Conquer Fear

"Knowledge

is an

antidote

to

fear."

—Ralph Waldo Emerson, American Poet,

1803-0882

Looking on the Bright Side....

Barn's burnt down...

now I can see the moon.

~Mizuta Masahide

A Light Bulb Moment

So, there was a gathering at my son's school yesterday. Games, food, the works; sounded like a good time. After a day at Middle School, Blake came home. I was expecting to take him, along with my little ones to the event at his school. Being the 13 year-old that he is, he decided he didn't feel like going, but assured me that I could go along with his younger brother and sister. He wasn't sure which friends were going, and wasn't really in the mood anyway.

He kept asking me if I was going, and I wasn't sure if I wanted to or not since he mentioned that the games probably wouldn't be for little kids. Two more times, he asked me if I was going. I said, "Blake, I'll gladly go if you want to." He didn't show much interest. Finally, after the third or fourth time asking me if I was going, a little light bulb went off in my head.

"Ooohhhh.... I get it! It's not that you don't want to go... it's that you want to go, but not with me!!"

Ouch!

I've always celebrated along with my kids when they are able to spread their wings and fly. I get excited for them and for the experiences they will have. But I must say this one hurt. Why was this one different, you ask?

The event was Family Night.

(Don't worry... I am able to laugh about it. He went without me, and escaped any embarrassment a mom and little siblings could possibly cause.)

A Poem by Nixon Waterman

What Have We Done Today?

by Nixon Waterman

We shall do much in the years to come,

But what have we done today?

We shall give our gold in a princely sum,

But what did we give today?

We shall lift the heart and dry the tear,

We shall plant a hope in the place of fear,

We shall speak the words of love and cheer,

But what did we speak today?

We shall be so kind in the after while,

But have we been today?

We shall bring to each lonely life a smile,

But what have we brought today?

We shall give to truth a grander birth,

And to steadfast faith a deeper worth,

We shall feed the hungering souls of earth,

But whom have we fed today?

We shall reap such joys in the by and by,

But what have we sown today?

We shall build us mansions in the sky,

But what have we built today?

'Tis sweet in the idle dreams to bask;

But here and now, do we our task?

Yet, this is the thing our souls must ask,

What have we done today?

God Has a Sense of Humor

April 11?

Snow Day?

You've got to be kidding me!

Just when you think you've got things figured out, God throws a snow storm at you in the middle of April!

Water

As I mentioned a few days ago, I have had a seat in the Dare Chair. My dare? Eat right, exercise, and shed the winter hibernation weight I packed on over the long winter. I do well with dares, especially when I broadcast them for all of you to read! I am happy to say that my first week is going well, and I can already feel the benefits of taking good care of the body God created for me.

One of the most important things I have learned has to do with drinking enough water. I knew it was important, but will admit I was not a water drinker. A pot of coffee? Yes, most definitely. Clear, pure, life-giving water? No.

I bought a cute, pink, trendy water bottle to help support my new healthy habit of drinking enough water. It has worked; I am drinking water like crazy! Evidently, the formula is this... your weight divided by two equals the number of ounces of water you should consume per day. Let me just say that you will be appreciating indoor plumbing!

Here's some more information on the health benefits of water.

Cheers!

Paper Airplanes

Here's a great lesson on thinking outside of the box from SimpleTruths.com.

Enjoy!

Hibernation

I am putting myself in the Dare Chair today. I've been walking around it lately, looking at it, touching it, but not wanting to plant myself in it.

I'm in it, and I don't like it.

Let me tell you what is going on...

Last year, with a lot of determination and hard work, I lost 25 pounds. I felt wonderful, energetic, and youthful.

Along came winter. Evidently I decided to live like a bear, and pack on the weight for a long, cold winter. Ugh. I put it all back on, and I am so angry! I lack energy, my clothes are very uncomfortable, some don't even fit anymore, and I am frustrated! Can you hear my growl?

So, it is time to get serious and take better care of myself. Is there anyone out there who wants to join me?

It's time to wake up, crawl out of the den, and get some exercise!

Whose Voice Are You Listening To?

Whose voice do you listen to? When you decide to try something new, step out of your comfort zone, or reach for courage, whose voice do you hear? Your parents'? The voice of a coach, teacher, or friend? Is it positive or negative? Does the voice you hear lift you up, or tear you down?

