Food For Thought.

The happiest people in life don't necessarily have the best of everything, but they make the most of everything they have.

It will take a lifetime to become the person you deserve to be.

Sometimes education doesn't always lead to intelligence.

You can do something hastily in an instant that will bring on a lifetime of heartache.

Always leave with kind words, it may be the last time you see that person.

Be kind to all those you pass on the way up the latter of success for they will be the very same people you will pass on your way down. 

Heros do what has to be done regardless of the consequences. 

Sometimes you have the right to be angry, but never the right to be mean or cruel.

Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something entirely different. 

Your life can be changed in the twinkling of an eye by people who don't know you.

When you think you have nothing left to give, you have given up!

It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice. 

A soldier doesn't fight because he hates what's in front of him, he fights because he loves what's behind him. 

To error is human, to forgive is divine.

Sometimes the answer to a prayer is not that it changes life, but that it changes you. 

The only human institution that rejects progress is the cemetery.

If you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it.

What matters is not the idea a person holds, but the depth at which he believes it.  

Seeing is not believing; believing is seeing!  You see things, not as they are, but as you are.

Do what you want to do as if you knew you couldn't fail!

If you want to be remembered borrow some money, it you want to be forgotten lend some!

The mind's job is to validate what it thinks.

You are only one thought away from happiness.

If the only prayer you ever had was in your heart, that would suffice. 

Thanks For Giving.

Somewhere, there is a single mother standing in a checkout line at the grocery store.  There are three small children by her side, a crying baby in her arms and she's struggling for much more than the small change at the bottom of her purse.  Everyday is a new challenge for her and she believes if she'd been just a little thinner, maybe her husband would have stayed...

Somewhere, there is a man at the side of the road and carrying all his belongings upon his back.  He doesn't want anything except a little human kindness.  He never meant to offend anyone by his appearance, he's just down on his luck and would like to believe that tomorrow will be a brighter day...   

Somewhere, there is another lost teenager wandering the streets.  The pain is etched upon her face.   She is the one with the colorful hair and all the piercing through her skin.  Her look is hard and cold, but it was placed there by fear and to hide the real truth!  She cries alone in her room at night where no one can see, and strives to cover up the years of abuse that nobody would believe.  She is waiting for someone to show her what love really means... 

Somewhere, there is a child that sits at the back of the classroom.   He is forced to hide a painful secret deep inside and threatened by the very hands of someone he once trusted.  While the other children taunt and tease him, he struggle to carry the burdens placed upon his innocent soul and sometimes it too heavy to bare....   

There may be times when the challenges in our lives seem overwhelming, but one doesn't have to look far to see the faces of those who endure the impossible every day of their lives.  We have witness the destruction of natural disasters and the tragedy of human loss, but it's more difficult to see the silent death taking place in the hearts of those less fortunate.  

This holiday season is a wonderful time to reflect upon our blessings and seize the opportunity to make a difference in the world.  We may never know the source of someone's burdens and I believe we are chosen to ease the pain and lighten the load of the weary.  It may only require a moment in time, a little spare change, or kind words of encouragement.  These random acts of love can make all the difference in the world to someone who is suffering.  

What would happen if everyone made a conscious effort to look for opportunities to serve mankind?  I believe that we would change in the twinkling of an eye.  We would provide hope for the helpless, rest for the weary and love for the broken hearted to begin the healing of a troubled world. by, Linda Sumner Urza, One Fine Dad

Little Laughing Matters

The day I became seriously religious.

"You better pray that comes out of the carpet!"

The day I learned about the weather.

"It looks like a tornado went through this house."

The day I found total confusion. 

"This hurts me, more than it will hurt you!"

The day I learned about the science of osmosis.

"Keep your mouth shut and eat your dinner!"

The day I understood how to tell time.

"I'll just take a minute............................................................."

The day I learn about respecting others. 

"If you're going to kill each other, do it outside, I just cleaned this house!"

The day I understood behavior modification.

"You're acting just like your father!"

The day I was taught the art of logic.

"Because I said so, that's why!"

The day I learned about time travel.

"Pay attention or I'll knock you into next week!"

