An eclectic collection of Thoughts and Reflections - Most of the information on these pages comes from notes that I have kept over the thirty five or more years as a Scouter in Malta and in Canada. Some items were sent to me by visitors like you, so, if you have some contribution for these sections please email it to me. As far as I know I have not included any copyrighted materials unless I gave the credit where the credit was due. Please let me know if you find any that I have missed. Thank you. And a hearty left handed shake from Canada.

IF
by RUDYARD KIPLING

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you;
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can .wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or belng hated don' t give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors, just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap.for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And 1ose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;,,
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the will which says to them: "Hold on:"

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a MAN, my son.

IT CAN BE DONE

E. Guest

Somebody said that it couldn't be done
But he, with a chuckle replied,
That maybe It couldnt, but he'd not be one,
To say so till he tried.

So he buckled right In, with a bit of a grin
On his face if he worried he did it.
He started to sing, as he tackled the thing
That couldn't be done, and he did it.

Somebody scoffed, " Oh you'll never do that
At least no one ever had done it."
But he took off his coat, and he took off his hat,
And the first thing we knew he'd begun it.

With a bit of a grin and a lift of his chin,
Without any doubting of quit-it,
He started to sing, as he tackled the thing
That couldn't be done, and he did it.

There are thousands to tell you, it cannot be done,
There are thousands to prophesy failure.
There are thousands to point out, one by one,
The dangers that wait to assail You.

But just buckle in, with a bit of a grin
Take off your coat, and go to it,
Just start to sing as you tackle the thing
That cannot be done, and you'll do it.

The Seven Ages Of A Scout

(With acknowledgment to the Scout)

All the World's a Stage
And all the Scouts and Scouters merely players.
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one Scout in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages. At first the Tenderpad,
Quaking and trembling at his first Cub meeting.
And then the happy Wolf Cub, face agleam,
And uniform well kept, hurrying with haste
Not to be late for Cubs. And then the Tenderfoot,
Sighing like a furnace, with a woeful wonder
Why knots were ever made. Then the Leader,
Full of ideas and wearing all his badges,
Jealous in honour, sudden and quick in action,
Seeking to make the reputation
Of a good Patrol. And then the Squire,
His boyhood gone, but : not yet quite a man,
Facing the changing circumstances of life
With head held high, and laughter on his lips;
And so he plays his part. The sixth age shifts
Into the keen and husky Rover Scout
With epaulettes, and thumbstick in his hand,
His youthful mind alert, seeking a channel
Where he might in Scouting, and by helping
Maintain the Scout Tradition, that of service
Towards his younger brothers. Last scene of all
That ends this strange eventful history,
Is second childishness and mere oblivion,
The fate, alas! of every Group Scoutmaster.
(With apologies to Shakespeare).

THE HINDUSTAN SCOUT, APRIL, 1939.

Failure List


Einstein was four years old before he could speak.

Isaac Newton did poorly in grade school and was considered unpromising."

Beethoven's music teacher once said of him, "As a composer, he is hopeless."

When Thomas Edison was a youngster, his teacher told him he was too stupid to learn anything. He was counselled to go into a field where he might succeed by virtue of his pleasant personality.

F. W, Woolworth got a job in a dry goods store when he was 21, but his employer would not permit him to wait on customers because he "didn't have enough sense to close a sale."

Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team. Boston Celtics Hall of Famer Bob Cousy suffered the same fate.

A newspaper editor fired Walt Disney because he "lacked imagination and had no good ideas."

Winston Churchill failed the sixth grade and had to repeat it because he did not complete the tests that were required for promotion.

Babe Ruth struck out 1,300 times.-a major league record. He was also the most notorious womanizer in the sports world.

A person may make mistakes, but isn't a failure until he (or she) starts blaming someone else. We must believe in ourselves, and somewhere along the road of life, we must meet someone who sees greatness in us, expects it from us, and lets us know it. It is the golden key to success.

Hold On

Hold on to Faith;
it is the source of believing that all things are possible.
It is the fiber and strength of a confident soul.

Hold on to Hope;
it banishes doubt and enables attitudes to be positive and cheerful.

Hold on to Trust;
it is at the core of fruitful relationships that are secure and content.

Hold on to Love;
it is life's greatest gift of all, for it shares, cares, and gives meaning to life.

