January 30, 2009  

Saturday, January 30, 2010

It has been a long time since I wrote an update on my life.  It was mostly because there is hardly any change since I last written.  I still work in the bakery.  I still live at home.  Nothing new.
 
The only major difference probably would be the invisible.  I just finish writing a book to meet my satisfaction.  I was also pleased that the new version have only 59 pages, while the old version has 92 pages.  I did hope that would be enough to make a pocket-size book, but of course we will see.  Jean is being my editor, but she is busy woman, living in Guatemala and all.
 
Grandmother will be moving to old people's home on February 10.  I am so glad that it worked out, because she is getting too feeble thus becoming too much for her own children to handle her at home.  Our family would be glad to keep her--if my mother wouldn't have to worry about bakery and my sister Julia wouldn't have back injury.  Still, Grandmother would enjoy company with other widows like her.  Plus, we can visit her and our great great aunts at one place! 
 
At the end of December, Aunt Bertha turned 100.  That means two sisters are still living together for 100 years!  Aunt Edith will become 103 at the end of February--if she live that long, of course.  My sister, Susan urge me to write a book about them.  I wrote up a questionnaire, but I am too slow to mail it out yet.  I did bit study on their history with what I have, and their father was a deacon at Millers Church and he died in 1930.  I tried to imagine how it affect those girls to lose their father and then Great Depression hit them so soon after.  Their uncle was a bishop.  Their great grandfather was a bishop.
 
So that means I am descended from church leaders in several ways!
 
The weather was warm for awhile, but now it is cold again.  Yesterday evening I felt need to go on a walk, so I decided to don two coats, headgear with built-in earmuff, and ski gloves that Lisa gave me two or more years ago.  I was comfortable enough with a freezing face.  When I got back into the house, my legs got warm and then tingled from "thawing"!
 
Everything else, I am all fine, just wishing for more snow...and dreaming about Belize....

--
Omar Burkholder
"Burky"

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by Omar

I couldn't help but share this poem!  

Friday, January 22, 2010

I was shocked, confused, bewildered
As I entered Heaven's door,
Not by the beauty of it all,
Nor the lights or its decor. 

But it was the folks in Heaven
Who made me sputter and gasp
The thieves, the liars, the sinners,
The alcoholics and the trash. 

There stood the kid from seventh grade
Who swiped my lunch money twice.
Next to him was my old neighbor
Who never said anything nice. 

Herb, who I always thought
Was rotting away in hell,
Was sitting pretty on cloud nine,
Looking incredibly well. 

I nudged Jesus, "What's the deal? 
I would love to hear Your take.
How'd all these sinners get up here?
God must've made a mistake. 

And why's everyone so quiet,
So sombre - give me a clue.
"Hush, child, "He said, "they're all in shock...
No one thought they would be seeing YOU!" 

JUDGE NOT. Remember... 

Merely going to church doesn't make you a Christian, any more than standing in your garage makes you a car! 

Every saint has a PAST, Every sinner can have a bright FUTURE 

With thanks to A.S. Fernando

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by Omar

HANDBOOK 2010  

Thursday, January 14, 2010

This was forwarded to me, and I couldn't help but pass it on. 

Health:
1.       Drink plenty of water.
2.       Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3.       Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants..
4.       Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy
5.       Make time to pray.
6.       Play more games
7.       Read more books than you did in 2009 .
8.       Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
9.       Sleep for 7 hours.
10.    Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

Personality:
11.    Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about....
12.    Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13.    Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14.    Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15.    Don't waste your precious energy on gossip..
16.    Dream more while you are awake
17.    Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need..
18.    Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19.    Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20.    Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21.    No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22.    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.
23.    Smile and laugh more.
24.    You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree....

Society:
25.    Call your family often.
26.    Each day give something good to others.
27.    Forgive everyone for everything..
28.    Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of  6.
29.    Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30.    What other people think of you is none of your business.
31.    Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:
32.    Do the right thing!
33.    Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34.    GOD heals everything.
35.    However good or bad a situation is, it will change...
36.    No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37.    The best is yet to come..
38.    When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39.    Your Innermost is always happy. So, be happy.

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by Omar

Combining The Law of Attraction & The Golden Rule  

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

by Ian Paul Marshall

Most people nowadays know of the Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Below you'll find this statement interpreted all throughout the ages through all the major spiritual traditions of the world.

But for now lets look at how we can combine the Law of Attraction and the Golden Rule to get some amazing results.