Let me tell you a story. A couple of years ago, I decided to ski the Birkie. Over 30 miles of hill, after hill, after hill. I was terrified. My own voice kept telling me that I couldn't do it. I constantly had to push the negative thoughts out of my head.

I came across a song that quickly became my Birkie Theme Song. It was perfect. I said the words over and over again as I trudged my way up the hills. I know that it was the words of this song that kept me going all the way to the finish line. I hope they bring inspiration to you as well.

The Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns

Oh,what I would do to have

the kind of faith it takes

To climb out of this boat I'm in

Onto the crashing waves

To step out of my comfort zone

Into the realm of the unknown

Where Jesus is,

And he's holding out his hand

But the waves are calling out my name and they laugh at me

Reminding me of all the times

I've tried before and failed

The waves they keep on telling me time and time again

"Boy, you'll never win, you'll never win."

But the voice of truth tells me a different story

the voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"

and the voice of truth says

"this is for my glory"

Out of all the voices calling out to me

I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

Oh, what I would do to have the kind of strength it takes

To stand before a giant with just a sling and a stone

Surrounded by the sound of a thousand warriors shaking in their armor

Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand

But the giant's calling out my name and he laughs at me

Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed

The giant keeps on telling me time and time again

"Boy you'll never win, you'll never win."

But the voice of truth tells me a different story

the voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"

and the voice of truth says "this is for my glory"

Out of all the voices calling out to me

I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

but the stone was just the right size

to put the giant on the ground

and the waves they don't seem so high

from on top of them looking down

I will soar with the wings of eagles

when I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus

singing over me

But the voice of truth tells me a different story

The voice of truth says do not be afraid

And the voice of truth says this is for my glory

Out of all the voices calling out to me (calling out to me)

I will choose to listen and believe (I will choose to listen and believe)

I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

I will listen and believe

I will listen and believe the voice of truth

I will listen and believe

'Cause Jesus you are the voice of

Truth

Who are you listening to?

Choose wisely.

Vroom!

My daughter got her license today!!

I am so excited for her, and am also excited that I will now get to hang up my Taxi keys for a while.

Am I nervous? Not really. I know that I need to put her in God's hands. If I fill myself with doubt and worry, that means I am not trusting God. Does that mean nothing bad will never happen? No. But I know this... He gave me everything I need to be her mom, and I have done, and will continue to do my best. My days or nights full of worry will not add a single day to my life, or my daughter's.

I will choose to trust.

I Hope You Dance

I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder

You get your fill to eat

But always keep that hunger

May you never take one single breath for granted

God forbid love ever leave you empty handed

I hope you still feel small

When you stand by the ocean

Whenever one door closes,

I hope one more opens

Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance

I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance

Never settle for the path of least resistance

Living might mean taking chances

But they're worth taking

Lovin' might be a mistake

But it's worth making

Don't let some hell bent heart

Leave you bitter

When you come close to selling out

Reconsider

Give the heavens above

More than just a passing glance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance

(Time is a real and constant motion always)

I hope you dance

(Rolling us along)

I hope you dance

(Tell me who)

I hope you dance

(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)

(Where those years have gone)

Spring?

I heard more snow is arriving soon...

8 inches of cold, white SNOW! How can that be? It is SPRING, isn't it?

Here's a little bit of summer to help.

Let your eyes soak up the sunshine in the beautiful flowers painted by Susanne Bach. I can almost smell and taste summer just by looking at them.

Summer is coming... believe it, or not!

Now That I'm 40...

Now that I am officially 40, many friends have had the need to share some "inspiring" quotes, mostly that deal with things drying up, hanging low, or can't remember. The following quote made me smile; my mom sent it. I've always believed in being proud of your age, of acknowledging that every wrinkle was earned, mostly through laughter, hopefully, and of finding the beauty in every age under the sun. Here is the quote...

Some people try to turn back their odometers. Not me! I want people to know
"why" I look this way. I've traveled a long way and some of the
roads weren't paved.

Be Happy

Now and then it's good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy.

~Guillaume Apollinaire, French Novelist, 1880-1918

I say, be sure to pause every day!

My Friend, Lisa

Here is my dear friend, Lisa. She is the one who gave me a gift I will never forget. Read on...

Who is Your Hero?

If you had the chance to meet one person, a person you wanted to meet more than anyone else in the whole world, whom would you choose? Oprah, perhaps? A musician, actor, composer, or a favorite author? What about a Nobel Peace Prize winner, or Billy Graham? Maybe it would be Bret Farve... there are so many influential people to choose from.