The day I realized I had stamina.

"Eat all your peas."

The day I learned about extra sensory perception.

"Where's your report card?"

The day I thought twice about envy.

"There are millions of kids in the world that would love to have your life!"

The day I learned about exaggeration.

"If I've told you once, I've told you a million times."

The day I became a contortionist.

"Look at all that dirt on the back of your neck?"

The day I was taught about foresight.

"Make sure you have on clean underwear in case you're in an accident."

The day I mastered the art of negotiation.

"Did you hit your sister?"

The day I understood the circle of life.

"I brought you into this world, I can certainly send you out."

by, Linda Sumner Urza, One fine day

The Worth of A Soul.

When I was growing up, my dad taught me and my siblings to, “do unto other as you would have them do unto you” and he instilled in us the great worth of a soul!  My mother followed up with the phrase, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all!”  As a child, my conscience was sealed with three distinct principles that my parents taught in our home: be your brother’s keeper, strive to leave things better than when you found them, and when you do good, you get good!

It didn’t take me long to realize how valuable those simple principles were to me and that they would govern the rest of my life.  I assumed that all people lived by these same principles, but was surprised to learn the world is not exactly as I had expected.  There were many challenging experiences that caused me to draw upon those precepts and in my quieter moments, I humbly appreciated the wisdom and counsel of my parents.  

Several years ago, I was in the park having a family picnic when I witnessed a man beating a child.  He was dragging this child across the grass by one arm, hitting him with a belt, and yelling obscenities.  Without hesitation, I ran across the park, with every intention of stopping what I had just witnessed!  

I demanded that he let go of the child’s arm and I asked him why he was hurting the little boy.  First, he delivered a string of very colorful metaphors and then replied, “He acts like an animal and I’m gonna treat him like one!  Mind your own blanking business!”  My reply to him was, “This has become my business!”

Immediately, I called the police.  They arrived within minutes and while they detained the man for questioning, I sat on the grass beside this little boy.  I could see by his broken spirit that he had been shattered by the terrible experience.  I felt impressed to do everything possible to comfort him, but there was so little time, and I wanted desperately to give him something of great value.  I began by telling him how special he was, that he was a good boy - that no one could take that away from him.  When his bottom lip started quivering with a wave of emotions, my tears surfaced, but I continued.  

I told him that I loved him and sometimes bad things happen to "really good people" and if this ever happened to him again, to tell someone that he trusts.  I told him that he didn't deserve to be hurt by anyone and that he was child of great worth to all the good people in this world!  He listened to every word that I said and when it came time for him to leave with the police officers, he understood clearly that a complete stranger cared about him.  As the police officers opened the door to the backseat of their vehicle, this little boy turned around and looked right at me, he waved goodbye with such innocence.

I don’t know what happened to the rest of this little boys life, but I know in the short time we had together, he knew there were others watching over him and that he was of great value.  Over the years, I have wondered many times about this boy and I hoped that he could used his bad experiences to remind him of how good he wanted to become.

A few years later, our family was traveling northbound on I-15, on our way to a reunion in Idaho.  It was in the middle of July and screaming hot outside.  Suddenly, and without warning, a man jumped from an overpass above us and landing on the pavement directly in front of our motor home!  We stopped so abruptly that everything inside our vehicle came crashing to the floor, including our children.

This man was seriously injured and lay unconscious on the freeway a few feet away from the wheels of our motor home.  His gaping head wounds were frightening and he had a broken bone protruding from his right arm (where he had instinctively put his hand out to break the fall) and  these were just the visible injuries.  Someone in the crowd had called for an ambulance, but it took fifteen very long and frightful minutes for them to finally arrive.  

We gently placed blankets underneath his body to protect him from the burning pavement and applied compressions to his open wounds; this slowed down the bleeding considerably.  When he started to come out of the unconscious state, he panicked and tried to get up.  With gentle restraints we persuaded him to lay still and to be calm.  I was down on both knees (holding the man’s shoulders with my hands) and attempting to keep him focused on the conversation, to reassurance him that everything was going to be alright. 

