ROAR - MONTHLY PRESIDENT’S LETTER

April 2006

An Easter Message from the President in Trouble Times

The fruit of the Spirit is...joy. - Galatians 5:22

Be A Joy-carrier!

Most of us are far too serious for our own good. We're uptight about everything: being five minutes late, getting stuck in traffic, waiting in line, somebody giving us a wrong look, overcooking a meal, gaining a pound, discovering a wrinkle, making an honest mistake; you name it - we lose all perspective! The problem is, we have unrealistic (and unscriptural) expectations. God didn't say He'd take us out of our troubles; He said He'd bring us through them and make us stronger. If you want to experience the joy Jesus promised, do two things: (1) Admit that your uptightness is largely because of the way you've decided life should be. (2) Understand that your expectations are causing most of your frustrations. If you keep expecting things to be a certain way and they aren't, you'll always be upset. Here's an idea: try approaching each day without all those expectations. For example, don't require everybody to be friendly; then when some are you'll be delighted. Don't expect your day to be trouble-free; instead when problems come, say: "Thank you Lord for a chance to grow in grace." Do it, and you'll see how much better everything is. Rather than fighting against life you'll be flowing with it. And pretty soon, if you work at it, you'll enjoy your life more - and other people will enjoy being around you much more too! That's why Paul wrote, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (1 Th 5:16-18 NRS).

As ever, united in Lionism

Maribel C. Spiropoulos

Miami Buena Vista Lions Club President

March 2006

This is the month we celebrate "Women's History Month" and in honor of every woman I know and in memory of one of my favorite down to earth writers Erma Bombeck, I'd like to use this beautiful message written by Ms Bombeck on her death bed, not only to honor her memory and every woman I know, but in the hope we all learn something from it.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do and have a wonderful month - Celebrate your womanhood by helping people with cancer and the American Cancer Society. I Do.

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck

(written after she found out she was dying from cancer)

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have sat on the lawn with my new clothes and not worried about grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."

There would have been more "I love you." More "I'm sorry."

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute... look at it and really see it . Live it and never give it back.

Stop sweating the small stuff.

Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what.

Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.

Let's think about what we are doing each day to promote ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally.

As ever, united in Lionism

Maribel C. Spiropoulos

Miami Buena Vista Lions Club President