The Law of Attraction can be explained as, "Like attracts like." or "What you think about you bring about." or "The vibrational output that you resonate with will draw to you like frequencies."

The Law of Attraction applies to more than our thoughts. The Law of Attraction applies to:

  • Our thoughts
  • Our words
  • Our actions
  • Our emotional set-point

But what if we see the world as nothing other than a reflection ourselves. So that when we see another person, we when speak to them, or when we do something for them, in truth, we set the Law of Attraction in motion and we truly are effecting our own lives.

Then we'll have no separation. Then we can apply the Law of Attraction & The Golden Rule in a new creative way. We can use the power of expressing ourselves within the world not only to benefit each other but for the ultimate purpose of benefiting ourselves.

The Law of Attraction & The Golden Rule Applied:

  • If you want more money in your life then share the money you have.
  • If you want more support then be supportive.
  • If you want friendship then be a friend.
  • If you want love then share your love with everyone you meet.

When we combine the Law of Attraction and the Golden Rule we unleash a power unimaginable to our everyday consciousness.

It becomes a serving-selfishness mindset. Now I'm not advocating running around doing things for others with the sole expectation of receiving something in return. Now that is selfish.

What I'm saying is that we need to free ourselves from the limitations we set for ourselves through fear and lack. So behind the outward appearance of the service you do for others you know that you are tapped into the ultimate source of all existence. A place that is bountiful and abundant. That wishes good things for you. And that will replenish for you anything that you've given away with love.

So be wise and know that, "As you share with others you have truly shared with yourself."

I becomes we and we are connected to eternity.

Be well and prosperous.

Ian

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by Omar

My wish to Joel  

Saturday, January 9, 2010

My heart go with you.  Yes, I will pray for you!

Yes, I do agree that those boys need to learn to stand alone.  Many of us feel that they are depending on you, me, and few others too much.  I hope your trip to USA would refresh your spirits!

I hope to attend that deaf event in Lancaster in July.  I hope I don't forget and plan something else over that time, because there is a deaf mission trip to Dominican Republic that I would like to go do.  So if they do conflict, it would help me to save money by going to Lancaster instead.  But if I can go to both...well....  ;-)

--
Omar Burkholder
"Burky"

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by Omar

6-year-old Honorary Fireman  

Perhaps some of you already read this before, but this never fail to move me.
 
In Calgary, Alberta a 26-year-old mother stared down at her 6 year old son, who was dying of terminal leukemia.

Although her heart was filled with sadness, she also had a strong feeling of determination.
Like any parent, she wanted her son to grow up & fulfill all his dreams. Now that was no longer possible...the leukemia would see to that. But she still wanted her son's dream to come true.

She took her son' s hand and asked, 'Billy, did you ever think about what you wanted to be once you grew up? Did you ever dream and wish what you would do with your life?'

Mommy, 'I always wanted to be a fireman when I grew up.'

Mom smiled back and said, 'Let's see if we can make your wish come true.'

Later that day she went to her local fire Department in Calgary , where she met Fireman Bob, who had a heart as big as Alberta
She explained her son's final wish and asked if it might be possible to give her 6 year-old son a ride around the block on a fire engine.

Fireman Bob said, 'Look, we can do better than that. If you'll have your son ready at seven o'clock Wednesday morning, we'll make him an honorary Fireman for the whole day.

He can come down to the fire station, eat with us, go out on all the fire calls, the whole nine yards!  And if you'll give us his sizes, we'll get a real fire uniform for him, with a real fire hat - not a toy - one-with the emblem of the Calgary Fire Department on it, and a yellow slicker like we wear and rubber boots.  They're all manufactured right here in Calgary ,so we can get them fast."

Three days later Fireman Bob picked up Billy, dressed him in his uniform and escorted him from his hospital bed to the waiting hook and ladder truck.

Billy got to sit on the back of the truck and help steer it back to the fire station.

He was in heaven.

There were three fire calls in Calgary that day and Billy got to go out on all three calls.

He rode in the different fire engines, the Paramedic's' van, and even the fire chief's car.

He was also videotaped for the local news program.
Having his dream come true,with all the love and attention that was lavished upon him, so deeply touched Billy, that he lived three months longer than any doctor thought possible.

One night all of his vital signs began to drop dramatically and the head nurse, who believed in the hospice concept - that no one should die alone, began to call the family members to the hospital.

