<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?><?xml-stylesheet href="http://www.blogger.com/styles/atom.css" type="text/css"?><feed xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom' xmlns:openSearch='http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/' xmlns:georss='http://www.georss.org/georss' xmlns:gd='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005' xmlns:thr='http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0'><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12825617</id><updated>2011-04-21T15:13:24.387-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Be Inspired Today</title><subtitle type='html'></subtitle><link rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/12825617/posts/default?max-results=100'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com/'/><link rel='hub' href='http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/'/><author><name>Ray_of_Hope</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/17997913485077941342</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><generator version='7.00' uri='http://www.blogger.com'>Blogger</generator><openSearch:totalResults>21</openSearch:totalResults><openSearch:startIndex>1</openSearch:startIndex><openSearch:itemsPerPage>100</openSearch:itemsPerPage><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12825617.post-6504684841527983292</id><published>2008-04-22T15:48:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2008-04-22T16:00:50.418-07:00</updated><title type='text'>She Carries Me Through</title><content type='html'>&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;color:#cc33cc;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;color:#cc33cc;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;color:#cc33cc;"&gt;Gentle words, caring spirit&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;color:#cc33cc;"&gt;touches my heart.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;color:#cc33cc;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;color:#cc33cc;"&gt;From within the darkness,&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;color:#cc33cc;"&gt;emotions swirl, trapping me&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;color:#cc33cc;"&gt;behind a cage, with no door.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;color:#cc33cc;"&gt;I see no way to escape, and I &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;color:#cc33cc;"&gt;collapse under the weight. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;color:#cc33cc;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;color:#cc33cc;"&gt;One single hand reaching out,&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;color:#cc33cc;"&gt;to soothe my broken, empty heart.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;color:#cc33cc;"&gt;Someone to lean on, someone who &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;color:#cc33cc;"&gt;cares, as I take their hand, and release&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;color:#cc33cc;"&gt;my tears.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;color:#cc33cc;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;color:#cc33cc;"&gt;I feel her arm around me,&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;color:#cc33cc;"&gt;as she holds me really tight.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;color:#cc33cc;"&gt;Softly whispering in my ear,&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;color:#cc33cc;"&gt;that you are going to be alright.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;color:#cc33cc;"&gt;I am here for you and I will stay&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;color:#cc33cc;"&gt;all night.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;color:#cc33cc;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;color:#cc33cc;"&gt;Carrying me, like a mother&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;color:#cc33cc;"&gt;does a child. Carrying me,&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;color:#cc33cc;"&gt;over the rough edges of hurt&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;color:#cc33cc;"&gt;and pain, until I can find the strength&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;color:#cc33cc;"&gt;to walk on my own again.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;color:#cc33cc;"&gt;She carries me, as I hold her hand,&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;color:#cc33cc;"&gt;and say -&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;color:#cc33cc;"&gt;Thank you, you saved my life.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;color:#cc33cc;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;color:#cc33cc;"&gt;She carries me through. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/12825617-6504684841527983292?l=funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com/feeds/6504684841527983292/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=12825617&amp;postID=6504684841527983292' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/12825617/posts/default/6504684841527983292'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/12825617/posts/default/6504684841527983292'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com/2008/04/she-carries-me-through.html' title='She Carries Me Through'/><author><name>Ray_of_Hope</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/17997913485077941342</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12825617.post-5228243619803763678</id><published>2007-08-26T18:54:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-08-26T19:06:09.143-07:00</updated><title type='text'>A New Idea!</title><content type='html'>Hi there!&lt;br /&gt;I am trying to come up with some new ways to bring more attention to my blog and hopefully more people will read it as well. I seem to be stuck on what I can do to make it more attractive.&lt;br /&gt;Please, if you have any suggestions, post a comment and I will take it in to consideration.&lt;br /&gt;I hope to continue this blog, but I will see where it goes from here.&lt;br /&gt;I am looking to keep the theme about Inspiration, so I hope to be inspired by your ideas!&lt;br /&gt;Thanks.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/12825617-5228243619803763678?l=funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com/feeds/5228243619803763678/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=12825617&amp;postID=5228243619803763678' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/12825617/posts/default/5228243619803763678'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/12825617/posts/default/5228243619803763678'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com/2007/08/new-idea.html' title='A New Idea!'/><author><name>Ray_of_Hope</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/17997913485077941342</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12825617.post-7049512246758391683</id><published>2007-07-14T18:05:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-11-10T14:00:36.986-08:00</updated><title type='text'>The Power in Words</title><content type='html'>&lt;span style="color:#ff0000;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="color:#ff0000;"&gt;"Words" &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="color:#ff0000;"&gt;To help, encourage, and inspire&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="color:#ff0000;"&gt;To give me wings that help me fly higher&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="color:#ff0000;"&gt;To pick me up, when I fall down,&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="color:#ff0000;"&gt;and help me stay on sturdy ground.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="color:#ff0000;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="color:#ff0000;"&gt;To help me calm my inner fears, to be &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="color:#ff0000;"&gt;there as I wipe away all the silent, hidden&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="color:#ff0000;"&gt;tears.