in the perspective

Well worth the read. The Difference Between Rich/Poor People?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 beconsidered 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 the 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 beyondour 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 wedon't have. Appreciate every single thing you have, especially your friends!

HOUSE FIRES PLEASE READ

I received this message from a friend who is in the property insurance business. It is well worth reading. The original message was written by a lady whose brother and his wife learned a hard lesson this past week. Their house burned down.. nothing left but ashes. They have good insurance so the house will be replaced and most of the contents That is the good news. However, they were sick when they found out the cause of the fire. The insurance investigator sifted through the ashes for several hours. He had the cause of the fire traced to the master bathroom. He asked her sister-in-law what she had plugged in the bathroom. She listed the normal things....curling iron, blow dryer. He kept saying to her, "No, this would be something that would disintegrate at high temperatures". Then her sister-in-law remembered she had a Glade Plug-In, in the bathroom. The investigator said that was the cause of the fire. He said he has seen more house fires started with the plug-in type room fresheners than anything else.He said the plastic they are made from is THIN plastic. He also said that in everycase there was nothing left to prove that it even existed. When the investigator looked in the wall plug, sure enough the two prongs left from the plug-in were still in there. Her sister-in-law had one of the plug-ins that had a small night light builtin it. She said she had noticed that the light would dim and then finally go out.She would walk in to the bathroom a few hours later, and the light would be back on again. The investigator said that the unit was getting too hot, and would dim and go out rather than just blow the light bulb. Once it cooled down it would comeback on. That is a warning sign. The investigator said he personally wouldn't have any type of plug-in fragrance device anywhere in his house. He has seen too many places that have been burned down due to them.

Obama, making his move...

Day in and day out I hear the same rhetoric that Conservative talk show host like Russ Limball, Ben Ferguson and Michael Savage speak about Obama and how they warn the american public if they elect Obama that the world is headed for destruction. The main topic is he has no experience. Okay, maybe he does not. Lets look at his experience, he ran a successful campaign that defeated Hillary Clinton for the democratic nomination. Not bad for a rookie... He makes mistakes but recovers from them quickly.

Ben Fergerson favortie thing to do ask why should he vote for Obama, and leave hope and change out of it... So here are my reasons why you should vote for Obama.

1) He wants to end the war. He has a plan and wants to put it in effect. 2) Universal health care. Millions and millons of people are in need of health care and can not afford it! 3) The gas prices are out of hand and he wants to lower gas prices... 4) He says he represents change, to be honest I have no ideal what change is, but the main thing is we need something more than what we have been given. So if that represents change, let me get a shot of that,

Hip-Hop Mogul Russell Simmons Sets It Straight On Child Support Ruling

In a letter addressed to critics, hip-hop music mogul Russell Simmons, 50, defended a child support ruling that was filed Tuesday in Los Angeles Superior Court involving the hip-hop mogul and his ex-wife Kimora Lee Simmons, 33, and their two daughters Ming Lee, 8, and Aoki Lee, 5. Simmons set the record straight regarding the amount of child support he pays and why he's glad to pay it. In the statement, Simmons stated the following: Friends of mine have forwarded me gossip online about my custody agreement details with Kimora. The fact is, we’ve had a pretty good partnership at sharing the girls in the past. There have been a few bumps in the road, and those bumps have led us to negotiate a minimum amount of time I’m guaranteed to see my kids. That deal is as follows: I have the girls one full week out of every eight, half of the summer, half of all the holidays, a full week at Christmas, and half of Spring Break. Like in all good partnerships, contracts are meant to protect the partners but are usually not the only way the partners work together. If I show up in L.A., where she now lives, unannounced, I can call up Kimora and she will most likely send them right over. The same goes for when she comes to New York. We have always had a school in New York and a school with the same curriculum in L.A., so when the girls are with me in New York, we can spend quality time together. I can get up with them, take them to school and just be together. Kimora consults with me about doctors or schools for the girls, but she’s always had final say in those areas. If we had an argument about a school, guess who’s going to win? But there are other stipulations in our agreement where we have to make final decisions together. Anything having to do with business decisions pertaining to my kids cannot be done without my consent. I’ve also seen a lot about people reading into the supervised visits stipulation. Kimora travels with a security guard and a nanny. In the past, she’s gotten really nervous that I never travel with security, so if it makes her more comfortable to have her security and a nanny with us when I’m with my kids, that’s OK with me. Finally, I want to say Kimora is a excellent mother and is doing a great job with them. My kids are studying a couple of foreign languages, they travel around the world, they practice yoga, ballet, swimming, karate and piano, among other things...sometimes I think they do too much, but I trust in Kimora on this because she IS a good mother. Regarding the money, my kids live a tremendous life. They do have lots of security, nannies, educators, special programs, travel, chefs, on and on. Their mother manages all of those luxuries and I’m happy to provide for that. With great love all things are possible. Russell Simmons -- The ruling made on Tuesday granted Kimora Lee, sole custody of their two young daughters, while allowing Simmons one week of visitation out of every eight weeks and extra time for summer vacations and holidays. Russell Simmons will be paying $20K a month per child which reportedly stops at the age of 19 1/2 or when they are married, becomes financially independent, emancipated, stops living with their mother or joins the armed forces. In addition, Simmons will allegedly also buy or lease a car for his two daughters in the amount of $60K or more, once every 24 months. When Kimora Lee Simmons filed for divorce from Russell in March, the CEO of the Baby Phat clothing line, reportedly cited irreconcilable differences. The two have been married for almost 10 years. In other news, Kimora Lee Simmons alleged has stated that she is "kind of" engaged to her now boyfriend, actor Djimon Hounsou. The two have been reportedly dating for several months and Kimora stated that she wasn't actually looking for romance when she met the actor back on last February.

