Abou Ben Adhem - written by Leigh Hunt (Classic poetry recitation by David Olney)

http://www.davidolney.com

Another classic poetry recitation from DAVID OLNEY interpreting Leigh Hunt's "Abou Ben Adhem"

Be sure to witness David Olney's presentation of Samuel Coleridge's "Kubla Kahn"; "The Rime Of the Ancient Mariner" (in seven parts!); Robert Browning's "My Last Dutchess"; ee cummings "anyone lived in a pretty how town"; Dylan Thomas' "Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night" and other s also available on YouTube.

http://www.davidolney.com

A Child's Prayer

God, Make my life a little light, 
Within the world to glow; 
A little flame that burneth bright, 
Wherever I may go.



God, make my life a little flower, 
That giveth joy to all, 
Content to bloom in native bower, 
Although the place be small.



God, make my life a little song, 
That comforteth the sad, 
That helpeth others to be strong, 
And makes the singer glad.


 by M. Betham - Edwards

The Best Day of My Life

Today, when I awoke, I suddenly realized
that this is the best day of my life, ever!

There were times when I wondered if I would
make it to today; but I did!
And because I did I'm going to celebrate!

Today, I'm going to celebrate what an
unbelievable life I have had so far:
the accomplishments, the many blessings,
and, yes, even the hardships
because they have served to make me stronger.

I will go through this day
with my head held high, and a happy heart.
I will marvel at God's seemingly
simple gifts: the morning dew, the sun,
the clouds, the trees, the flowers,
the birds. Today, none of these miraculous
creations will escape my notice.

Today, I will share my excitement for life
with other people. I'll make
someone smile. I'll go out of my way to
perform an unexpected act of
kindness for someone I don't even know.

Today, I'll give a sincere
compliment to someone who seems down.
I'll tell a child how special he is,
and I'll tell someone I love just how deeply
I care for them and how much
they means to me.

Today is the day I quit worrying about
what I don't have and start being
grateful for all the wonderful things
God has already given me. I'll
remember that to worry is just a
waste of time because my faith in God and
his Divine Plan ensures everything will be just fine.

And tonight, before I
go to bed, I'll go outside and raise my
eyes to the heavens. I will stand
in awe at the beauty of the stars and the moon,
and I will praise God for
these magnificent treasures.

As the day ends and I lay my head down
on my pillow, I will thank the
Almighty for the best day of my life.
And I will sleep the sleep of a
contented child, excited with expectation
because I know tomorrow is going
to be the best day of my life, ever!

By Gregory M. Lousig-Nont, Ph.D.

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

There are two days in every week that we should not worry about, two days that should be kept free from fear and apprehension.

One is yesterday, with its mistakes and cares, its faults and blunders, its aches and pains. Yesterday has passed, forever beyond our control.

All the money in the world cannot bring back yesterday. We cannot undo a single act we performed. Nor can we erase a single word we've said - yesterday is gone!

The other day we shouldn't worry about is tomorrow, with its impossible adversaries, its burden, its hopeful promise and poor performance. Tomorrow is beyond our control.

Tomorrow's sun will rise either in splendor or behind a mask of clouds - but it will rise. And until it does, we have no stake in tomorrow, for it is yet unborn.

This leaves only one day - today. Any person can fight the battles of just one day. It is only when we add the burdens of yesterday and tomorrow that we break down.

It is not the experience of today that drives people mad - it is the remorse of bitterness for something which happened yesterday, and the dread of what tomorrow may bring.

Let us, therefore, live one day at a time!