Let me tell you who I would choose to meet. Without a shadow of a doubt, my choice would most definitely be Greg Mortenson. Those of you who have been loyal readers of my blog will recognize his name; I post his quotes, or stories about his work, often. I call him the Three Cups of Tea Guy; you know, the former mountaineer/military veteran/builder of schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan... The Three Cups of Tea One Man's Mission to Promote Peace... One School at a Time, guy. The man who instantly became my hero as soon as I started reading the book. This is the book that I begged, pleaded, and challenged all of you to read.

Last Wednesday night, I had my breath taken away. I got to meet my hero. Greg was speaking in Duluth, and I was there, front and center. You see, this is what I chose to do to celebrate my 40th birthday. I had planned on going to Las Vegas to see Phantom of the Opera (a true favorite of mine), but as soon as I found out that Greg was going to be in Duluth, there wasn't a doubt in my mind as to what I would choose. My husband was thankful; I saved him a lot of money by going to Duluth for one night vs. Vegas for a few nights and a show!!!

Over 800 people gave a standing ovation to Greg Mortenson when he came onto the stage; obviously, there are many people who admire this man. He received another standing ovation when he was done speaking. I enjoyed every minute, and did not want the night to end. I kept trying to take everything in... every detail, every picture, every word.

An announcement was made that there would be no book signing following the speech due to the large number of people who showed up. The event planners had planned for a much smaller audience; the event had to be moved to the DECC to accommodate everybody! Needless to say, I was a bit sad that I wouldn't be able to thank Greg Mortenson for all that he has done, and to get him to sign my book. When everything was over, my friends and I hung out for a while. We saw Greg talking to some people on the stage. Oh, how I wanted to meet him! My friends started walking out. Too bad. Oh well, I was so incredibly thankful that I was able to see him, and hear his speech; that would be enough.

I was following my friend, Lisa, out the side door. She started walking up the steps to the stage. "You're going up there?!" Did I dare follow her? She looked me straight in the eyes and said, "I'm taking you to him." My heart started pounding. You've got to remember... this is my hero. This is the ONE person in the WHOLE WORLD I would choose to meet. This was my chance. I don't remember breathing. You see, my friend Suzee is the one who reminds me to breathe when I get anxious, and she wasn't with me. Well, we went up on stage, walked up to Greg, Lisa pulled me in front of her as she stepped back. That act of friendship alone, brings tears to my eyes as I type this. Lisa knows me so well... well enough to know that this was the greatest gift I could possibly ask for. She gave me the opportunity to meet my hero.

I'm not sure if I can even tell you what I said to Greg. How does one even convey, or speak adequate feelings and words when meeting one's hero? I felt like Charlie Brown's teacher... "BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH." I am sadly aware of my lack of profound things to say to this man. Oh well. I had the honor of shaking his hand, asking him to sign the cover of my book, and getting my picture taken with him. I look terrified in the picture; I was. Remember.... Suzee was not there to tell me to breathe.

I will never forget that day. As I have reflected on that special moment, there is something that overwhelms me. As much as I absolutely, 100% LOVED meeting a man I respect, honor, and admire, the thing that makes my heart overflow, is actually the act of my dear friend, Lisa. I have tears running down my cheeks as I am writing this. You see, I know she would have wanted to meet him. She read, and enjoyed his book as well. She gave up the chance of meeting him... she sacrificed that chance for me, and my dream came true.

Thank you , Lisa. This was my Cairo.

I feel very loved.

A Moment in Time

I went indoor rock climbing last Sunday with a couple of friends. It was an early 40th birthday celebration; it was wonderful. We climbed the walls until our forearms screamed for mercy. (Okay... I know that I just made it sound like we must have been climbing for hours. Quite the contrary. We are a bit out of shape compared to the last time we went!) After a while, we decided to take a break from climbing and play some video games.

As we were walking, Rachel suggested that we go out for Margaritas after we were done rock climbing. What a great idea! I caught myself saying out loud, "Oh shoot! My license is in the car!" As if I needed a license to prove that I was at least 21! What in the world?! I'm going to be 40 next week! I laughed so hard at that one. It just goes to show that you are only as old as you feel!! After all, I was with my girlfriends, childless for the afternoon, climbing rock walls, repelling down with a huge smile on my face, playing video games, AND playing laser tag! (As soon as I get the Charlie's Angels picture of the three of us in our vests, holding laser guns, I'll post it!)

