Sirach 2:1-11

My child, if you are going to serve the Lord,
Be prepared for times when you will be put to the test.
Be sincere and determined.
Keep calm when trouble comes.
Stay with the Lord; never abandon Him,
And you will be prosperous at the end of your days.
Accept whatever happens to you.
Even if you suffer humiliation, be patient.
Gold is tested by fire,
And human character is tested in the furnace of humiliation.
Trust the Lord, and He will help you.
Walk straight in His ways, and put your hope in Him.
All you that fear the Lord, wait for Him to show you His mercy.
Do not turn away from Him, or you will fall.
All you that fear the Lord,
Trust Him, and you will certainly be rewarded.
All you that fear the Lord,
Look forward to His blessings of mercy and eternal happiness.
Think back to the ancient generations and consider this:
Has the Lord ever disappointed anyone who put his hope in Him?
Has the Lord ever ignored anyone who prayed to Him?
The Lord is kind & merciful;
He forgives our sins and keep us safe in time of trouble.

Martian Child

David: Sometimes we forget that children have just arrived on the earth. They are a little like aliens, coming into beings as bundles of energy and pure potential, here on some exploratory mission and they are just trying to learn what it means to be human. For some reason Dennis and I reached out into the universe and found each other, Never really know how or why. And discovered that I can love an alien and he can love a creature. And thats weird enough for both of us.

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David: [as Dennis enters house for the first time] Just think of it as a bigger box...

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David: Why did they send you here? You know, the Martians?
Dennis: To join a family and to learn human beingness.

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Dennis: Was I bad?
David: I don't care about any of that stuff. Look, this is just stuff.
[Drops a bowl]
Dennis: [Drops a bowl softly]
David: Come on! Break it like you mean it!
[Throws another bowl]
David: [Dennis throws some plates] Now that! Come on!

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David: I do know, there's no one on this planet that loves Dennis anymore than I do.

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David: I don't want to bring another kid into this world. But how do you argue against loving one that's already here?

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Dennis: But then I started doing science and realized the Earth was spinning around the sun at 67,000 miles per hour. held in place by gravity and I thought "What the heck do I need to be from Mars for?"

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Dennis: [after doing the Martian dance] Nice talk.

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David: That's a good question, which is usually what adults say if they don't know the answer.

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David: Isn't he wild?
Harlee: He's great, like a little Andy Warhol.
David: He has the same social skills, by the way.
Harlee: You know what I think it is?
David: What?
Harlee: He's an old soul.
David: What does that mean?
[pause]
David: Seriously.
Harlee: It just means he's figured it out.

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David: Dennis, can I just say one last thing about Mars? - which may be strange coming from a Science-Fiction writer - But right now, you and me here, put together entirely of atoms, sitting on this round rock with a core of liquid iron, held down by this force that seems to trouble you, called gravity, all the while spinning around the sun at 67,000 miles an hour and whizzing through the milkyway at 600,000 miles an hour in a universe that very well may be chasing its own tail at the speed of light; And admist all this frantic activity, fully cognisant of our own eminent demise - which is our own pretty way of saying we all know we're gonna die - We reach out to one another. Sometimes for the sake of entity, sometimes for reasons you're not old enough to understand yet, but a lot of the time we just reach out and expect nothing in return. Isn't that strange? Isn't that weird? Isn't that weird enough? The heck do ya need to be from Mars for?

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Dennis: Beware! I almost disney-graded you.
David: Disintegrate me? Why would you do that?

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David: So what made you think that I would be a good match for a boy who spends most of his time in a box?

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David: Hi. What's your name?
Esther: Esther.
David: Hi, Esther.
Esther: I know who you are.
David: You do?
Esther: You're the man who Sophie called about Dennis, but you don't want him 'cause your wife's dead.
David: Who told you that?
Esther: Dennis.
David: Are you a friend of his, or what?
Esther: No, he's a weirdo. He doesn't have any friends.
David: He doesn't? Where is he hanging out?
Esther: He's in the box. He doesn't come out until night.
David: Why does he do that?
Esther: The sun. He hates the sun.
David: Why does he hate the sun?
Esther: I don't know. Because he thinks it's too sunny?
David: Right.

