dear ones
A new year dawn, lets hope for the best. wishes for a happy , joyous
,merry,properous  year 2009

Every now and then I could literally hear my patients "speaking" to me
through their eyes. This was one of those times. She was ill, a
lifetime smoker. Looking up at me she silently asked: " Please, can
you make this go away?"

Today, I found the following; an article worth reading, worth letting
to get directly into one's heart and mind

It doesn't get any simpler than this. Sometimes things are crystal
clear.

Perhaps you know one person you can share this with who will use it
in self love and you just might help them save their own life.
Imagine giving such a new years gift: Life!

ATLANTA – A smoking ban in one Colorado city led to a dramatic drop
in heart attack hospitalizations within three years, a sign of just
how serious a health threat secondhand smoke is, government
researchers said Wednesday. The study, the longest-running of its
kind, showed the rate of hospitalized cases dropped 41 percent in the
three years after the ban of workplace smoking in Pueblo, Colo., took
effect. There was no such drop in two neighboring areas, and
researchers believe it's a clear sign the ban was responsible.

Today is a time machine for someone. In sharing what matters in a
sense we go into the past and help someone rewrite their future. We
can hand them the chance for hope instead of despair.

What a newyears gift that could be!

a happy new year to each of you.

Mike

-New year arrived I prayed to Mother to give what is need to me as
well to us.
bye

you too

________________________________

From: achangewilldoyougood@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:achangewilldoyougood@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Phyllis
Dobrinsky
Sent: Wednesday, December 31, 2008 10:04 AM
To: achangewilldoyougood@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [ACWDYG ] New Years Greetings



thank you. happy new year to all.

________________________________
From: teddybear1937 <teddybear1937@...
<mailto:teddybear1937%40yahoo.com> >
To: achangewilldoyougood@yahoogroups.com
<mailto:achangewilldoyougood%40yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, December 31, 2008 8:59:45 AM
Subject: [ACWDYG ] New Years Greetings

The new year is fast approaching and may I wish each and everyone a
blessed New Year and all the happiness you can handle. ~Alice

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]






[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Guys,

              Where I am it's now 2009 and the Dutch are still letting off their
fireworks and it's 02:11 ! anyway Happy New Year one and all..


For
Today –

If
we would gain any real advantage in the use of this Step on
problems
other than alcohol, we shall need to make a brand
new venture
into open-mindedness. We shall need to raise our
eyes
toward perfection, and be ready to walk in that direction.
It
will seldom matter how haltingly we walk. The only question
will
be "Are we ready?"

--
Twelve Steps And Twelve Traditions, page 68

*******************************************************************************

The
future is not a result of choices among alternative paths
offered
by the present, but a place that is created--created first
in
the mind and will, created next in activity. The future is not
some
place we are going to, but one we are creating. The paths
are
not to be found, but made, and the activity of making them,
changes
both the maker and the destination.

--
John Schaar

*******************************************************************************

To
change one's life:
1.
Start immediately
2.
Do it flamboyantly
3.
No exceptions.

--
William James

Love and myGgwy Ian S..


An absence of alternatives clears the mind marvellously


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

thank you. happy new year to all.



________________________________
From: teddybear1937 <teddybear1937@...>
To: achangewilldoyougood@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, December 31, 2008 8:59:45 AM
Subject: [ACWDYG ] New Years Greetings


The new year is fast approaching and may I wish each and everyone a
blessed New Year and all the happiness you can handle. ~Alice






[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

The new year is fast approaching and may I wish each and everyone a
blessed New Year and all the happiness you can handle. ~Alice

In The Universal Bank of God¦
God stores his blessings & deposited 365 days full of love, faith & happiness
for you
So, Enjoy spending
Happy & Colorful New Year.
Regards
Josephraj, Jacqueline, Joshua & Johane



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

A voyaging ship was wrecked during a storm at sea and only two of the
Men on it were able to swim to a small, desert like island. The two
Survivors, not knowing what else to do, agreed that they had no other
Recourse but to pray to God. However, to find out whose prayer was
More powerful, they agreed to divide the territory between them and
Stay on opposite sides of the island. The first thing they prayed for
Was food. The next morning, the first man saw a fruit-bearing tree on
His side of the land, and he was able to eat its fruit. The other
man's parcel of land remained barren.