I loved the feeling I had that day. I truly enjoy where I am at in my life right now, but I must admit, it felt really good to escape for a day. I was 21 again, for a moment. Just the right amount of time.

I came home to four beautiful children, a husband who adores me, and a house that wraps its' arms around me... a good life that I did not have when I was 21.

Would I want to be 21 again?

Only for a moment in time, like last Sunday afternoon.

Wise Words from Einstein

Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.

~Albert Einstein

German Physicist

Today marks the day of his birth, March 14, 1879-April 18, 1955

Educating Girls

"If you really want to change a culture, to empower women, improve basic hygiene and health care, and fight high rates of infant mortality, the answer is to educate girls."

~Greg Mortenson, director of the Central Asia Institute, former mountaineer and military veteran, who spends several months each year building schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan

(Taken from Three Cups of Tea One Man's Mission to Promote Peace... One School at a Time by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin)

The Best Age for a Woman

But I think it's a little different in Europe, because 40 is really the best age for a woman. That's when we hit our peak and become this ripe fruit.

~Juliette Binoche, French Actress, 1964-

Since I will be turning 40 this month, I tend to like this quote.... a lot.... I think I'll move to Europe.

Help?!... Anyone?!

So, I was making dinner the other night, when I was pulled away from the kitchen due to a clogged toilet. Great. Ugh.

Four kids using one bathroom, and no one fesses up to clogging it. No one offers to help unclog it.

Plunge, plunge, plunge away.

No good. Plunge some more. This clog took some muscle. Who needs to go to the gym when one has clogged toilets to plunge? Gross.

As I was plunging, the timer went off, telling us all that dinner was ready... ready to be taken out of the oven, that is. Beep, beep, beep...

No Calvary.

Beep, beep. beep... (plunge, plunge, plunge...)

Surely, somebody will take the fish and potatoes out of the oven for me.

Beep, beep, beep...

Next came the smoke alarm due to the not-so-spic-and-span oven.

BEEP, BEEP, BEEP...

The timer and smoke alarm are now both going off in unison as I plunge away, and NO ONE shows up to help!

I couldn't decide if I was angry that they were oblivious to the situation, or envious! I wish I could ignore life's BEEPS sometimes!

Help?!... Anyone?!

Life Lessons

Looking back can be a good thing...

Last summer, I applied for a teaching job in town. I was fairly confident, and hopeful that I would get it, and life would get a bit easier for my husband.

I cannot quite express the incredible disappointment I had when the principal called to tell me that I did not get the job. I admit it... I called my husband in tears to tell him the news. I had wanted that job with every fiber of my being. I can't think of anything that I have ever wanted more.

The year went on. I continued subbing. I was wounded, but determined. Determined to hold my head high. Determined to be the best substitute teacher that I could be. Determined to keep my dream in sight... my own classroom. Some day.

The first time I was called to sub for the woman that got the job I had applied for, and lost, was heartbreaking. I compare it to pouring lemon juice into a wound. Ouch. It hurt. It was humbling.

I walked into her classroom with my head held high, and congratulated her on her new job. I still do not know if she knew I also, had applied and hoped for the job she was now blessed with. I ended up enjoying the day very much. I have been a substitute in that very class about four times this year, and always arrive and leave with a smile on my face.

Now that March has arrived, I have looked back at the school year, and can honestly say that I am grateful for another year of subbing. Why? Because I have learned so much this year subbing, and have been in so many different classrooms, in many different situations. I will now bring more to the classroom because of the lessons I have learned.

I knew from the start, that I saw life through a tiny window, and God saw the whole picture without any obstructions. He knew what I needed. He knew what was best for me, as well as what will be best for my future students.

Thank you, God, for teaching me a valuable lesson.

Time for a Chick Flick...

Okay ladies, here's a movie you must see:

Chocolat.

You'd see anything involving chocolate, you say? Well, is this movie ever a treat for all of the senses! It is artwork in many ways. From the folk tale, scenery, colors, art direction, music, and characters... true beauty.

Enjoy.

By the way... I know, I know... I'm way behind the times... this movie has been around for awhile.

Explanation: Mother of four... when do I ever get a turn choosing a movie, or using the TV?

Happy Birthday

To

Shannon

and

Sheila...

