In this issue...

Welcome
Thank God
Exercise as Medicine
Your Invitation
Humor
Did You Know?
Success Quotes

Thank God by Leon Shepherd

Two years ago when I was watching the ''Grammy Awards,'' I witnessed something I had never seen before. I saw multi-talented singer Lauryn Hill walk to the stage to receive her first Grammy. As she reached the podium, the first thing she did was truly remarkable. Ms. Hill placed her Grammy on the podium, opened the bible that she had brought on-stage, and began to read a scripture. Lauryn Hill let everyone know that witnessing for God is nothing to be ashamed of, but something that should be shared with others. It was definitely a night to remember. A first in the history of the Grammy's. After watching and listening to Lauryn Hill that night, I wondered; how many of us have been guilty of saying,''Thank God'' without actually stopping to praise him? Many of us use this phrase, but all of us don't take it to heart. Each of us has so much to be thankful for, but only a few of us will stop and acknowledge where our blessings truly come from. Years ago, when I was in the choir, I remember singing a song called,''Count Your Blessings.'' The chorus went like this: ''Count your many blessings, name them one by one. Count your many blessings, see what God has done.'' As I reflected on those words, it made me wonder; how many of us have ever tried counting our blessings? How many of us appreciate or even recognize our blessings? Sometimes, the only time we recognize our blessings is when we feel that something great has happened in our lives. At that time, and that time only, we say,''Thank God.'' Many times we overlook or take for granted our daily blessings. For example: If you woke up this morning, that's a blessing. If you have a job, that's a blessing. If you made it to your job without having a serious accident, that's a blessing. If you have a roof over your head, that's a blessing. If you have your health, that's a blessing. If you have talent, that's a blessing. If you can read this newsletter, that's a blessing. If you have ________ (fill in the blank), that's a blessing. As you can see, we have so many blessings, it's almost impossible to count them all. Whether large or small, a blessing is a blessing. Once you realize how blessed you really are, you shouldn't have to wait for something major to happen, before you say,''Thank God.'' Have you ever done a favor for a friend or family member without receiving any thanks? Do you remember how you felt? You felt unappreciated. You felt the person you tried to help was ungrateful. You may have even said to yourself, ''I'll never do anything for him/her again!'' Well, think how God must feel when He's not recognized for his blessings. Recognizing God is not limited to the privacy of your home. Praising God can be done throughout the day, regardless of where you are. Prayer can come in your car, at the hairdresser, or even in line at the grocery store. Anytime you feel the need to say ''Thanks,'' is a good time for prayer. Every night before I go to bed, I say the Lord's Prayer. In addition to the Lord's Prayer, I say a personal prayer. In my personal prayer, I thank God for all the blessings he has bestowed upon me. The following is a poem I often include in my prayers. I wrote this poem to ''Thank God'' for the blessings I sometimes take for granted. Thank You God Thank You God, for giving me, sight to see the sun. When I open my eyes, I realize, the wonders you have done. Thank You God, for giving me, ears that let me hear. When I hear a sound, I know you're around, never far, but near. Thank You God, for giving me, a nose that let's me smell. When I smell a scent, that's heaven sent, I know that all is well. Thank You God, for giving me, fingers that let me touch. When I use my hands, I understand, you've given me so much. Thank You God, for giving me, a tongue that let's me taste. Whenever I eat, I know it's a treat, and I always say my grace. Thank You God, for giving me, all that you can give. Everyday, when I pray, I thank you for my gifts.

Aspirin therapy is underused. A daily aspirin can reduce blood - clot risk in people with heart disease. But only 26% of the heart patients who could benefit from daily aspirin therapy are using it. And only 20% of people with diabetes - who are at risk for cardiovascular problems - are taking aspirin daily. Self- defense: Ask your doctor if aspirin therapy could be beneficial for you.
- Randall Stafford,MD

Exposure to pets during infancy helps prevent asthma and allergies later. In a recent study, only 3% of children who had been exposed to dogs or cats as infants had asthma in early adolescence - compared with 9% of children who had not been around pets as infants. Theory: Children exposed early in life develop a tolerance for allergy - causing substances.
- Martha White, MD

Friday flights are the most often delayed. That's because business travelers are heading home and leisure travelers are heading away. Between January and April 2000, 31% of Friday's domestic fights were canceled or diverted. Second - worst day: Thursday, with a 29% cancel - or - delay rate. Best day: Wednesday, with a rate of 20%.
- Tom Parsons, editor, Bestfares

Never leave your laptop in a hot or cold car. Extreme temperatures can ruin it. If it does become overheated or too cold, bring it inside as soon as possible. Give it several hours to come to room temperature before you try to open or use it. Another surprising danger to laptops: Car audio speakers Speaker coils generate magnetic fields that can destroy data. Place a laptop well away from speakers. And back up data on your laptop regularly.
- Scott Gaidano, cofounder, DriveSavers