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="color:#ff0000;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="color:#ff0000;"&gt;To be hope, to be light, lets me know&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="color:#ff0000;"&gt;that its alright.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="color:#ff0000;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="color:#ff0000;"&gt;To share wisdom, and to care&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="color:#ff0000;"&gt;is really just your way, to help me&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="color:#ff0000;"&gt;break free of these chains, so I can&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="color:#ff0000;"&gt;journey on my way, and make it through&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="color:#ff0000;"&gt;another day.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="color:#ff0000;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/12825617-7049512246758391683?l=funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com/feeds/7049512246758391683/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=12825617&amp;postID=7049512246758391683' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/12825617/posts/default/7049512246758391683'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/12825617/posts/default/7049512246758391683'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com/2007/07/power-in-words.html' title='The Power in Words'/><author><name>Ray_of_Hope</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/17997913485077941342</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12825617.post-4497211922403721252</id><published>2007-06-07T07:23:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2007-06-07T07:41:40.301-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Alphabets of Happiness</title><content type='html'>A- Accept&lt;br /&gt;Accept others for who they are and for the choices they have made even if you have difficulty understanding their beliefs, motives,  or actions.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;B- Break Away&lt;br /&gt;Break away from everything that stands in the way of what you hope to accomplish with your life.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;C- Create&lt;br /&gt;Create a family of friends whom you can share your hopes, dreams, sorrows, and happiness with.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;D- Decide&lt;br /&gt;Decide that you will be successful and happy come what may, and good things will find you.  The roadblocks are only minor obstacles along the way.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;E- Explore&lt;br /&gt;Explore and experiment. The world has much to offer, and you have much to give. And every time you try something new, you'll learn more about yourself.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;F- Forgive&lt;br /&gt;Forgive and forget. Grudges only weigh you down and inspire unhappiness and grief. Soar above it, and remember that everyone makes mistakes.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;G- Grow&lt;br /&gt;Leave the childhood monsters behind.  They can no longer hurt you or stand in your way.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;H - Hope&lt;br /&gt;Hope for the best and never forget that anything is possible as long as you remain dedicated to the task.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I- Ignore&lt;br /&gt;Ignore the negative voices inside your head. Focus instead on your goals and remember your accomplishments. Your past success is only a small inkling of what the future holds.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;J- Journey&lt;br /&gt;Journey to new worlds, new possibilities, by remaining open-minded. Try to learn something new every day, and you'll grow.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;K- Know&lt;br /&gt;Know that no matter how bad things seem, they will always get better. The warmth of spring always follows the harshest winter.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;L- Love&lt;br /&gt;Let love fill your heart instead of hate. When hate is in your heart, there is room for nothing else, but when love is in your heart, there is room for endless happiness.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;M- Manage&lt;br /&gt;Manage your time and your expenses wisly, and you will suffer less stress and worry. Then, you'll be able to focus on the important things in life.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;N- Notice&lt;br /&gt;Never ignore the poor, infirm, weak, helpless, or suffering.  Offer your assistance when possible, and always your kindness and understanding.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;O- Open&lt;br /&gt;Open your eyes and take in all the beauty around you.  Even during the worst of times, there is still much to be thankful for.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;P - Play&lt;br /&gt;Never forget to have fun along the way. Success means nothing without happiness.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Q- Question&lt;br /&gt;Ask many questions, because you are here to learn.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;R- Relax&lt;br /&gt;Refuse to let worry and stress rule your life, and remember that things always have a way of working themselves out in the end.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;S- Share&lt;br /&gt;Share your talent, skills, knowledge, and time with others. Everything that you invest in others will return to you many times over.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;T- Try&lt;br /&gt;Even when your dreams seem impossible to reach, try anyway. You'll be amazed by what you can accomplish.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;U- Use&lt;br /&gt;Use your gifts to your best ability.  Talent that is wasted has no value. Talent that is used will bring unexpected rewards.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;V- Value&lt;br /&gt;Value the friends and family members who have supported you and encouraged you, and be there for them as well.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;W- Work&lt;br /&gt;Work hard every day to be the best person you can be, but never feel guilty if you fall short of your goals. Every sunrise offers a second chance.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;X- X-ray&lt;br /&gt;Look deep inside the hearts of those around you and you will see the goodness and beauty within.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Y- Yield&lt;br /&gt;Yield to commitment. If you stay on track and remain dedicated, you will find success at the end of the road.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Z- Zoom&lt;br /&gt;Zoom to a happy place when bad memories or sorrow rear an ugly head.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/12825617-4497211922403721252?l=funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com/feeds/4497211922403721252/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=12825617&amp;postID=4497211922403721252' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/12825617/posts/default/4497211922403721252'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/12825617/posts/default/4497211922403721252'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com/2007/06/alphabets-of-happiness.html' title='Alphabets of Happiness'/><author><name>Ray_of_Hope</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/17997913485077941342</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12825617.post-116932287769902358</id><published>2007-01-20T11:45:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2007-01-20T11:54:37.710-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Inspired by the actions of others.</title><content type='html'>How often do you find yourself inspired by the actions of others? Maybe there is someone you admire or see as a role model. Maybe you had a favorite teacher in school.  