BIRTHDAY

Today is my birthday. I have got some gifts, cards, kisses, but lots of warm and lovely messages of friends who are a little bit far away. I feel loved, cared and special just because I have the privilege to have you all very close to my heart.

Only a child can get a very gorgeous cake like this one.

This is my prayer:

God of all hope, to you I pray.
I have stretched out your arm of love and gathered me into your warm embrace, cleansing me from sin, forgiving me and raising me up to be a child of the king. To you I come now, yet again, head hanging in shame. I have spoken harshly, judged self-righteously, nursed a grudge, scowled and moaned when I should have allowed your grace to beautify my face and permeate my conversion.
Father, there is no reason why you should love me-except that I love Jesus, your perfect son. I love his selflessness. I love his wisdom. I love his gentleness. I love his strength. I am overwhelmed that because of his sacrifice, I am a new person, full of possibility and promise, full of the Holy Spirit.
I praise you, Father, that confessed and forgiven, I can start over again. I praise you for your great mercy and love, and with hope in my heart, trusting that you do, indeed, have a good plan for me, I step out today joyfully, with my eyes firmly fixed on Jesus, my Saviour.

Thank you Lord, Amen.

CHILDREN

THIS HYMN EXPRESS MARY'S FELLING TOWARD JESUS, HER SON.

WHILE MARY WAS WATCHING, THEY HUNG JESUS HIGH.

HIS FEET HUNG BEYOND HER; HIS HANDS REACHED THE SKY.

HIS BLOOD AND HIS SWEAT SOAKED AND MATTED HIS HAIR.

SHE WISHED SHE COULD TOUCH HIM, AND SHOW HIM HER CARE.

SHE WISHED HE COULD HEAR HER: NOT EVEN HER SHOUT

WOULD CARRY; THE HUBBUB WAS SHUTTING HER OUT.

HIS FRIENDS KEPT SAFE DISTANCE, AWAY FROM THE SCORN;

BUT SHE STOOD THERE RUEING THE DAY HE WAS BORN.

SHE THOUGHT OF THE ANGEL, BEFORE HE BEGAN.

SHE THOUGHT OF THE SONG OF THE FAITHFUL OLD MAN.

SHE THOUGHT OF THE DAY SHE DELIGHTED TO FIND

HER BOY IN THE TEMPLE, WITH GOD IN HIS MIND.

SHE GAZED AT THE SON, WHOM THE FATHER HAD SENT;

AND LOOKING, AND THINKING, SHE SAW WHAT HE MEANT.

LORD JESUS, OUR SAVIOUR, WITH MARY WE BOW

TO HONOUR THE DEATH WHICH GIVES LIFE TO US NOW.

Alison M. Robertson (1940)

LONDRINA MEANS LITTLE LONDON

Attitude: 608 meters (1976 feet high)

Population of Brazil: 181.581.024 people. (IBGE – 2004 Population Est.).

Population of the state of Paraná: 10.135.388 people. (IBGE – 2004 Population Est.).

Population of Londrina: 728.120 people. (IBGE – 2004 Population Est.).

This is a replica of the first church built in Londrina.

In the early sixties it was considered the capital of "coffee", which used to produce 51% of all the production of the world. The "Little London", where the company´s founders were from, became the third biggest city in the south of Brazil.

DESIDERATA

Desiderata


Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.


If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.


Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let not this blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.


Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.


Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams; it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.


Strive to be happy.


--- Max Ehrmann, 1927