Money Vs Family

Rama’s family is very big. Rama is a hard worker and he is the sole bread winner
of the family. He has three kids, two sons and a daughter. He lives along with father and
mother. Rama used to work too hard to feed his family. He works for more than 16 hours
a day. The kids cannot see him as he will leave home early in the morning before they
wake-up and reach home around midnight when kids would sleep every day. The entire
family eagerly wait to spend quality time with him and the kids miss him so much.

The children were too curious about Sundays as his father would spend the entire
day with them. Unfortunately, to meet the increasing household expenses and
educational expenses, Rama took a weekend job to work even on Sundays. The kids
were very shattered and even Rama’s wife and parents too! The typical routine
continued for several weeks and year passed. All the hard work of Rama earned a lot of
benefits and he was offered promotion with attractive increment.

The family moved to a new house, got better clothes and ate healthy foods.
However, as usual, Rama continues to earn more and more money. One day his wife
asked him ‘why are you running for money? We can be happy with what we have now.’
Rama replied, ‘I want to give the best available in the world to all of you and want you to
stay happy always.’

Two years passed and Rama hardly spent time with his family. The children
yearned to have their father at home. Meanwhile, the sincere efforts of Rama reaped
him a fortune. He was offered partnership and share in profits. He continued to earn
more and more wealth. Now, Rama’s family is one of the richest families in the city.
They have all the facilities and luxuries. Still, Rama’s children strove to meet their father
as he was hardly seen at home. His children turned teens and they are no more kids.
Now, Rama earned enough wealth to provide a luxurious life to his next five generations.

Rama’s family went to their beach house to spend their vacation. His daughter
asked, ‘Dad will you please spend one day at home and stay with us here?’ Rama
replied, ‘Yes darling, tomorrow for sure, I will join you for the lunch and be with you all
for next few days. I’m tired of work and need refreshment!’ The entire family became
very happy.

Unfortunately, the next day, none in Rama’s family were alive as they were washed
out in Tsunami! Rama was too busy even to hear the news about Tsunami. When he
tried to reach his beach house, he saw sea and water everywhere and screamed for his
family, He could not even find the dead bodies of his family. He can never have them
again, cannot even see them and even by paying millions he cannot get them back to
life! He remembered his wife’s words, ‘Why are you running for money? We can be
happy with what we have now.’
Money can’t buy everything!
 The Hidden Treasure

Once, there was an old man who had four sons. All four of them were very lazy.
One day, the old man fell sick and was counting his last days in bed. He worried a lot
about his sons’ future as the young men hesitated a lot to work. The sons believed that
luck would favour them.

The old man’s health deteriorated every day and he decided to talk to his sons
about their future. However, his sons did not listen to him.

Finally, the old man decided to play a trick to let his sons realize the importance of
work. He called all his sons and let them sit near him on his bed. He said that he had a
treasure box with gold coins and expensive gems for them and wanted to share the
treasure equally among the four of them.

The young men were very happy and asked where his father had placed the
treasure. The old man replied, “I cannot exactly remember the place where I have hidden
the treasure. However, the treasure box is buried in our land. I’m really not sure about
the place where I have hidden the treasure box.”

Even though the lazy young sons were happy, they were sad that the old man had
forgotten the place where the treasure was hidden. After a few days, the old man died.
The sons decided to dig the land to find the treasure box.

They worked very hard and dug their land. They could not find any treasure box in
the land. Finally, they decided to dig a spot in their land that was a bit different from the
rest of the area. The sons believed that the treasure was buried in that spot. They dug
the specific spot deeply, but got nothing but water.

A passerby who noticed the land and the water flowing from the spot talked to the
sons about farming. Upon his advice, the four sons sowed vegetable seeds, and planted
greens and flowering plants in their land. Since the land was very fertile with abundant
water, within a few weeks, it became a fertile garden with nutritious vegetables and
greens. The four sons sold the vegetables at a good price and earned a good amount of
money.

Then they realized that it was hard work that was referred to as ‘Treasure Box’ by
their father. Gradually, the four sons overcame their laziness, worked hard, earned more
money and lived happily.

Hard Work Always Pays.

 Money Can’t Buy Everything

Nick was a 10 year old boy. He was the only son to his parents. Nick’s father was
a very busy businessman who could not spend time with his son. He came home after
Nick slept, and was off to office before Nick woke up in the morning. Nick yearned for
his father’s attention. He wanted to go outdoors and play with his father just like his
friends did.