After a week, the first man was lonely and he decided to pray for a
Wife. The next day, another ship was wrecked, and the only survivor
Was a woman who swam to his side of the land. On the other side of the
Island, there was nothing. Soon the first man prayed for a house,
Clothes, more food. The next day, like magic, all of these were given
To him. However, the second man still had nothing.

Finally, the first man prayed for a ship, so that he and his wife
Could leave the island. In the morning, he found a ship docked at his
Side of the island. The first man boarded the ship with his wife and
Decided to leave the second man on the island. He considered the other
Man unworthy to receive God's blessings, since none of his prayers had
Been answered.

As the ship was about to leave, the first man heard a voice from
Heaven booming, "Why are you leaving your companion on the island?"

"My blessings are mine alone, since I was the one who prayed for
Them," the first man answered. "His prayers were all unanswered and so
He does not deserve anything."

"You are mistaken!" the voice rebuked him. "He had only one prayer,
Which I answered. If not for that, you would not have received any of
My blessings."

Tell me," the first man asked the voice, "What did he pray for that I
Should owe him anything?"

"He prayed that all your prayers be answered."

For all we know, our blessings are not the fruits of our prayers
Alone, but those of another praying for us.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

My six weeks vacation is paid, I'm paid between 70 and 100% when sick, no fear
of losing my house, full medical of course, retirement is minimum 70% of salary
{ it's usually made up to 100% }, I earned 90,000.oo Euro last year, the bummer
is my company vehicle is only replaced every 4 years.. I pay a lot of taxes in
many forms but then I do live in a socially responsible European country..
Love and myGgwy Ian S..


An absence of alternatives clears the mind marvellously




________________________________
From: teddybear1937 <teddybear1937@...>
To: achangewilldoyougood@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, December 29, 2008 3:40:52 PM
Subject: [ACWDYG ] Job interview joke


The Job Interview

Reaching the end of a job interview, the Human Resources Person asked
a young Engineer fresh out of MIT, "And what starting salary were you
looking for?"

The Engineer said, "In the neighborhood of $125,000 a year, depending
on the benefits package."

The interviewer said, "Well, what would you say to a package of
5-weeks vacation, 14 paid holidays, full medical and dental, company
matching retirement fund to 50% of salary, and a company car leased
every 2 years say, a red Corvette?"

The Engineer sat up straight and said, "Wow! Are you kidding?"

And the interviewer replied, "Yeah, but you started it."



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I know this is late ! It's due to me being in Belgium yesterday and at this time
today because I've just got back from France Voila !


For
Today –

You can't
make a horse drink water if he still prefers beer or is
too
crazy to know what he does want. Set a pail of water beside
him,
tell him how good it is and why, and leave him alone.

-- Bill W.

********************************************************************************\
*

I
suffer whenever I see that common sight of a parent or senior
imposing
his opinion and way of thinking and being on a young
soul
to which he is totally unfit. Cannot we let people be them-
selves
and enjoy life in their own way? You are trying to make
another
you. One's enough.

-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

********************************************************************************\
*

The
eye sees only what the mind is prepared to comprehend.

--
Henri Bergson

Love and myGgwy Ian S..



An absence of alternatives clears the mind marvellously


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Thanks 4 sharing this




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

THESE SETS OF THREE LITTLE WORDS CAN MAKE A LOT OF DIFFERENCE IN ONE'S
LIFE


There are many things that we can do to perk up and strengthen our
interpersonal relationships. Yet the most effective involves the saying
of just three words. When spoken or conveyed, these statements have the
power to forge new friendships, deepen old ones and restore
relationships that have cooled. The following three-word phrases can
enrich every relationship.



I'll Be There: If you have ever had to call a friend in the middle of
the night, to take a sick child to hospital, or when your car has broken
down some miles from home, you will know how good it feels to hear the
phrase "I'll be there." Being there for another person is the greatest
gift we can give. When we are truly present for other people, important
things happen to them and us. We are renewed in love and friendship. We
are restored emotionally and spiritually. Being there is at the very
core of civility.



I Miss You: Perhaps more marriages could be saved and strengthened if
couples simply and sincerely said to each other "I miss you." This
powerful affirmation tells partners they are wanted, needed, desired and
loved. Consider how ecstatic you would feel, if you received an
unexpected phone call from your spouse in the middle of your workday,
just to say "I miss you".