Sometimes you have the pleasure of meeting someone like this. I had a chance to get to know someone, who was only in my life for a short time, yet the impact was one I noticed.  I was able to see a lot of strength in this person and want to draw upon that same strength in myself. I learned from knowing this person that I had a lot of talent and skill.  This particular person helped me to change my lifestyle for the better, helped me to see myself in a better light, and helped me to laugh at some of my problems.   They brought joy to my cloudy days and added sunshine and smiles. I hope that I continue to encounter such wonderful people, who are out to help others achieve great goals, and to live a better life.  If I ever get the chance to see this person again, I hope I get the chance to say thank you personally. &lt;br /&gt;Next time you see someone who you admire or look up to, let them know. I bet they will appreciate hearing that someone sees them as such a positive influence. Too often people get caught up in negative judgements and stereotypes.  I hope more people learn to be compassionate towards others and get to know someone for who they really are. I think that is a great lesson that I can pass on to others that I meet.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/12825617-116932287769902358?l=funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com/feeds/116932287769902358/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=12825617&amp;postID=116932287769902358' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/12825617/posts/default/116932287769902358'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/12825617/posts/default/116932287769902358'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com/2007/01/inspired-by-actions-of-others.html' title='Inspired by the actions of others.'/><author><name>Ray_of_Hope</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/17997913485077941342</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12825617.post-116821137975807197</id><published>2007-01-07T14:43:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2007-01-07T15:09:39.820-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Santa's Secret Wish</title><content type='html'>In my experience, sometimes the holidays can be depressing.  There is a lot of hustle and bustle to get the shopping done, to get cookies baked, to decorate a tree, amongst other things. I found that it was hard to keep the Christmas Spirit in me.  So, when I came across this poem, I thought it was perfect to help keep Christmas alive in our hearts all year long. I hope you too will find that same spirit and carry it with you. Enjoy!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;    "Santa's Secret Wish"  by Betty Werth&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;On Christmas Eve, a young boy with light in his eyes, looked deep into Santa's, to Santa's surprise, and said as he nestled on Santa's broad knee, "I want your secret. Tell it to me."&lt;br /&gt;He leaned up and whispered in Santa's good ear, "How do you do it, year after year?"&lt;br /&gt;"I want to know how, as you travel about, giving gifts here and there, you never run out. How is it, dear Santa, that in your pack of toys, you have plenty for all of the world's girls and boys? From rooftop to rooftop, to homes large and small, from nation to nation, reaching them all?"&lt;br /&gt;And Santa smiled kindly and said to the boy, "Don't ask me hard questions. Don't you want a toy?" But the child shook his head, and Santa could see that he needed  the answer. "Now, listen to me," he told the small boy with the light in his eyes, "My secret will make you sadder, and wise."  "The truth is that my sack is magic. Inside, it holds  millions of toys for my Christmas Eve ride. But, although I do visit each girl and each boy, I don't always leave them a gaily wrapped toy.  Some homes are hungry, some homes are sad.  Some homes are desperate, some homes are bad.  Some homes are broken, and children there grieve. Those homes, I visit, but what should I leave?  "My sleigh is filled with the happiest stuff, but for homes where despair lives, toys aren't enough.  So I tiptoe in, kiss each girl and boy, and pray with them that they'll be given the joy of the spirit of Christmas, the spirit that lives in the heart of the dear child who gets not but gives.  If only God hears me and answers my prayer, when I visit next year, what I will find there are homes filled with peace, and with giving and love and boys and girls gifted with light from above. It's a very hard task, my smart little brother, to give toys to some and to give prayers to others. But the prayers are the best gifts, the best gifts indeed. For God has a way of meeting each need.  That's part of the answer. The rest, my  dear youth, is that my sack is magic, and that is the truth. In my sack I carry on Christmas Eve day, more love than a Santa could ever give away.  The sack never empties of love, nor of joys 'cause inside it are prayers, and hopes. Not just toys. The more that I give, the fuller it seems, because giving is my way of fulfiling dreams. "And do you know something? You've got a sack too. It's as magic as mine, and it's inside of you.  It never gets empty, it's full from the start. It's the center of lights, and of love. It's your heart. And if on this Christmas you want to help me,  don't be so concerned with the gifts 'neath the tree. Open that sack called your heart, and share your joy, your friendship,  your wealth, your care.  "  The light in the small boy's eyes was glowing. "Thanks for the secret, I have to get going." "Wait, little boy, " said Santa "don't go. Will you share? Will you help? Will you use what you know?" And just for a moment the small boy stood still, touched his heart with his small hand and whispered, "I will."&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/12825617-116821137975807197?l=funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com/feeds/116821137975807197/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=12825617&amp;postID=116821137975807197' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/12825617/posts/default/116821137975807197'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/12825617/posts/default/116821137975807197'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com/2007/01/santas-secret-wish.html' title='Santa&apos;s Secret Wish'/><author><name>Ray_of_Hope</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/17997913485077941342</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12825617.post-116814390540405391</id><published>2007-01-06T20:15:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2007-01-06T20:25:58.803-08:00</updated><title type='text'>"Portrait of a Friend"</title><content type='html'>When you think of friendship, what comes to mind? Do you think about what traits you look for in a friend? What common interests do you share with friends? What would life be like without good friends? As you think about these questions, I hope you will take the time to read this poem. I found it a few years ago, but liked it so much, that I decided to dig it up again. Enjoy!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;"Portrait of a Friend"&lt;br /&gt;I can't give you solutions to all of life's problems, doubts, or fears.&lt;br /&gt;But I can listen to you, and together we will search for an answer.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I can't change your past with all its heartache and pain or the future&lt;br /&gt;with its untold stories.&lt;br /&gt;But I can be there now when you need me to care.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I can't keep your feet from stumbling. I can only offer my hand&lt;br /&gt;that you may grasp it and not fall.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Your joys, triumphs, successes and happiness aren't mine.&lt;br /&gt;Yet, I can share in your laughter.