Your fourth boyfriend is your body. No matter how much time and effort you lavish in making it look good, it will leave you when you die. 
  
Your third boyfriend is your possessions, status and wealth.When you die, it will all go to others. 
 
Your second boyfriend is your family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for you, the furthest they can stay by you is up to the grave. 
 
And your first boyfriend is your spirit. Often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world. 
 
However, your spirit is the only thing that will follow you where ever you go. Cultivate, strengthen and cherish it now, for it is the only part of you that will follow you to the throne of God and continue with you throughout Eternity. 
 
Thought for the day: Remember, when the world pushes you to your knees, you're in the perfect position to pray. 
 Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect. It means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections.