I gave you life,
but cannot live it for you.I can give you directions,
but I cannot be there to lead you.
I can take you to church,
but I cannot make you believe.
I can teach you right from wrong,
but I cannot always decide for you.
I can buy you beautiful clothes,
but I cannot make you beautiful inside.
I can offer you advice,
but I cannot accept it for you.
I can give you love,
but I cannot force it upon you
I can teach you to share,
but I cannot make you unselfish.
I can teach you respect,
but I cannot force you to show honor.
I can advise you about friends,
but I cannot choose them for you.
I can advise you about sex,
but I cannot keep you pure.
I can tell you about alcohol and drugs,
but I can`t say "no" for you.
I can tell you about lofty goals,
but I can`t achieve them for you.
I can teach you about kindness,
but I can`t force you to be gracious.
I can pray for you,
but I cannot make you walk with God.
I can tell you how to live,
but I can`t give you eternal life.
I can love you with unconditional
love all my life......and I will.
My Teenage Grandchildren
As you keep growing and learning,
striving and searching it is very important
that you pursue your own interests
without anything holding you back.It will take time to fully understand yourself
and to discover what you want out of life,
but I know the steps in your journey
will take you on the right path.
Whatever happens in the future
I will always be wishing
for your happiness and success,
and at all times,
I want you to know
that you have my unconditional
support,pride and love.
One night a man had a dream.He dreamed
he was walking along the beach with the Lord.Across the sky
flashed scenes from his life.For each scene he noticed
two sets of footprints in the sand:one
belonging to him,and the other to the Lord.
When the last scene
of his life flashed before him,
he looked back at the footprints in the sand.
He noticed that many times along the path
of his life there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest
and saddest times of his life.This really bothered him
and he questioned the Lord about it.
"Lord,you said that once I decided to follow you,
you`d walk with me all the way. But I have noticed
that during the most troublesome times in my life,
there is only one set of footprints.I don`t understand
why when I needed you the most you would leave me"
The Lord replied"My son.My precious child,I love you
and would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering,
when you see only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you."
The Miracle
There is a miracle in the making
And the miracle is you.
You...awakening the beauty within;
Seeing things in a new light;
Taking the time to make your body healthy
Making your mark so
the right things will happen;
Setting the stage for the pleasures
and promises of love;
Developing the special talents
you have been given;
Expressing your own creativity
in the way you are living.
Know....this day....
that there
has always been a wonderful you,
And life will grow if you let it.
Believe.... tommorrow....that you will
create an even healthier,happier you.
And the best will only get better.
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd;I shall not want.He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
he leadeth me beside still waters.
He restoreth my soul:
he leadeth me in the path of righteousness
for His name`s sake.
Yea,though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil:
for thou art with me;
thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me
in the presence of mine enemies:
thou anointest my head with oil;
my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall
follow me all the days of my life:
and I will dwell in the house of the
Lord forever.
There is no love,
like that of the parent for the child.
Wisdom begins with wonder.
Only from the heart can you touch the sky.
Kindness is loving people more than they deserve.
When children are doing nothing,they are doing mischief.
Every thought we think is creating our future.
Do unto others,as you would have them do unto you.
Call your Granny,just to say "I love you,"Granny!.
"To succeed means means that you may
have to step out of line and march
to the sound of your own drummer.
To my Grandchildren,
with overwhelming love:
On you may fortune smile with ample blessings.
May your happiness persistent prove.
Yet may you, in your angry inner wrestlings,
Grant others the compassion you'd be given,
Restoring not their sunlight, but your own.
All your life may what you do be driven
Not by others' ends, but yours alone.
Days of awe and wonder may you cherish,
Clarity and mystery the same:
Hymns antiphonal that never perish,
Imitating truths you cannot name.
Let love of life make your life ever new,
Deep and rich as is my love for you.
Nicholas Gordon
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Copyright 1999-2003 Gerry Lawler