Hold on to Family and Friends;
they are the most important people in your life, and they make the world a better place.
They are your roots and the beginnings that you grew from;
they are the vine that has grown through time to nourish you,
help you on your way, and always remain close by.

Hold on to all that you are; and all that you have learned,
for these things are what make you unique.
Don't ignore what you feel, and what you believe is right and important;
your heart has a way of speaking louder than your mind.

Hold on to your dreams;
achieve them diligently and honestly.
Never take the easy way or surrender to deceit.
Remember others on your way and take time to care for their needs.
Enjoy the beauty around you.
Have the courage to see things differently and clearly.
Make the world a better place one day at a time,
and don't let go of the important things that give meaning to your life.

~ Author Unknown

Things to Be Thankful For

Be thankful for the clothes that fit a little too snug, because it means you have enough to eat.
Be thankful for the mess you clean up after a party, because it means you have been surrounded by friends.
Be thankful for the taxes you pay, because it means you're employed.
Be thankful that your lawn needs mowing and your windows need fixing, because it means you have a home.
Be thankful for your heating bill, because it means you are warm.
Be thankful for the laundry, because it-means you have clothes to wear.
Be thankful for the space you find at the far end of the parking lot, because it means you can walk.
Be thankful for the lady who sings off-key behind you in church because it means you can hear.
Be thankful when people complain about the government, because it means we have freedom of speech.
Be thankful for the alarm that goes off in the early morning in your house, because it means you're alive.

THE COST OF COMPLAINING

by EDGAR A. GUEST

'Taint in the way o' common sense
To growl at rain and bring the sun,
A grumbler never built a fence
Or finished work that should be done.
I've never known the clouds to go
Becoz some feller sat an' whlned,
When it s too wet to plow or hoe
Some other work to do I find.

!'ve never known a kicker yet
To alter things past his control;
Nor met a man with power to fret
An easier journey to his goal.
Fond hopes go wrong an' plans will stray
However much a man complains,
And spite of all we have to say
When it is willed to rain it rains.
The chap that gets the biggest crops
Is not the one that wears the frown,
When growlin' starts all progress stops,
No man can cllmb by :sitting down.
Time spent in whimperin' is lost,
An' cursin' never changed the sky;
The grumbler pays a heavy cost
For every discontented sigh.

So when in mire my wagon's stuck,
I do not idly stand about
An' start to rave and curse my luck
I go to; work and dig it out.
An' when I've wanted weather fair
But skies are gray instead o' blue,
I change my plans right then and there
An' find some other work to do.

Eight Gifts
that don't cost a cent to give

THE GIFT OF LISTENING
But you must REALLY listen. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response. Just listening.

THE GIFT OF AFFECTION
Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.

THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER
Funny pictures. Share articles, funny stories and funny greetings. Your gift will say, "I love to laugh with you."

THE GIFT OF A WRITTEN NOTE
It can be a simple "Thanks for the help" note or a full sonnet. A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime, and may even change a life.

THE GIFT OF A COMPLIMENT
A simple and sincere, "You look great in red," "You did a super job" or "That was a wonderful meal" can make someone's day.

THE GIFT OF A FAVOUR
Every day, go out of your way to do something kind. Helping elderly cross the road can be nice.

THE GIFT OF SOLITUDE
There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.

THE GIFT OF A CHEERFUL DISPOSITION
The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to someone, really it's not that hard to say, Hello or Thank You.

~Author Unknown~

The Lord's Test

I woke up this morning
and knew that today,
The sun would not be shining
and the clouds would be gray.

As I stepped outside,
rain fell upon my head.
My car wouldn't start
so I walked to school instead.

I forgot all of my assignments
I failed all of my tests.
I dropped my head in disgust
and asked the Lord for one request.

"Lord, why is it that
things won't go my way?"
He gently replied,
"Dear child it is because
you didn't thank me yesterday.

I woke you up and enabled
you to see the sun again.
I gave you shelter,
protected your family, and even let
you make a new friend.

I blessed you far
greater than I ever had before.
But you were too busy to thank me once more.
You didn't feel sick
because I maintained your health.
You had money in your pocket
because I maintained your wealth.

You had shoes on you feet
and clothes to wear, too.
You had plenty of food to eat,
and what did you do?

