When I was a young boy, my mother said, “Don’t cut off your nose to spite your face.”
Though this phrase is now probably a cliché, it does express an important view about how one deals with others and situations in life.
I strive to not be stubborn as I usually harm myself in such situations. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cutting_off_the_nose_to_spite_the_face.
Also see Pyrrhic Victory: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyrrhic_victory
stub·born (stùb¹ern) adjective
stub·born·er, stub·born·est
1. a. Unreasonably, often perversely unyielding; bullheaded. b. Firmly resolved or determined; resolute. See synonyms at OBSTINATE.
3. Difficult to treat or deal with; resistant to treatment or effort: stubborn soil; stubborn stains.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Simon and Garfunkel - Sound Of Silence lyrics
Hello darkness, my old friend,
I've come to talk with you again,
Because a vision softly creeping,
Left its seeds while I was sleeping,
And the vision that was planted in my brain
Still remains
Within the sound of silence.
In restless dreams I walked alone
Narrow streets of cobblestone,
'Neath the halo of a street lamp,
I turned my collar to the cold and damp
When my eyes were stabbed by the flash ofa neon light
That split the night
And touched the sound of silence.
And in the naked light I saw
Ten thousand people, maybe more.
People talking without speaking,
People hearing without listening,
People writing songs
that voices never share
And no one dared
Disturb the sound of silence.
"Fools" said I, "You do not know
Silence like a cancer grows.
Hear my words that I might teach you,
Take my arms that I might reach you.
"But my words like silent raindrops fell,
And echoed
In the wells of silence
And the people bowed and prayed
To the neon god they made.
And the sign flashed out its warning,
In the words that it was forming.
And the signs said, The words of the prophets
are written on the subway walls
And tenement halls.
And whisper'd in the sounds of silence.
When I was in college, I greatly enjoyed listening to the music of Paul Simon & Art Garfunkel.
Mrs. Robinson was one of my favorite songs as was the Sounds of Silence. http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4GGLJ_enUS224US224&q=Simon+and+Garfunkel; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon_and_Garfunkel
Now, these two had a contentious relationship that harmed both of their careers. But for their communication problems or "artistic differences" they would certainly have achieved even greater success.
One might ask, “What might have been?” if it were not for the stubborn conflicts in their relationship.
Conflict in my parents’ marriage resulted in a cessation of their climb up the hill and I will never forget how obvious it was to watch the duo harm their empire building by conflict. Though they remained married and their marriage survived those years, the conflict generated by a lack of trust and stubbornness greatly limited the previously dynamic financial fortunes of the couple.
A couple must pull in the same direction if they are going to be successful. As anyone can recognize, there are different degrees of success and more is achieved by pulling together than will ever be accomplished by a struggle for power, dominance, vindictiveness or stubbornness.
"The Zax"
The second story in this Dr Seuss book is about two Zax that are terribly stubborn and refuse to move so the other may pass. Their stubbornness keeps them stuck in the same place, and as it does, the world goes on around them and without them.
This story is very short, but lends itself to a long life-lesson. Stubbornness can keep us stuck in the same place away from God's will. When we refuse to change or turn from our own way, we will become what the Bible calls "unrepentant." When we are stuck in this place, we are no good to anyone, even ourselves.
Proverbs 14: 12 "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death."
Jonah was like this. God had a special opportunity for Jonah, but Jonah was stubborn and refused to do what God had call him to do. If God had not sent a storm into Jonah's life and then a great fish to save him from drowning, Jonah would have been stuck in his stubbornness and missed out on God's plan for his life. For more about Jonah, look in the book of Jonah in the Bible.
We also can become unmoving in our willingness to forgive others. This too can cause us to get "stuck."
Matthew 6:14-15 "For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."
God's Word is very clear that we are not to hold on to bitterness and unforgiveness.” (Emphasis added.)
