A FORK !!

Great outlook on life. . .

There was a young woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had been given three months to live. So as she was getting her things "in order," she contacted her pastor and had him come to her house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes. She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what scriptures she would like read, and what outfit she wanted to be buried in.
Everything was in order and the pastor was preparing to leave when the young woman suddenly remembered something very important to her.
"There's one more thing," she said excitedly.
"What's that?" came the pastor's reply.
"This is very important," the young woman continued.
"I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand."
The pastor stood looking at the young woman, not knowing quite what to say.
"That surprises you, doesn't it?" the young woman asked.
"Well, to be honest, I'm puzzled by the request," said the pastor.
The young woman explained. "My grandmother once told me this story, and from there on out, I have always done so. I have also, always tried to pass along its message to those I love and those who are in need of encouragement.
'In all my years of attending church socials and potluck dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, 'Keep your fork' It was my favorite part because I knew that something better was coming ... Like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie, ‘Something wonderful, and with substance!' So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder "What's with the fork?”
Then I want you to tell them: "Keep your fork ... The best is yet to come."
The pastor's eyes welled up with tears of joy as he hugged the young woman good-bye.
He knew this would be one of the last times he would see her before her death. But he also knew that the young woman had a better grasp of heaven than he did.
She had a better grasp of what heaven would be like than many people twice her age, with twice as much experience and knowledge She KNEW that something better was coming.
At the funeral people were walking by the young woman's casket and they saw the pretty dress she was wearing and the fork placed in her right hand. Over and over, the pastor heard the question "What's with the fork?"
And over and over he smiled.
During his message, the pastor told the people of the conversation he had with the young woman shortly before she died. He also told them about the fork and about what it symbolized to her.
The pastor told the people how he could not stop thinking about the fork and told them that they probably would not be able to stop thinking about it either.
He was right.
So the next time you reach down for your fork, let it remind you ever so gently, that the best is yet to come.
Friends are a very rare jewel, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share a word of praise, and they always want to open their hearts to us.
Show your friends how much you care. Remember to always be there for them, even when you need them more. For you never know when it may be their time to "Keep your fork."
Cherish the time you have, and the memories you share. Being friends with someone is not an opportunity but a sweet responsibility.

I will share this with you !!

your first name "DAVID " You are a no-nonsense, action-oriented individual. You need someone who can keep pace with you and who is your intellectual equal- the smarter the better. You are turned on more quickly by a great mind than by a great body. However, physical attractiveness is very important to you. You have to be proved to be worthy for a partner. You are privately very sexy, but you do not show this outwardly. If your new lover is not all that great, you are willing to serve as a teacher. You can be a very demanding playmate.

~~~~~~~OLD SHOES~~~~~~~~~~~

NEVER LOOK DOWN UPON SOMEONE !!!!!

I showered and shaved........... I adjusted my tie.
I got there and sat.............. In a pew just in time.
Bowing my head in prayer......... As I closed my eyes.
I saw the shoe of the man next to me..... Touching my own.
I sighed.With plenty of room on either side...... I thought,"Why must our soles touch?
"It bothered me, his shoe touching mine...But it didn't bother him much. A prayer began:
"Our Father"............. I thought,"This man with the shoes.. has no pride. They're dusty, worn, and scratched. Even worse, there are holes on the side!
"Thank You for blessings," the prayer went on. The shoe man said.............. a quiet "Amen."
I tried to focus on the prayer.......But my thoughts were on his shoes again.
Aren't we supposed to look our best, When walking through that door,
"Well, this certainly isn't it," I thought, Glancing toward the floor.
Then the prayer was ended........... And the songs of praise began.
The shoe man was certainly loud...... Sounding proud as he sang.His voice lifted the rafters......... His hands we reraised high.The Lord could surely hear.. The shoe man's voice from the sky..
It was time for the offering......... And what I threw in was steep. I watched as the shoe man reached.... Into his pockets so deep. I saw what was pulled out...........
What the shoe man put in. Then I heard a soft "clink" . as when silver hits tin.
The sermon really bored me.......... To tears, and that's no lie It wasn't the same for the shoe man..... For tears fell from his eyes.
At the end of the service........ As is the custom here, We must greet new visitors.. And show them all good cheer. But I felt moved somehow.... And wanted to meet the shoe man So after the closing prayer.. I reached over and shook his hand. He was old and his skin was dark..... And his hair was truly a mess But I thanked him for coming......... For being our guest.
He said, "My names' Charlie......... I'm glad to meet you, my friend. "There were tears in his eyes......... But he had a large, wide grin "Let me explain," he said........... Wiping tears from his eyes. "I've been coming here for months.... And you're the first to say 'Hi.' "I know that my appearance........."Is not like all the rest" But I really do try................"To always look my best."
"I always clean and polish my shoes.."Before my very long walk."But by the time I get here........."They're dirty and dusty, like chalk.
"My heart filled with pain............ and I swallowed to hide my tears As he continued to apologize......... For daring to sit so near.He said, "When I get here..........."I know I must look a sight, " But I thought if I could touch you.."Then maybe our souls might unite.
"I was silent for a moment............ Knowing whatever was said Would be pale in comparison... I spoke from my heart, not my head."Oh, you've touched me," I said......"And taught me, in part; "That the best of any man............"Is what is found in his heart."
The rest, I thought,................ This shoe man will never know. Like just how thankful I really am... That his dirty old shoe touched my soul......how very fortunate I am that our 'soles' have touched....
Remember in life< >...everyone needs a friend at one time or another...
d.