Bill Clinton says Barack Obama must 'kiss my ass' for his support

Bill Clinton is so bitter about Barack Obama's victory over his wife Hillary that he has told friends the Democratic nominee will have to beg for his wholehearted support.
So I was wondering is that 10 million dollar donation that Obama is going to give them to pay up all her campagin debt, going to be enough ass kissing?

Brooklyn Tony

The teacher asks her class, "If there are 5 birds sitting on a fence and you shoot one of them, how many will be left?" She calls on B rooklyn Tony.He replies, "None, they will all fly away with the first gunshot."The teacher replies, "The correct answer is 4, but I like your thinking.

"Then Brooklyn Tony says, "I have a question for YOU. There are 3 women sitting on a bench having ice cream: One is delicately licking the sides of the triple scoop of ice cream. The second is gobbling down the top and sucking the cone. The third is biting off the top of the ice cream. Which one is married?

"The teacher, blushing a great deal, replied, "Well, I suppose the one that's gobbled down the top and sucked the cone.

"To which Brooklyn Tony replied, "The correct answer is 'the one with the wedding ring on,' but I like your thinking."

Dictators in Africa

Robert Mugabe Zimbabwe.Age 82.In power since 1980. Robert Mugabe once was hailed as a symbol of the new Africa, but under his rule the health and well-being of his people have dropped dramatically, which is as much an abuse of human rights as arbitrary arrest and torture. According to the World Health Organization, Zimbabwe has the world’s shortest life expectancy—37 years for men and 34 for women. It also has the greatest percentage of orphans (about 25%, says UNICEF) and the worst annual inflation rate (1,281% as of last month). He last allowed an election in 2002 but “won” only after having his leading opponent arrested for treason.

Their are three movies that I recommend that you watch and then you will understand why this dictator should not be in power. the first movie is the Tears of the Sun... A very powerful movie about An African prince running from some one like Mugabe.

The second is Hotel Rwanda. This movie leaves you in awe. The KKK has nothing on these guys plus they have absolutely no repercussions for their actions.

The third move is the last king of scotland. When I was growing up and used to hear about Idi Amin I had no I deal that he was that cold hearted.

I often hear about people wanting to go back to the motherland to visit or even live... There is unbelievable footage of how they kill each other. The life of a person living in Zimbabwe is quite short—37 years for men and 34 for women. To see these statics on paper mean nothing but when you watch these movies, it will bring you to tears! What's so sad about these 3 movies that the UN does not step in and step up to stop this madness. After you see the movies you will understand that they care absolutely nothing about their own so you can imagine what they will do to a stranger.