I can’t begin to express the urgency that everyone felt in saving this man’s life!  I had strong impressions that his family loved him dearly and that they had no idea of his desire to end his life!  We were consumed with his well-being and as more people stopped to assist, it was comforting to see the love and concerns that everyone had for this stranger.  

When the ambulance finally arrived, he was quickly loaded on a stretcher and rushed away.  We stood on the side of the freeway in shock from the ordeal and wondering how this man had gotten to a point in his life, where he thought this would be the only option.

Several month passed by and we were traveling in the same direction on I-15.  We had thought of this man many times, but didn’t know if he survived the trauma of his severe injuries.  We stopped by the police department of the closest town to the scene of the accident and they informed us he had lived!   His family had no idea that he was suffering from such deep depression and they were so grateful that he survived.  The officer knew the man personally and told us that he is a good man, just down on his luck.

Over the span of my lifetime I have worn out the principles that my parents taught me and with great respect and honor.  I understand what it means to be my brother’s keeper, strive to leave things better than when you found them, and when you do good, you get good!  There is one more principle that I have added for my children, “If not me then who, if not now then when?” by, Linda Sumner Urza, One fine day

Can You Spare Some Change?

Not the kind of change that is found in the bottom of your pockets or in the kitchen drawer, but the change that is found deep within.  This is the celebration of a child’s courage that caused one of the greatest changes in the history of our country.

Today is the 50 year anniversary of a little girl named Ruby Bridges.  Ruby was one of the first colored children to integrate into an all white public school on November 14, 1960.  Under federal court order, New Orleans public schools were forced to desegregate and Ruby was one of six colored children to integrate (she was the first colored child to ever attend William Frantz Elementary).

The tiny six year old was surrounded by federal marshals when she walked up the steps of William Frantz Elementary and entered into the school building.  Ruby’s parents had counseled with her, but she was not prepared for the outrage coming from the screaming crowd.  The following day, someone had placed a coffin containing a back doll on the front lawn of the school and she was terrified!  

The protesting parents refused to allow Ruby to have any contact with their children during school hours.  When she entered the classroom, her private teacher asked her to pick any desk in the "empty room".  Ruby spent that entire year alone!  

It’s shocking to learn the prejudice throughout the history of our country, but it’s equally inspiring to celebrate the courage of great souls who made a difference and to witness the walls of ignorance and unconsciousness tumble to the ground.  Ruby is still making contributions with her life and continues to be a exemplary role model in her community and in our country.  She works with troubled teens and donates her time to William Frantz Elementary (the school where her touching story began).


There are many things in the world in need of change and if a six year old child can make all the difference in our world, perhaps we can all spare a little change?   by. Linda Sumner Urza, One fine day

Things do not change; we change. ~Henry David Thoreau

Dying to Live! (Let's end bullying.)

Dear Diary, today is Thursday. It was not a good day!  I got on the bus again, but no one would let me sit down and as I walked through the isles, I became the human punching bag.  It’s awful how one kid starts something and the others follow behind, like they have no conscience of their own. They are mean to me and I wish they knew, just for one day, how bad it hurts!  Sometimes I wonder if it’s worth it. 

Mom asked me how school was going, but I didn’t have the heart to tell her the truth!  I don’t want her to know; She’s too sensitive right now with Dad gone and everything! It would crush her if she found out what they were doing to me and Mom has too many things to worry about right now!  Nine month have passed since Dad left for Afghanistan and it's hard not having him here.  I’ll never forget the fear that I saw in Mom’s eyes when he boarded the airplane, for a split second she hesitated and let down her guard.  She pretended to be brave, but I could see that she was really frightened!   

Sometimes, I am afraid - so afraid that I can't sleep at night.  I feel like the world is closing in on me.  I want to be brave and strong like my parents, but at times it’s just too hard! Tomorrow is school and I’m trying to focus on my grades.  If there’s anyway the kids at school wouldn’t happen to notice me...that would be really great!  Goodnight diary,  Janni 

Journal Entry, Friday

It’s been months since I boarded the plane to Afghanistan.  This is a different world over here and believe me Dorothy was right, "there's no place like home!"  The people of this country are striving to make ends meet, much like the folks back in the states, but there’s a hidden darkness of oppression and despair that surrounds us.  There’s nothing more priceless than freedom, but freedom didn’t come without a price and the debt has been paid by many! 