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Liz: Guys, get off the dog!
Nicholas: We're just playing.
Liz: That dog is like 200 years old in human- would you do that to Grandma?

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Liz: Listen, I gotta take The Omen One and Two to soccer practice, okay?

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David: Uh, listen, Chief, I, uh... I brought you some sunblock. Very strong stuff. SPF 45, that's sun protection factor, and uh, helps you against the ultraviolet rays, which are, you know, they call them the UV rays. Anyways, it’s hypoallergenic and waterproof. I'll just leave it for you.

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Liz: Hey. Hey, Dennis. Do you wanna have some turkey with us?
Dennis: I can't eat anything grown on Saturn's moons.
Liz: Well then, I think you're safe here.

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David: ...I think hysteria is a way of life. It's a clothing line at least.

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Dr. Berg: He probably thinks he's going to float away because he's very smart and he sees that he's living in a world where things and people do disappear.

Taken from IMDB.

Daily Digest #40

I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. —John 12:46

We are called into the Light in different ways, and at different times. There's no standard sign to mark an event like this. One would know if he or she is called, and the eagerness to know more and seek the truth, just as Nicodemus had, would be very much evident. For this let us pray, that we may start as early as now to prepare ourselves. May God bless us with an open heart and mind, so that we may be able to discern whatever it is He is trying to tell or teach us.

Daily Digest #39

That they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. —John 17:3

May we be encouraged to read the Scriptures more so that we may know who He really is. May we keep ourselves from creating our own image of God, or depend on others' opinions about Him. He wants to be known in a personal and intimate way. We know we are not worthy of this, but our God is merciful that He has blessed us with this grand privilege. May we learn and practice to humble ourselves before God. May we never forget to count our blessings and thank Him.

Daily Digest #38

He is not here, but is risen! —Luke 24:6

We often believe in heresay, especially when they come from people we know, those we respect, or even love. We can never know the whole truth unless we investigate to get to the bottom of the issue. This happens even amongst friends who have misunderstandings. Gossiping about each other never helps. This just makes things worse, often leading to new *versions of the truth*, then quarrels, envy, regrets and hatred. I guess knowing one's intension of saying or doing something gives a whole new perspective.

We ought to commend people who would stop at nothing to get to the truth. Not only do they uphold their principles, they also demonstrate how God works for people with good intension. Just like Jesus Christ's disciples who lived their lives spreading the good news in the midst of crisis, even facing death. We wonder, what's in it for them? Did they glorify themselves before men, or did they glorify God?

We have so many questions, and will have more, as we embark on this journey of renewing our faith. When in doubt, may we turn to the Bible. May we pray and learn to wait patiently for His answers. May we ask for wisdom, that we may understand the way He wants us to understand. Pray always.

Droplets

Daily Digest #37

Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me? —John 18:11

Each of us has various issues on trust. In the world we live in today, it's really hard to find a person who you can trust entirely of your wellbeing. People deceive. We are selfish in nature. However, we often forget that we are not to trust anything or anybody else first but God. That it is thru God that we learn to trust somebody else. That it is thru God's blessing that we are in company of people or friends who we can really trust.

When we trust in God, we do not expect that things would go our way. Instead, we believe that we are in good hands. Should the outcome turn out to be less favorable than what we wanted for ourselves, we ought to pray that we accept whatever it is, for God is in control. This may also mislead us to thinking that there's no point of doing anything else on our own since God is in control . This is entirely incorrect, for we are here for a purpose. And we wouldn't be able to figure out that purpose if we'll just be idle. We have God-given talents, skills and knowledge that we should be using the best way we can to serve Him, which is in everything we do each day. And the result/consequences of everything we do is in His hands. As long as our conscience is clear that we have done our part for His glory, then there is really nothing left to do but to put our trust in Him.

We are all being tested of our faith. Do we trust Him enough? Do we love enough? Are we doing the best we can in everything, as if doing it for Him? Just some thoughts to ponder....

May we all take time to reflect and assess ourselves, especially this Holy Week. May we pray spiritually, that we may be given wisdom; physically, for strength; emotionally, for courage; and mentally, for peace of mind. And finally, may we learn to pray "Thy will be done".

