For the feline lovers...

The Second Ten Commandments

1.   Thou shall not worry, for worry is the most unproductive of all human activities.

2.   Thou shall not be fearful, for most of the things we fear never come to pass.

3.   Thou shall not cross bridges before you come to them, for no one yet has 

      succeeded in accomplishing this.

4.   Thou shall face each problem as it comes. You can only handle one at a time

       anyway.

5.   Thou shall not take problems to bed with you, for they make very poor bedfellows.

6.   Thou shall not borrow other people's problems. They can better care for them than 

      you can.

7.   Thou shall not try to relive yesterday for good or ill, it is forever gone. 

      Concentrate on what is happening in your life and be happy now!

8.   Thou shall be a good listener, for only when you listen do you hear ideas different

      from  your own. It is hard to learn something new when you are talking, and some 

      people do know more than you do.

9.  Thou shall not become "bogged down" by frustration, for 90% of it is rooted in 

     self-pity and will only interfere with positive action.

10. Thou shall count thy blessings, never overlooking the small ones, for a lot of 

      small blessings add up to big ones.

~~~ author unknown  

Morning Prayer

Dear Lord, so far today, am I doing all right…

I have not gossiped, lost my temper, been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish or self-indulgent. I have not whined, complained, cursed or eaten any chocolate.

But I will be getting out of bed in a minute, and I think that I will really need your help then.

text source: http://www.turnbacktogod.com/morning-prayer/

There can only be one!

What an absolute total delight!

Michael Jackson...

Simply THE BEST!!!

If God decided to install Voice Mail

Most of us have now learned to live with voice mail as a necessary part of our lives.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if God decided to install voice mail?

Imagine praying and hearing the following…

Thank you for calling heaven.
For English press 1
For Spanish press 2
For all other languages, press 3

Please select one of the following options:
Press 1 for request
Press 2 for thanksgiving
Press 3 for complaints
Press 4 for all others

I am sorry, all our Angels and Saints are busy helping other sinners right now. However, your prayer is important to us and we will answer it in the order it was received. Please stay on the line.

If you would like to speak to :
God, press 1
Jesus, press 2
Holy spirit, press 3

To find a loved one that has been assigned to heaven press 5, then enter his social security # followed by the pound sign. (If you receive a negative response, please hang up and dial area code (666)

For reservations to heaven, please enter JOHN followed by the numbers, 3 16.

For answers to nagging questions about dinosaurs, life and other planets, please wait until you arrive in heaven for the specifics.

Our computers show that you have already been prayed for today, please hang up and call again tomorrow.

The office is now closed for the weekend to observe a religious holiday.

If you are calling after hours and need emergency assistance, please contact your local pastor.

Thank you and have a heavenly day.

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text source: http://www.turnbacktogod.com/if-god-decided-to-install-voice-mail/

picture source: http://www.helpinaflash.com.au/index.php?p=1_3

Our song for today: "Stairway To Heaven"

By Led Zeppelin

"Stairway to Heaven" is a song by the British rock band Led Zeppelin, released in late 1971. It was composed by guitarist Jimmy Page and vocalist Robert Plant for the band's untitled fourth studio album (usually referred to as Led Zeppelin IV). The song, running eight minutes and two seconds, is composed of several sections, which increase in tempo and volume as the song progresses. The song begins as a slow acoustic-based folk song accompanied by panflutes, before electric instrumentation is introduced. The final section is a high-tempo hard rock section highlighted by an intricate guitar solo by Page.

The song, often considered one of the greatest rock songs of all-time, was voted #3 in 2000 by VH1 on its list of the 100 Greatest Rock Songs, and was placed at number 31 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. It was the most requested song on FM radio stations in the United States in the 1970s, despite never having been officially released as a single there. In November 2007, through download sales promoting Led Zeppelin's Mothership release, "Stairway to Heaven" hit #37 on the UK Singles Chart

According to Page, "Stairway to Heaven"