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Your decisions in life are not mine to make nor to judge.&lt;br /&gt;I can only support you , encourage you, and help you when&lt;br /&gt;you ask.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I can't prevent you from falling away from friendship, from&lt;br /&gt;your values, from me. I can only pray for you, talk to you, and&lt;br /&gt;wait for you.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I can't give you boundaries, which I have determined for you.&lt;br /&gt;But, I can give you the room to change, room to grow, room to be yourself.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I can't keep your heart from breaking or hurting. But, I can cry with you&lt;br /&gt;and help you pick up the pieces, and put them back in place.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I can' t tell you who you are. I can only love you and&lt;br /&gt;be your friend!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;(author unknown)&lt;br /&gt;Please, feel free to post a comment of your own about this poem or any of the above questions.&lt;br /&gt;Thanks.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/12825617-116814390540405391?l=funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com/feeds/116814390540405391/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=12825617&amp;postID=116814390540405391' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/12825617/posts/default/116814390540405391'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/12825617/posts/default/116814390540405391'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com/2007/01/portrait-of-friend.html' title='&quot;Portrait of a Friend&quot;'/><author><name>Ray_of_Hope</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/17997913485077941342</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12825617.post-116318929190688985</id><published>2006-11-10T12:07:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2006-11-10T12:08:11.916-08:00</updated><title type='text'>If you really knew me...</title><content type='html'>I know that not a lot of people read my blog, but I am hoping that someone will read this particular message. I think it really hits home with what is going on in the news lately.&lt;br /&gt;I was watching Oprah this morning, and the show was one of those really emotional ones that makes you think about what is missing in the world today. I know I was inspired by the theme.&lt;br /&gt;A lot of school shootings have been in the news lately and I think that is tremendously sad.&lt;br /&gt;Today on Oprah, she had a group of 64 teenagers on the show that had experienced something called "Challenge Day". It was meant to help highschoolers break down the barriers between them and get to know their fellow students. So often, as I can personally relate to, kids are teased relentlessly and made to feel like they are nobody special. I experienced it myself and know how it feels to be the "odd one out". What Challenge Day did was allow these students an opportunity to really get to know their classmates on a personal level. For example, students were asked to fill in the blank to the following question : "If you really knew me, you would know...." I was amazed at the answers that students were giving. There were a number of students were expressed to their fellow peers that they continue to be discriminated against, and called derogatory terms, because of the color of their skin. I can't say that I am too surprised by that unfortunatly. Other students confessed to having parents who had walked out on them, or were too sick to care for themselves and these highschoolers were the parent to their parent. One student in particular really struck me, because he was known as one of the&lt;br /&gt;"popular kids" yet the clothes on his back and the food on the table was anything but easy for him and his family. The show also highlighted an activity that required students to cross a line made out of tape, if a statement applied to them. The students were asked such statements as..&lt;br /&gt;"If you have ever felt alone or afraid; If members of your family suffer from addictions; those who have been hit or beaten up by loved ones; and women who have been called names by guys; etc. " I was saddened to see the number of students who were crossing the line. At the end of the program, it really did bring these students together. There were some people who got up in front of everyone and publicly apologized for their actions, realizing the hurt and the harm that words can cause somebody. My hope is that more students will get to know who they go to school with and take it out into the streets. You really do not know who lives next door, or what someone may be going through, unless you really knew them.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I hope that my blog helps people out there get to know their neighbors, and really see beyond the outside. Get to know someone for what is on the inside.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Be Inspired Today- Reach out and touch someone.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/12825617-116318929190688985?l=funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com/feeds/116318929190688985/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=12825617&amp;postID=116318929190688985' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/12825617/posts/default/116318929190688985'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/12825617/posts/default/116318929190688985'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com/2006/11/if-you-really-knew-me.html' title='If you really knew me...'/><author><name>Ray_of_Hope</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/17997913485077941342</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12825617.post-115723493248910625</id><published>2006-09-02T14:55:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2006-09-02T15:08:52.500-07:00</updated><title type='text'>"What life is all about"</title><content type='html'>Just from reading this story, I found myself relating to a lot of what it was saying. Think about your own life and if you fall into these categories as well.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;         "What Life Is All About"&lt;br /&gt;Life isn't about keeping score.  It's not about how many friends you have.  Or how many people call you.  Or how accepted or unaccepted you are.  Not about if you have plans this weekend.  Or if you are alone.  It isn't about who you are dating, who you use to date, how many people you have dated, or if you have not  been with anyone at all.  It isn't about who you have kissed.  It's not about sex.  It isn't about who your family is or how much money they have.  Or what kind of car you drive.  Or where you are sent to school.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;It's not about how beautiful or ugly you are.  Or what clothes you wear, what shoes you have on, or what kind of music you listen to.  It's not about if your hair is blonde, red, black, brown, or green.  Or if your skin is too light or too dark.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;It's not about what grades you get, how smart you are, how smart everyone else thinks you are,  or how smart standardized tests say you are.  Or if this teacher likes you, or if this guy/girl likes you.  Or what clubs you are in, or how good you are at "your" sport.  It's not about representing your whole being on a piece of paper and seeing who will "accept the written you".&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;But life is about who you love and who you hurt.  It's about who you make happy or unhappy purposefully.  It's about keeping or betraying trust.  It's about friendship, used as sanctity, or as a weapon.  It's about what you say and mean, maybe hurtful, maybe heartening.  About starting rumors and contributing to petty gossip.  It's about what judgements you pass and why.  