This old Chinese proverb,
If practiced each day,
Would change the whole world
In a wonderful way.

It's truth is so simple,
It's so easy to do,
And it works every time
And successfully, too.
For you can't do a kindness
Without a reward,
Not in silver nor gold
But in joy from the Lord.

You can't light a candle
To show others the way
Without feeling the warmth
Of that bright little ray.
And you can't pluck a rose,
All fragrant with dew,
Without part of its fragrance
Remaining with you.

Helen Steiner Rice  

Tears of a Rose  

Even that which is beautiful
Can sometimes bring pain,
So to love from the heart,
Is to invite the rain.

But to reach for the rose,
You must fear not the thorn,
So to love from the soul,
Is to embrace the storm.

Helen Steiner Rice  

Background Courtesy of
Aubrey's Jeweled Creations

Heart and Hand
Courtesy of
Opus Graphics