...We were careful never to release it as a single. It was a milestone for us. Every musician wants to do something of lasting quality, something which will hold up for a long timecrystallized the essence of the band. It had everything there and showed the band at its best... as a band, as a unit. Not talking about solos or anything, it had everything there.  and I guess we did it with "Stairway"

Song information from: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Stairway To Heaven lyrics

There's a lady who's sure

All that glitters is gold

And she's buying a stairway to heaven

And when she gets there she knows

If the stores are closed

With a word she can get what she came for

Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

And she's buying a stairway to heaven

There's a sign on the wall

But she wants to be sure

'Cause you know sometimes words have

Two meanings

In a tree by the brook

There's a songbird who sings

Sometimes all of our thoughts are

Misgiven

Ooh, it makes me wonder

Ooh, it makes me wonder

There's a feeling I get

When I look to the west

And my spirit is crying

For leaving

In my thoughts I have seen

Rings of smoke through the trees

And the voices of those

Who stand looking

Ooh, it makes me wonder

Ooh, it really makes me wonder

And it's whispered that soon

If we all call the tune

Then the piper will lead us to reason

And a new day will dawn

For those who stand long

And the forests will

Echo with laughter

And it makes me wonder

Oh, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, ooh, whoa, oh

If there's a bustle in your hedgerow

Don't be alarmed now

It's just a spring clean

For the May-queen

Yes, there are two paths you can go by

But in the long run

There's still time to change

The road you're on

And it makes me wonder

Aw, uh, oh

Your head is humming and it won't go

In case you don't know

The piper's calling you to join him

Dear lady, can you hear the wind blow?

And did you know

Your stairway lies on the whispering wind?

(Solo)

And as we wind on down the road

Our shadows taller than our soul

There walks a lady we all know

Who shines white light and wants to show

How everything still turns to gold

And if you listen very hard

The tune will come to you at last

When all are one and one is all

To be a rock and not to roll

And she's buying a stairway

To heaven...

It's A Most Unusual Day

TODAY is a most unusual day, because we have never lived it before; we will never live it again; it is the only day we have.

.

TODAY can be a healthy unusual day for you—and for others—if you take time to give someone a smile… to express a word of kindness… to lend a helping hand to someone in need... to write a note of gratitude… to give a word of encouragement to someone who is temporarily overcome with problems… to share a portion of your material possessions with others.

.

LOSE YOURSELF in generous service and every day can be a most unusual day, a triumphant day, an abundantly rewarding day!

.

--- William Arthur Ward

text source: http://www.appleseeds.org/unuslday.htm

Question: Using only two words, define 'beauty' ... Answer: Michael Jackson

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Aoww! How I love my title for today! :) Well, I thought might as well start this new week beautifully, with these MJ macros, all dealing with Michael's irresistible beauty ;) hmm, yummy!!!  

And here's one of my all-time topmost fave pictures; the caption's simply perfect! 

And look! even Google itself has been Michaelized! ;)

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Stand in faith

Stand in faith

Even when you can’t see your way

Stand in faith

Even when you feel like you can’t face another day

Stand in faith

Even when the tears want to flow from your eyes

Stand in faith

Knowing that our God will always provide

Stand in faith

Even when you feel that all hope is gone

Stand in faith

Knowing that He is always there for you to lean on

Stand in faith

Even when you feel like giving up

Stand in faith

Because He is there ... saying, "Just look up"

Stand in faith

Even in those times you feel so all alone

Stand in faith

Hold on and be strong, for He is still on the throne

Stand in faith

Even when it’s hard to believe

Stand in faith

Knowing that He can change your situation, suddenly

Stand in faith

Even in those times you feel it’s hard to pray

Stand in faith

And believe that He has already made the way

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen

So stand in faith

Because you already have the victory!

-- Evangelist J. V. Chandler

text source: http://christianity.about.com/od/membersubmittedprayers/qt/standinfaith.htm

"Did you ever stop to notice the crying Earth the weeping shores?"