Russell Simmons To Pay $40,000 A Month In Child Support

Russel Simmons ordered to pay $20,000 a month for each child. Simmons will pay $480,000 per year

In court documents, obtained by TMZ and filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday (June 24), it looks like the hip-hop mogul is to pay $20,000 per month for each of his two daughters, Ming Lee and Aoki Lee, beginning in July.While Kimora maintains sole custody of the two children, Russell will get visitation rights. He will get his kids every eighth week from Saturday until the following Saturday when they are to be returned at 6:00 p.m., according to the documents, which will take place in Los Angeles, where Kimora resides. However, holidays, summers, and vacations, are also options.Once reading through the documents, it's revealed that the $40,000 per month isn't the only thing he's responsible for either. The couple's Saddle River, New Jersey home, which was featured on MTV's "Cribs" in the past, has been put on the market, and Kimora will be able to occupy the residence until it sells. On top of that, Russell is told to fork out $18,000 for up-keep per month to Kimora until it is sold.Later in the court documents, it says that Russell is responsible for providing Kimora with a vehicle every two years, valued at no less than $60,000.Despite all the big money he has to shell out, he may seek a reduction in monthly payments if his income falls 30% below what he filed in his 2008 tax filing. These child support payments will commence until 2019 for Ming Lee and 2022 for Aoki.

The ideal of paying child support is not an issue, but what about the woman who is in it only for the gain? She was never married to the man but expects to have a monetary gain. She says I had his baby and the baby needs to live at the father lifestyle, the hidden words that are not being said is that she wants to live at the fathers lifestyle with the baby. I think that if the father did not want to have the baby and the mother choose to have the baby its on her, unless the father starts helping... Now if he starts he is obligated has to finish until the child reaches 18.

Bill to increase child support fees passes with legislators

In addition to cost-of-living expenses, extra child support payments could be required for activities like sports and music lessons if House Bill 339 is approved in by the state legislature. House Bill 339 by state Rep. Joseph Lopinto, R-Metairie, allows judges the right to order additional payments for children’s extracurricular activities. State Sen. Nick Gautreaux, D-Meaux, was able to piggyback legislation to redirect gambling winnings to pay for overdue child support. Some senators fear the bill could place too much of a financial burden on those paying child support. “The intent of the bill is good – very good,” state Sen. Jody Amedee, D-Gonzales said. “But I don’t think we need to keep adding and adding and adding.” State Sen. Julie Quinn, R-Metairie, said the legislation is important to ensure that children of divorced parents who want to participate in extracurricular activities are not penalized. Members of the Louisiana group promoting shared parenting and fair child support laws in Louisiana, LaDads, oppose the bill, citing many reasons. In a letter to the state Senate, LaDads member Robert D. Black, Jr. asked senators to vote against the bill. “I am all for extra events, camps, etc … but if someone couldn’t afford them while they were married, how is he or she going to afford them when they are divorced?” wrote Black. “Plus, what guarantees do you have in place that even if these events are paid for that the mother will actually take [the child] the events or even [that the extra child support] is spent on those events to begin with?” asked Black in his letter to the Senate. Black also pointed out the lack of accountability for funds already being paid for child support by divorced parents. In his own letter to the state Senate, LaDads president Nicholas James referred to current Louisiana child support laws that he said allow a judge to order a parent to pay child support exceeding 100 percent of his or her gross income. “Now, instead of seeking to correct these problems, the Legislature actually seeks to make them worse by adding on yet another way for a judge to make an order exceeding 100 percent of a person’s gross income,” James wrote. HB 339 was approved by the Senate 23-12. The bill previously breezed through the House without a single opposing vote but must go back to the House for final amendment concurrence.

Sometimes you have to wonder is this suppose to help the kid or hurt the father?

