This Is Mine

"This is mine," said the man rich in possessions. "And this is mine and this is mine, and soon I will buy more."

"But what if you are no more," asked a voice. "Who will it all belong to?"

"It's all mine," the rich man shouted in response. "I've spent my life getting it all."

"But some day you will die," replied the voice. "Everyone does. Then what happens to your possessions?"

The Sweetest Scent

When a coal miner was asked, "What is the sweetest scent," he replied, "Pure fresh air, something people take for granted unless they've been deep in a coal mine."

When an adorable six year old girl was asked what the isweetest scent is, she said, "It is the scent of my bubble bath."

When asked the question, a baker replied, "The scent of freshly baked bread."

A mother answered, "The scent of my new baby."

A surfer said, "The salt spray from the ocean."

A prisoner answered, "The scent of freedom."

There are as many opinions as to what is the sweetest scent as there are people. But in the end, for you, the only nose that really knows is yours.

With Love To All ~ Dick

The New Santa Claus

"This is my last Christmas," Santa told his board of directors. "It's time for the Mrs. and me to retire to Palm Springs, play golf and relax.

"But who will take your place," the board asked.

"I have the ideal replacement," Santa replied, as he handed out the proposed new Santa's resume.

Jesus' Feeding Of The 5,000

In the Christian Bible, the gospels reported that Jesus fed 5,000 people with five loaves of bread, and two small fishes.

But recently discovered was the long missing account of Sheldon, another of Jesus' devout disciples. Here is his first-hand description of events:

The Wisdom Of A Little Red Snapdragon

The other day in my backyard, among snapdragons in a rainbow of colors, one nine inch tall snapdragon boldly stood out.

It's flowers were as red as a candy apple, as it alone was touched by a sunbeam

I was captivated and asked it, "How did this happen?"

When The Dragons Ruled The Earth

Hundreds of millions of years ago, giant dragons ruled the earth, but are long-gone now. However, some creatures from that era still survive and prosper.

Among them are the tiny tortoises, and today, we will find out how they survived, while the giant dragons did not.

Noah's Ark

In biblical times, God told Noah to build a huge ark, to protect himself and his family from a great flood that would come.

On that ark, Noah was also instructed to include couples of every animal species, so that all animal life would be preserved.

Recently discovered are the long-lost notes from Noah's brother-in-law Bernie, who was an eye-witness to these events. Here are Bernie's comments:

The Parting Of The Red Sea

According to the bible, about 3,000 years ago, with guidance from God, Moses led the Israelites to freedom from the Egyptians.

The most crucial time in their journey was when God parted the Red Sea.

The Israelites passed through on their way to the promised land, and the pursuing Egyptian army was drowned when the sea came crashing down on them.

But recently, the long-lost writings of Moses' assistant Mickey were discovered and what follows is his first hand account:

David And Goliath

In biblical times, Goliath was a giant Philistine warrior, who was confronted by little David, an Israeli.

As the Biblical story is told, the two enemies faced each other on the field of battle and David took his sling and thrust a rock into Goliath's head, killing him.

But recently, the long-lost writings of Irving were found. Irving was an eye witness to the battle, and scholars were stunned that those writings tell a much different story. Here are Irving's words:

The Bird And The Mouse

The mouse looked up at the tree filled with luscious purple plums.

"All I ever get are the rotted plums lying on the ground," the mouse thought. "I've always wanted fresh plums but I'm not able to climb this big tree to get them."

Just then, the mouse saw a bird land on a tree branch, and soon the bird began eating his fill in plums.

Suddenly, the mouse had an idea. "Hey bird," the mouse called out. ""Can you knock some plums down to me?"

"Why should I," replied the bird.

The Wisdom Of King Solomon

Solomon, who lived about 3,000 years ago, was the King of Israel, and renowned for his wisdom. This is our version of a famous biblical story about King Solomon.

Two women came to him, each claiming a baby boy was hers. Solomon took the baby, lifted his sword, and loudly proclaimed, "I'll split the baby in two, so you'll each have half."

When The Butterfly Sang

Izzy was an ordinary gray butterfly, one who was homely, shy and small. But Izzy had a kind heart, and a special gift, a magnificent singing voice.