The Earth we share is not just a rock tossed through space, but a living, nurturing being. She cares for us, she deserves our care in return.”

~ Michael Jackson

How Do You Think

If you think you are beaten, you are; If you think you dare not, you don't! If you'd like to win, but you think you can't, It's almost certain you won't.  If you think you'll lose, you're lost; For out in the world we find Success begins with a fellow's will; It's all in the state of mind!  If you think you're outclassed, you are; You've got to think high to rise. You've got to be sure of yourself Before you 'll ever win the prize. Life's battles don't always go To the stronger or faster man; But sooner or later the man who wins Is the person who thinks he can!  -- author unknown

text source: http://www.inspireme.net/inspirational-poems/how_do_you_think.htm

picture source: http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=3030369

The Praying Dog

Meet Conan, a eighteen month old long haired chihuahua that hangs out at the Shuri Kannon-do Temple in Naha City. Accordingly, it only took a priest at the temple two days to teach little Conan how to pray.

picture source: http://www.japanprobe.com/2008/02/16/picturesvideo-praying-dog/

Here are 26 quick tips for living an inspired life;

Ask for what you want.             Be who you say you are.             Care about others.             Dare to live your dreams.             Ease through the day.             Find the best fit.             Give to another.             Hug a friend.             Inspire someone to greatness.             Jump over a boundary.             Kick a bad habit.             Leap across a fear.             Mention something uplifting.             Never say never.             Open your mind and heart.             Pursue your innermost passions.             Quit complaining.             Restore your smile.             Set your sights high.             Trust yourself.             Use all the day.             Value everything.             Wait until it feels right.             Xpress yourself.             Yank weeds from your mental garden.             Zoom into the now.  -- Carol James - picture source: http://livingincognito2.blogspot.com/

This Too Shall Pass

If I can endure for this minute

Whatever is happening to me,

No matter how heavy my heart is

Or how dark the moment may be

If I can remain calm and quiet

With all the world crashing about me,

Secure in the knowledge God loves me

When everyone else seems to doubt me

If I can but keep on believing

What I know in my heart to be true,

That darkness will fade with the morning

And that this will pass away, too

Then nothing in life can defeat me

For as long as this knowledge remains

I can suffer whatever is happening

For I know God will break all of the chains

That are binding me tight in the darkness

And trying to fill me with fear

For there is no night without dawning

And I know that my morning is near.

~ Helen Steiner Rice ~

Arigato Michael Jackson!

Honestly speaking, I was actually having second thoughts of posting for this week because I still feel so downhearted with the Japan horrifying tragedy, but as I was looking at some MJ's pictures and videos, I got reminded that it is during these trying times that we must try our best to stay strong and faithful, that we may send positive vibrations, especially to our brothers and sisters who are suffering, in pain, in grief and at a loss...

and so to begin this week, with our usual Michael Monday postings, here are clips of Michael during one of his visit to Japan;

Domo arigato Michael!

Prayer for Japan and Surrounding Countries

"O God, who has created the earth upon firm foundations, graciously receive our prayers.  Remove the dangers of the shaken earth, protect your people and offer hope and strength to nations as they overcome this devastation and rebuild their futures.  

God of Heaven, be with those who have perished, may they rejoice to find themselves citizens of heaven by means of a holy life. 

God of Life, breathe hope into the lives of those suffering loss and injury.  Ease their suffering through your unconditional love and everlasting life.  Heal the injuries, both physically and emotionally.

God of Children, protect those orphaned by the catastrophes of recent days.  Nurture their futures with love and understanding.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen."

prayer shared from: http://bonsecoursvocations.org/blog/prayer-for-japan-and-surrounding-countries/

picture source:http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamesjordan/1531979022/

"And when all calls, I will answer all your prayers..."