The Criminal

The Life of a criminal, when you look at the picture it is quite deceiving simple because of the handcuff. Now what if the guy is not the traditional criminal simply a guy that does not want to pay child support... Is he a criminal? So read more and tell me what you really think...
Carl H. Burrows, 32, of Deposit, was arraigned on a sealed indictment in Delaware County Court on June 9. Burrows pleaded guilty to a felony count of first-degree nonsupport of a child, and Delaware County Judge Carl Becker sentenced Burrows to one-to-three years in prison. "(Burrows) was adamant that he wasn't going to pay," Vredenburgh said. The case is the first felony prosecution in Delaware County under the  Deadbeat Dad' legislation that was passed in New York in the mid-1990s, Vredenburgh said. Vredenburgh said a defendant can only be prosecuted under the felony statute if they have already been convicted of second-degree nonsupport of a child, a class A misdemeanor. Burrows pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor level charge in Delhi Town Court on March 5 and was sentenced to three years of probation. He was also required to pay $52 a week in child-support payments and continue until the $39,000 he owed in back support is paid. On May 27, Burrows was arrested for a violation of probation for not making any payments. Burrows' attorney, Christopher Wilson of Oneonta, refused Thursday to comment on the case. Laurie Schmitz, the mother of Burrows' 13-year-old daughter, Mia Burrows, said it was "a huge relief to know that something has finally happened." Schmitz, 32, of New Smyrna Beach, Fla., said Thursday that she has known Burrows since she was about 12 years old; she was 18 when she had Mia. Schmitz moved to Florida when Mia was a year old. She said Burrows came to Florida when Mia was 2 or 3, staying for a month, and it was the last time he saw her. Schmitz said she sent Mia's school pictures to Burrows' family every year and occasionally called him, but he never made any effort to see his daughter or communicate with her. "You can't force someone to be a father when they don't want to," Schmitz said. Schmitz said she tried for years to collect child support from Burrows, but the last time she received any was in 2005, when he was ordered to pay $3,900 or go to jail. She said the original child-support order was issued in 1996 and required him to pay $28 per week. He can not pay $28 dollars a week? So this man loose days weeks and month even years of his life simply because he refuse to pay child support. Now he has a felony on his record limiting him on what kind of job he could get in his life time. Schmitz credits Jeffrey Bowie, a Delaware County Social Services investigator, with pursuing her case against Burrows. "They spent hours looking for him," Schmitz said. "I have gone to New York three times for court appearances, but he never showed up." Schmitz said Delaware County paid to fly her from Florida to testify before the grand jury. "It only took the grand jury about 30 seconds to indict him," Schmitz said. "It was really very emotional for me." Schmitz said she hopes her victory will encourage other mothers to fight for their child's right to support. "There are a lot of people out there that will not fight it because they don't know how to pursue it," Schmitz said. "Let this be a lesson that it can be done." Schmitz said she doesn't expect to recover all of the money her daughter is entitled to. "I've become immune to the fact that he is never going to pay _ but why should he be out and about making money and enjoying himself?" she asked. Schmitz said that if Burrows gets out of prison and fails to make payments, she intends to pursue having him charged and arrested again. Hell has no fury like a scorn women... I understand now!!! ___

Words of wisdom

When things in your lives seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of
him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty
mayonnaise jar and proceeded t o fill it with golf balls. He then asked the
students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar.
He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the
golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They
agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of
course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar
was full. The students responded with an unanimous 'yes.'
The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and
poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space
between the sand. The students laughed.
'Now,' said the professor as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to
recognize
that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important
things--your family, your children, your health, your friends and your
favorite passions--and if everything else was lost and only they remained,
your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and
your car.
The sand is everything else--the small stuff. 'If you put the sand into the
jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf
balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the
sma ll stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to
you.
'Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with
your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to
dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and
fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first--the things that really
matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.'
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee
represented. The professor smiled. 'I'm glad you asked.
It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem,
there's
always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.'
Please share this with someone you care about.
I JUST DID

Grandpa's Hands

This is good; I'll never look at my hands the same! Grandpa, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench. He didn't move, just sat with his head down staring at his hands. When I sat down beside him he didn't acknowledge my presence and the longer I sat I wondered if he was OK. Finally, not really wanting to disturb him but wanting to check on him at the same time, I asked him if he was OK. He raised his head and looked at me and smiled. "Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking," he said in a clear strong voice. Didn't mean to disturb you, Grandpa, but you were just sitting here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were OK," I explained to him. "Have you ever looked at your hands," he asked. "I mean really looked at your hands?" I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point he was making. Grandpa smiled and related this story: Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years. These hands, though wrinkled, shriveled and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life. They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon the floor. They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child my Mother taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots. They held my rifle and wiped my tears when I went off to war. They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent. They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son. Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special. They wrote the letters home and trembled and shook when I buried my Parents and Spouse and walked my Daughter down the aisle. Yet, they were strong and sure when I dug my buddy out of a foxhole and lifted a plow off of my best friend's foot. They have held children, consoled neighbors, and shook in fists of anger when I didn't understand. They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body. They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw. And to this day when not much of anything else of me works real well these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer. These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of my life. But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when he leads me home. And with my hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of Christ I will never look at my hands the same again. But I remember God reached out and took my Grandpa's hands and led him home. When my hands are hurt or sore or when I stroke the face of my children and wife I think of Grandpa. I know he has been stroked and caressed and held by the hands of God. I, too, want to touch the face of God and feel His hands upon my face.