And who your judgements are spread to.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;It's about who you have ignored with full control and intention.  It's about jealousy, fear, pain, ignorance, and revenge.  It's about carrying inner hate and love, letting it grow and spreading it.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;But most of all, it's about using life to touch or poison other people's hearts in such a way that could have never occured alone.  Only you choose the way these hearts are affected and those choices are what life is all about.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;-author unknown.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Just something to think about.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/12825617-115723493248910625?l=funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com/feeds/115723493248910625/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=12825617&amp;postID=115723493248910625' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/12825617/posts/default/115723493248910625'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/12825617/posts/default/115723493248910625'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com/2006/09/what-life-is-all-about.html' title='&quot;What life is all about&quot;'/><author><name>Ray_of_Hope</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/17997913485077941342</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12825617.post-115611964211778596</id><published>2006-08-20T16:55:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2006-09-02T15:10:22.873-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Are there angels among us?</title><content type='html'>"Angels Among Us"&lt;br /&gt;I was walking home from school on a cold winter day. Took a shortcut through the woods, and I lost my way. It was getting late, and I was scared and alone. But then a kind old man took my hand and led me home. Mama couldn't see him, oh but he was standing there, and I knew in my heart, he was the answer to my prayers.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Chorus: Oh, I believe there are angels among us, sent down to us from somewhere up above, They come to you and me in our darkest hours, to show us how to live, to teach us how to give, To guide us with the light of love.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;When life held troubled times, and had me down on my knees, there's always been someone to come along and comfort me. A kind word from a stranger to lend a helping hand; A phone call from a friend, just to say I understand; And ain't it kind of funny at the dark end of the road That someone lights the way with just a single ray of hope.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Chorus&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;They wear so many faces, show up in the strangest places; To grace us with their mercy, in our time of need&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Repeat Chorus.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Sung by Alabama.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;From the first time I heard this song, I felt it touch my heart. Once I learned that the artist of the song, was touched by angels herself, it made the song all the more inspiring to me.&lt;br /&gt;What comes to mind when you hear the word, "angel"? Do you have people in your life who have helped to show the way? Next time you see that person, tell them how you feel.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I especially love the quote: "Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same.-- Anonymous"&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Both the song and the quote make me think of my own life. There are people who I have relied on to help show me the way and I am thankful for all the experiences that have helped me to have appreciation for those who are a part of my life. I hope I can be an inspiration to someone and continue to pass it on.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/12825617-115611964211778596?l=funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com/feeds/115611964211778596/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=12825617&amp;postID=115611964211778596' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/12825617/posts/default/115611964211778596'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/12825617/posts/default/115611964211778596'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com/2006/08/are-there-angels-among-us.html' title='Are there angels among us?'/><author><name>Ray_of_Hope</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/17997913485077941342</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12825617.post-115180925160327068</id><published>2006-07-01T19:50:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2006-07-01T20:00:51.636-07:00</updated><title type='text'>The theme of friendship in films</title><content type='html'>If you are looking for an inspiring movie about friendship, I would recommend viewing "Over the Hedge." I think it gives a good portrayal of friends and family not having to neccessarily be blood-related, through following a group of animals, who want to know what big adventure lies on the other side of this hedge. The movie has a lot of truth to it about humans and food, as well. In my opinion, a lot of society revolves around food. When I am riding in the car, I see a McDonalds on almost every corner, and fast food is anything but healthy for the most part.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Anyways, there is another part to the plot. One of the main characters is a raccoon, and he has to pay back this bear with food. So, he comes upon a group of animals, and pretends to be their best friend, when really he wants to protect himself. I thought the characters were just hilarious. I have sometimes felt like one of these animals myself. I want to know what is in this big world of ours, and I find myself feeling "small."&lt;br /&gt;I felt the end of the film was what really puts things in perspective for me. Here was this lonely raccoon, who had made good with a bear, not realizing that he already had the best gift in the world, right in front of him. He just wasn't looking hard enough. These animals were a family all their own, and if only the raccoon had asked, then he would not have had to be such a "con" and they would have worked together as a team to re-pay the bear. &lt;br /&gt;There was one line that really stood out and that was when the turtle asked the raccoon, if he would like to be a part of their family?  I find that to be just so inspiring, because so often people just don't know where to find true friendship or love within a family.  &lt;br /&gt; I am thankful for movies like this, that just make me grateful for the friendships and family I have.  I know what it is like to be the "outcast" and I hope everyone finds someone who will reach out and encourage them.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/12825617-115180925160327068?l=funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com/feeds/115180925160327068/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=12825617&amp;postID=115180925160327068' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/12825617/posts/default/115180925160327068'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/12825617/posts/default/115180925160327068'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com/2006/07/theme-of-friendship-in-films.html' title='The theme of friendship in films'/><author><name>Ray_of_Hope</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/17997913485077941342</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12825617.post-114290056653468419</id><published>2006-03-20T16:10:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2006-03-20T16:22:46.560-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Inspiration in a Soup Kitchen</title><content type='html'>I found inspiration in a man who I met in a soup kitchen.  