Friends

How to Get to Heaven

A man with a dog walked on a long and tiresome road. He walked for a long time and got very tired. The dog was tired too.  Suddenly in front of him he noticed an oasis! A beautiful gate – and behind the fence – music, flowers, the sound of a stream.  “What is this … Read more

Not the Right Key

A man decided to go on a long journey. Since he was an old man and had recently married a beautiful young woman, he was very worried that she would not remain faithful to him. So, he ordered a “belt of loyalty”, and, before leaving, he put it on his wife. The only problem was: … Read more

Sheep – A Motivational Story About Leadership

A prince inherited a kingdom. And, like all kings, he had everything in abundance. But suddenly the troubles began. The drought killed many, the diseases even more. And then, an enemy state stormed the kingdom and killed the ones who survived. The king somehow managed to escape. He went to his childhood friend, who ruled … Read more

The Emperor and the Crane

A certain sage brought a glass of living water to an emperor and said: – “If you drink this water – you will become immortal. If you don’t – you will eventually end up in the country of the dead. Just like everybody else.” The emperor thought a while about the offer, but couldn’t decide … Read more

Don’t Look for the Guilty One

A long time ago, in a kingdom far away, there lived two knights who befriended each other. The first one was smart, and the second one stupid. Nevertheless, they gave each other a promise of loyalty – that neither of them will leave the other in good times or in need, and that they will … Read more

The Fox and the Crane

The Fox and the Crane became friends. After a while, the Fox invited the Crane over for dinner. The Crane accepted the invitation and went to the Fox’s house. The Fox had some soup  prepared and served it on a flat plate. The Crane tried peck-peck-pecking on the plate, but couldn’t get anything in his … Read more

The One Who Is in the Pond

One day, the little Raccoon went into the woods to pick some sweet sedge for dinner. When he arrived in the woods, however, a monkey decided to have some fun with him. So, he asked him: – Are you not afraid the ONE WHO is living in the pond? He’s so evil and scary. It … Read more

Mutual Help – An Inspirational Story About Compassion

A believer once went to the Prophet and asked to see heaven and hell. The Prophet took his hand and led him to a palace. When they entered one room, he saw multitudes of people. In the middle of the room, there was a long table with a pot full of soup, spreading a pleasant … Read more

The Broken Jug – A Story About Helpers

A small clay water jug stood on the stove. And in the corner of the room, a sick man lay on the bed. He was tormented by extreme thirst. “Just a sip, just a sip,” he groaned. But there was no one in the room. His pleas were so heartbreaking that the jug could not … Read more

The Donkey and the Horse

A horse and a donkey were once coming from the market. The donkey was carrying heavy load on his back, and the horse was lightly running. Halfway down the road, the donkey felt tired and barely able to breathe. He asked the horse to take some of his load. But the horse would not listen. … Read more

The Debt of a Fisherman

One day, a samurai went to visit a fisherman who had borrowed money from him a while ago. “The time has come, my friend,” said the samurai, “to repay your debts.” “I’m sorry to disappoint you,” the fisherman replied, “but I do not have the money. I’m an honest man, but it’s been a very … Read more

What Decision Really Means

Here is a short wish and toast about decision making: The Latin root of the word “decide” means “to kill or to cut” (similar to “homicide”, “suicide”, “genocide”.) So when we decide to do something new, without killing something old, we don’t make a decision at all. We make an addition. And making additions is a … Read more

tree of life quote toast

Live Life fully

Here is a great quote from Michael Landon, which can be used to raise a toast to someone who is starting something new, or when someone is contemplating about making a life decision, be it in education, work, business or love. Somebody should tell us, right at the start of our lives, that we are … Read more

Go Further With a Group

An old African proverb said… “If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go with a group.” There are times when we can get things done quickly by ourselves. However, more frequently we need to work with each other to accomplish bigger goals. Here is a toast to all … Read more

Value people, not possessions

Some years ago, Elizabeth Taylor experienced a big loss – thieves had broken into her safety deposit box and stole lots of valuables. Later she was asked  – “Did you cry?”, to which she responded, – “I don’t cry for things that won’t cry for me!” What a profound lesson. We spend most of our … Read more

Toast About a Wave

There is a story of a little wave, bobbling along in the ocean, having a great time. He’s enjoying the wind and fresh air – until he notices the other waves in front of him, crashing against the shore. “My God, this is terrible”, the wave says, “look what’s going to happen to me”. Then … Read more

Mayonnaise Jar and a Cup of Coffee

A professor stood before his class with a few items on his desk. When the class began, he picked up a large and empty mayonnaise jar and began to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. The professor then picked up a … Read more

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