Source: http://www.creativebiblestudy.com/Dr-Seuss-books.html
Burton Fletcher
http://www.usamonuments.com/
http://www.valdostamemorials.com/
http://www.georgiasigningagents.com/
http://www.callourlawyers.com/
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Success Quotes
#1 Flaming enthusiasm, backed by horse sense and persistence, is the quality that most frequently makes for success. Dale Carnegie
#2 You only have to do a very few things right in your life so long as you don't do too many things wrong. Warren Buffett
#3 A person is a success if they get up in the morning and gets to bed at night and in between does what he wants to do. Bob Dylan
#4 Actually, I'm an overnight success. But it took twenty years. Monty Hall
#5 Success is the ability to go from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm. Sir Winston Churchill
#6 I don't measure a man's success by how high he climbs but how high he bounces when he hits bottom. General George S. Patton
#7 Eighty percent of success is showing up. Woody Allen
#8 I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody. Bill Cosby
#9 You will find the key to success under the alarm clock. Benjamin Franklin
#10 It is wise to keep in mind that neither success nor failure is ever final. Roger Babson
Burton Fletcher
www.USAMonuments.com
www.ValdostaMemorials.com
Burton@USAMonuments.com
#2 You only have to do a very few things right in your life so long as you don't do too many things wrong. Warren Buffett
#3 A person is a success if they get up in the morning and gets to bed at night and in between does what he wants to do. Bob Dylan
#4 Actually, I'm an overnight success. But it took twenty years. Monty Hall
#5 Success is the ability to go from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm. Sir Winston Churchill
#6 I don't measure a man's success by how high he climbs but how high he bounces when he hits bottom. General George S. Patton
#7 Eighty percent of success is showing up. Woody Allen
#8 I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody. Bill Cosby
#9 You will find the key to success under the alarm clock. Benjamin Franklin
#10 It is wise to keep in mind that neither success nor failure is ever final. Roger Babson
Burton Fletcher
www.USAMonuments.com
www.ValdostaMemorials.com
Burton@USAMonuments.com
Friday, March 14, 2008
You Are My Friend...
READ THIS!!!! And then reread it. Especially the last part...
I walked into the grocery store not particularly interested in buying groceries. I wasn't hungry.
The pain of losing my husband of 57 years was still too raw. And this grocery store held so many sweet memories. He often came with me and almost every time he'd pretend to go off and look for something special. I knew what he was up to.
I'd always spot him walking down the aisle with the three yellow roses in his hands. He knew I loved yellow roses. With a heart filled with grief, I only wanted to buy my few items and leave, but even grocery shopping was different since he had passed on.
Shopping for one took time, a little more thought than it had for two. Standing by the meat, I searched for the perfect small steak and remembered how he had loved his steak.
Suddenly a woman came beside me. She was blonde, slim and lovely in a soft green pantsuit. I watched as she picked up a large package of T-bones, dropped them in her basket.. hesitated, and then put them back.
She turned to go and once again reached for the pack of steaks. She saw me watching her and she smiled. "My husband loves T-bones, but honestly, at these prices, I don't know." I swallowed the emotion down my throat and met her pale blue eyes. "My husband passed away eight days ago," I told her.
Glancing at the package in her hands, I fought to control the tremble in my voice. "Buy him the steaks. And cherish every moment you have together." She shook her head and I saw the emotion in her eyes as she placed the package in her basket and wheeled away. I turned and pushed my cart across the length of the store to the dairy products.
There I stood, trying to decide which size milk I should buy. A quart, I finally decided and moved on to the ice cream. If nothing else, I could always fix myself an ice cream cone.
I placed the ice cream in my cart and looked down the aisle toward the front. I saw first the green suit, then recognized the pretty lady coming towards me. In her arms she carried a package. On her face was the brightest smile I had ever seen.
I would swear a soft halo encircled her blonde hair as she kept walking toward me, her eyes holding mine.As she came closer, I saw what she held and tears began misting in my eyes.
"These are for you," she said and placed three beautiful long stemmed yellow roses in my arms. "When you go through the line, they will know these are pai d for. "
She leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on my cheek, then smiled again. I wanted to tell her what she'd done, what the roses meant, but still unable to speak, I watched as she walked away as tears clouded my vision.
I looked down at the beautiful roses nestled in the green tissue wrapping and found it almost unreal. How did she know? Suddenly the answer seemed so clear. I wasn't alone.
Oh, you haven't forgotten me, have you? I whispered, with tears in my eyes. He was still with me, and she was his angel.
Every day be thankful for what you have and who you are.
(Please read all of this, it is really nice)
This is a simple request. If you appreciate life, send this to your friends.
Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings. Thank you, Lord, that I can hear. There are many who are deaf.