I Respect You: Respect is another way of showing love. Respect conveys
the feeling that another person is a true equal. If you talk to your
children as if they were adults you will strengthen the bonds and become
close friends. This applies to all inter-personal relationships.



May be You're Right: This phrase is highly effective in diffusing an
argument and restoring frayed emotions. The flip side to "May be you're
right" is the humility of admitting, "May be I'm wrong". Let's face it.
When you have a heated argument with someone, all you do is cement the
other person's point of view. They, or you, will not change their/your
stance and you run the risk of seriously damaging the relationship
between you. Saying "May be you're right" can open the door to further
explore the subject, in which you may then have the opportunity to get
your view across in a more rational manner.



Please Forgive Me: Many broken relationships could be restored and
healed if people would admit their mistakes and ask for forgiveness. All
of us are vulnerable to faults, foibles and failures. A man should never
be ashamed to own up that he has been in the wrong, which is saying, in
other words, that he is wiser today than he was yesterday.



I Thank You: Gratitude is an exquisite form of courtesy. People who
enjoy the companionship of good, close friends are those who don't take
daily courtesies for granted. They are quick to thank their friends for
their many expressions of kindness. On the other hand, people whose
circle of friends is severely constricted often do not have the attitude
of gratitude.



Count On Me: A friend is one who walks in, when others walk out. Loyalty
is an essential ingredient for true friendship; it is the emotional glue
that bonds people. Those that are rich in their relationships tend to be
steady and true friends. When troubles come, a good friend is there
indicating you can "count on me."



Let Me Help: The best of friends see a need and try to fill it. When
they spot a hurt they do what they can to heal it. Without being asked,
they pitch in and help.



I Understand You: People become closer and enjoy each other more if they
feel the other person accepts and understands them. Letting your spouse
know in so many little ways that you understand her/him, is one of the
most powerful tools for healing your relationship. This applies to any
relationship.



I Love You: Perhaps the most important three words that you can say.
Telling someone that you truly love them satisfies a person's deepest
emotional needs; the need to belong, to feel appreciated and to be
wanted. Your family, your friends and you, all need to hear those three
little words. "I love you."







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

The Job Interview

Reaching the end of a job interview, the Human Resources Person asked
a young Engineer fresh out of MIT, "And what starting salary were you
looking for?"

The Engineer said, "In the neighborhood of $125,000 a year, depending
on the benefits package."

The interviewer said, "Well, what would you say to a package of
5-weeks vacation, 14 paid holidays, full medical and dental, company
matching retirement fund to 50% of salary, and a company car leased
every 2 years say, a red Corvette?"

The Engineer sat up straight and said, "Wow! Are you kidding?"

And the interviewer replied, "Yeah, but you started it."

So you would like to interview me?
God asked.

If you have the time.
I said.

God smiled.
My time is eternity.
What questions do you have in mind for me?

What surprises you most about humankind?

God answered...
That they get bored with childhood, they rush to grow up, and then long to
be children again.

That they lose their health to make money... And then lose their money to
restore their health.

That by thinking anxiously about the future, they forget the present, such
that they live in neither the present nor the future.

"That they live as if they will never die, and die as though they had never
lived.

God's hand took mine and we were silent for a while.

And then I asked... As a parent, what are some of life's lessons you want
your children to learn?

To learn they cannot make anyone love them.
All they can do is let themselves be loved.

To learn that it is not good to compare themselves to others.

To learn to forgive by practicing forgiveness.

To learn that it only takes a few seconds to open profound wounds in those
they love, and it can take many years to heal them.

To learn that a rich person is not one who has the most, but is one who
needs the least.

To learn that there are people who love them dearly, but simply have not yet
learned how to express or show their feelings.

To learn that two people can look at the same thing and see it differently.

To learn that it is not enough that they forgive one another, but they must
also forgive themselves.

"Thank you for your time," I said humbly.
"Is there anything else you would like your children to know?"

God smiled and said,
Just know that I am here...
Always.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

For
Today --

The
wars which had been fought, the burnings and chicanery that
religious
dispute had facilitated, made me sick. I honestly doubted
whether,
on balance, the religions of mankind had done any good.
Judging
from what I had seen in Europe and since, the
power of God
in
human affairs was negligible, the Brotherhood of Man a grim jest.

--
BILL'S STORY, Alcoholics Anonymous, page 11

********************************************************************************\
*****

The
tragedy of life is what dies inside a man while he lives.