Happy 40th Birthday!

I've been thinking of you all week.

Despite having a child with the flu on your birthday (Shannon), and having to celebrate without any adults, and having to make your own birthday cake (Sheila), I hope you felt cherished, admired, and loved.

Here's to two beautiful women... cheers.

Open Doors

When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the one which has opened for us.

~Alexander Graham Bell, Inventor, March 3, 1887-August 2, 1922

Beautiful Language

Language is wine upon the lips.

~Virginia Woolf

British Author

1882-1941

I'm not sure I would have appreciated this quote a month ago. I understand it now though... all because I read a book with language entwined throughout that was so beautiful. The subject of the book was anything but beautiful, but the author's gift of description captivated me. I was more attached to her style of writing than I was the characters of the story. What is the book, you say? White Oleander by Janet Fitch. I encourage you to read it, for many reasons.

Birkie Fever

What an exciting weekend! It was that time of year when the American Birkebeiner comes to town. Suddenly, our little town is thriving with tourists from all over the world to hit the trails... ski trails, that is. I love hearing the different languages spoken, the cowbells ringing in the tired skiers that come in all ages, shapes, and sizes, and the cheers of the skiers celebrating their own victory, no matter what their placement was. At this race you see, it is all about finishing the race for most of us, not winning the race. 51K of hill, after hill, after hill.... It's about volunteers in mass numbers handing out bananas, water, smiles, and encouragement. It's about the personal satisfaction of pushing yourself beyond what you thought you could do. It's about Birkie Fever!

I got to watch my son ski the Kortelopet, 1/2 of the Birkie, for the first time! He was almost twice as fast as we had predicted. WOW! Was it ever fun cheering him on!! He loved it, and has caught the fever, just like my brother, Steve. Steve finished the race despite lingering effects from an illness that almost took his life last year; needless to say, he was an inspiration to us all.

So here's to all of the Birkie skiers out there... CONGRATULATIONS!!! You are all amazing!

A Seat in the Dare Chair

I got to sit in the Dare Chair yesterday.

It was mighty

uncomfortable.

You might say I was thrown out... way out... of my comfort zone, that is.

Let me tell you the story...

At 8:15 I was called to substitute teach. Turned out that I was to be a sub for the sub. Yep, the substitute teacher was sick, and needed the calvary.

"Sure, I can come in. I can be in in an hour."

"Great!," was the reply.

"Which class is it?"

"High School History."

"Okay... I'll see you soon."

High school history??!! Aahh! I've never taught high schoolers before. I make it a point to be taller than the children in my care; it gives me a false sense of control. High school??!! Well, I like history. I can do this. I've been rock climbing before, which in my mind means I can do anything! (Can you hear my roar?) As long as it's not Civics---anything but Civics. I truly do not remember a thing about my high school government class. Did I even have one?

One hour. Sixty short minutes. Great. I needed to shower, get ready, get the little ones to preschool, cancel an appointment, make an appointment, get my son's skis to the Middle School, and get to the High School in one itty-bitty hour.

I was shaking the principal's hand an hour later, trying not to show my shortness of breath from running from my car to the school. He kindly gave me my assignment... Civics Class. I hope he did not sense the wave of sheer panic that rushed through me like a tidal wave. I remained calm with the sense that surely the kids would be in the middle of a project.. some sort of project, any project!

Now remember... I was already out of my comfort zone. Well, I was now catapulted into an entirely different state, let alone zone! Yep, you guessed it... I was to give a lecture on Congress!!! A lecture?! I am sure my face lost color at this point.

I was talking myself into the fact that I could do this. I had to do this. I had no choice. My saving grace was a prep hour. Thank God for prep hours! I took out their Civics book, read chapter 6, took many notes, and read the teacher's notes time and time again.

I am very happy to say that I was able to give a heck of a lecture about Congress! I can tell you about the House of Representatives, districts, how many people make up a district, Speaker of the House, the Senate, who the jury is during an impeachment trial, their salaries, and many more facts. I actually had a lot of fun!

It's funny how we sometimes kick and scream as we are being pulled out of our comfort zones. Heavy doubt clouds our vision so at times it is impossible to even see the idea of success. I know the Dare Chair is hard and uncomfortable, but I can pretty much guarantee you that you will never regret having a seat in it. Okay, in all honesty, you will probably be mad at yourself for getting into it in the first place; you may even try to get out of it! But after all of you hard work, when you are staring at success in it's beautiful face, you will never regret your decision to push yourself past the obstacles and self doubt. Truly.