Even though I keep my eyes closed against the morning light as long as possib le. Thank you, Lord , that I can see. Many are blind.
Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising. Thank you, Lord, that I have the strength to rise. There are many who are bedridden.
Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned, tempers are short, and my children are so loud. Thank you, Lord, for my family.
There are many who are lonely. Even though our breakfast table never looks like the picture in magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced.
Thank you, Lord, for the food we have. There are many who are hungry.Even though the routine of my job often is monotonous.
Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to work. There are many who have no job. Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day and wish my circumstances were not so modest.
Thank you, Lord, for life. Pass this on to the friends you know. It might help a bit to make this world a better place to live, right?
A friend is someone we turn to when our spirits need a lift.
A friend is someone to treasure.
For friendship is a gift.
A friend is someone who fills our lives with Beauty, Joy and Grace and makes the world we live in a better and happier place.
YOU ARE MY FRIEND!
Bless you and yours.
Now send this to every friend you have!
Author Unknown, but received in greatful appreciation. Burton Fletcher
Burton Fletcher
www.USAMonuments.com
www.ValdostaMemorials.com
Burton@USAMonuments.com
I walked into the grocery store not particularly interested in buying groceries. I wasn't hungry.
The pain of losing my husband of 57 years was still too raw. And this grocery store held so many sweet memories. He often came with me and almost every time he'd pretend to go off and look for something special. I knew what he was up to.
I'd always spot him walking down the aisle with the three yellow roses in his hands. He knew I loved yellow roses. With a heart filled with grief, I only wanted to buy my few items and leave, but even grocery shopping was different since he had passed on.
Shopping for one took time, a little more thought than it had for two. Standing by the meat, I searched for the perfect small steak and remembered how he had loved his steak.
Suddenly a woman came beside me. She was blonde, slim and lovely in a soft green pantsuit. I watched as she picked up a large package of T-bones, dropped them in her basket.. hesitated, and then put them back.
She turned to go and once again reached for the pack of steaks. She saw me watching her and she smiled. "My husband loves T-bones, but honestly, at these prices, I don't know." I swallowed the emotion down my throat and met her pale blue eyes. "My husband passed away eight days ago," I told her.
Glancing at the package in her hands, I fought to control the tremble in my voice. "Buy him the steaks. And cherish every moment you have together." She shook her head and I saw the emotion in her eyes as she placed the package in her basket and wheeled away. I turned and pushed my cart across the length of the store to the dairy products.
There I stood, trying to decide which size milk I should buy. A quart, I finally decided and moved on to the ice cream. If nothing else, I could always fix myself an ice cream cone.
I placed the ice cream in my cart and looked down the aisle toward the front. I saw first the green suit, then recognized the pretty lady coming towards me. In her arms she carried a package. On her face was the brightest smile I had ever seen.
I would swear a soft halo encircled her blonde hair as she kept walking toward me, her eyes holding mine.As she came closer, I saw what she held and tears began misting in my eyes.
"These are for you," she said and placed three beautiful long stemmed yellow roses in my arms. "When you go through the line, they will know these are pai d for. "
She leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on my cheek, then smiled again. I wanted to tell her what she'd done, what the roses meant, but still unable to speak, I watched as she walked away as tears clouded my vision.
I looked down at the beautiful roses nestled in the green tissue wrapping and found it almost unreal. How did she know? Suddenly the answer seemed so clear. I wasn't alone.
Oh, you haven't forgotten me, have you? I whispered, with tears in my eyes. He was still with me, and she was his angel.
Every day be thankful for what you have and who you are.
(Please read all of this, it is really nice)
This is a simple request. If you appreciate life, send this to your friends.
Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings. Thank you, Lord, that I can hear. There are many who are deaf.
Even though I keep my eyes closed against the morning light as long as possib le. Thank you, Lord , that I can see. Many are blind.
Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising. Thank you, Lord, that I have the strength to rise. There are many who are bedridden.
Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned, tempers are short, and my children are so loud. Thank you, Lord, for my family.
There are many who are lonely. Even though our breakfast table never looks like the picture in magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced.
Thank you, Lord, for the food we have. There are many who are hungry.Even though the routine of my job often is monotonous.
Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to work. There are many who have no job. Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day and wish my circumstances were not so modest.
Thank you, Lord, for life. Pass this on to the friends you know. It might help a bit to make this world a better place to live, right?