--
Albert Einstein

********************************************************************************\
*****

Disillusion
comes only to the illusioned. One cannot be disillusioned
of
what one never put faith in.

--
Dorothy Thompson

*********************************************************


Prayer is not meant to try to change the will of God, it is meant
to find the will of God, to align or realign ourselves with His
purposes for His world and for us. That is why it is at least as
important for us to listen as to speak in prayer.

-- Sam Shoemaker

Love and myGgwy Ian S..



An absence of alternatives clears the mind marvellously


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Though this appears to relate to Christianity, we can adapt the same
suitably to apply to all religions. Though each Religion speaks of God
calling it by different names, there is really only one UNSEEN MASTER
who stands for Truth and Goodness and who always does Good to everyone,
whatever religion one follows.



SVS



HEAVEN'S  GROCERY STORE

I was walking down life's highway a long time ago.
One day I saw a sign that read, "HEAVEN'S GROCERY STORE".
As I got a little closer, the door came open wide and when I came to
myself,

I was standing inside. I saw a host of ANGELS. They were standing
everywhere.

One handed me a basket and said, "My Child leave ALL YOUR NEGATIVE
QUALITIES like ANGER, HATRED, JEALOUSY as well as any negative thoughts
you may have in the basket and leave the basket here and then take
another basket and shop with care. Everything a Christian needed was in
that grocery store. And all you couldn't carry then, you could come back
for more."

First, I got some PATIENCE. LOVE was in the same row.
Further down was UNDERSTANDING, you need that everywhere you go.
I got a box or two of WISDOM, a bag or two of FAITH.
I just couldn't miss the HOLY GHOST, for it was all over the place,
I stopped to get some STRENGTH and COURAGE to help me run this race.
By then my basket was getting full, but I remembered I needed some
GRACE.

I didn't forget SALVATION, for SALVATION was free.
So I tried to get enough of that, to save both you and me.
Then I started for the counter to pay my grocery bill,
For I thought that I had everything, to do the MASTER'S will.

As I went up the aisle, I saw PRAYER. I just had to put that in.
For I knew when I stepped outside, I would run right into sin.
PEACE and JOY were plentiful, they were last upon the shelf,
SONG and PRAISE were hanging near, so I just helped myself.

Then I said to the angel, "Now how much do I owe?"
He smiled and said, "Just take them with you everywhere you go."
Again, I smiled and said, "How much do I really owe?"
He said, "NOTHING MY CHILD, JESUS PAID YOUR BILL A LONG, LONG TIME AGO
AND THESE ARE IN RETURN FOR WHAT YOU LEFT BEHIND WHEN YOU CAME IN."







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

For
Today –

For years,
I was sure the worst thing that could happen to a nice guy like me
would
be that I would turn out to be an alcoholic. Today, I find it’s the best
thing
that has ever happened to me.

-- DOCTOR, ALCOHOLIC, ADDICT,
Alcoholics Anonymous, page 449 (3rd Ed.)
-- ACCEPTANCE WAS THE ANSWER,
Alcoholics Anonymous, page 417(4th Ed.)

********************************************************************************\
*******************

Our
very imperfections—what religion labels “sins,” what therapy
calls our
“sickness,”
what philosophy terms our “errors”—are precisely what bring
us
closer
to the reality that no matter how hard we try to deny it, we are not the
ones
in control here. And this realization, inevitably and joyously, brings us
closer
to God.

--
The Spirituality of Imperfection

********************************************************************************\
*******************

What
we call basic truths are simply the ones we discover after all the others.

--
Albert Camus

Love and myGgwy Ian S..


An absence of alternatives clears the mind marvellously


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Five More Minutes



While at the park one day, a woman sat down next to a man on a bench
near a playground. "That's my son over there," she said, pointing to a
little boy in a red sweater who was gliding down the slide.

"He's a fine looking boy" the man said. "That's my son on the swing in
the blue sweater." Then, looking at his watch, he called to his son.

"What do you say we go, Todd?"

Todd pleaded, "Just five more minutes, Dad. Please? Just five more
minutes."

The man nodded and Todd continued to swing to his heart's content.

Minutes passed and the father stood and called again to his son. "Time
to go now?"

Again Todd pleaded, "Five more minutes, Dad. Just five more minutes."

The man smiled and said, "O.K."

"My, you certainly are a patient father," the woman responded.