Incredible artist

What a transformation...

Naked Serena

What are you carrot, egg or coffee bean?

A carrot, an egg, and a cup of coffee...You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again.



A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.


Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.



In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, 'Tell me what you see.'



'Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied.



Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.



Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma The daughter then asked, 'What does it mean, mother?'



Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water , they had changed the water.



'Which are you?' she asked her daughter. 'When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?



Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength.



Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?



Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?



May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.



The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.



When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling..



Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.

The email

A lesson to be learned from typing the wrong Email address!

A Minneapolis couple decided to go to Florida to thaw out during a
particularly icy winter. They planned to stay at the same hotel where
they spent their honeymoon 20 years earlier. Because of hectic
schedules, it was difficult to coordinate their travel schedules.


So, the husband left Minnesota and flew to Florida on Thursday, and his wife was flying down the following day.

The husband checked into the hotel. There was a computer in his room, so
he decided to send an E mail to his wife. However, he accidentally left
out one letter in her E mail address and without realizing his error,
sent the Email.

Meanwhile, somewhere in Houston, Texas, a widow had just returned home
from her husband's funeral. He was a minister who was called home to
glory following a heart attack.

The widow decided to check her Email expecting messages from relatives
and friends. After reading the first message, she screamed and fainted.

The widow's son rushed into the room, found his mother on the floor, and
saw the computer screen which read:

To: My Loving Wife
Subject: I've arrived
Date: June 22, 2008

I know you're surprised to hear from me. They have computers here now
and you are allowed to send Emails to your loved ones. I've just arrived
and have been checked in. I see that everything has been prepared for
your arrival tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing you then! Hope your
journey is as uneventful as mine was.

P.S. Sure is freaking hot down here.

Women

Women

A woman went up to the bar in a quiet rural pub. She gestured alluringly to the bartender who approached her immediately. She seductively signaled that he should bring his face closer to hers. As he did, she gently caressed his face. 'Are you the manager?' she asked, softly stroking his face with both hands. 'Actually, no,' he replied. 'Can you get him for me? I need to speak to him,' she said, running her hands along his smooth face and into his hair. 'I'm afraid I can't,' breathed the bartender.. 'Is there anything I can do?' 'Yes. I need you to give him a message,' she continued, running her forefinger across the bartender's lip and slyly popping a couple of her fingers into his mouth and allowing him to suck them gently. 'What should I tell him?' the bartender managed to say. 'Tell him,' she whispered, 'There's no toilet paper, handsoap, or paper towels in the ladies room.'

What you can not see

When I see this photo I can see how sad this girl is.
1) The first thing that comes to mind is pain, and what caused it.

2) She is carrying a heavy load. Something has happened to create such a level of sadness. What ever has happened has made a impact in her life that will follow her until she leaves this earth.
So I know what happened but from looking at this picture can you figure out the cause, that created the effect?

400 charged in mortgage fraud

More than 400 people have been charged in the mortgage fraud probe, of whom nearly 300 have been arrested, including 60 in a coordinated sweep Wednesday, the Justice Department said.
The losses in the mortgage fraud cases cost consumers more than $1 billion, Mueller said.
"We will, as appropriate, seek prison terms," Filip said. "It is a very, very serious matter."
"Operation Malicious Mortgage," the investigation by the FBI and Justice Department, began March 1, government officials said. It resulted in 144 fraud cases in which 406 defendants were charged.
The FBI is investigating about 1,400 more cases of potential fraud, Mueller said, calling it "a substantial number of investigations, unfortunately."
The agency has 42 mortgage fraud task forces in operation, employing 180 agents, Mueller said.
Many agencies were credited as contributing to the investigation, including the Internal Revenue Service, the Secret Service, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, immigration and customs agencies, postal inspectors and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