You ignored me and went
about your tasks.
But when you wanted something
you never hesitated to ask.

I was there when you needed me
and that wasn't too long ago.
But when things started going your way,
it was me you did not know.

As if that weren't enough,
I provided your favorite luxuries.
This was something I didn't have
to do -- they weren't even necessities.

And when it was time to get on your
knees and show your gratitude,
You decided that after such a
fulfilling day, you weren't in the mood.

So I decided to
give you just a little test.
To show you how it would feel
to stop being blessed."

I began to realize what
the Lord was saying.
And when I got home, I fell
to my knees and started praying.

He said, "My child, you have
learned and you know I do forgive.
But remember to remember this day
as long as you shall live.

I love filling your life with joy,
and your pain I'll alleviate it.
But just a simple thank you
would show how much you appreciate it."

~ Author Unknown ~

Apprehend God in All Things

Apprehend God in all things,
for God is in all things.
Every single creature is full of God
and is a book about God.
Every creature is a word of God.
If I spent enough time with the tiniest creature
- even a caterpillar -
I would never have to prepare a sermon.
So full of God is every creature.

Meister Eckhart

Golden Rules for Living


If you open it, close it.
If you turn it on, turn it off.
If you unlock it, lock it up.
If you break it, admit it.
If you can't fix it, call in someone who can.
If you borrow it, return it.
If you value it, take care of it.
If you make a mess clean it up.
If you move it, put it back.
If it belongs to someone else and you want to use it, get permission.
If you don't know how to operate it, leave it alone.
If it's none of your business, don't ask questions.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
If it will brighten someone's day, say it.
If it will tarnish someone's reputation, keep it to yourself.

I CHOOSE
When God Whispers to You

It's quiet. It's early. My coffee is hot. The sky is still black. The world is still asleep. The day is coming. In a few moments the day will arrive. It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. The calm of the solitude will be replaced by the pounding pace of the human race. The refuge of the early morning will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met. For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day's demands. It is now that I must make a choice. And so I choose:

I CHOOSE LOVE...

No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today I will love like I have never been hurt before.

I CHOOSE JOY...

I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical...the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity.

I CHOOSE PEACE...

I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.

I CHOOSE PATIENCE...

I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Rather than complaining that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.

I CHOOSE KINDNESS...

I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.

I CHOOSE GOODNESS...

I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will see the good in others when it is hard to find. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.

I CHOOSE FAITHFULNESS...

Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife will not question my love. And my children will never fear that their father will not come home.

I CHOOSE GENTLENESS...

Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice, may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.

I CHOOSE SELF-CONTROL...

I am a spiritual being. After this body is dead, my spirit willsoar. I refuse to let what will rot rule the eternal. I choose self-control.

To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek God's face. And then when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest with the peace that surpasses all understanding.

LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULLNESS, GENTLENESS AND SELF CONTROL [Gal.5:22,23]

- Author unknown

TODAY I will delete from my journal two days

Today, I will delete from my journal two days: yesterday and tomorrow

Yesterday was to learn from and tomorrow...well that will be the consequence of what I can do today.

Today, I will face life with the sure knowledge that this day will never return.

Today, is the last opportunity I have to live intensely, as no one can assure me that I will see tomorrow's sunrise.

Today, I will be brave enough not to let any opportunity pass me by, my only alternative is to succeed.

Today, I will invest my most valuable resource: my time in the most transcendental work: my life...

Today, I will spend each minute passionately, to make today a different and unique day in my life.

Today, I will defy every obstacle that appears on my way, trusting I will succeed.

Today, I will resist pessimism, and will conquer the world with a smile and a positive attitude of always expecting the best.

Today, I will make of every ordinary task a sublime expression.

Today, I will have my feet on the ground understanding reality and the stars' gaze, and thus will invent my future.

Today, I will take the time to be happy and will leave my footprints and my presence in the hearts of others, not just in the sands of time.

Today, I invite you to begin a new season where we can dream that everything we undertake is possible and we fulfill that dream, with joy and dignity.

Today, why not perform a random act of kindness...?

And, if there are those that you love, tell them, you don't know when it might be your last opportunity.

Have a good day, my friend and a better tomorrow! from the ordinary...