A friend is someone we turn to when our spirits need a lift.
A friend is someone to treasure.
For friendship is a gift.
A friend is someone who fills our lives with Beauty, Joy and Grace and makes the world we live in a better and happier place.
YOU ARE MY FRIEND!
Bless you and yours.
Now send this to every friend you have!
Author Unknown, but received in greatful appreciation. Burton Fletcher
Burton Fletcher
www.USAMonuments.com
www.ValdostaMemorials.com
Burton@USAMonuments.com
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Questions And Answers About Everyday Topics
Can you guess which of the following are true and which are false?
Answers are below.
1. Apples, not caffeine, are more efficient at waking you up in the morning.
2. Alfred Hitchcock didn't have a belly button.
3. A pack-a-day smoker will lose approximately 2 teeth every 10 years.
4. People do not get sick from cold weather it's from being indoors a lot more.
5. When you sneeze, all bodily functions stop, even your heart!
6. Only 7 per cent of the population are lefties.
7. Forty people are sent to the hospital for dog bites every minute.
8. Babies are born without kneecaps. They don't appear until they are 2-6 years old.
9. The average person over 50 will have spent 5 years waiting in lines.
10. The toothbrush was invented in 1498.
11. The average housefly lives for one month.
12. 40,000 Americans are injured by toilets each year.
13. A coat hanger is 44 inches long whe n straightened.
14. The average computer user blinks 7 times a minute.
15. Your feet are bigger in the afternoon than any other time of day.
16. Most of us have eaten a spider in our sleep.
17. The REAL reason ostriches stick their head in the sand is to search for water.
18. The only two animals that can see behind themselves without turning their heads are the rabbit and the parrot.
19 John Travolta turned down the starring roles in 'An Officer and a Gentleman' and 'Tootsie.'
20. Michael Jackson owns the rights to the South Carolina State Anthem.
21. In most television commercials advertising milk, a mixture of white paint and a little thinner is used in place of the milk.
22. Prince Charles and Prince William NEVER travel on the same airplane, just in case there is a crash.
23. The first Harley Davidson motorcycle built in 1903 used a tomato can for a carburetor.
24. Most hospitals make money by selling the umbilical cords cut from women who give birth. They are used in vein transplant surgery.
25. Humphrey Bogart was related to Princess Diana. They were 7th cousins.
26. If coloring weren't added to Coca-Cola, it would be green.
================= They are all TRUE ...
Now go back and think about #16!!!
http://www.usamonuments.com/
http://www.valdostamemorials.com/
Free Family History Questionnaire Posted For Recording Family History....
Answers are below.
1. Apples, not caffeine, are more efficient at waking you up in the morning.
2. Alfred Hitchcock didn't have a belly button.
3. A pack-a-day smoker will lose approximately 2 teeth every 10 years.
4. People do not get sick from cold weather it's from being indoors a lot more.
5. When you sneeze, all bodily functions stop, even your heart!
6. Only 7 per cent of the population are lefties.
7. Forty people are sent to the hospital for dog bites every minute.
8. Babies are born without kneecaps. They don't appear until they are 2-6 years old.
9. The average person over 50 will have spent 5 years waiting in lines.
10. The toothbrush was invented in 1498.
11. The average housefly lives for one month.
12. 40,000 Americans are injured by toilets each year.
13. A coat hanger is 44 inches long whe n straightened.
14. The average computer user blinks 7 times a minute.
15. Your feet are bigger in the afternoon than any other time of day.
16. Most of us have eaten a spider in our sleep.
17. The REAL reason ostriches stick their head in the sand is to search for water.
18. The only two animals that can see behind themselves without turning their heads are the rabbit and the parrot.
19 John Travolta turned down the starring roles in 'An Officer and a Gentleman' and 'Tootsie.'
20. Michael Jackson owns the rights to the South Carolina State Anthem.
21. In most television commercials advertising milk, a mixture of white paint and a little thinner is used in place of the milk.
22. Prince Charles and Prince William NEVER travel on the same airplane, just in case there is a crash.
23. The first Harley Davidson motorcycle built in 1903 used a tomato can for a carburetor.
24. Most hospitals make money by selling the umbilical cords cut from women who give birth. They are used in vein transplant surgery.