The man smiled and then said, "My older son Tommy was killed by a drunk
driver last year while he was riding his bike near here. I never spent
much time with Tommy and now I'd give anything for just five more
minutes with him. I've vowed not to make the same mistake with Todd. He
thinks he has five more minutes to swing. The truth is, I get Five more
minutes to watch him play."

Life is all about making priorities, what are your priorities? Give
someone you love 5 more minutes of your time today.





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

40 Tips for a Better Life in 2009:


1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It
is the
ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.

3. Buy a DVR and tape your late night shows and get more sleep.

4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following
statement, 'My
purpose is to __________ today.

5. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.

6. Play more games and read more books than you did in 2008.

7. Make time to practice meditation and prayer. They provide us with
daily
fuel for our busy lives.

8. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.

9. Dream more while you are awake.

10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food
that is
manufactured in plants.

11. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan
salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.

12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

13. Clear clutter from your house, your car, your desk and let new and
flowing energy into your life.

14. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, OR issues of the past,
negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your
energy
in the positive present moment.

15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems
are
simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra
class
but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

16. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a
college kid with a maxed out charge card.

17. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the NEGATIVE BLUES away.

18. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

20. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

21. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

22. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

23. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their
journey
is all about.

24. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years,
will
this matter?'

26. Forgive everyone for everything.

27. What other people think of you is none of your business.

28. REMEMBER GOD heals everything.

29. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

30. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends
will.
Stay in touch.

31. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

32. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

33. The best is yet to come.

34. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

35. Do the right thing!

36. Call your family often. (Or email them to death!!!)

37. Each night before you go to bed complete the following
statements: I am
thankful for __________. Today I accomplished _________.

38. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

39. Enjoy the ride. Remember this is not Disney World and you
certainly
don't want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life so make
the
most of it and enjoy the ride.

40. Please Forward this to everyone you care about. I just did. May
your
troubles be less, May your blessings be more, May nothing but
happiness
come through your door!

Think about it!!!!!!!!!!!

(author unknown)

                           One day, the father of a very wealthy family
took his son on a trip to the country with the
express purpose of showing him how poor people
live.

                           They spent a couple of days and nights on the
farm of what would be considered a very poor
family.

                           On their return from their trip, the father
asked his son, 'How was the trip?'

                           'It was great, Dad.'

                           'Did you see how poor people live?' the father
asked.

                           'Oh yeah,' said the son.

                           'So, tell me, what did you learn from the trip?'
asked the father

                           The son answered:

                           'I saw that we have one dog and they had four.

                           We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our
garden and they have a creek that has no end.

                           We have imported lanterns in our garden and they
have the stars at night.
                           Our patio reaches to the front yard and they
have the whole horizon.

                           We have a small piece of land to live on and
they have fields that go beyond our sight.

                           We have servants who serve us, but they serve
others.

                           We buy our food, but they grow theirs.

                           We have walls around our property to protect us,
they have friends to protect them.'

                           The boy's father was speechless.

                           Then his son added, 'Thanks Dad for showing me
how poor we are.'

                           Isn't perspective a wonderful thing?

                           Makes you wonder what would happen if we all
gave thanks for everything we have, instead of
worrying about what we don't have.

                           Appreciate every single thing you have,
especially your friends!

For Today –

Surely this was the answer - self-knowledge.

-- Bill’s Story, Alcoholics Anonymous, page 7

********************************

And though I had the gift of prophesy, and understood
all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all
faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not
love, I am nothing.

-- 1 Corinthians 13

********************************

Our task then is to harness the energies of love—
to  actualize its enormous power in practical and
meaningful ways. Love too must announce its
intentions to the world, with all the passion born
of a compassionate heart.

-- Marianne Williamson

Love and myGgwy Ian S..


An absence of alternatives clears the mind marvellously


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

a merry christmas to you.hope you get everything you want.

--- On Wed, 12/24/08, honeym8 <no_reply@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

From: honeym8 <no_reply@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: [ACWDYG ] MERRY CHRISTMAS
To: achangewilldoyougood@yahoogroups.com
Date: Wednesday, December 24, 2008, 4:59 AM






I am only as strong as the God I serve, and the friends I have.

To the cool folks that have touched my life. I love you!

Christmas is time of togetherness, when family and friends gather. As
the festive season is upon us, I want to wish each of you the peace,
joy, and love of the season. May the season bring you the music of
laughter, the warmth of friendship & love.

