The Ten Cannots

1. You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.
2. You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.
3. You cannot help small men up by tearing down big men.
4. You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.
5. You cannot life the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down.
6. You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than your income.
7. You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.
8. You cannot establish sound social secrutity on borrowed money.
9. You cannot build character and courage by taking away a man's initiative and independnce.
10. You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do thr themselves.

by William J H Boetcke, "The Industrial Decalogue"

A True Friend

A true friend never walks away
A true friend will always stay
A true friend looks out for you
A true friend will always be true.

A true friend will guard your secrets
Like a precious gift
A true friend is there for you
To give you a helpful lift.

A true friend tries to make you smile
Tries to replace that frown
They may not always succeed
But they rarely let you down.

These arms for you are open
this heart for you does care
And when I think you need me
I'll try to always be there

I'll listen to your fears
I promise not to laugh
Comfort your falling tears
I'll make this friendship last.

I'll keep you near to my heart
I'll always hold you dear
Even when we're miles apart
Even when you're here.

I hope I am to you
Everything you are to me too
For the frindship we have
Is a special one indeed.

By Ashley Montgomery

Invocation

What is really the meaning of Invocation? The dictionary merely say it is an 'appeal to the higher power for assistance'. This is done usually at the opening of a religious service. However, in Toastmaster we use the Invocation as a session to inspire and motivate our members whilst at the same time give a small role to our newer members to go out and deliver.

I notice lately that most Invocation Presenter (IP) did not prepare their message and go up to depress the members rather than to inspire them. To assist our member to prepare for future IP role I would suggest that the VPE ask them to visit the blog and download some of the poems that I have prepared to be used as a invocation.

For a new member who is still learning the rope, I would suggest that they just read the message with little introduction and a brief closing. Dont take too much time as you are given not more than 2 minues.

If the IP can blend it with the Theme of the meeting, I believe it would further enhance the quality of the meeting.

People, please do not deviate from our main objective of having the Invocation. Let us stick to this. Just read a motivational poem and don't try to tell us somelthing which I am sorry to say you cannot do effectively in two minutes.

Future to Future

In the future moments will come when one person says to another, "That was great!"

We never know what the future holds in store for us in it's infinite wisdom - but surely you and I know of it's impending arrival.

Some believe the future holds great times ahead, some believe in a bleak fate and still others believe unborn moments hold a catastrophic end.

Me, like to think that maybe, just maybe, it will all happen at the same instance - I mean some things will be great, some bleak some beginnings and some endings.

"Great" things will only happen in the future, because of now, and that's tough enough to decipher - so I will plead, now, and leave the future to the future.

Stan Pelfrey

Closing Invo on 13 Mar 2007

THE PERFECT FRIEND

Today I found a friend who knew everything I felt
She knew my weakness and the problems I've been dealth.
She understood my wonders and listened to my dreams
She listened to how I felt about life and love and knew what it all means.
Not once did she interrupt me or tell me I was wrong
She understood what I was going through and promised she'd stay long.
I reached out to this friend, to show her that I care
To pull her close and let her know how much I need her there.
I went to hold her hand to pull her a bit nearer
and I realised this perfect friend I found
was nothing but a Mirror.

Read by Masdiana Ooi Abdullah
Written by Shannen Wrass

Invocation on 13 Mar 2007 Meeting

The best of Friends

The best of friends,
can change frown,
into a smile,
when you feel down.

The best of friends,
will understand,
your little trials,
and lend a hand.

The best of friends,
will always share,
your secret dreams,
because they care.

The best of friends,
worth more than gold,
give all the love,
a heart can hold.

Presented by Masdiana Ooi Abdullah
Wriiten by Jill Wolf