THIS MOMENT

I may never see tomorrow; there's no written guarantee. And things that happened yesterday belong to history. I cannot predict the future. I cannot change the past. I have just the present moment. I must treat it as my last.

I must use this moment wisely, for it soon will pass away. And be lost forever as part of yesterday. I must exercise compassion. Help the fallen to their feet. Be a friend unto the friendless. Make an empty life complete.

The unkind things I do today may never be undone And friendships that I fail to win may nevermore be won. I may not have another chance on bended knees to pray. And thank God with a humble heart for giving me this day.

The Master's Lesson

Then Jesus took his disciples up the mountain and gathering them around, He taught them saying:
BLESSED ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT, FOR THEIRS IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.
BLESSED ARE THE MEEK.
BLESSED ARE THEY THAT MOURN.
BLESSED ARE THE MERCIFUL.
BLESSED ARE THEY WHO THIRST FOR JUSTICE.
BLESSED ARE YOU WHEN PERSECUTED.
BLESSED ARE YOU WHEN YOU SUFFER.
BE GLAD AND REJOICE, FOR YOUR REWARD IS GREAT IN HEAVEN.

Then Simon Peter said, "Do we have to write this down?"
And Andrew said, "Are we supposed to know this?"
And James said, "Will we have a test on this?"
And Phillip said, "I don't have any paper."
And Bartholohew said, "Do we have to turn this in?"
And John said, "The other disciples didn't have to learn this."
And Matthew said, "Can I go to the boy's room?"
And Judas said, "What does this have to do with real life?"
And Mark said, "Mr. C., Mr. C., Do you have a pencil?"
Then one of the Pharisees who was present asked to see Jesus' lesson plans and inquired of Jesus, "What are the objectives in the cognitive domain and your plans for remediation?"

... and ... JESUS WEPT


God's blessings

The man whispered "God, speak to me"
and a meadowlark sang. But the man did not hear.

So the man yelled "God speak to me!"
And the thunder rolled across the sky, But the man did not listen.

The man looked around and said, "God let me see you"
And a star shone brightly But the man did not notice.

And the man shouted, "God show me a miracle"
And a life was born, But the man did not know.

So, the man cried out in despair, "Touch me God and let me know that you are here!"
Where upon God reached down and touched the man. But the man brushed the butterfly away and walked on.

Don't miss out on God's blessings, just because they aren't packaged the way you expect them to be.

Time is too short

Have you ever watched kids on a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rain slapping on the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
Do you run through each day on the fly?
When you ask "How are you?" do you hear the reply?
When the day is done do you lie in your bed
with the next hundred chores running through your head?
You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.

Ever told your child, "We'll do it tomorrow?"
And in your haste, not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch, let a good friendship die
cause you never had time to call and say "Hi"?
You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short. the music won't last.

When you run so fast to get somewhere
you miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day,
it is like an unopened gift, thrown away.
Life is not a race.
Do take it slower, hear the music before the song is over

Make a Rainbow

If your world looks gloomy and you're feeling grim and glum
make a rainbow for yourself, don't wait for one to come.
Don't sit watching at the window for the clouds to part.
There'll soon be a rainbow if you start one in your heart.

Take some lovely thought out of a poem or a prayer.
Turn it over in your mind and let it linger there.
Keep out every memory that dims the light within,
And hold on to the magic word that lets the brightness in.

Work your own small miracle and make the dull days glow.
Put some sunshine into life and let the glory show.
Make a rainbow for yourself with colors brave and gay,
And underneath its golden arch your cares will fade away.

Human Relations

The six most important words: I admit that I was wrong.

The five most important words: You did a great job.

The four most important words: What do you think?

The three most important words: Could you please...

The two most important words: Thank you.

The most important word: We.

The least important word: I.

The Coin of Life

Don't Forget to Always Have A Dream

Forget about the days when it's been cloudy,
but don't forget your hours in the sun.

Forget about the times you've been defeated,
but don't forget the victories you've won.

Forget about the mistakes that you can't change now,
but don't forget the lessons that you've learned.

Forget about the misfortunes you've encountered,
but don't forget the times your luck has turned.

Forget about the days when you've been lonely,
but don't forget the friendly smiles you've seen...

Forget about the plans that didn't seem to work out right,
but don't forget to always have a dream.