However, only his best friend Marty knew it because Izzy was too shy to share his singing voice with others.

The Man With No Head

"Where's your head," asked the 6-year-old girl.

Saving A Little Blue Bird

The impact into her front window was so loud, it startled Mary. She ran outside and there below her window was a little blue bird.

He was flat on his back and not moving. But she sensed slight breathing, and fearful of neighborhood cats, she watched over him.

Finding One's Path In Life

It was a magical moment. Sally had just given birth to the couple's first child, a boy.

She could hardly wait to share the wonderful news with her husband, a young U.S. soldier fighting in the Vietnam War

But the day after the child's birth, two soldiers arrived at the hospital to break the news to Sally that her husband had been killed.

One Of Life's Great Lessons.

"Listen," said the golden winged butterfly, as he landed atop a red rose. "For this is one of life's great lessons."

Rainbows Of Magic

There is a magnificent place with rainbows of magic.

That place is the Yosemite Valley, and it is said that when a loving wish is made during a rainbow, magically it comes true.

The World's Most Attractive Man

The ladies had never found Charles very attractive, and like most men, he pursued those ladies who might be available to him, often without success.

One night, while feeling the frustration of yet another rejection, Charles prayed to be irresistible to women.

Suddenly, a voice replied, "Are you sure that's what you want?" "Oh yes," he answered. "More than anything else I've ever wanted."

Why The Ocean Is Salty

"Why is the ocean salty," the boy asked his father.

"Because," his father replied, "Many years ago, a ship with a salt making machine sank in a terrible storm."

"The crew was rescued," the father said. "But when the ship sank, there was no way to stop the machine from making salt."

"To this day, the salt machine keeps making salt, and will until that sunken ship is found, and the machine is finally turned off."

Dick

This story was told to me when I was a boy during the 1950's by my dad's friend, Bert Cohen.

The Tree With The Sweetest Oranges

There once was a tree that produced the sweetest oranges. Soon the word spread and people arrived from great distances to pick its fruit.

But rather than limit themselves so the tree could rest, some people cried out, "I must have more, give me more" as they picked and picked the oranges.

Then one day, the tree ran out of oranges and could produce no more.

A Pebble On The Road

"I never do anything very important," Tom said to himself, thinking his life had little meaning.

"You're wrong," replied a Guardian Angel. "Today was an excellent example."

"When you took your walk today," the Angel continued, "You came across a pebble on the road, and you kicked that pebble off to the side."

"So what," asked Tom.

The Money Tree

Iris inherited her parent's modest home, and in its backyard was a money tree.

As Iris recalled from her childhood, whenever her parents needed money for the family or for charity, they gently shook the tree and money fell to the ground.

Benny And The Giant

Benny was a little man who was popular with everyone in his community, for he was always generous and kind to others.

One day, a giant of a man moved to Benny's community, and began bullying everyone. He either hurt them or threatened to hurt them.

The people lived in fear of this giant.

The Unhappy Taxicab Driver

"I hate this job," said the cab driver as I got into his cab. "Why," I asked. "Because I hate traffic," he replied.

"How long have you been a cab driver," I inquired. "17 years," he answered. "17 years!" I said stunned. "If you're unhappy, why don't you get another job?"

Santa Claus And His Psychiatrist

Santa had been having some serious issues and although it was summer, he flew down on his sleigh to Beverly Hills to see Golda, his psychiatrist.

Outside the office tower where Santa parked his sleigh and reindeer, a big crowd quickly formed, everyone hoping to get a glimpse of this great man.

But behind closed doors, Santa began telling Golda his problems.

The Magic Refrigerator

When Doris moved into her new condominium, much to her surprise, she found an old refrigerator already installed.

In it was a note that read, "Take good care of me and I'll take good care of you. You'll never have to buy food again."

A One Way Ticket To Shmuckville

Shmuckville is considered to be the worst place on earth, a place populated by obnoxious people with no sense of compassion for others.

"All aboard," shouted the conductor as the passengers boarded the Shmuckville Express.

"How did you get your ticket," asked one man to another. "I bought a pharmacy company that had exclusive rights to a cancer treatment drug millions of people need to live. I then tripled the price."

