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PAST ISSUE -- THANKSGIVING 2003 ISSUE
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I N S P I R I N G W O R D S
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Your bi-weekly ezine from Inspire21.com
ISSN Pending Circulation: Over 11,300
Volume 3 - Issue 20 November 24, 2003
CONTENTS
-------- PUBLISHER'S NOTE > THANKSGIVING NOTE
-------- VISITOR FEEDBACK > Kind Words & Inquiries
-------- NEWEST ECARDS > Nothing New This Issue
-------- INSPIRING WORDS > "WHAT ONLY SPECIAL DOGS KNOW"
- And - "NOTHING BEATS FAMILY"
-------- UPLIFTING POETRY > "UPWARD"
-------- SELECTED QUOTES > "Apply them to your week!"
-------- A LITTLE LEVITY > "Just for Ha-Has!"
-------- Inspire21.com "QuickLinks" > Click'em & Bookmark'em!
-------- How to UNsubscribe: http://www.inspire21.com/ezine.html
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PUBLISHER'S NOTE
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HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!
Thanksgiving is a special time to reflect and be thankful. I am
truly grateful for all of the friends and visitors I've received
while developing Inspire21.com. I hope I can continue to bring
my work to you for many years to come. In fact, I hope to animate
many ecards to add even more pleasure to their message.
An example of amazing animated art I'd like to recommend features
a beautiful Thanksgiving message... an incredibly animated card:
http://213.52.196.73/viewcard.asp?code=2051965758
The card you have just seen is one of a small collection by the
English artist Jacquie Lawson. Jacquie originally trained as an
illustrator at St. Martin's School of Art, and has over 20 years
experience of working freelance in many areas of drawing,
painting and design.
There are currently 33Êcards in the collection, and about 12 new
cards are added each year. This gives some idea of the complexity
and attention to detail in these cards: each one takes several
weeks to draw and animate; and most have music specially composed
or arranged, and carefully timed to the animation.
Her site is funded entirely by a small annual membership fee of $8
(US), for which you may send as many cards as you like for a whole
year. However, if you wish to see a few of her cards for free,
visit and click on the BOLD titles... ENJOY!
http://www.jacquielawson.com/thecards.asp?c=XS01EN
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READ "INSPIRING WORDS" -- Both Messages
I am really pleased to offer two special messages about 'Family,'
especially for the holidays. One was sent to me through my free
subscription with Zig Ziglar (called "Insight of the Day" - It
made me think hard about my priorities in life and work. When I
realized how many hours I invested in building my site and its
ecard content over the past three years, I felt I had missed a
lot of quality time with my family, though they all understood).
After I read it, and visited the site of the author, I was very
touched by the first story I found... both works were written by
Ridgely Goldsborough, and used here with his permission. I want
to encourage you to visit his site and read many other heart-
warming stories and messages he provides at no cost.
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THIS IS TRULY AN AWESOME PAINTING TO SEE AND SHARE!
There is this huge rock located in rural Iowa, on Highway 25, in
Adair County, between Greenfield and I-80. Because it's located
near a huge gravel rock-pit, kids had abused the rock with all
forms of graffiti, including obscenities. However, since it had
been painted like this, it has been left alone for all to see
and admire. Go see it now at:
http://www.ticz.com/homes/users/bob/On-A-Rock/On-A-Rock.htm
As you can see corn and beans aren't the only things Iowa has.
The artist it is a local man, named Ray "Bubba" Sorensen, II.
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Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by
prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your
requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends
all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds
in Christ Jesus. -- Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV)
Happy Holidays ALL! I will visit with you again soon, in about
two weeks or so. Until then...
Blue skies and green lights, everybody!
Pete Barkelew
Publisher
Inspiring Words for the 21st Century
http://www.inspire21.com/
P.S.
Let me *WELCOME* all of my new readers. Thank you for sending
Inspire21 ecards and inviting others to join our ezine group.
It's important that we grow in subscribers, so we can generate
ad revenue from "sponsor" sites, which will help keep our web
site, content and services free for everyone. Thanks, again!
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VISITOR FEEDBACK
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I want to tell you that your site has been of great help to me
for over four years. I found strength for the flagging spirit,
and solace for the disheartened mind. It has helped me through
difficult days... These days we have no time to grieve, we have
to get on with life and work... but this takes a lot out of us
and adds to our stress. That's why we need to be infused with
God's spirit, to be filled with enthusiasm (from "en-theos" -
God within us) once again. And Inspire21 helps us to do that.
It "restores my soul". -- Trixie
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You truly are inspired, and inspiring! Your emails seem to
always have a message for me. I share this site with so many.
You're such a breath of fresh, clean air! God bless you and
keep up the good work! -- JoAnn
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Thanks for your newsletters... Somehow, at times, they lift
me up and give me faith - hope and inspiration to get over the
hardships in life... I'm Robin from Viet Nam... Best wishes.
>>> MANY THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO APPRECIATE MY EFFORTS!
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NEWEST INSPIRE21 ECARDS
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Thanksgiving ecards - http://www.inspire21.com/index/soht.html
Still no new ecards. Hope to have some soon.
