• I believe- that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.
• I believe- that no matter how good a friend is, they’re going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
• I believe- that just because someone doesn’t love you the way you wantthemo doesn’t mean they don’t love you with all they have.
• I believe- that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.
• I believe- that it’s taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.
• I believe- that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
• I believe- that you can keep going, long after you can’t.
• I believe- that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.
• I believe- that either you control your attitude or it controls you.
• I believe- that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.
• I believe- that money is a lousy way of keeping score.
• I believe- that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.
• I believe- that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you’re down, will be the ones to help you get back up.
• I believe- that sometimes when I’m angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn’t give me the right to be cruel.
• I believe- that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you’ve had and what you’ve learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you’ve celebrated.
• I believe- that it isn’t always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.
• I believe- that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn’t stop for your grief.
• I believe- that just because two people argue, it doesn’t mean they don’t love each other. And just because they don’t argue, it doesn’t mean they do.
• I believe- that you shouldn’t be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.
• I believe- that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.
• I believe- that your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people Who don’t even know you.
• I believe- that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you will find the strength to help.
• I believe- credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.
• I believe- that the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

A young lady named Sally, relates an experience she had in a seminary class, given by her teacher, who we’ll call Brother Smith. She says Brother Smith was known for his elaborate object lessons.

One particular day, Sally walked into seminary and knew they were in for another fun day. On the wall was a big target and on a nearby table were many darts. Brother Smith told the students to draw a picture of someone that they disliked or someone who had made them angry . . . and he would allow them to throw darts at the person’s picture.

Sally’s girlfriend (on her right), drew a picture of a girl who had stolen her boyfriend. Another friend (on her left), drew a picture of his little brother. Sally drew a picture of Brother Smith, putting a great deal of detail into her drawing, even drawing pimples on his face. Sally was pleased at the overall effect she had achieved.

The class lined up and began throwing darts, with much laughter and hilarity. Some of the students threw their darts with such force that their targets were ripping apart. Sally looked forward to her turn, and was filled with disappointment when Brother Smith, because of time limits, asked the students to return to their seats.

As Sally sat thinking about how angry she was because she didn’t have a chance to throw any darts at her target, Brother Smith began removing the target from the wall.

Underneath the target was a picture of Jesus . . .

A complete hush fell over the room as each student viewed the mangled picture of Jesus; holes and jagged marks covered His face and His eyes were pierced out.

Brother Smith said only these words, “In as much as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me.”

No other words were necessary; the tear-filled eyes of each student focused only on the picture of Christ. The students remained in their seats . . . even after the bell rang . . . then slowly left the classroom, tears streaming down their faces.

“And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’ (Matthew 25:40)

When I have lost my temper
I have lost my reason, too.
I’m never proud of anything
which angrily I do.

When I have talked in anger
and my cheeks were flaming red,
I have always uttered something
which I wish I hadn’t said.

In anger I have never done
a kindly deed or wise,
But many things for which I felt
I should apologize.

In looking back across my life,
and all I’ve lost or made,
I can’t recall a single time
when fury ever paid.

So I struggle to be patient,
for I’ve reach a wiser age;
I do not want to do a thing
or speak a word in rage.

I have learned by sad experience
that when my temper flies,
I never do a worthy thing,
a decent deed or wise.

You can use most any measure
When you’re speaking of success.
You can measure it in fancy home,
expensive car or dress…

But the measure of your real success
Is the one you cannot spend.
It’s the way your kids describe you
When they’re talking to a friend.

Martin Buxbaum