"What did you do," he asked in return. "I was on Wall Street and rigged the markets to make lots of money. I was never punished for it, that is until I was given this ticket."

A Tale From The Days Of American Slavery

With the rope scratching his neck, and his hands and feet tied, Benjamin looked down from the gallows at the crowd below.

"You robbed good men of their property," shouted the hangman.

"You also endangered the financial security of their families, each time you stole their niggers and set them free in the North.

"Do you have any last words before you die for your crimes?"

An End To War

Explosions shook the world around me with earthquake force and a blizzard of bullets killed or destroyed everything in their path.

One by one we soldiers were being killed or wounded in this, the Korean War (1950 - 1953)

It was horrible as the stench of death, of pain and of fear permeated everything around us, and I hoped the lessons from this war would prevent other wars.

This was how my dream ended.

Have we learned anything from the horrors of the Korean War?

Gracefully Saying Goodbye

At the age of 82, and with serious health issues, Casey knew her life was coming to an end.

"I've lived a full life," she told her three daughters. "And soon I'll happily join your father."

One sunny Saturday morning, Casey impulsively went to the farmer's market and selected her favorite foods, and the favorites of her daughters and her friends.

Why Worry About Death?

For all of his 68 year life, Frank worried about death. Would it hurt? Where would he go? Was this life all there would be?

Then one day Frank awoke surrounded by Angels. "Where am I," he asked.

The Passage Of Time

"I'm 71 years of age," I said aloud, while sitting outside. "How did the years pass so quickly?"

"That's nothing," replied a little rock. "I'm 200 million years old."

"You see that rock over there," he continued. "His name is Iggy, and he's 1.7 billion years old. But you're very lucky that you don't live as long as we do."

"Why is that," I asked.

The Great Black Oak Tree

Long ago in the Yosemite Valley, a little Native Amercan boy sat under the great black oak tree, a tree much larger than the other black oak trees, as it stood tall in a vast green meadow.

One day the tree spoke to the little boy.

Do You Recognize Me?

It was George's time to pass, and as his spirit arrived through the heavenly gates, a magnificent Angel was there to greet him.

She was wearing a flowing white robe and had a smile of profound love.

But as George stood before her, she asked softly, "Do you recognize me?" 

What Is Life's Purpose?

Often fighting fear and frustration, Pete frequently asked, "What is life's purpose?"

He asked so often, that one night an Angel replied, "I'll answer your question."

Why The Easter Bunny Became A Superhero

One day the Easter Bunny met with the most powerful agent in Hollywood, Mary Molly McGwire.

"Mary Molly," he said. "I need more work."

"Being the Easter Bunny is great but it is seasonal work and all year long I have the cost of all the chickens that lay candy eggs and rabbits that make chocolate bunnies."

How To Change The World

"God, you must change people, for there is so much evil." Max often prayed, "And most people think stupid thoughts and do stupid things."

Then one day, the commanding voice of God spoke:

The Healing Closet

Age and injuries had brought 60 year old Milton considerable pain, as his body had begun breaking down.

Each day he suffered from backaches, his knees hurt and his eye sight was becoming limited. Yet his doctors had no solutions.

Then one day Milton noticed a light that was left on in his closet, and when he turned it off, it turned itself back on. Each time he turned it off, it went back on.

But as Milton stood in the closet under the light, he felt a warmth and a tingling sensation throughout his body.

A Lesson From Santa Claus

"Sid," Santa Claus shouted over the phone from his North Pole office to his Beverly Hills lawyer, "I have a problem."

"What is it Santa," Sid inquired.

A Gathering Of Angels

In a heavenly dimension, the Angels gathered.

"It is time for you to be born again in body as human," they told Freddy, who was one of the Angels.

"As an Angel, you will be of far better service to all living beings, as you gain the wisdom and resolve your karmic issues that come with being in body."

"Freddy, you know the process. We will make this journey with you as we watch over you, providing our guidance and protection."

"One more thing Freddy, while you're in body, you will have no memory of us or this meeting."

His Secret To Success

Tim loved to play baseball and in middle school and high school tried his best to make the baseball team.