25. Humphrey Bogart was related to Princess Diana. They were 7th cousins.
26. If coloring weren't added to Coca-Cola, it would be green.
================= They are all TRUE ...
Now go back and think about #16!!!
http://www.usamonuments.com/
http://www.valdostamemorials.com/
Free Family History Questionnaire Posted For Recording Family History....
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Natural Highs
Natural Highs
Please make sure you forward this back to me. You'll see why at the end. Think about them one at a time before going on to the next one. It Does Make You Feel Good, especially the thought at the end of #44.
1. Falling in love.
2. Laughing so hard your face hurts.
3. A hot shower.
4. No lines at the supermarket .
5. A special glance.
6. Getting mail.
7. Taking a drive on a pretty road.
8. Hearing your favorite song on the radio.
9. Lying in bed listening to the rain outside.
10. Hot towels fresh out of the dryer.
11. Chocolate milkshake (vanilla or strawberry).
12. A bubble bath.
13. Giggling.
15. The beach.
16. Finding a 20 dollar bill in your coat from last winter.
17. Laughing at yourself.
18. Looking into their eyes and knowing they Love you
19. Midnight phone calls that last for hours.
20. Running through sprinklers.
21. Laughing for absolutely no reason at all.
22. Having someone tell you that you're beautiful.
23. Laughing at an inside joke with FRIENDS
24. Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you.
25. Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep.
26. Your first kiss (either the very first or with a new partner).
27. Making new friends or spending time with old ones.
28. Playing with a new puppy.
29. Having someone play with your hair.
30. Sweet dreams.
31. Hot chocolate.
32. Road trips with friends.
33. Swinging on swings.
34. Making eye contact with a cute stranger.
35. Making chocolate chip cookies.
36. Having your friends send you homemade cookies.
37. Holding hands with someone you care about.
38. Running into an old friend and realizing that some things (good or bad) never change.
39. Watching the expression on someone's face as they open a much desired present from you.
40. Watching the sunrise.
41. Getting out of bed every morning and being grateful for another beautiful day.
42. Knowing that somebody misses you.
43. Getting a hug from someone you care about deeply.
44. Knowing you've done the right thing, no matter what other people think.
**The original source is unknown. I received this from a friend in an email. Thank you dear friend!
Burton Fletcher
www.USAMonuments.com
www.ValdostaMemorials.com
Burton@USAMonuments.com
Please make sure you forward this back to me. You'll see why at the end. Think about them one at a time before going on to the next one. It Does Make You Feel Good, especially the thought at the end of #44.
1. Falling in love.
2. Laughing so hard your face hurts.
3. A hot shower.
4. No lines at the supermarket .
5. A special glance.
6. Getting mail.
7. Taking a drive on a pretty road.
8. Hearing your favorite song on the radio.
9. Lying in bed listening to the rain outside.
10. Hot towels fresh out of the dryer.
11. Chocolate milkshake (vanilla or strawberry).
12. A bubble bath.
13. Giggling.
15. The beach.
16. Finding a 20 dollar bill in your coat from last winter.
17. Laughing at yourself.
18. Looking into their eyes and knowing they Love you
19. Midnight phone calls that last for hours.
20. Running through sprinklers.
21. Laughing for absolutely no reason at all.
22. Having someone tell you that you're beautiful.
23. Laughing at an inside joke with FRIENDS
24. Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you.
25. Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep.
26. Your first kiss (either the very first or with a new partner).
27. Making new friends or spending time with old ones.
28. Playing with a new puppy.
29. Having someone play with your hair.
30. Sweet dreams.
31. Hot chocolate.
32. Road trips with friends.
33. Swinging on swings.
34. Making eye contact with a cute stranger.
35. Making chocolate chip cookies.
36. Having your friends send you homemade cookies.
37. Holding hands with someone you care about.
38. Running into an old friend and realizing that some things (good or bad) never change.
39. Watching the expression on someone's face as they open a much desired present from you.
40. Watching the sunrise.
41. Getting out of bed every morning and being grateful for another beautiful day.
42. Knowing that somebody misses you.
43. Getting a hug from someone you care about deeply.
44. Knowing you've done the right thing, no matter what other people think.
**The original source is unknown. I received this from a friend in an email. Thank you dear friend!
Burton Fletcher
www.USAMonuments.com
www.ValdostaMemorials.com
Burton@USAMonuments.com
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