I went with a group of young adults to serve a lunch, consisting of spaghetti, salad, and desert to a group of clients who resided in this house.  I got so much more from that experience beyond just serving lunch.  I feel I was meant to be there and to sit down with a gentleman named Eddie.  He was an inspiring role model. I learned that he had been shot and was not supposed to live.  He wakes up every morning, with a smile and peace in his heart, and knows that God saved him from the streets.  He knows that there is a reason he is still living and lives every day as a gift.  If he can do it, I can do it.&lt;br /&gt;He gave me some strength to just hang on and keep going.  I had some common interests with him, such as writing and listening to jazz.  I really got so much from spending time with Eddie and hope to pass it along to others. &lt;br /&gt;It truly makes a difference and helps you to see the light at the end of the tunnel.&lt;br /&gt;I know I saw a lot of hope in this man, Eddie. &lt;br /&gt;What would it take for you to get inspired today? Please post comments or thoughts.&lt;br /&gt;Thank you.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/12825617-114290056653468419?l=funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com/feeds/114290056653468419/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=12825617&amp;postID=114290056653468419' title='2 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/12825617/posts/default/114290056653468419'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/12825617/posts/default/114290056653468419'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com/2006/03/inspiration-in-soup-kitchen.html' title='Inspiration in a Soup Kitchen'/><author><name>Ray_of_Hope</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/17997913485077941342</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>2</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12825617.post-113043066346861436</id><published>2005-10-27T09:26:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2005-10-27T09:31:03.496-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Sox Sweep the Series!!</title><content type='html'>Hey, all you White Sox Fans.  I was not alive back in 1917, but I know from watching the game yesterday,  that it is definitly something to celebrate here in Chicago.  I thought it was kinda funny when Uribe dove into the crowd, to catch that ball, and he came up with it. That would take skill for me. I found myself wanting to just watch one more inning and before I realized it was 11 p.m., the Sox had not only won the series, but swept the Astros.&lt;br /&gt;I hope Ozzie Guillen stays on as manager, but if not, he seems to know how to pull together a great team of guys, who are worthy of a win, such as this one.  I was also happy to hear that both Crede and Konerko are dads. Way to go for them.&lt;br /&gt;I like that saying, Don't Stop Believing.  I hope it inspires people to keep on perservering when times get tough, and now that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/12825617-113043066346861436?l=funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com/feeds/113043066346861436/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=12825617&amp;postID=113043066346861436' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/12825617/posts/default/113043066346861436'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/12825617/posts/default/113043066346861436'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com/2005/10/sox-sweep-series.html' title='Sox Sweep the Series!!'/><author><name>Ray_of_Hope</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/17997913485077941342</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12825617.post-113036237722218078</id><published>2005-10-26T14:25:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2005-10-26T14:32:57.226-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Go White Sox!!!</title><content type='html'>I am not a Sox fanatic by any means, and don't really know a lot about the technical side of baseball, but I am what I consider a big fan of the Sox. I know who the players are, and some of the pitchers now as well. I wanted to put this out there, because the Sox are an inspiring team.&lt;br /&gt;They chose the song,  Don't Stop Believin' , by Journey, as their theme song, and I think that is a great way to keep the attitude positive.  Be inspired by the White Sox.  I watch them play off and on and am amazed by how fast those pitches can fly, across the field from all the way back at 3rd base and sailing to home. I think that these White Sox are really a wonderful team, that shows what teamwork, positive attitudes and motivation can do  to bring about a goal and a win.&lt;br /&gt;Be inspired by how the city is coming together. I see signs all over, cheering them on.&lt;br /&gt;My favorite player personally is Aaron Rowand, Center Field, but they are all good.&lt;br /&gt;I just thought that it would be a nice way to be inspired.&lt;br /&gt;             Take Me Out To The Ballgame, and let the Sox win the World Series tonight!!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Any one else finding themselves inspired by this team or another team?&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;                        Thank you.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/12825617-113036237722218078?l=funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com/feeds/113036237722218078/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=12825617&amp;postID=113036237722218078' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/12825617/posts/default/113036237722218078'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/12825617/posts/default/113036237722218078'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com/2005/10/go-white-sox.html' title='Go White Sox!!!'/><author><name>Ray_of_Hope</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/17997913485077941342</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12825617.post-112665961221718343</id><published>2005-09-13T17:53:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2005-09-13T18:00:12.233-07:00</updated><title type='text'>An inspiring song I wrote</title><content type='html'>Here is a song I wrote that I would like to share with whoever reads this blog.&lt;br /&gt;Thank you.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;      You tell me you can't handle me and push me to the street.&lt;br /&gt;I can not make it in the world, without a strong head and sturdy&lt;br /&gt;feet, to guide me down, to keep from being weak.&lt;br /&gt;Why do you yell and scream to make a point?&lt;br /&gt;How come you don't just talk it out and see what&lt;br /&gt;the  damage is all about?&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;People will come, people will see, a lonely young&lt;br /&gt;girl who only wants to be free.  Free from issues, worry,&lt;br /&gt;and fear.  Free from hurt and emotional tears.  I hope I find the&lt;br /&gt;truth inside.  When the door is closed and the window is locked,&lt;br /&gt;that ray of hope is all I got.  I grab hold, not letting go, to find a path&lt;br /&gt;out of my black hole.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Those people who just give in smiles and will walk with you, for&lt;br /&gt;many miles, are the ones who don't give up and know the real me,&lt;br /&gt;for I am worth more today, than I ever thought to be.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I can't be handled, no I can't.  I just ain't worth a second chance.&lt;br /&gt;Well, I am here to tell you different.  I am just a lonely young girl,&lt;br /&gt;who wants to find a place in the world. I want to model my life like you,&lt;br /&gt;and be smart and help much like you do.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Give me one chance. One chance to be loved.