Then she remembered the day Billy had spent as a Fireman, so she called the Fire Chief and asked if it would be possible to send a fireman in uniform to the hospital to be with Billy as he made his transition.

The chief replied, 'We can do better than that. We'll be there in five minutes.. Will you please do me a favor? When you hear the sirens screaming and see the lights flashing, will you announce over the PA system that there is not a fire? It's the department coming to see one of its finest members one more time. And will you open the window to his room?'

About five minutes later a hook and ladder truck arrived at the hospital and extended its ladder up to Billy's third floor open window-16 fire-fighters climbed up the ladder into Billy's room.

With his mother's permission, they hugged him and held him and told him how much they LOVED him.

With His dying breath,Billy looked up at the fire chief and said,'Chief, am I really a fireman now?'

'Billy, you are, and The Head Chief, Jesus, is holding your hand,' the chief said
With those words, Billy smiled and said, "I know, He's been holding my hand all day, and the angels have been singing..."
 
He closed his eyes one last time.

***This is a true story***

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by Omar

Interesting Tidbits I had to share  

Thursday, January 7, 2010

If I have wounded some poor soul today

If I have caused one foot to go astray

If I have walked in my own willful way

Dear Lord, forgive



If I have uttered idle words in vain

If I have turned aside from want or pain

Lest I offend some other through the strain

Dear Lord, forgive



Forgive these sins I have confessed to Thee

Forgive the secret sins I do not see

Guide me, love me and my keeper be

Dear Lord, forgive...
 
----------------------
 
 
THE BLOOD

One night in a church service a your woman felt the tug of God at her heart. She responded to God's call and accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. The young woman had a very rough past, involving alcohol, drugs, and prostitution. But, the change in her was evident.

As time went on she became a faithful member of the church. She eventually became involved in the ministry, teaching young children. It was not very long until this faithful young woman had caught the eye and heart of the pastor's son. The relationship grew and they began to make wedding plans. This is when the problems began. You see, about one half of the church did not think that a woman with a past such as hers was suitable for a pastor's son.

The church began to argue and fight about the matter. So they decided to have a meeting. As the people made their arguments and tensions increased, the meeting was getting completely out of hand. The young woman became very upset about all the things being brought up about her past. As she began to cry the pastor's son stood. He could not bear the pain it was causing his wife to be. He began to speak and his statement was this:

"My fiancee's past is not what is on trial here. What you are questioning is the ability of the Blood of Jesus to wash away sin. Today you have put the blood of Jesus on trial. So, does it wash away sin or not?"

The whole church began to weep as they realized that they had been slandering the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Too often, even as Christians, we bring up the past and use it as a weapon against our brothers and sisters. Forgiveness is a very foundational part of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. If the blood of Jesus does not cleanse the other person completely then it cannot cleanse us completely. If that is the case, then we are all in a lot of trouble.

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by Omar

New Year's Thoughts  

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Reflections on the eve of a new year
Tomorrow, a new year and a new decade extend before us with hope and uncertainty. Are you planning to make any New Year's resolutions?

Statistically, the most popular resolutions have to do with losing weight and getting in shape. Unfortunately, the average life span of most New Year's resolutions is about 7 days.

Rather than giving up chocolate or vowing to exercise 4 times a week, perhaps we would be wise to pause tonight and meditate on the ways we can open ourselves to change.

What would happen if we all began to look at the world a bit differently? After all, when all is said and done, we are promised to reap what we sow and receive what we give. Here are a few suggestions:

Keep learning. The best way to sharpen your mind is to learn something new. Life is an exciting classroom; don't make plans to graduate.

Spend time with cheerful friends. The chronically grouchy can rob your energy and your joy.

Live in the moment. It's truly all there is. If you dwell on the past or anticipate and worry about the future, you miss the simple beauty each moment holds.

Allow more room in your life for laughter. Watch or find some children to play with. Discover the freedom and joy in their mirth.

Surround yourself with what you love. Make your home your refuge and fill it with family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, and whatever is lovable that you love.

Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it.

Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the beach or the mountains or even another country but refuse to buy (or accept) a ticket for a guilt trip.

At every opportunity, tell the people you love that you love them

Whatever it is that makes you feel most alive and most connected – do it more often.

Choose life, embrace forgiveness, and remember that no one is in charge of your happiness but you.

I wish each of you a new year filled with expanded awareness, greater joy, better health, exciting adventures, and above all, more love.
 
--Written by Barb Jarmoska, Freshlife founder

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by Omar

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