To avoid stomach trouble while flying, stay away from gum and carbonated drinks. Both increase production of gas in the digestive tract. Drink plain water or juice. Eat only well-cooked foods. Avoid ones that can produce gas, such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and beans. Eat slowly and chew thoroughly. Walk around to speed digestion.
- Maria Abreu,MD

For longer lasting flowers, rinse flowers and stems gently as soon as you get them home. With a sharp knife, cut diagonally at least one inch above the bottom of each stem, or to the desired height. Remove foliage that would be below the water line in a vase. Change water at least every other day. Do not place flowers in sunlight or on heatgenerating appliances, such as stereos or VCRs. Refrigerate flowers to help them last longer. Check with your florist to see if there are any special care instructions.
- Bonnie Wodin

''People always ask, 'How did you succeed?'' Simply put, I chose not to fail.'' - Xernoma Clayton, Corporate Executive, Turner Broadcasting System

''There's no such force as the force of a man determined to rise. The human soul cannot be permanently chained.'' - W.E.B. Dubois, Educator and Scholar

''If you expect someone else to guide you, you'll be lost.'' - James Earl Jones, Actor

'' Status is a bridge from where you are to where you want to be.'' - Gloria Naylor, Writer

'' You have only one chance to make a first impression. Make it count.'' - Markita Andrews, Girl Scout who holds record for cookie sales

'' We must all find our true purpose; like Michelangelo or Mozart or Leonardo da Vinci. Each of us must develop a mission in life.'' - Michael Jackson, Entertainer

''There is more pleasure in loving than in being loved.'' - Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe, Photographer and Widow of Arthur Ashe

''There are no shade trees on the road to success.'' - Leontine Kelly, First African American Female Bishop

''A person isn't educated unless he has learned how little he already knows.'' - Thomas Fleming, National Teacher of the Year

''Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!'' - Psalm 118:1

GUEST OF HONOR: JESUS CHRIST

DATE: Every day. Traditionally, December 25, but he's always around, so the date is flexible.

TIME: Whenever you're ready. Please don't be too late though, or you'll miss out on all the fun.

PLACE: In your heart. He'll meet you there - you'll hear him knock.

ATTIRE: Come as you are.

TICKETS: Admission is free. He's already paid for everyone. He says you wouldn't have been able to afford it - it cost him everything he had!

REFRESHMENTS: New wine, bread and a drink he calls ''living water.'' This will be followed by a supper, that promises to be incredible!!

GIFT SUGGESTIONS: Your heart. He's one of those people who already has everything else. (He's very generous in return though - just wait until you see what he has for you!)

ENTERTAINMENT: Joy, Peace, Truth, Light, Life, Love, Real Happiness, Communion with God, Forgiveness, Miracles, Healing, Power, Eternity in Paradise.......and much more! ( All rated ''G'' so bring your family and friends)

RSVP: Very Important! He must know ahead, so he can reserve a spot for you at the table.

PARTY GIVEN BY: His kids. That's us! Hope to see you there! Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!

by Michael McKee, PhD

Interview DONT's (humor)

1. ''...stretched out on the floor to fill out the job application.''
   
   
2. ''She wore a Walkman and said she could listen to me and the music at the same time.''
   
   
3. ''A balding candidate abruptly excused himself. Returned to the office a few minutes later, wearing a hairpiece.''
   
   
4. ''...asked to see interviewer's resume to see if the personnel executive was qualified to judge the candidate.''
   
   
5. ''...announced she hadn't had lunch and proceeded to eat a hamburger and french fries in the interviewer's office - wiping the ketchup on her sleeve.''
   
   
6. ''Stated that, if he were hired, he would demonstrate his loyalty by having the corporate logo tattooed on his forearm.''
   
   
7. ''Interrupted to phone his therapist for advice on answering specific interview questions.''
   
   
8. ''When I asked him about his hobbies, he stood up and started tap dancing around my office.''
   
   
9. ''At the end of the interview, while I stood there dumbstruck, he went through his purse, took out a brush, brushed his hair, and left.''
   
   
10. ''...pulled put a Polaroid camera and snapped a flash picture of me. Said he collected photos of everyone who interviewed him.''
    
    
11. ''Said he wasn't interested because the position paid too much.''
    
    
12. ''During the interview, an alarm clock went off from the candidate's brief case. He took it out, shut it off, apologized and said he had to leave for another interview.''
    
    
13. ''A telephone call came in for the applicant. It was from his wife. His side of the conversation went like this: ''Which company? When do I start? What's the salary?'' I said, 'I assume you're not interested in conducting the interview any further.' He promptly responded, 'I am as long as you'll pay me more.' I didn't hire him, but later found out there was no other job offer. It was a scam to get a higher offer.''
    
    
14. ''His attaché case opened when he picked it up and the contents spilled, revealing ladies undergarments and assorted makeup and perfume.''
    
    
15. ''Candidate said she really didn't want to get a job, but the unemployment office needed proof that she was looking for one.''
    
    
16. ''...asked who the lovely babe was, pointing to the picture on my desk. When I said it was my wife, he asked if she was home now and wanted my phone number. I called security.''

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