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Thanks to anyone out there, who takes a spare moment to read this and comment on it.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/12825617-112665961221718343?l=funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com/feeds/112665961221718343/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=12825617&amp;postID=112665961221718343' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/12825617/posts/default/112665961221718343'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/12825617/posts/default/112665961221718343'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com/2005/09/inspiring-song-i-wrote.html' title='An inspiring song I wrote'/><author><name>Ray_of_Hope</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/17997913485077941342</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12825617.post-112626510031297185</id><published>2005-09-09T04:00:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2005-09-09T04:25:00.323-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Hurricane Katrina-Be inspired</title><content type='html'>Hi. I know that this is usually about inspirational stories and such, but this seemed like an opportunity to do some good for people really in need of help and love from others.&lt;br /&gt;I have been watching the news and all those images are so sad. These people are being forced from their homes.  If you would like to help, please contact the American Red Cross or someone like Catholic Relief Services.  Donate that extra money that you were going to use for a candy bar or soda. Look for used clothing that could be worn by someone else.&lt;br /&gt;I wrote this poem, that I wanted to blog on here.&lt;br /&gt;       &lt;br /&gt;          Hurricane Katrina&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Darkness, Lonliness, Sadness, Confusion&lt;br /&gt;seem to creep in as the world watched.&lt;br /&gt;These cities and towns that once were&lt;br /&gt;so alive, are now really struggling to even&lt;br /&gt;just survive. &lt;br /&gt;The only thing I could think to say is that&lt;br /&gt;I will make sure to pray.  So many innocent&lt;br /&gt;people couldn't live to see today.&lt;br /&gt;The homes they built and all their dreams&lt;br /&gt;seemed to just suddenly be swept away.&lt;br /&gt;With space so tight, how hard it must be&lt;br /&gt;to find some  food and a place to flee.&lt;br /&gt;The waters are high and people are violent,&lt;br /&gt;I hope it soon will not be such a riot. With&lt;br /&gt;help soon arriving, and money too, I hope I&lt;br /&gt;can help someone start anew and that these&lt;br /&gt;people's dreams will come true. My thoughts and&lt;br /&gt;prayers remain with you.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Please help the Hurricane Katrina survivors and evacuaees.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;                       Thank you!!&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/12825617-112626510031297185?l=funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com/feeds/112626510031297185/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=12825617&amp;postID=112626510031297185' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/12825617/posts/default/112626510031297185'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/12825617/posts/default/112626510031297185'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com/2005/09/hurricane-katrina-be-inspired.html' title='Hurricane Katrina-Be inspired'/><author><name>Ray_of_Hope</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/17997913485077941342</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12825617.post-112501297519250022</id><published>2005-08-25T16:26:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2005-08-25T16:36:15.200-07:00</updated><title type='text'>An inspiring story for all to read</title><content type='html'>I have not updated this in a while, and that is partly because no one has read it, so I hope that in the next month or so, a few people will leave comments, and help me out.&lt;br /&gt;I love to read inspiring stories and this particular one really made me smile and be thankful for what I have. I hope you enjoy  it as well.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;                         Limits of Love&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;After the divorce, her teenage daughter became increasingly rebellious. It culminated late one night when the police called to tell her that she had to come to the police station to pick up her daughter, who was arrested for drunk driving. They didn't speak until the next afternoon. Mom broke the tension by giving her daughter a small gift-wrapped box. Her daughter nonchalantly opened it and found a small piece of a rock. She rolled her eyes and said, "Cute Mom, what's this for?" "Here's the card," Mom said. Her daughter took the card out of the envelope and read it. Tears started to trickle down her cheeks. She got up and gave her mom a big hug as the card fell to the floor. On the card were these words: "This rock is more than 200 million years old. That's how long it will take before I give up on you."&lt;br /&gt;[ Author Unknown -- from 'Aiken Drum' (Aiken@AikensLaughs.com) ]&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt; I find that sometimes hearing a really positive story like this one helps to take away some of the negativity that is associated with all the stories in the news.&lt;br /&gt;As I continue to read the paper pretty much every day, I continue to look for that positive story that catches my eye. There was one just this last week about a rabbit, who is a pet. The rabbit was making a lot of noise in the middle of the night, and the husband got up to quiet the pet rabbit down, and while he was up, he noticed that his wife had fallen unconscious on the floor,&lt;br /&gt;and after spending time in the hospital recovering, she had a form of diabetes, and thanks to the rabbit, the husband was able to save his wife.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Thanks for reading these, and I hope you get inspired today. Please write me about it.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/12825617-112501297519250022?l=funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com/feeds/112501297519250022/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=12825617&amp;postID=112501297519250022' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/12825617/posts/default/112501297519250022'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/12825617/posts/default/112501297519250022'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com/2005/08/inspiring-story-for-all-to-read.html' title='An inspiring story for all to read'/><author><name>Ray_of_Hope</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/17997913485077941342</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12825617.post-111802636767149099</id><published>2005-06-05T19:47:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2005-06-05T19:52:47.676-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Memorial Day celebrated</title><content type='html'>How often do you stop to think about all the numbers of people who gave up their lives for us.&lt;br /&gt;I was glad to have a chance on May 27th, to take a look at the history of this holiday.&lt;br /&gt;It is more than just a day off of work or school. It was meant to be a great honor to all those who fought and are fighting. Be proud to be an American.  It was touching to see part of the National Memorial Day Concert. I hope that people continue to find time to really give respect to those in the forces. Imagine how hard it is to be away from family. I would be sad to leave my family behind. I hope that sometime soon someone finds this blog and posts a comment.  Thank you.&lt;br /&gt;Keep Peace in the World. Keep Smiling. Stay Cool in the Summer Heat! Eat ice cream in the backyard. Buy a glass of lemonade. Watch for Rainbows- they are so pretty to see after  a rain.