Daily Digest #36

He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities. —Isaiah 53:5

May we be reminded of the purpose of the Lenten season. May we all reflect on the events when Jesus died on the cross for us up to the time He was raised from the dead. May we also pray for wisdom, that we may understand these things.

Daily Digest #35

I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh. —Romans 9:3

I always thought no one else would ever take care of me but myself. It led me to a life of total independence, not caring what others might think or say about me because they had nothing to do with me anyway. I thought i have freed myself of worries, of experiencing pain, and of blaming others. If ever i did, i willingly took the hurt because i knew it was of my own doing... But then again, i realized how worthless everything had been... no matter how i looked at it, i saw myself as a selfish and cowardly person. It was a big slap on my face when i learned that each of us ought to love our brothers and sisters as we love ourselves. At first i thought, why would i sacrifice my effort and time for someone who i might never even see again? Then it made me realize that each of us has a purpose. That our paths have crossed for a reason... maybe to learn something from this person, or for him/her to learn something from us. Either way, it's a win-win scenario. I guess life is really all about learning.

We're also used to thinking that everything is about us, that we are the center of the universe, and we're too busy to be even bothered by others' problems. And sometimes, we only do good because we think we will be saved if we were good. We forget that it is through God's mercy that we are saved, not because we earned it.

For this, may we pray to God, to teach us to love. That we may learn to share the compassion of His heart; to be ready to give a cup of water to others who need it. May we unselfishly live for others. May we remind ourselves why Jesus died on the cross in the first place. Pray always.

Daily Digest #34

Be my strong refuge, to which I may resort continually; You have given the commandment to save me. —Psalm 71:3

The definition of sanctuary is "a place of refuge and protection". It is where we feel utmost peace and comfort. What is your sanctuary? Some might say the mountains, beach, library, park, or the office, etc etc. I used to say "home in Naga" when i was in college, because my parents and siblings were there, and i didn't have to worry myself with college exams and projects. Then when i came to Thailand, i made my own sanctuary, my own home. I loved my place so much that I preferred staying in, and just invited friends and family over. I had many wonderful memories there with my family and closest friends... I guess I could say my definition of sanctuary is a place where i experience love... and it so happened that i felt most comfortable having it under my own roof. But you see, houses or apartments are only temporary. I thought I wouldn't be able to give up the apartment I've lived in for almost 4years. Come to think of it, it has already served its purpose, with the countless memories that took place there.... I didn't expect that I would feel comfortable in my new place so soon. Nothing has changed except for the place. At first I thought, with my new surroundings, it might take some time for me to catch up with my usual day-to-day activities. But with prayer, I believe God has enabled me to see way past the material things, and towards a greater purpose.

I have recently gone to a province and I couldn't deny the overwhelming feeling that kept me there... Going back to a place where one can experience close contact with nature was so surreal. I had to thank my friend for getting along with my silent moments (which I guess he was enjoying himself as well), but I surely felt peace inside.

My point is, any place with the presence of God is a sanctuary. And it could be just about anywhere, because God is everywhere :D May we call unto Him especially at times when we need love, peace and comfort that no other human being or thing can ever fill. Pray always.

Daily Digest #33

Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God. —Acts 5:4

But there really are several degrees of honesty!!! Hehehe, it's almost the same as saying "there are some versions of the truth". We're so used to making excuses for ourselves, often forgetting that the effort is worthless because God hears and sees everything we say, think or do. We even have terms like "half-lie", "half-truth", etc. I was used to joking about all kinds of stuff. Other times, jokes had gotten me out of tight situations, just to save myself from ridicule. But no matter how good we get at lying, we know time will come that it will strike back at us. Pretty scary huh? We are constantly reminded by experiences of people around us, some even tragic, so we may learn and not commit the same mistakes in the future.

May we develop a clean conscience. May we ask for a clean heart. May we constantly pray that He may guide us in everything we think, say or do. Pray always.