If you'd like to see the LAST ECARDS, click here:
http://www.inspire21.com/index4.html
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"INSPIRING WORDS"
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"WHAT ONLY SPECIAL DOGS KNOW"
-- By Ridgely Goldsborough
My DadÕs seeing-eye dog, a golden retriever named Nashua, draws
a lot of attention. People flock to pet him, kneel down and
mumble dog talk. Each time, my Dad gently yet firmly asks them
to step back.
Nashua doesnÕt play when he works.
When in harness, seeing-eye dogs work. They concentrate, remain
riveted to their owner and show no more than a passing interest
in anyone else.
I marvel at the way Nashua negotiates his way around obstacles,
stops at any change of height in his path and always remembers
where we last parked the car. It doesnÕt matter if other dogs
bark, charge across the yard or come up to sniff his snout. He
ignores all of it. IÕve watched him glance at a cat and not
even flinch.
When he works, he works.
Out of the harness, Nashua frolics about with boundless energy,
jumps in the air for no reason, fetches tennis balls for hours
and rolls blissfully in the mud. He chases squirrels, chews up
sticks and laps the yard as fast as his paws can churn.
When he plays, he plays.
We can learn a lot from Nashua. Most of us lack focus.
At work, we think about what to do after hours.
At home, we think about work.
Work and play become jumbled and inter-mingled into a confusing
ball of mess.
Your family loves you but they really donÕt care how brutal a
day you had. Their day felt just as tough to them. When you come
home, they want YOUÑnot half of you, part of you or whatever
small sliver you can carve for them from your distractions.
IÕm terrible in this department. I constantly fret about columns
or finances, the fact that a book layout didnÕt look right or
any number of details that should rest in peace in my office. My
kids neither understand nor dispense any sympathy. They want to
climb on my shoulders, present a new drawing, go swimming and
negotiate for cookies all at the same time. IÕm their Dad.
When I come home, they expect me to show up, as does Alison and
rightly so. We wear many hats in this world Ñ all of them
important. Our loved ones deserve to top the list.
Train yourself to focus. Start with the little things and build
the "focus muscle." If the radio pulls you into daydreams, turn
it off. If your co-workers constantly gossip, close the door to
your office, block off your cubicle or ask to be re-located.
When at work, work.
Let others know not to distract you. Once you truly value your
time, others will respect it as well.
When you leave, leave.
Your tribulations wonÕt abandon you. They have unerring patience.
YouÕll find them exactly where you left them.
When itÕs time to play, play.
Give of yourself to the people that you care about. Get ready to
receive, 'cause they will want to give back.
Cast your work harness aside and make space for playtime.
It might even keep you out of the doghouse.
---
Ridgely Goldsborough publishes The Daily Column, a collection
of heart-felt stories designed to inspire hope and courage.
Visit his website at: http://www.aviewfromtheridge.com
... or email Ridgely at: ridge@aviewfromtheridge.com
SIGN UP for Ridgely's Daily Column - Mon.-Thurs. - Click here:
http://www.aviewfromtheridge.com/newsletter/newsletter.cfm
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"MORE INSPIRING WORDS"
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"NOTHING BEATS FAMILY"
-- By Ridgely Goldsborough
I stepped into my hotel room to a pleasant surprise. Lots of
room surrounded an inviting king-size bed, flanked by overstuffed
armchairs that rested against sliding glass doors that opened
onto a private patio. A small dining table sat next to a
kitchenette with a separate sink, refrigerator and coffee machine.
"Wow," I thought to myself. "Nice place."
I love hotels - from the Holiday Inn Express to the Ritz-Carlton
and everything in between. I love to enter a clean room, hang my
clothes and gaze out the window, walk out in the morning knowing
that each afternoon when I return, someone else will have made
the bed. I like in-room dining and the way they greet you so
professionally.
"Nice to have you with us again, Mr. Goldsborough."
Very cool.
The problem is that unless Alison travels with me, I never sleep
well in hotels. I miss my family. Even though Linus and Camille,
at ages 4 and almost 2, find a way to interrupt even the best
night's sleep at home, still, I'd rather be with them. I'll take
Linus clamoring over me at five AM or a kick in the chin from
Camille over the finest linens and a chocolate on my pillow.
When I'm on the road I yearn for my loved ones.
I'm deeply troubled by the number of parents who wake up too
late with the realization:
"My children grew up too fast. In the hustle-bustle of career
and corporate rat race, I missed their childhood." What they fail
to say but too often inwardly think causes me even more pain:
"...and I barely even know them."
This applies to couples as well - so in a hurry to get who-
knows-where - a destination seldom defined. Relationships turn
into co-habitations, romance into convenience. Very disturbing.
A hundred years from now, no one will remember the size of your
bank account, the car you drove or the square footage of your
house. The world might differ greatly however, based on your
impact in the life of a small child. Your life will most
certainly improve, if you pay attention to your significant
other, make the choice to put her or him first. Your example
will benefit the rest of us. Our world cries out for role models
and heroes of every day living. What could you do today to let
your loved ones know how much they mean to you?
What will you do tomorrow?
And the next day?
Think of one specific action that you can take, and take it.