One day, Nick was surprised to see his father at home in the evening.
“Dad, it is a big surprise to see you at home,” Nick said.
“Yes son, my meeting was cancelled. So I’m at home. But after two hours I have to catch
a flight,” his father replied.
“When will you be back?”
“Tomorrow noon.”
Nick was in deep thought for a while. Then he asked, “Dad, how much do you earn in a
year?”
Nick’s father was taken aback. He said, “My dear son, it’s a very big amount and you
won’t be able to understand it.”
“Ok dad, are you happy with the amount you earn?”
“Yes my dear. I’m very happy, and in fact I’m planning to launch our new branch and a
new business in a few months. Isn’t that great?”
“Yes, dad. I’m happy to hear that. Can I ask you one more question?”
“Yes, dear.”
“Dad, can you tell me how much you earn in a day or even half a day?”
“Nick, why are you asking this question?” Nick’s father was perplexed.
But Nick was persistent. “Please answer me. Can you please tell me how much you earn
in an hour?”
Nick’s father gave in and replied, “It will be around $ 25/- per hour.”
Nick ran to his room upstairs, and came down with his piggy bank that contained his
savings.
“Dad, I have $50 in my piggy bank. Can you spare two hours for me? I want to go to the
beach and have dinner with you tomorrow evening. Can you please mark this in your
schedule?”
Nick’s father was speechless!

The greatest gift a parent can give his child is time. Money can’t buy everything!
 The Most Beautiful Heart

One day, in a heavily crowded place, a young man began shouting.

“People, look at me. I have the most beautiful heart in the world.”
Many people looked at him and were stunned to see his beautiful heart in a perfect
shape, without any flaw. It looked quite amazing. Most of the people who saw his heart
were mesmerized by the beauty of his heart, and praised him.
However, there came an old man who challenged the young man, “No my son, I have
got the most beautiful heart in the world!”
The young man asked him, “Show me your heart, then!”

The old man showed his heart to him. It was very rough, uneven, and had scars
all over. In addition, the heart was not in shape; it appeared like bits and pieces joined
in various colours. There were some rough edges; some parts were removed, and fitted
with other pieces.

The young man started laughing, and said, “My dear old man, are you mad? See,
my heart! How beautiful and flawless it is. You cannot find even a bit of imperfection in
my heart. See, yours? It is full of scars, wounds, and blemishes. How can you say your
heart is beautiful?”

“Dear boy, my heart is just as beautiful as your heart is. Did you see the scars?
Each scar represents the love I shared with a person. I share a piece of my heart with
others when I share love, and in return I get a piece of heart, which I fix at the place from
where I have torn a piece!” said the old man.
The young man was shocked.

The old man continued, “Since the pieces of heart I shared were neither equal nor
in the same shape or size, my heart is full of uneven edges and bits and pieces. My heart
is not in shape because sometimes I do not get love in return from those to whom I gave
it. Your heart that looks fresh and full with no scars indicates that you never shared love
with anybody. Isn’t that true?”

The young man stood still and did not speak a word. Tears rolled down his cheeks.
He walked to the old man, tore a piece of his heart and gave the piece to the old man.
Many give importance and respect to physical beauty. Yet, real beauty is not physical!
 Real Vs Fake

Minnu was a sweet, lovable and beautiful girl, aged six years. She was an adorable
kid as she always obeyed her elders. Minnu’s parents loved her for her amazing
behaviour.

One day, Minnu’s mother took her for grocery shopping. As they passed the shops,
Minnu noted a cute plastic pearl necklace in dazzling pink! She asked her mother to buy
her the necklace. Her mother told her that it cost quite a few pennies. She asked her to
do some chores, so that for every completed piece of work Minnu would get some money
and she could buy the pink necklace.

Minnu prepared a to-do list and assisted her mom with all the chores. Her mom
was very happy, and she paid enough money to buy the pink necklace.
Minnu happily purchased the necklace and wore it just everywhere, every time, except
while taking bath. Her mother said that her neck would turn pink and the pearls would
lose their sheen if she wore it while bathing. But all other times, Minnu wore it, even while
sleeping.

Minnu’s father used to tell her bed time stories frequently. One night, after
completing a story, her dad asked how much she loved him. Minnu replied, “You know
how much I love you.”
Dad asked, “Then give me your pearl necklace please!”
Minnu replied, “Please daddy, I love you so much but please don’t ask for these pearls.
I will give you the pink Barbie which you bought me a month ago.”
Dad replied, “Fine, sweetheart.”

After a few days, the conversation was repeated between Minnu and her dad.
Again, Minnu refused to give her pearl necklace and instead asked her dad to take her
pet. Dad kissed her and left with smile.
This was repeated several times.

One day, Minnu slept while her dad was reading her a story. She was holding the
necklace in her hands. Her dad took the pearl necklace from her hand. The next moment,
she woke up and asked, “Dad, what are you doing?”

Dad quickly opened a jewel box placed near her bed and handed her a real
precious pink pearl necklace. He said, “Sweetheart, this is your real necklace. I wanted
to take away the fake one all this while to give you this real one.”
She replied, ‘Thank you dad!’
Minnu immediately gave up her fake necklace for the real one.
God wants us to give up all the fake and cheap things we consider very precious
in our life. It can be habits, hatreds, harming relationships, activities, negative thoughts,
etc. He will provide us with genuine things if we give up the fake!
 Parable of the Pencil

In “Like the Flowing River” by Paulo Coelho, there is a story about a pencil. Below given
is the gist of the story.

The Pencil Maker took the pencil aside, just before putting him into the box.
“There are 5 things you need to know,” he told the pencil, “before I send you out into the
world. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best pencil
you can be.”

One: “You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held
in someone’s hand.”
Two: “You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you’ll need it to
become a better pencil.”
Three: “You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.”
Four: “The most important part of you will always be what's inside.”
Five: “On every surface you are used on, you must leave your mark. No matter what the
condition, you must continue to write.”

The pencil understood and promised to remember, and went into the box with purpose
in its heart.

Now replacing the pencil with you, if you remember these lessons and never forget them,
you will become the best person you can be.

One: “You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held
in God’s hand. And allow other human beings to access you for the many gifts you
possess.”

Two: “You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, by going through
various problems in life, but you’ll need it to become a stronger and better person.”

Three: “You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make. So do not be afraid of
making mistakes.”

Four: “The most important part of you will always be what’s on the inside. What you think
and feel is more important than how you look.”

Five: “On every surface you walk through, you must leave your mark. No matter what
the situation, you must continue to do your duties. Leave your legacy when you leave
this world.”

You are special. Only you can fulfill the purpose for which you were born.
 Beautiful
Christina Aguilera

Don't look at me Oh no
Everyday is so wonderful So don't you bring me down today
Then suddenly No matter what we do (no matter what we
It's hard to breathe do)
Now and then I get insecure No matter what we say (no matter what
From all the pain we say)
I'm so ashamed We're the song inside the tune (yeah, oh
I am beautiful yeah)
No matter what they say Full of beautiful mistakes
Words can't bring me down And everywhere we go (and everywhere
I am beautiful we go)
In every single way The sun will always shine (the sun will
Yes words can't bring me down always, always, shine)
Oh no And tomorrow we might awake
So don't you bring me down today On the other side
To all your friends you're delirious 'Cause we are beautiful
So consumed No matter what they say
In all your doom, ooh Yes words won't bring us down
Trying hard to fill the emptiness Oh no
The pieces gone We are beautiful
Left the puzzle undone In every single way
Ain't that the way it is Yes words can't bring us down
You are beautiful Oh no
No matter what they say So don't you bring me down today
Words can't bring you down Oh, oh oh
Oh no Don't you bring me down today, yeah
You sre beautiful Don't you bring me down, ooh
In every single way Today
Yes words can't bring you down
 I Believe I Can Fly
R. Kelly
I used to think that I could not go on
And life was nothing but an awful song
But now I know the meaning of true love
I'm leaning on the everlasting arms
If I can see it, then I can do it
If I just believe it, there's nothing to it
I believe I can fly
I believe I can touch the sky
I think about it every night and day (Night
and day)
Spread my wings and fly away
I believe I can soar
I see me running through that open door
I believe I can fly
I believe I can fly
I believe I can fly hoo
See I was on the verge of breaking down
Sometimes silence can seem so loud
There are miracles in life I must achieve
But first I know it starts inside of me, ho
oh
If I can see it hoo, then I can be it
If I just believe it, there's nothing to it
I believe I can fly
I believe I can touch the sky
I think about it every night and day
Spread my wings and fly away
I believe I can soar
I see me running through that open door
I believe I can fly
I believe I can fly
Oh, I believe I can fly hoo
Hey, 'cause I believe in me, oh
If I can see it hoo, then I can do it
If I just believe it, there's nothing to it hey
I believe I can fly hoo
I believe I can touch the sky
I think about it every night and day
Spread my wings and fly away
I believe I can soar
I see me running through that open door
I believe I can fly (I can fly)
I believe I can fly (I can fly)
I believe I can fly (I can fly) hey
If I just spread my wings (I can fly)
I can fly (I can fly)
I can fly (I can fly)
I can fly, (I can fly) hey
If I just spread my wings (I can fly)
I can fly (I can fly)
(I can fly)
(I can fly)
 Don't Stop Believin'
Journey

Just a small town girl

Livin' in a lonely world
She took the midnight train goin' anywhere
Just a city boy
Born and raised in south Detroit
He took the midnight train goin' anywhere
A singer in a smoky room
A smell of wine and cheap perfume
For a smile they can share the night
It goes on and on, and on, and on
Strangers waiting
Up and down the boulevard
Their shadows searching in the night
Streetlights, people
Living just to find emotion
Hiding somewhere in the night
Working hard to get my fill
Everybody wants a thrill
Payin' anything to roll the dice
Just one more time
Some will win, some will lose
Some were born to sing the blues
Oh, the movie never ends
It goes on and on, and on, and on
Strangers waiting
Up and down the boulevard
Their shadows searching in the night
Streetlights, people
Living just to find emotion
Hiding somewhere in the night
Don't stop believin'
Hold on to the feelin'
Streetlights, people
Don't stop believin'
Hold on
Streetlights, people
Don't stop believin'
Hold on to the feelin'
Streetlights, people
 Let It Go
Idina Menzel
The snow glows white on the mountain
tonight
Not a footprint to be seen
A kingdom of isolation
And it looks like I'm the queen
The wind is howling like this swirling
storm inside
Couldn't keep it in, heaven knows I've
tried
Don't let them in, don't let them see
Be the good girl you always have to be
Conceal, don't feel, don't let them know
Well, now they know
Let it go, let it go
Can't hold it back anymore
Let it go, let it go
Turn away and slam the door
I don't care what they're going to say
Let the storm rage on
The cold never bothered me anyway
Let it go, let it go
Can't hold it back anymore
Let it go, let it go
Turn away and slam the door
Let it go (go, go, go go, go go, go go, go,
go, go go)
Let it go
Let it go
Let it go
It's funny how some distance makes
everything seem small
And the fears that once controlled me
can't get to me at all
It's time to see what I can do
To test the limits and break through
No right, no wrong, no rules for me
I'm free
Let it go, let it go
I am one with the wind and sky
Let it go, let it go
You'll never see me cry
Here I stand and here I stay
Let the storm rage on
My power flurries through the air into the
ground
My soul is spiraling in frozen fractals all
around
And one thought crystallizes like an icy
blast
I'm never going back, the past is in the
past
Let it go
The cold never bothered me anyway
Let it go, let it go
And I'll rise like the break of dawn
Let it go, let it go
That perfect girl is gone
Here I stand in the light of day
Let the storm rage on
The cold never bothered me anyway
 Hero
Mariah Carey

There's a hero With the strength to carry on

If you look inside your heart And you cast your fears aside
You don't have to be afraid And you know you can survive
Of what you are So when you feel like hope is gone
There's an answer Look inside you and be strong
If you reach into your soul And you'll finally see the truth
And the sorrow that you know That a hero lies in you
Will melt away That a hero lies in you
And then a hero comes along Mmm, that a hero lies in you
With the strength to carry on
And you cast your fears aside
And you know you can survive
So when you feel like hope is gone
Look inside you and be strong
And you'll finally see the truth
That a hero lies in you
It's a long road
When you face the world alone
No one reaches out a hand
For you to hold
You can find love
If you search within yourself
And that emptiness you felt
Will disappear
And then a hero comes along
With the strength to carry on
And you cast your fears aside
And you know you can survive
So when you feel like hope is gone
Look inside you and be strong
And you'll finally see the truth
That a hero lies in you, oh, oh
Lord knows
Dreams are hard to follow
But don't let anyone
Tear them away, hey yeah
Hold on
There will be tomorrow
In time you'll find the way
And then a hero comes along