This morning a bomb exploded not far from where we are stationed, it killed several civilians and three American soldiers.  War is not a friendly place and there are nights when I fear that I will not see the break of dawn - or my family again.  This is hell being in a strange world and millions of miles away from home.  I miss my wife and daughter Janni!  To me, they are the light reflecting off the sun and I know that everyday I’m here, I’m one day closer to going home! 

Dear Diary, today is Friday.

Someone stole my purse and dumped my things all over in the hallway.  I guess they wanted to feel really important!!!  All the pictures in my wallet were torn up and scattered on the floor, including the picture of my dad! It made me so mad and it was hard to fight back the tears.  How do people grow up to become so cruel? 

Mr. Tanner, my History teacher, helped me pick up all my things.  He was so kind and I was glad that he was there.  He apologized to me, even though it wasn’t his fault and I got the feeling that if he could have made it all go away, he would have done that for me.  

He told me not to let the bad things that other people do determine who I am and that I’m a person of great worth!  It made me feel better to know that he cared about my feelings.  Today, it was my favorite day of all and I was glad to be alive.  I hope tomorrow will be just as great. Goodnight diary,  Janni

Journal Entry, Sunday

It was a long night without any sleep.  My division was in charge of a reconnaissance mission and we were up for 36 hour straight, but one good thing, the mail sack was distributed this morning and I had three letters from home.  Maryanne and Janni, if you ever get a chance to read this journal, I love you both and it's hard to live each day without you!  Janni, I read your letters today and you have a marvelous way of making life seem so much better.  I'm grateful for your support!  I know you’re taking good care of your mother and I'm glad you have each other. If anything happens to me, I want both of you to know that my world was a better place when it was surround by the two of you!

Everyday, there are many children that leave the safety of their homes and enter into a hostile environment where they are abused by bullies.   They walk through the war zones of  our schools, but they are not alone.  Their teachers are forced to walk among the land mines that are set by those who terrorize the innocent with their ignorance.   

What will it take for our society to shed the evilness of bigotry, prejudice and hatred?  There are many children just like Janni, who dodge the bullets daily and who are fighting to survive in a place that should be a safe zone for our children. 

Janni’s dilemma is not much different from the world where her father is serving in Afghanistan, only she comes face to face with bullies every day!   Children's fears are real and it's expressed through the passion and intensity of their tears.  They get extremely depressed, frightened, and lonely.   When their world is threatened, they carry that weight upon their shoulders and in many cases never share the burdens with anyone!

I wrote this story for my granddaughter, who had an experience similar to this in school. Fortunately, it was brought to the attention of her teacher, but only because another student had the integrity to tell his parents.  The teacher questioned each students, made those involved write a letter to their parents admitting their actions and then she called their parents individually.   The teacher also reassured my daughter that she would monitor this situation throughout the year and with a sincere desire to prevent this from ever happening again.  

We commend the dignity of those noble teachers who walk upon the unsteady and shifting ground in our schools, and we honor those children who have the courage and integrity to stand up for what is right - "for this is the wisdom and courage of  greatness!"

Dear Diary, today is Monday.

Some of the bullies were picking on the new girl during lunch hour.  At first I was relieved because it took some of the pressure off me. Then I remembered how I felt when my teacher, Mr. Tanner, showed up in my life!  I moved my tray over to her table and introduced myself.  She’s so cool, I think we're going to be best friends!  It felt good to do the right thing and there’s power in numbers!  

Maybe one fine day there will be no wars, everyone will be accepted for their individual beauty and people won't have to die in fear, so that others can live in peace!
by, Linda Sumner Urza, One fine day


"We have the ability to change the world through our actions. The light from one small candle can illuminate the entire world when it's shared with others!"

Grow Where You Are Planted.

When I was in school there were times when I struggled to keep up with the other children.  There was not much information known about dyslexia or learning disabilities and if a child fell behind in school, they were labeled.  That would be me!  