Then think of another one and take that, too. Challenge yourself
to find new ways to express your appreciation and love on a
daily basis. It will pay off ten-fold at home.
On those slightly stressful days when the grass looks a little
greener and you feel like maybe you need a break, remember this.
Room service will never kiss you goodnight!
---
Ridgely Goldsborough publishes The Daily Column, a collection
of heart-felt stories designed to inspire hope and courage.
Visit his website at: http://www.aviewfromtheridge.com
... or email Ridgely at: ridge@aviewfromtheridge.com
SIGN UP for Ridgely's Daily Column - Mon.-Thurs. - Click here:
http://www.aviewfromtheridge.com/newsletter/newsletter.cfm
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Keep a positive attitude for life, family, work and relationships.
Inspire21.com & "Inspiring Words" can help you achieve this goal.
Inspire21.com's Free eCards: http://www.inspire21.com/ecards.html
Now Email Inspiring Stories: http://www.inspire21.com/indexi.html
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"UPLIFTING POETRY"
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This poem was written by my oldest son, Bret, when he was about
12 years old as a Boy Scout project. His Scout Master found it
and mailed it to us thinking we'd enjoy it. I hope you do, too.
Bret is now 20 and in his 3rd year at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
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"UPWARD"
-- By Bret Barkelew
Upward, upward we have flown,
Past the silver moonlit stone,
Past the stars which shine so bright,
Past the sky which holds the night.
Suddenly we start to tumble,
And our dreams begin to crumble,
Foolish hopes of childhood lore,
Built of what we're living for.
Then we question what it's worth,
Should we continue to go forth?
And answer yes indeed,
That nobly we shall proceed.
We'll fly the flight into the sun,
And fight the fight until it's done.
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"SELECTED QUOTES"
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"Thanksgiving speaks in clear, crisp tones of forgotten terms,
like integrity - bravery - respect - freedom - discipline -
sacrifice - godliness." -- Charles R. Swindoll
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."
-- Eleanor Roosevelt
"Any fact facing us is not as important as our attitude toward
it, for that determines our success or failure."
-- Norman Vincent Peale
"The key to difficulties does not lie in the dilemma themselves,
but in our relation to them." -- David Seabury
"You cannot always control circumstances. But you can control
your own thoughts." -- Charles F. Popplestone
"We must all suffer one of two things: the pain of discipline or
the pain of regret or disappointment." -- Jim Rohn
"Those who love deeply never grow old; they may die of old age,
but they die young." -- Benjamin Franklin, 1706-1790, Scientist,
Publisher and Diplomat
"Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee, He
shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." -- Psalm 55:23
"Catch them doing something right." -- The One-Minute Manager
"Look at a man as he is, and he only becomes worse; look at him
as he could be, and he becomes as he should be." -- Les Brown
"I'll do today what others won't so I can do tomorrow what
others can't." -- Zig Ziglar
"The only taste of success some people have is when they take
a bite out of you." -- Zig Ziglar
"Nothing worthwhile comes easily... Work, continuous work and
hard work, is the only way to accomplish results that last."
--Hamilton Holt
"If your ship doesn't come in, swim out to it!"
-- Jonathan Winters
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If you have a favorite Quote or Bible verse you would like to
see designed by Inspire21.com, please submit it soon by email,
and be sure to include the credit line/author. Thank you!
Send your favorite quotes to: feedback@inspire21.com
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"A LITTLE LEVITY"
__________________
A Baptist preacher and his wife decided to get a new dog. Ever
mindful of the congregation, they knew the dog must also be a
Baptist. They visited kennel after kennel and explained their
needs. Finally, they found a kennel whose owner assured them he
had just the dog they wanted. The owner brought the dog to meet
the pastor and his wife.
"Fetch the Bible," he commanded. The dog bounded to the bookshelf,
scrutinized the books, located the Bible, and brought it to the
owner. "Now find Psalm 23," he commanded. The dog placed the
Bible on the floor and showing marvelous dexterity with his paws,
leafed through and finding the correct passage, pointed to it
with his paw. The pastor and his wife were very impressed and
purchased the dog.
That evening, a group of church members came to visit. The pastor
and his wife began to show off the dog, having him locate several
Bible verses. The visitors were very impressed. One man asked,
"Can he do regular dog tricks, too?"
"I haven't tried yet," the pastor replied. He pointed his finger
at the dog. "HEEL!" the pastor commanded. The dog immediately
jumped on a chair, placed one paw on the pastor's forehead and
began to howl.
The pastor looked at his wife in shock and said, "Good Lord!
He's Pentecostal!!!"
HAPPY THANKSGIVING ONE AND ALL!
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Get more "LEVITY"
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MISSION STATEMENT
_________________
This free, opt-in ezine is designed for all people who subscribe to
the principles of inspiration, motivation and personal development.
It is devoted to the preservation and distribution of famous quotes
and Bible verses - inspiring words that have stood the test of time
and helped thousands of people be, do and have more in their lives.
PRIVACY STATEMENT - This ezine list is built on integrity and trust.
Your email address is valued, private and safe. Rest assured, we
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If you ever have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please
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"May the best of your dreams be the least of your rewards"
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