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/12825617-111802636767149099?l=funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com/feeds/111802636767149099/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=12825617&amp;postID=111802636767149099' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/12825617/posts/default/111802636767149099'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/12825617/posts/default/111802636767149099'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com/2005/06/memorial-day-celebrated.html' title='Memorial Day celebrated'/><author><name>Ray_of_Hope</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/17997913485077941342</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12825617.post-111707409191054607</id><published>2005-05-25T19:09:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2005-05-25T19:21:31.913-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Negative News vs Reality</title><content type='html'>There is a lot of negative stuff on the web these days.  Does anyone follow the Michael Jackson trial still?  How about those murders in Zion? How sad is that. I sometimes may be mad at my parents, but I know for a fact, that they wouldn't ever come at me with any sort of object. I feel for those girls.  I think that t.v. sometimes paints a false picture of reality.  Their are characters on shows that are put in situations , that  can't realistically happen in real life, and for them to do that can be quite confusing at times, if you are like me and can sometimes get confused on things like that.   I happen to really love this quote-&lt;br /&gt;  "To the world you may be one person. To one person, you may be the world." - Author Unknown.&lt;br /&gt;Sometimes there are people out there who really affect your life for the better and they just make an impact on you , that you maybe wouldn't find elsewhere, and it feels really good to know that there are people out there, who really do care about the well being of others, and they show it as well.  I mean more than just a polite hello.  I bet there are alot of people out there,  who can think of someone  who they admire and/or look up to, or see as a "hero", and that is a great thing. I only wish more of the world could be like that.  I am thankful to all those people who are role models and "heroes " to me.   I know I am growing, partly thanks to the kindness in others. Thank you to all who give of themselves.   Keep passing on Kindness.&lt;br /&gt;                    Reach for the stars tonight, and follow your dreams.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/12825617-111707409191054607?l=funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com/feeds/111707409191054607/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=12825617&amp;postID=111707409191054607' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/12825617/posts/default/111707409191054607'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/12825617/posts/default/111707409191054607'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com/2005/05/negative-news-vs-reality.html' title='Negative News vs Reality'/><author><name>Ray_of_Hope</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/17997913485077941342</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12825617.post-111616969451205352</id><published>2005-05-15T10:10:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2005-05-15T08:08:14.516-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Inspiration on Ice</title><content type='html'>If you have seen the movie, Ice Princess, then maybe you would agree that it is inspiring. &lt;br /&gt;I think it is a great message to everyone. Finding out what your dreams are, not letting obstacles get in the way, and then just going for it.  If you have the passion and the want, then spread your wings and fly, and see how far you go.&lt;br /&gt;In this movie, it centers mainly on a girl, who is known as the physics geek, and she needs to make a personal project as part of wanting a schloarship.  She gets involved in ice skating, and finding how physics has a direct correlation to the jumps and moves that skaters use.   As she is watching some skaters practice, she gets involved with them.  The main character, at first, is lying to her mother, about her skating, and her mother doesn't even watch her skate, and then, when the mother realizes what her daughter truly wants, she sees her daughter skate.&lt;br /&gt;The daughter and mom reconnect with each other.  She realizes that Harvard is not the answer after all, but with out having the passion to work so hard on her project, I feel that maybe things would have been different at the end, and she wouldn't be so happy. I know that I personally have a great passion for writing and it is most definitly a gift, and I hope to keep pursuing my talents and hopefully one day, my dream of getting published will become a reality.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Have any dreams or achievments that you would like to share? Add a thought to the Salad Bowl, and learn about others as they add to it as well.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I don't know if anyone else has found this yet, or if I am just writing to myself, so please, if there are some nice people out there, can you kindly tell me that you have come across my blog?&lt;br /&gt;It would mean  alot to me.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/12825617-111616969451205352?l=funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com/feeds/111616969451205352/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=12825617&amp;postID=111616969451205352' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/12825617/posts/default/111616969451205352'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/12825617/posts/default/111616969451205352'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com/2005/05/inspiration-on-ice.html' title='Inspiration on Ice'/><author><name>Ray_of_Hope</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/17997913485077941342</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12825617.post-111585100428018348</id><published>2005-05-11T13:47:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2005-05-13T20:02:34.406-07:00</updated><title type='text'>My First Post-revised</title><content type='html'>Hi. Welcome to my First Blog. I hope that people find something to be inspired by in life. I have been inspired a lot lately by people and personal experiences that I have encountered, and wish that everyone finds someone who can inspire them to do great things, follow their dreams, and to not give up.   Experience is teaching  me to always keep hope alive, like a ray of light at the end of a tunnel, and I like to think of things in that way, to ease my burdens. I would like to learn more about blogs and hopefully there are some nice people out there, who can encourage me to keep a blog going. I ask that if you post on my blog, please be kind and not put people down. I am new at this, and want to keep it positive. Thank you.&lt;br /&gt;After hearing the news these last few days, what is the world coming to? Take today as a precious gift, because you won't ever get it back.&lt;br /&gt;Be Inspired!&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/12825617-111585100428018348?l=funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com/feeds/111585100428018348/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=12825617&amp;postID=111585100428018348' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/12825617/posts/default/111585100428018348'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/12825617/posts/default/111585100428018348'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://funkysaladbowl.blogspot.com/2005/05/my-first-post-revised.html' title='My First Post-revised'/><author><name>Ray_of_Hope</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/17997913485077941342</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry></feed>