He would practice much longer and harder than the other players, but each time, he was just good enough to make the baseball team, but not good enough to play. To make matters worse, younger players passed Tim by, which embarrassed him and hurt his feelings.

The other players called Tim a loser and none of them hung out with him, and the coaches didn't think he was worth investing their time in. He was sad and alone.

Tim never forgot his frustration and dissapointment in baseball and as the years went by, he would work his day job, and save his money, while hoping to become a successful real estate investor.

Speaking With A Guardian Angel

"Whenever you feel lonely or sad or your problems seem overwhelming," said the Guardian Angel to Bonnie, "I want you to look around you and you will find a little bright white feather."

"That bright white feather is a reminder that I am always with you as we make the journey of your life together. I'm here to help you."

"Do others receive such feathers," asked Bonnie. "They do," replied the Angel.

"If their Guardian Angel uses feathers as I do. But everyone has a Guardian Angel, and each of those Angels expresses their reassurance in their own way."

Ready Eddie

Ready Eddie is the most popular guy, everybody's friend, the man with a smile, a laugh and a funny story to tell.

"Why are you so popular," asked Goodtime Charlie. "I do all the things you do, but everyone wants to be with you."

"What's your secret?"

Finding Financial Security

The great sage Nirvala was asked whether there is financial security in money, and she responded thusly:

The Value Of A Home

"The value of a home is what it can sell for," stated the real estate mogul, a man who made his fortune in real estate.

"Not true my son," replied Nirvala, a wise old sage, and a sacred mother to her many followers around the globe.

Pleasure And Suffering Are One

"People have got to remember that our pleasure and our suffering are all one," said the wise old sage.

Lightening Lily, The Fastest Turtle In The West

During the California Gold Rush that began in 1848, miners came from all over the world to make their fortune.

At the end of each long day, many of the miners crowded into Snappy's Saloon to share stories, have a drink and gamble.

But when it came to gambling, everyone knew the big money was bet on the turtle races each Sunday at 2 pm in front of Snappy's,

An End To Terrorism

"Terrorism will soon be at an end," proclaimed Colonel Bob.

"How will you know," I asked.

"Because we will have killed every terrorist," Colonel Bob answered firmly. "We are making the world much safer."

Wayne Tremayne and The Thunder

A global sensation, Wayne Tremayne and The Thunder played rock concerts in the biggest stadiums in the world.

They won music awards, their online fan club had millions of members and the band's music was a staple of rock stations everywhere.

As a result, Wayne and his band members bought Beverly Hills homes, and cars and yachts in a showy display of what money could buy.

Yet sometimes Wayne would think of Annie, his long ago high school sweetheart, and all the fun they had together when they didn't have any money.

Welcome To Chocolateville

The world loves chocolate and it yearned for a chocolate paradise, a place where it could devour all the delicious chocolate it could eat or drink, a place of endless chocolate, happiness and brotherhood.

As a result the United Nations funded the creation of Chocolateville and it was paradise, as people flooded in, for everyone wants to live in paradise.

But then a strange thing happened in paradise: People suddenly became unhappy and began to squabble with each other.

Turtle Trouble

There is a beautiful Hawaiian Island that is home to two groups of sea turtles, the green turtles and the brown turtles.

Despite the Island's large size, the greens and the browns both claimed a single sand dune saying it had historic significance, the sand dune their ancestors came from.

There could be no compromise, nor sharing of the sand dune both sides said as they often went to war with each other.

A turtle war meant throwing as much sand as possible, as fast as possible, on the opponent and for many years that is what they did.

Then one day, both sides realized they had thrown so much sand at each other, that their sand dune was disappearing.

My Roof Is Leaking

In the last two days we have been pounded by rain. When the rain let up there was a loud knock on my backdoor.

"Hello Ernie," I said to the little gopher who was standing there. "Can I help you?"

"My roof is leaking," he shouted, as he shook the water off his fur. "You've gotta get out there and fix it so no more water goes in my gopher hole!"

Serving God

"Dear God," Joanie said in prayer, "How may I serve you?"

Suddenly, a bright light filled the room, and then came a magical voice:

Faith Requires Action

Morty was desperate. "Oh God," he proclaimed, "Please help me. If I had some money. I would use that money to pay off my debts and to help mankind."