Mc Grady ordered to pay $54,000 in child support

Basketball star Tracy McGrady of the Houston Rockets must pay a Bradenton woman $54,156 a year in child support for their daughter, plus insurance and tuition, a Sarasota County circuit judge ruled. The amount is far less than the $204,000 a year that Pearl Vega, 36, had argued would be more in line with McGrady's $21.6 million annual income and give their child a lifestyle more equal to that of McGrady's other children.
Women seem to think that since they had a baby by a star it intitles them to the stars money claiming that the child should live as the star lives. This is just simple logic that must be considered that if the child lives at a certain life style so must the parent! The Circuit Judge Donna Berlin ruled that Vega had overstated the child's needs and has "used child support to enhance her personal lifestyle and that of her other two children." "It is inappropriate for Ms. Vega to use child support as a means to further her education when she chooses to attend college as a full-time student and expect Mr. McGrady to pay for tuition, a full-time nanny and other domestic help," Berlin wrote in the decision. Now this makes sense, although a large majority of child support judges don't follow this thinking. Maybe a book should be written for judges called "Decision making For Dummies involving Child Support issues"
Vega's attorney immediately filed a notice the mother would appeal. At a trial, she highlighted exactly what it means to be the child of an NBA star: McGrady shares a six-bedroom, 23,000-square-foot house with a pool outside Houston with his wife and three children. He spends $5,000 per month on a chef and $1,732 for a housekeeper. One of the children had a $16,000 birthday party for about 40 children, with a magician, clown, face painter, games and music. McGrady and his family spend about $45,000 per month for personal travel, sometimes on private jets. The children went on trips to New York, to North Carolina a dozen times -- to Florida about the same number -- and to Atlanta, California, the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Bahamas, Mexico, the Virgin Islands and Rio de Janeiro. They stay at Ritz-Carltons, have private preschool and tutors, and get thousands of dollars' worth of clothes a month.
So he spends $45,000 a month with his family, this is a train wreck waiting to happen if he does not invest his money wisely... Some people call a train wreck (bankruptcy)...

What if

What if Daniel Snyder decides to hire Ron Meeks, (a black man) as the head football coach of the Washington Redskins.......
What if the Washington Redskins make it to the Super Bowl next season, under quarterback Jason Campbell, (a black man)..........
What if the Washington Wizards make it to the NBA championship this year. They're coached by Eddie Jordan, (a black man).....



............and what if the next resident of the White House is President of theUnited States Barack Obama, (a black man).........

We would be able to welcome back the "black man" to the nation's capitol, who is not a criminal, not locked up or strung out on drugs. He has leadership skills, is articulate, is of good character, is spiritual, is well groomed, is a family man, is a good father, a good husband. Wouldn't this bring much pride back to the black man and the black family who has been portrayed so negatively in the media, though a lot of it is our own doing. Wouldn't it be great to see a black family at the highest level in the country? Maybe our youth would want to mimic that, instead of the gangsta rap artist with the drooping pants, the bling and the slang. Just maybe they would want to complete their education and want to further that education. Maybe they would want to strive to be the next black president? Well at least I can dream and and guess what? That dream could very much become a reality. Martin Luther King Jr. said it best, "I have a dream........".

The Reason

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person. When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant .
Thank you for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.

Sleep on the Job

When caught sleeping on the job ...
Raise your head slowly and say, '...in Jesus' name, Amen.'

NJ Cops

Two men were driving through New Jersey when they got pulled over by a NJ cop. The cop walked up and tapped on the window with his nightstick. The driver rolled down the window and WHACK," the cop smacked him in the head with his nightstick. "What the hell was that for?" the driver asked. "You're in New Jersey, son," the cop answered. "When we pull you over in New Jersey, you better have your license ready by the time we get to your car." "I'm sorry, officer, " the driver said, "I'm from New York and didn't know your laws here." The cop runs a check on the guy's license--he's clean and gives the guy his license back. The cop then walks around to the passenger side and taps on the window. The passenger rolls down the window and "WHACK," the cop smacks him on the head with the nightstick. "What'd you do that for?" the passenger demands. "Just making your wish come true," rep lied the cop. "Making WHAT wish come true?" the passenger asked. "Because I know you New Yorkers," the cop says, "two miles down the road ; you're gonna turn to your buddy and say....." I wish that asshole would've tried that shit with me!"