Daily Digest #32

Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. —Ruth 1:16

I was actually trying to write about hope as I was lying in bed last night -- how people feel hopeless after being hurt, abandoned or betrayed... But without God's helping hand, one would surely sulk into depression. I've had a 1st-hand experience on this, but only for a very short while. I thought if I didn't allow myself to feel down about something for a moment, I was afraid that it would overcome me at a time I least expected it. I don't know if this kind of mentality is fine, but it did me good. I was always reminded that grief and pain are normal, just as long as I wouldn't totally give in to it or do something stupid. Sometimes, I even thought I was in total control of myself, but He made me realize that He was beside me all along. He never allowed for me to slip away, because I know He loves me, just as much as He loves each of us... If we could only focus on the things we still have, and let go of the things that have already passed us by, we would appreciate life more, and hope more. If a loved one has abandoned us, why not look at others who still love us dearly? It was like getting my head banged on the wall when I started ignoring my sister and my best friend, who were trying to comfort me after losing someone. I felt so guilty afterwards. How could I have missed the love i was looking for when it surrounded me all along? Sometimes we look for things in the wrong places.

May we hope in the Lord at all times. May we read the Bible. May we keep on praying, hoping and loving. May we learn to value the things that truly matter.

Daily Digest #31

When he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck. -- Luke 15:11-24

I have nothing else to add here... only that may we pray for those who are physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually weak at the moment, including ourselves. May we keep on praying and opening up to Him, so we could always find a way to come back to Him especially at troubled times. May we not forget to pray for our loved ones also, that they may always be safe and close to God, especially those who are far away from us, for we do not know what is going on in their daily lives. Sometimes, prayer is the only thing we can offer, and it is a powerful thing. May we also remember to thank and praise God for the grace He has been showering upon us each day.

Christian Ways To Reduce Stress

An Angel says, "Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice."

1. Pray

2. Go to bed on time.

3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.

4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.

5. Delegate tasks to capable others.

6. Simplify and unclutter your life.

7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)

8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.

9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.

10. Take one day at a time.

11. Separate worries from concerns . If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety . If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.

12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.

13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.

14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.

15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.

16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.

17. Get enough rest.

18. Eat right.

19. Get organized so everything has its place.

20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.

21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.

22. Every day, find time to be alone.

23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.

24. Make friends with Godly people.

25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.

26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good "Thank you Jesus .."

27. Laugh.

28. Laugh some more!

29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.

30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).

31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).

32. Sit on your ego.

33 Talk less; listen more.

34. Slow down.

35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.

36 . Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU.

"If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)

Scarred People Are Beautiful

MAN SPEAKS:

I’ve seen a number of movies lately, Lord,
like Romeo and Juliet.
The love of young people, at least in those movies
is beautiful…...so simple… so total….so complicated.
They seem so natural, so free in their emotions,
so clear in their feelings.
I wish I could be like that, Lord, but it can’t be.
Why is it so?

I’ve been hurt, Lord.
I’ve trusted and been betrayed at times.
I’ve loved and received nothing in return.
I have tried hard to care and failed often.
I have shared my secrets and heard them whispered to others.
I have been warm and receive a cold shoulder.

I have been through it, Lord.
I’ve fallen on my face.
I’ve banged my shins.
I’ve been bruised.
Look, Lord, I’m all covered with scars!

THE LORD SPEAKS:

Maybe you haven’t understood enough; Maybe you haven’t learned
that human life is like that: All Saints are scarred.
Young love isn’t the highest form of human love. The greatest love
comes from scarred people.
I know that many people stop loving so that they won’t hurt again.
But those who do start over again, who continue inspite of
all, who leave themselves open to the possibility of being
hurt again – These people are able to love again
in a deeper way, a more understanding way, a richer way.

MAN’S RESPONSE:

I think I know what you mean, Lord, I’ve met people like that…
and knowing them gives me courage.
The great people are those who continue to love with their scars…
I like scarred people, Lord – They are beautiful.

Daily Digest #29

Whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. —Matthew 5:22

How can this be when I just obtained my master's degree in creative pang-ookray?!? I am guilty of name-calling and cursing for the longest time, although most of them were expressed as joking matters (excuses hehe). One big OUCH.