Reading became a struggle.  My eyes saw the words, but by the time it registered in my brain the form had changed to a completely new word (saw became was, etcetera).  I discovered that it was easier to read backwards in the mirror than it was to read forward in a text book!  My math scores reflected these challenges for reversing the sequence of numbers or mistaking 9 and 6 was very common for me.

For those who don’t understand what this is like.  Imagine taking a big bite of your favorite dessert and discovering, when it hits your taste buds, that it’s changed into a warm bite of cow pie!  I can assure you, for me, trust became a real issue and I began to second guess all my decision.  It was exhausting!

It wasn’t easy to overcome the obstacles of my disabilities, but I learned many valuable lessons from sitting at the back of the class!  I realized there are many choices in life to be made; although, it was difficult for me academically, I was determined to strive even harder to develop other gifts that came readily.  If I couldn’t go to Harvard, then I was going somewhere equally gratifying!

Within a few short weeks I had discovered my potential as an athlete.  That year I took the prestigious J. F. Kennedy Decathlon award and I became the only “freshman” in the history of my school to gain such recognition.  My triumph was over the entire freshman, sophomores, juniors, and seniors girls and although, this didn’t raise my math scores, it did wonders for my self esteem!

Triumph comes in all forms.  It’s studied and proven that when a person loses one of their senses, the other sensory perceptions become more predominant and powerful.  Think about this for a moment.  If one ability is “less than” and the “other abilities can become stronger” then this provides an advantage in many areas and not a disadvantage!  There is also a hidden clause for those who possess disabilities.  They developed an inner sense of determination to succeed and this breaks down the barriers between failure and success.

Here are some interesting people who developed their talents in spite of the obstacles. 

Hans Christian Anderson (Famous Author) - Dyslexia

Ludwig van Beethoven (Famous Musician) - Deaf

Alexander Graham Bell (Great Inventor) - Learning Disability

Winston Churchill (Prime Minister of England) - Dyslexia

Walt Disney (Animator/ Movie Producer) - Dyslexia

Thomas Edison (Great Inventor) - Dyslexia

Albert Einstein (Great Physicist) - Dyslexia

John Milton (Famous Author) - Visually Impaired

General George Patton (War General)-Dyslexia

Franklin D. Roosevelt (President of the United States)- Polio

Leonardo daVinci (Famous Painter)-Dyslexia

George Washington (President of the United States) - Dyslexia

Woodrow Wilson (President of the United States) - Dyslexia 

We are never too young or never too old to become excellent at something.  I am certain that if my English teacher had an opportunity to read my blog, she would roll over in her grave!  But guess what?  “It’s my blog” and one find day, I plan to finish all the races that I have yet to run! 

by, Linda Sumner Urza, One fine day.

"Never, never, never give up!" 
~ Winston Churchill

Enlightenment of The Indigo Children

Have you noticed lately how many noble spirits are inhabiting the earth?  They are children who possess excellent gifts and qualities!  They are born with an angelic countenance that surrounds them and their presences emulates that of peace and harmony.  

The pure in heart are raising the levels of consciousness and these enlightened souls are flooding the world with their profound energy! 

When in their presence; the world becomes a better place and peace and hope abound.  There are millions of enlightened spirits coming to earth.  

I have chosen to share three remarkable “little beings with brilliant souls” and when you look deep into their eyes - their magnificent light surpasses that of greatness.

They are called the Indigo Children and they proclaim their gifts are from the Heavenly Being.  They are those who recognize their extraordinary abilities and give credit to a higher authority than what is present in this life.  They are refined and elegant; bringing an awareness to the world that we are all powerful within our own light. 

The ten year old child prodigy, Jackie Evancho, (from America’s Got Talent) who has the voice of an angel has stated on Oprah, "My talent was given to me by God and each day I thank him for this gift."  The brilliance of her distinguished countenance is surrounding her and the beauty from within is clearly visible to the human eye.  Please watch as her innocent spirit emulate the light from within. 

The young, Akiane Kramarik, is another prodigy child who began sketching when she was only four years old.  Three years later her gifted talents were known around the globe and her artistic abilities are praised as a natural phenomena.  She has shared her remarkable story on CNN, ABC, Oprah, and around the globe.  