Go ahead.

Have a seat.

I dare you.

Our Crazy English Language

Here's something to get your brain going today. You may want a cup of java first, though!
I received this via email from my cousin, Chrissy. Once again, I do not know who the author is.

For all of you teachers out there....

Ode to Plurals

We'll begin with a box, and the plural is boxes,
But the plural of ox becomes oxen, not oxes.
One fowl is a goose, but two are called geese,
Yet the plural of moose should never be meese.
You may find a lone mouse or a nest full of mice,
Yet the plural of house is houses, not hice.
If the plural of man is always called men,
Why shouldn't the plural of pan be called pen?
If I speak of my foot and show you my feet,
And I give you a boot, would a pair be called beet?
If one is a tooth and a whole set are teeth,
Why shouldn't the plural of booth be called beeth?
Then one may be that, and three would be those,
Yet hat in the plural would never be hose,
And the plural of cat is cats, not cose.
We speak of a brother and also of brethren,
But though we say mother, we never say methren.
Then the masculine pronouns are he, his a nd him,
But imagine the feminine: she, shis and shim! Let's face it - English is a crazy language.
There is no egg in eggplant nor ham in hamburger; neither apple nor pine in pineapple.
English muffins weren't invented in England.
We take English for granted, but if we explore its paradoxes, we find that quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square, and a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig.
And why is it that writers write but fingers don't fing, grocers don't groce and hammers don't ham?
Doesn't it seem crazy that you can make amends but not one amend.
If you have a bunch of odds and endsand get rid of all but one of them, what do you call it?
If teachers taught, why didn't preachers praught?
If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat?
Sometimes I think all the folks who grew up speaking English should be committed to an asylum for the verbally insane.
In what other language do people recite at a play and play at a recital?
We ship by truck but send cargo by ship.
We have noses that run and feet that smell.
We park in a driveway and drive in a parkway.
And how can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same, while a wise man and a wise guy are opposites?
You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language in which your house can burn up as it burns down, in which you fill in a form by filling it out, and in which an alarm goes off by going on. And, in closing, if Father is Pop, how come Mother's not Mop?

Women

I received this e-mail from my mom today, and immediately knew it needed to be shared among women. I have no idea who the author is, but something tells me it was written by a husband who adores his wife. Enjoy...

The One Flaw In Women

By the time the Lord made woman, He was into his sixth day of working overtime.

An angel appeared and said, "Why are you spending so much time on this one?"

And the Lord answered, "Have you seen my spec sheet on her?"

"She has to be completely washable, but not plastic, have over 200

movable parts, all replaceable, and able to run on diet coke and

leftovers, have a lap that can hold four children at one time, have a

kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart-and

she will do everything."

The angel was astounded at the requirements.

"Only two hands!? No way!

And that's just on the standard model?

That's too much work for one day.

Wait until tomorrow to finish."

" But I won't," the Lord protested.

"I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own

heart. She already heals herself when she is sick AND can work 18 hour days."

The angel moved closer and touched the woman.

"But you have made her so soft, Lord."

"She is soft," the Lord agreed, "but I have also made her tough. You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish."

"Will she be able to think?", asked the angel.

The Lord replied, "Not only will she be able to think, she will be able to reason and negotiate." The angel then noticed something, and reaching out, touched the woman's cheek.

"Oops, it looks like you have a leak in this model. I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one."

"That's not a leak," the Lord corrected, "that's a tear!"

"What's the tear for?" the angel asked.

The Lord said, "The tear is her way of expressing her joy, her sorrow, her pain,

her disappointment, her love, her loneliness, her grief and her pride."

The angel was impressed."You are a genius, Lord. You thought of everything!

Woman is truly amazing."

And she is!

Women have strengths that amaze men.

They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy.

They smile when they want to scream.

They sing when they want to cry.

They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous.

They fight for what they believe in.

They stand up to injustice.

They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution.

They go without so their family can have.

They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.

They love unconditionally.

They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards.

They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding.

Their hearts break when a friend dies.

They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.

They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.

They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you.

The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.

They bring joy, hope and love.

They have compassion and ideals.

They give moral support to their family and friends.

Women have vital things to say and everything to give.

HOWEVER,

IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,

IT IS THAT

THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.