Oftentimes, we fail to give caution for the words coming out of our mouths. I remember back in high school, a friend of mine confessed how much I've hurt her feelings for calling her something she was not, when I only treated it as a joke. I guess that was the only candle that stuck in my memory during that recollection day until now. That was also the very first time I started becoming conscious of the little things I say. I also remember mama's wise words when we were younger, "kung wala kang magandang sasabihin, mabuti pang manahimik nalang" (if you have nothing good to say, it's better to stay quiet).

Looking at it in another perspective, when we say bad things to or about others, not only are we hurting another person's feelings but we're also insulting God's creation.... I am currently taking in big gulps of air as I type.... As I said, I am guilty of many things, even in my thoughts.... For me, this is really hard to understand for we all have pride, acceptance and forgiveness issues. And these are usually triggered by seeing and encountering others who we think are worthy of disdain. But doesn't it seem self-righteous to express contempt for others who are also our equal in God's eyes? Who are we anyway? *ga-munggo na ang pawis ko, grabe... and it's below 20 degrees in the office!*

Several verses from Proverbs 18: A fool's lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating. A fool's mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul. The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts. The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

May we thank God for giving us His words of wisdom. May we be enlightened and inspired by His words. May we pray for a tame tongue and a kind heart. Pray always.

Daily Digest #30

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. —John 15:13

When we have a very close relationship with someone, we can't help but expect from the other -- love, time, care, understanding, acceptance... the list goes on and on and on. It is truly rare to find the kind of friendship that fulfills everything that we need. We continuously seek for completeness, usually looking in the wrong places, then we end up being disappointed and hurt because our expectations weren't met.

My theory about friendships that last is this: they have been individually completed by God, and later on have crossed paths and developed a relationship, not because they need each other to complete themselves, but because they grow in each other's presence. We often misquote the words "you complete me", for no other person can ever complete us -- these people are only our "supplements". This might be an awakening for all of us. Only God can make us whole. Our friends and loved ones are merely blessings that He has provided, because He knows we need them in our lives.

For this, may we thank God that we have these people in our lives. May we return the love and care He's letting us experience through them. May we continue to learn and grow from the people we encounter. May we develop a more intimate friendship with God, to whom we can expect everything that we will ever need. Pray always.

Daily Digest #28

Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live. —Isaiah 55:3

I remember reading something from the RBC ministries, entitled Cultivating A Heart of Contentment. The author said, the problem is not about money, but the "love for money". That the poor only happens to have less, and the rich more. That it is about thinking about our personal load limits, that we must be aware and sensitive to the dangers of covetousness. He pointed out several vital points: that money (1) is a paradox and should be handled with care; (2) gives the potential to make a difference, not just to make a living; and (3) needs the perspective of the eternal.

May we cultivate a heart of contentment. May we remember that the resources we have now are merely blessings from above which were given for a purpose. May we not limit or base our generosity on material things and traditions/culture. Everyday, we meet people who are thirsty and hungry for life. May we share a piece of heaven to them, as other angels in disguise have also shared with us. May we not focus on the temporal, for tomorrow it may be taken away.

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" -- Hebrews 13:5-6

Daily Digest #27

He shall make restitution for his trespass in full. —Numbers 5:7

I had to pause for a long time before I had the courage to write the following....

If we're going to assess our attitude towards our brothers and sisters, most of us would find ourselves guilty of many things. We are carried away by our mood swings and small inconveniences around us, thus causing us to sin, even in our thoughts. The Bible actually teaches us how to have a change of heart, to not simply overcome everything that comes our way, but to learn to face each "challenge" with a renewed faith and perspective of things. We are taught how to truly repent for our sins. I have tried and failed numerous times even when I have already began reading the Scriptures, so many that it's shameful to admit. But I believe we are all made perfect in God's time. That is why we are being reminded, in many different ways.

As we go through the Lent season, may we try to assess ourselves. May we continue to learn more about Him. May we pray for wisdom, courage and patience to make restitutions for every wrong thing we have ever done. I believe each of us was made special in God's eyes, and whatever strengths and weaknesses we have, He will turn us into something He has intended us to become, all in His time.