Posting for today would be of melancholic mode; as I was watching the news about the recent horrifying earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan yesterday, I just could not help but feel overwhelmed with sadness for all those who have been affected with this tragic event, and as I was reflecting on what  to post for today's Saturday's Sights and Sounds'  feature,  the song "Cry" by Michael Jackson came and played in my mind immediately...

"If we all cry at the same time tonight..."

And I'd want to share this a little  prayer that was posted earlier at another site I recently found...  I truly believe in the power of collective prayer, PLEASE share this around...

Most merciful and compassionate God,

Giver of Life and Love,

hear our prayers

and let our cries come unto you.

We weep with your people in Japan

We hear the cries of orphaned children and laments of bereaved parents

We feel the desperation of those searching for loved ones

We behold the silence of vanished villages.

We see the devastation.

We are overwhelmed by the enormity of it all.

Our hearts are hushed, our minds are numb.

Let not our hands be stopped, our voices dumb.

God of the universe,

Open our hearts to feel your compassion

Galvanize in us the act of continued giving

Bond us to our sisters and brothers in need

Comfort and heal the injured, the bereaved, the lost

Strengthen the aid workers and medical personnel

Bolster the resolve of governments and those with power to help

Open through this tragedy pathways to partnerships and peace

In Your Name of mercy and healing and compassion we pray,

Amen.

prayer source: http://www.turnbacktogod.com/prayer-for-japan-earthquake-and-tsunami-victims/

Just a joke for today...

A turtle was walking down an alley in New York when he was mugged by a gang of snails. A police detective came to investigate and asked the turtle if he could explain what happened.

The turtle looked at the detective with a confused look on his face and replied “I don’t know, it all happened so fast.”

picture source: http://www.fanpop.com/spots/turtles/images/638152/title/pbs-natures-baby-turtle-wallpaper

Baby, baby, baby, oh!

Oh I know, I know :) that I said before that Thursday Tickle postings would be all still pictures, but hey, rules are made to be broken eh  ('stubborn me' playing up again! and winning ^.^)  And besides, how could anyone resist this little cutie?! ;) 

Beautiful Words To Live By

1.  Prayer is not a "spare wheel" that you pull out when in trouble; it is a "steering wheel" that directs us in the right path throughout life.
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2.  Do you know why a car's WINDSHIELD is so large; the rear view mirror is so small? Because our PAST is not as important as our FUTURE. So, look ahead and move on.
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3.  Friendship is like a BOOK. It takes few seconds to burn, but it takes years to write.
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4.  All things in life are temporary. If going is well enjoy it, they will not last forever. If going is wrong don’t worry, they can't last long either.
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5.  Old friends are like Gold! New friends are Diamonds! If you get a Diamond, don't forget the Gold! Because to hold a Diamond, you always need a base of Gold!
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6.  Often when we lose hope and think this is the end, GOD smiles from above and says, "Relax, sweetheart, it's just a bend, not the end! 
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7.  When GOD solves your problems, you have faith in HIS abilities; when GOD doesn't solve your problems HE has faith in your abilities.
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8.  A blind person asked St. Anthony: "Can there be anything worse than losing eye sight?" He replied: "Yes, losing your vision." 
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9.  When you pray for others, God listens to you and blesses them; and sometimes, when you are safe and happy, remember that someone has prayed for you. 
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10. WORRYING does not take away tomorrow's TROUBLES; it takes away today’s PEACE.

text source: http://www.turnbacktogod.com/10-most-inspiring-quotes/

Here's some blessing for

A Feel Terrific Tuesday

“Wait, wait, there’s a bug on stage. “Security, Security...Come get the bug.”

Today's MJ macros were obviously inspired by that clip where Michael saved a bug during one of his concerts;  these first two pics I found from photobucket :)

And here's one I just made myself lately ;) which coincidentally, by the time I was searching for appropriate picture, I've come across too with  a new terminology; 

Arachnoplaleptic Shock - the insane spasm-like dance performed when one realizes they have just walked through an unexpected spiderweb. :)

LOL!