I am also wishing you good times, good cheer, and a Happy New Year


















[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

1. Speak to People.
There is nothing as nice as a cheerful word of greeting.

2. Smile at People.
It takes 72 muscles to frown, but only 14 to smile!

3. Call People by Name.
The sweetest music to anyone's ear is the sound of his or her own
Name.

4. Be Friendly and Helpful.
If you would have friends, be friendly.

5. Be Cordial.
Speak and act as if everything you do were a real pleasure.

6. Be Genuinely Interested in People.
You can like everyone if you try.

7. Be Generous with Praise, Cautious with Criticism.
Praise will win out when it comes to gaining friends.

8. Be Considerate of the Feelings of Others.
It will be appreciated.

9. Be Thoughtful of the Opinions of Others.
People love their opinions as they do their own children, calling
Them ugly won't get you anything but anger.

10. Be Alert to Give Service.
What counts most in life is what we do for others!


   Author Unknown

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Some of the Members might have read this long ago. But it is nice to
read this again during Christmas time.
Wishing all the Members the Seasons Greetings.
SVS


TABLECLOTH

The brand new pastor and his wife, newly assigned to their first
ministry, to reopen a church in suburban Brooklyn, arrived in early
October excited about their opportunities. When they saw their church,
it was very run down and needed much work. They set a goal to have
everything done in time to have their first service on Christmas Eve.

They worked hard, repairing pews, plastering walls, painting, etc., and
on Dec 18 were ahead of schedule and just about finished. On Dec 19, a
terrible tempest - a driving rainstorm - hit the area and lasted for two
days.

On the 21st, the pastor went over to the church. His heart sank when he
saw that the roof had leaked, causing a large area of plaster about 20
feet by 8 Feet to fall off the front wall of the sanctuary just behind
the pulpit, beginning about head high.

The pastor cleaned up the mess on the floor, and not knowing what else
to do but postpone the Christmas Eve service, headed home. On the way he
noticed that a local business was having a flea market type sale for
charity so he stopped in. One of the items was a beautiful, handmade,
ivory colored, crocheted tablecloth with exquisite work, fine colors and
a Cross embroidered right in the center. It was just the right size to
cover up the hole in the front wall. He bought it and headed back to the
church.

By this time it had started to snow. An older woman running from the
opposite direction was trying to catch the bus. She missed it. The
pastor invited her to wait in the warm church for the next bus 45
minutes later. She sat in a pew and paid no attention to the pastor
while he got a ladder, hangers, etc., to put up the tablecloth as a wall
tapestry.

The pastor could hardly believe how beautiful it looked and how it
covered up the entire problem area. Then he noticed the woman walking
down the center aisle. Her face was like a sheet. "Pastor," she asked,
"where did you get that tablecloth?" The pastor explained.

The woman asked him to check the lower right corner to see if the
initials, EBG were crocheted into it there. They were. These were the
initials of the woman, and she had made this tablecloth 35 years before,
in Austria.

The woman could hardly believe it as the pastor told how he had just
gotten the tablecloth. The woman explained that before the war she and
her husband were well-to-do people in Austria. When the Nazis came, she
was forced to leave. Her husband was going to follow her the next week.
She was captured, sent to prison and never saw her husband or her home
again.

The pastor wanted to give her the tablecloth; but she made the pastor
keep it for the church. The pastor insisted on driving her home, that
was the least he could do. She lived on the other side of Staten Island
and was only in Brooklyn for the day for a house cleaning job.

What a wonderful service they had on Christmas Eve. The church was
almost full. The music and the spirit were great. At the end of the
service, the pastor and his wife greeted everyone at the door and many
said that they would return. One older man, whom the pastor recognized
from the neighborhood, continued to sit in one of the pews and stare,
and the pastor wondered why he wasn't leaving. The man asked him where
he got the tablecloth on the front wall because it was identical to one
that his wife had made years ago when they lived in Austria before the
war and how could there be two tablecloths so much alike?

He told the pastor how the Nazis came, how he forced his wife to flee
for her safety, and he was supposed to follow her, but he was arrested
and put in a prison. He never saw his wife or his home again all the 35
years in between. The pastor asked him if he would allow him to take him
for a little ride.

They drove to Staten Island and to the same house where the pastor had
taken the woman three days earlier. He helped the man climb the three
flights of stairs to the woman's apartment, knocked on the door and he
saw the greatest Christmas reunion he could ever imagine.