Daily Digest #26

Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. —Hebrews 13:2

It's quite embarrassing to admit that meeting new people dreads me sometimes. I do seem aloof when I get to a new environment, and I usually wait until another person initiates introduction. Ok, I guess some of you would say, "si Joanne, snob? dae man baga!" Haha... Well, I guess going far away from our roots opens a new world of discovering one's self. I became more conscious of people's intentions, and mine as well. I lived a life of solitude for quite a while, and I learned to appreciate quiet moments, or "dates" with the city. Although after some time, I felt I needed to reach out to others. I didn't know how to start, i knew i had this eagerness inside me to just go out there and be friendly again. I still struggle now. But seeing strangers doing kindness in their small ways -- like waiting for you to catch the lift, holding the door open when both your hands are carrying grocery bags, watching over your stuff or holding your spot in the queue when you need to go to the bathroom for a few minutes, offering a seat in the subway or bus, or freely offering help in english/foreign language translation -- inspires me to do the same. Sometimes we touch other's lives without realizing it.

May we pray for a kind heart, that we may learn to reach out to others, even in small ways. May we see the goodness in others so we would not bother ourselves with selfish issues. May we all learn to live a Christ-like life. Pray always.

3900 Saturday Mornings

The older I get, the more I enjoy Saturday mornings. Perhaps it's the quiet solitude that comes with being the first to rise, or maybe it's the unbounded joy of not having to be at work. Either way, the first few hours of a Saturday morning are most enjoyable.

A few weeks ago, I was shuffling toward the garage with a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and the morning paper in the other. What began as a typical Saturday morning turned into one of those lessons that life seems to hand you from time to time. Let me tell you about it:

I turned the dial up into the phone portion of the band on my ham radio in order to listen to a Saturday morning swap net. Along the way, I came across an older sounding chap, with a tremendous signal and a golden voice. You know the kind; he sounded like he should be in the broadcasting business. He was telling whom-ever he was talking with something about "a thousand marbles." I was intrigued and stopped to listen to what he had to say

"Well, Tom, it sure sounds like you're busy with your job.. I'm sure they pay you well but it's a shame you have to be away from home and your family so much. Hard to believe a young fellow should have to work sixty or seventy hours a week to make ends meet. It's too bad you missed your daughter's "dance recital" he continued. "Let me tell you something that has helped me keep my own priorities." And that's when he began to explain his theory of a "thousand marbles."

"You see, I sat down one day and did a little arithmetic. The average person lives about seventy-five years. I know, some live more and some live less, but on average, folks live about seventy-five years.

"Now then, I multiplied 75 times 52 and I came up with 3900, which is the number of Saturdays that the average person has in their entire lifetime. Now, stick with me, Tom, I'm getting to the important part.

It took me until I was fifty-five years old to think about all this in any detail", he went on, "and by that time I had lived through over twenty-eight hundred Saturdays." "I got to thinking that if I lived to be seventy-five, I only had about a thousand of them left to enjoy. So I went to a toy store and bought every sing le marble they had. I ended up having to visit three toy stores to round up 1000 marbles. I took them home and put them inside a large, clear plastic container right here in the shack next to my gear."

"Every Saturday since then, I have taken one marble out and thrown it away. I found that by watching the marbles diminish, I focused more on the really important things in life.

There is nothing like watching your time here on this earth run out to help get your priorities straight."

"Now let me tell you one last thing before I sign-off with you and take my lovely wife out for breakfast. This morning, I took the very last marble out of the container. I figure that if I make it until next Saturday then I have been given a little extra time. And the one thing we can all use is a little more time."

"It was nice to meet you Tom, I hope you spend more time with your family, and I hope to meet you again here on the band. This is a 75 Year old Man, K9NZQ, clear and going QRT, good morning!"

You could have heard a pin drop on the band when this fellow signed off. I guess he gave us all a lot to think about. I had planned to work on the antenna that morning, and then I was going to meet up with a few hams to work on the next club newsletter.

Instead, I went upstairs and woke my wife up with a kiss. "C'mon honey, I'm taking you and the kids to breakfast." "What brought this on?" she asked with a smile. "Oh, nothing special, it's just been a long time since we spent a Saturday together with the kids. And hey, can we stop at a toy store while we're out? I need to buy some marbles.

Forwarded by Mama. Thanks Ma!