AASRA MAGAZINE: Connecting Communities Since 2006

I looked up at the heavens and saw the glistening stars and the brilliant white moon kiss the sky.
I looked down at the earth and saw the insects drink the shiny dew on the long green grass.
I looked at myself and saw a loving kind soul wanting to do many kind deeds.
Yes, yes, yes the heavens, earth, and human beings are here because God wants it so.
Life is good. Life is what you make it!

- Joan Roberts

I laugh because I am happy
I am happy because I can read and write
Because I can read and write I can help others.

I laugh because I can see goodness in the world
I laugh because others laugh with me
I will laugh, and laugh, and laugh until I am full.

- Joan Roberts

Everyone wants to be rich. I confess that I do, too. But is it such a bad thing to be poor?

Money will give us many things, but it can not give us everything. It can not guarantee us good health or happiness. And it can never promise us love. If we are sick, unhappy and unloved, what good are riches?

A simple meal shared with a good friend will always taste better than an expensive one from the finest of restaurants- if eaten alone.

Comforting words in times of uncertainy and sorrow can not be charged off to any bank account.

The best gift a person could ever give me is a story. Especially if it is their own story. It is a gift no one can ever borrow from me and not return. It will never get lost or stolen or carelessly thrown in the trash. It will never need to be repaired or scheduled to be serviced. It will never collect dust on a shelf or go out of style with the seasons. It will not have to match with any of my furniture nor will it take up any space in my closets.
And it will never be forgotten by me.

- Carmen Arechavaleta