The intrigue comes not only from her rare talents, but the fact that she exposed her atheist parent to the existence of a God, at such a young age.  (Akiane had never been outside the perimeters of her home for any formal training.)  At the age of four, she began to express her feelings about her innate abilities to her parents and changed their lives forever.  Akiane’s paintings reflect upon a preexistence called Heaven, where she remembers living with her friend, Jesus.  When her parents inquired where she had learned these things, Akiane, explained that God had revealed them to her. 

Ethan Bortnick, is the renowned child prodigy who started playing the piano at the age of three.  His parents recognized his extraordinary ability through the sounds coming from a plastic toy piano that had only fourteen keys!   Today, he is the ripe old age of six.  Ethan has memorized over 200 piano pieces and is performing all over the world.  His light and energy is impossible to extinguish or contain and it overflows into the lives of everyone in his presence!

It is said that, “Out of the mouths of babes...”   These little ones are proclaiming that there is a light more brilliant than that of the noon day sun and they give credit to that higher source... "who was, and is, and yet to come"!  It’s impossible to look upon their faces and not witness a greater purpose being preformed. 

Have we forgotten who we are?  I think not!  However, it's easy to become distracted by the worldly noises taking place around us that will tarnish the inner glow.  There are those who hide their gifts underneath the rubble of a world that strives to dictate what they are to become.  

We are all children of light and energy with unlimited potential!  Everyone has a divine purpose and a responsibility to make this world a better place in which to live.  This starts by constantly striving to acknowledging ones excellence, by living within that inherent light and by giving thanks to the Master of our destiny. 

by, Linda Sumner Urza, One fine day.

Time In A Bottle.

Singer and songwriter, Jim Croce, wrote the song "Time In A Bottle" for his unborn son, Adrian.  Jim had just completed a concert in Louisiana on the night of September 20, 1973, when he was scheduled to fly to Texas for a concert at Austin College.  He and five other members of his entourage boarded a small plane and upon takeoff from the airport, despite excellent visibility, the plane did not gain enough altitude to clear a tree at the end of the runway.

On that fateful evening, the pilot and all passengers were killed instantly.  Jim’s short career ended at the young age of 30.  He left behind a grieving wife and his little son.  Croce’s legacy of songs can still be heard on the airwaves today and there’s a haunting connection between the lyrics of “Time In A Bottle” and his untimely death.

How wonderful it would be if we could keep time in a bottle, but unfortunately, time is expendable.  It can only be used once and then it becomes a part of the past.  We waste it, abuse it, lose it, track it, monitor it, budget it, rationalize it, and so on, but in all the ways time can be used, there’s one thing for certain, there are no substitutions for it’s loss.

There are selfless and noble parents who would sacrifice their remaining time upon this earth, to restore that precious time to a dying child.  When a moment in time is spent, that moment is gone forever and only the residue of precious memories remain.  

Someone once asked the question, “If you knew your life was coming to a close in a few short weeks, how would you spend your last days?”  I believe there are many who would relinquish all their earthly possessions and untold wealth to have another sweet taste of time.  

Maybe we would hold our babies just a little longer or play those silly little games our children ask us to play.  Maybe we would reevaluate what is important and take a moment in time to visit the widow across the street, who waits daily for someone to care.  Perhaps we would share our abundance with others when there is evidence they are struggling.  I believe that we would reach so far outside of ourselves to help others, that we would touch the hand of God.

If you have ever sat by the bedside of someone who is leaving this life, then you know and understand how clear their perspective and perception becomes.  The sun rising in the morning is their miracle and they watch all the beauties of nature as though they had never seen them before!  


Many times I have heard the broken words, “If I just had a little more time!” Unfortunately, this lifetime does not last forever and we may not have sufficient warning when that final hour is upon us.  Jim Croce's life was over in the blink of an eye and the memories of Jim are distant shadows of a life that once was.  


"Live each moment in time as if it were your last."
     by, Linda Sumner Urza, One Fine Day

                Jim Croce, his wife and little son, Adrian.