True Story - submitted by Pastor Rob Reid who says God does not work in
mysterious ways.

I asked the Lord to bless you as I prayed for you today to guide you and
protect you as you go along your way....

His love is always with you, His promises are true, and when we give Him
all our cares You know He'll see us through.

So when the road you're travelling seems difficult at best Just remember
I'm here praying and God will do the rest.

Pass this on to those you want God to bless, and don't forget to send it
back to the one who asked God to bless you first.



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Most of us are sickened by the arrogance and greed that has infected
Corporate Management, Government, Sports etc. But sometimes there is
a side story that gets lost in these spectacles............Remember
this as GM-Ford-Chrysler are being battered by our elected officials
in their time of need!
Ford, Chrysler and GM's contributions after 9/11

An interesting commentary...You might find this of interest:

'CNN Headline News did a short news listing regarding Ford and GM's
contributions to the relief and recovery efforts in New York and
Washington.

The findings are as follows.....

1. Ford- $10 million to American Red Cross matching employee
contributions of the same number plus 10 Excursions to NY Fire Dept.
The company also offered ER response ! Team se rvices and office
space to displaced government employees.

2. GM- $10 million to American Red Cross matching employee
contributions of the s am e number and a fleet of vans, suv's, and
trucks.

3. Daimler Chrysler- $10 million to support of the children and
victims of the Sept. 11 attack.

4. Harley Davidson motorcycles- $1 million and 30 new motorcycles to
the
New York Police Dept.

5. Volkswagen-Employ ees and management created a Sept 11 Foundation,
Funded initial with $2 million, for the assistance of the children
and victims of the WTC.

6. Hyundai- $300,000 to the American Red Cross.

7. Audi-Nothing.

8. BMW-Nothing.

9. Daewoo- Nothing.

10. Fiat-Nothing.

11. Honda- Nothing despite boasting of second best sales month ever I
n
August 2001

12. Isuzu- Nothing.

13. Mitsubishi-Nothing.

14. Nissan-Nothing.

15. Porsche-Nothing. Press release with condolences via the Porsche
website.

16. Subaru- Nothing.

17. Suzuki- Nothing.

18. Toyota-Nothing despite claims of high sales in July and August
2001.
Condolences posted on the website Whenever the time may be for you to
purchase or lease a new vehicle, keep this information in mind. You
might want to give more consideration to a car manufactured by an
American-owned and / or American based company. Apart from Hyundai
and Volkswagen, the foreign car companies contributed nothing at all
to the citizens of the United States ...!!!!!!!!! It's OK for these
companies to take money out of this country, but it is apparently not
acceptable to return some in a time of crisis. I believe we should
not forget things like this.Say thank you in a way that gets their
attention..
                                    ++++ Pass it on, I just did

No Sorry this site has scrubbed it, not just the photo but the written passage
too, other Yahoo sites I belong to have not..
Love and myGgwy Ian S..


An absence of alternatives clears the mind marvellously




________________________________
From: Ian Stephenson <widow_twanky1@...>
To: Ian Stephenson <ir.steph@...>
Sent: Thursday, December 25, 2008 9:07:14 PM
Subject: [ACWDYG ] For Today it's in the air!


Let's hope you get it this time !
Love and myGgwy Ian S..

An absence of alternatives clears the mind marvellously

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Let's hope you get it this time !
Love and myGgwy Ian S..


An absence of alternatives clears the mind marvellously

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Don't know if you'll get the photo of Bill W


Love and myGgwy Ian S..

An absence of alternatives clears the mind marvellously


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Thank You. I wish the same for you! Merry Christmas and a HAPPY healthy New
Year!
Nancy

--- On Wed, 12/24/08, honeym8 <no_reply@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

From: honeym8 <no_reply@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: [ACWDYG ] MERRY CHRISTMAS
To: achangewilldoyougood@yahoogroups.com
Date: Wednesday, December 24, 2008, 5:59 AM






I am only as strong as the God I serve, and the friends I have.

To the cool folks that have touched my life. I love you!

Christmas is time of togetherness, when family and friends gather. As
the festive season is upon us, I want to wish each of you the peace,
joy, and love of the season. May the season bring you the music of
laughter, the warmth of friendship & love.

I am also wishing you good times, good cheer, and a Happy New Year


















[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]