A Polish man

A Polish man moved to the USA and married an American girl
Although his English was far from perfect, they got along very well until one day he rushed into a lawyer's office and asked him if he could arrange a divorce for him.
The lawyer said that getting a divorce would depend on the circumstances, and asked him the following questions: Have you any grounds? Yes, an acre and half and nice little home. No, I mean what is the foundation of this case? It made of concrete. I don't think you understand. Does either of you have a real grudge? No, we have carport, and not need one. I mean. What are your relations like? All my relations still in Poland . Is there any infidelity in your marriage? We have hi-fidelity stereo and good DVD player. Does your wife beat you up? No, I always up before her. Is your wife a nagger? No, she white. Why do you want this divorce? She going to kill me. What makes you think that? I got proof. What kind of proof? She going to poison me. She buy a bottle at drugstore and put on shelf in bathroom. I can read, and it say: 'Polish Remover'

The New first Family

With this kind of support there is nothing we can not do! Yes, we Can!!!

I know this man and he is going to give us a way to make a change!

I

We want to thank you for your support.

We did it!!!

Worship and Praise

Running for a change

Thanks for your support

the bird feeder.

I bought a bird feeder. I hung it on my back porch and filled it lovingly with seed. It was indeed a beautiful bird feeder. With in a week we had hundreds of birds taking advantage of the continuous flow of free and easily accessible food. But then the birds started building nests in the boards ofthe patio, above the table, and next to the barbecue. Then came the bird shit. It was everywhere; on the patio tile, the chairs, the table ... everywhere! Then some of the birds turned mean. They would dive bomb me and try to peck me even though I had fed them out of my own pocket. And others birds were boisterous and loud. They sat on the feeder and squawked and screamed at all hours of the day and night and demanded that I fill it when it got low on food. Aftera while, I couldn't even sit on my own back porch anymore. So I took down the bird feeder and in three days the birds were gone. I cleaned up their mess and took down the many nests they had built all over the patio. Soon, the back yard was like it used to be ... quiet, serene and no one demanding their rights to a free meal. Now let's see ..... Our government gives out freefood, subsidized housing, free medical care, and free educationand allows anyone born here to be an automatic citizen. Then the illegals came by the millions. Suddenly our taxes went up to pay for freeservices; small apartments arehousing 5 or more families; you have to wait 6 hours to be seen bya doctor in an emergency room because it is filled with illegals; your child's 2nd grade class is behind other schools because over half the class doesn't speak English. Corn Flakes now come in a bilingual box; I have to press one' to hear my bank talk to me in English, and people waving flags other than 'Old Glory' are squawking and screaming in the streets, demanding morerights and free liberties. Its just my opinion but: maybe, just maybe, it's time for the government to take down the damn bird feeder. The

Eight Ways to Become a Better FatherPastor Gregory Dickow

Parenting is one of the most rewarding - and most challenging - jobs out there.
As an encouragement to fathers, I want to share with you the eight ways to become a better father.
Even if you're not a father yet ...or your kids have grown up and moved away ...or you're a single mom raising children without a father, there's something in this list for you.
But don't read these points and tuck them away for another day. Start acting on them right now - it's never too late to become a better father! Your children will thank you!
1. Get to know God as Father.
God is the ultimate Father ...loving, wise, encouraging, slow to anger. As a father, you are His representative here on earth, and if you get to know Him better, you can better parent your own children. So spend time in prayer. Spend time in the Word. Spend time building a relationship with your Heavenly Father. Understand that He loves you, comforts you, protects you, provides for you ALL THE TIME ...and you'll be better able to do the same for your own children.
2. Give your children a sense of belonging, acceptance, and identity.
Remember how much God the Father loved His Son. He loved Jesus from day one - before Jesus accomplished anything, before He laid hands on one person or preached one sermon.
So don't treat your children as an interruption. Don't make them feel that they're in the way. You're a parent and your job is to do the parenting!
Make sure your children feel that they hold a unique place in your special family. They belong there, and what matters to them should matter to you. So if they bring you a problem - a bully at school or a tough test ahead - talk to them. Listen to them. Maybe you faced the same predicament as a child and know that it's not a big deal. But to them right now, that problem is a big deal - maybe the biggest one they've faced so far in their lives.
3. Embrace your children.
One of the best ways to give your children that sense of belonging is to hug them - even when they wiggle out of your arms. Hugs are therapeutic and give children acceptance, love, and warmth. Studies even say that they reduce the risk of sickness and disease!
4. Love your wife.
A sense of security comes to a child who sees his father love his mother. They need that security!
Ephesians 5:25 says, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church." Christ loved the Church unconditionally, uncompromisingly, sacrificially, continuously. Love your wife like that, and your marriage will blossom ...and your children will blossom too.
5. Respect your child's thoughts, feelings, and dreams.
Please, guard your tongue. Don't let the words, "That's a dumb idea. That's stupid." come out of your mouth. If you had come up with that idea, maybe it would have been dumb. But since your child did, it's the best one you've ever heard!
6. Keep your promises.
Be careful of the promises you make. Love says, "I will never break my promise." So, again, you have to watch your tongue. Get it under control, and don't commit to something you can't make good on. When you say you'll do something, do it!
Keeping promises also builds trust. When your children have grown up and are no longer under your care, they'll be able to trust God because you paved the way. Your behavior can offer them a glimpse of their Heavenly Father!
7. Encourage your children.
The first part of Ephesians 6:4 says, "Fathers, don't exasperate your children" (NIV). In other words, encourage them! You can do that through kind words - like, "You're so smart." "You're a thoughtful child." "I'm proud to be your father." You can also do that through your actions. So, smile at them! Give them more hugs!
Sometimes it's easy for us as parents to forget that our kids aren't little adults - they're children. They don't have all the skills grown-ups do. So, when your daughter knocks over the lamp in the living room, for example, show her understanding. Don't discourage her, and don't rebuke her for being uncoordinated or clumsy - her body just isn't done growing.
8. Teach them the Word.
The second part of Ephesians 6:4 says, "Bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord" (NIV). So teach them the Word; encourage them to build their lives on it. And let them see you following the Word yourself. They'll thank you for this for the rest of your life.
A note for single mothers: If you're a mom raising your children on your own, you can do it. Many of the principles above can be applied to your situation. Sure, you need to make up for the lack that your kids are experiencing, for the father that's not fulfilling his obligations. But God is on your side. He's a "father to the fatherless" (Psalm 68:5). You're not doing it alone.
God bless all of you as parents!
Pastor Gregory M. Dickow is the founder and Senior Pastor of Life Changers International Church, one of the largest congregations in the Chicago land area, and the Host of Changing Your Life television program that reaches more than 500 million households weekly. Pastor Dickow is also founder of Gregory Dickow Ministries. For more information, go to http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001dmXoYSlerECxED5r6kLnlLLO8ET8gd_qcxPBZ0aPm2yeGgYgWeOLJK0xUAOCZW0ee_bsY6Dsbjxcw66BvRuejX2SDP5fv5Bu-jQOoAFmtjk5l-9QMQejbtrl9bruK14E.

Whispers

The man whispered, 'God, speak to me' and a meadowlark sang.

But, the man did not hear.

So the man yelled, 'God, speak to me' and the thunder rolled across the sky.





But, the man did not listen.






The man looked around and said, 'God let me see you.' And a star shined brightly.




But the man did not see.




And, the man shouted, 'God show me a miracle.' And, a life was born.

But, the man did not notice.




So, the man cried out in despair, 'Touch me God, and let me know you are here.'

Whereupon, God reached down and touched the man. But, the man brushed the butterfly away

and walked on.




I found this to be a great reminder that God is always around us in the little and simple things that we take for granted ... even in our electronic age.

So I would like to add one more:

The man cried, 'God, I need your help!' And an e-mail arrived reaching out with good news and encouragement.













But, the man deleted it and continued crying .





Don't miss out on a blessing because it isn't packaged the way that you expect.

My instructions were to share this with people that I wanted God to bless and I picked you all. Won't you please pass this to people you want to be blessed.