Two traveling angels stopped to spend the night in the home of a wealthy family. The family was rude and refused to let the angels stay in the mansion’s guest room. Instead the angels were given a small space in the cold basement.
As they made their bed on the hard floor, the older angel saw a hole in the wall and repaired it. When the younger angel asked why, the older angel replied, ‘Things aren’t always what they seem.’
The next night the pair came to rest at the house of a very poor, but very hospitable farmer and his wife. After sharing what little food they had the couple let the angels sleep in their bed where they could have a good night’s rest.
When the sun came up the next morning the angels found the farmer and his wife in tears. Their only cow, whose milk had been their sole income, lay dead in the field. The younger angel was infuriated and asked the older angel how could you have let this happen? The first man had everything, yet you helped him, she accused. The second family had little but was willing to share everything, and you let the cow die.
‘Things aren’t always what they seem,’ the older angel replied.
‘When we stayed in the basement of the mansion, I noticed there was gold stored in that hole in the wall…
Since the owner was so obsessed with greed and unwilling to share his good fortune, I sealed the wall so he wouldn’t find it.’
‘Then last night as we slept in the farmers bed, the angel of death came for his wife. I gave him the cow instead.
Things aren’t always what they seem.’
Sometimes that is exactly what happens when things don’t turn out the way they should. If you have faith, you just need to trust that every outcome is always to your advantage. You just might not know it until some time later…
Some people come into our lives and quickly go…
Some people become friends and stay awhile leaving beautiful footprints on our hearts…and we are never quite the same because we have made a good friend!
Yesterday is history. Tomorrow a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present!
I think this is special…live and savor every moment… This is not a dress rehearsal!
Passengers I have a good friend who uses an online dating site. Last year she was fooled into sending money to someone in Ghana. I’m afraid she is falling victim to another scammer. She is wrapped up in the fantasy created by this person. I and other friends have tried to convince her she is being misled again. She won’t hear it. She is a wonderful friend who deserves to find love. I cannot stand to watch her waste her money this way.
She is not my only friend that has been scammed for the sake of love. So, I’ve had enough. Time to pull the LiFeTrain whistle and sound the alarm. This week’s tip is about love and online scammers. By the way, ANYTIME you see the word Ghana…trust me, DELETE!
Part I:
There is no shortage of scammers online. Among their targets are the lonely. So it’s no surprise that they visit dating sites. In fact, crooks who pose as a love interest have a name. They’re called sweetheart scammers.
People who are looking for love are vulnerable. You’ve probably heard of the Nigerian 419 scam. (“Send us this fee, that fee and another fee. We make you rich!) There, they’re playing on greed, another runaway emotion. It’s the same kind of thing.
Sweetheart scammers are often part of large organizations. Groups work in shifts. I’m on the list and so is my friend on the list contact list. They keep coming at her and they keep coming at me. I can’t tell you how many times I have been approached by some glamor chick that swears she is just drop dead in love with strong black man of the america. Oh I am Chreestian woman who onle seeks same of strong black man of the americas.
I want to give you some ammo concerning these scammers in hopes that should the need arise you or someone you pass this on to will recognize some of the warning signs, especially if you are on an online dater’s site.
First off, the scammer almost always initiates contact. They’re in forums and chatrooms, and especially YAHOO.
Most sweetheart scammers are overseas”usually in Africa or Eastern Europe. This may sound xenophobic. After all, there’s no end of crooks and gold diggers in America. But, if the person is overseas, that’s a big red flag.
The scammer may claim to be an American working or living overseas. Or, maybe he/she is planning on moving to the United States. This is a common ploy. It opens the door for particular types of money requests. It also leads the victim to believe romance is possible.
Look for holes in the person’s story. Few people can lie consistently. These inconsistencies can expose the person as a scammer.
Scammers will ask their victims many questions. This helps them find weaknesses. It also helps them appear ideal in their victims’ eyes.
At the same time, scammers tend to avoid answering questions. They won’t know the answers to questions any American would know. (Who is Brett Favre? Who is buried in Grant’s Tomb? What is Amtrak?) Such questions will probably be ignored. Scammers may disappear for a long time if asked a question about an earlier conversation. (They’re consulting with the crook who actually had the conversation.)
Watch out for people who seem too perfect. Is this person very rich or very good looking? Are there other things that seem too good to be true? Yeah? You’re probably dealing with a scammer.
Scammers targeting women usually say they are wealthy. Those targeting men use pictures of models. In fact, scammers usually lift photos from other sites. I have no doubt my friend’s “love interest†sent a fake photo of himself. I used TinEye. to disprove It. TinEye will show you where the photo has appeared online and sure enough it was a picture of a professional model.
You also need to watch for relationships that move too fast. If the person proclaims love after a few messages, it’s probably a scam. At the same time, scammers can be very patient. The scammer may wait a year to ask for money. At that point, the victim is smitten. Saying no could be impossible.
I have a ton more information to share but I realize that you will probably only take in a little at a time. Therefore, check back next Tuesday for part II. Please get the word out about the Sweetheart Scamming! More next week.
Hey passengers periodically I like to give you some time to KETCHUP! Did you know that at the bottom of each page there is a small word which reads: next>> ? Clicking it takes you back days and days and even years to review some ramblings and musing on the train from your conductor…uh..that would be me. Also, try the LiFeTrain daily news for fun (or the heck of it) see right column, LiFeTrain Daily News or just CLICK.   Check it out in today’s edition of the LiFeTrain Daily.
Anyway, before you go off to start your week, BUT! One moe thing, If you missed some of Therapy Thursdays, this would be a great time to check them out by doing the following. In the right most column on this page you will find a box with the word search beside it. click in the box and type the word “Therapy”. All the previous articles will be made available to you.
Good morning Passengers (or good day depending on when you hopped aboard the train today). Just a quick note to kick the week off right and something to keep in mind this week. Here on the Lifetrain we should have an incessant process of repair and reconstruction, of discarding evil and developing goodness. Paddy grains have to be de-husked in order to become edible as rice. Cotton has to be converted as yarn to become wearable cloth. Gold nuggets have to be heated in the crucible to remove the impurities. So, this week let’s work on purifying our impulses, emotions and desires and cultivate good thoughts, words and deeds so that we can progress spiritually. Deal?
Hey Passengers, just wanted to share this with you again as part of Therapy Thursday! Hope it helps…
Ya know fellow passengers I find life’s lessons in the darn’dess of places, especially in movies and books. Movies like Shaw Shank Redemption, Forrest Gump, The Bucket List and even Dr. Suess books like “O The Places you will go!”.  I love movies with symbolism that make ya think deep…When I die I hope you guys will be at the repast saying boy, he was a deep thinker!
Today though, I’d like to share with you…”What ‘The Wizard of Oz’ Taught Me About Life…”.
When I was a kid, the Wizard of OZ came on once a year. As I reflect back I laugh at how we had to be on our best behavior as my Mother used that (whether or not we could stay up to watch the OZ’ster) as a bargaining chip for good behavior. Needless to say, beds were made, teeth were brushed and I put my flatulation skills in the closet for awhile.
Anyway, I digress. It’s hard to believe, but “The Wizard of Oz,” one of the most beloved movies of all time, celebrates its 70th birthday this year. Not only has the classic story of Dorothy and her funny friends entertained generations of moviegoers, it has also taught us some unforgettable lessons about life. Look what I learned from Dorthy and the gang (Part I of II).
Accept your friends for who they are
A true friend will help you on your life’s journey and get you through all the problems—big and small—that may arise. So accept your friends, quirks and all, and recognize when they need a little help too. Because you never know when you’ll need them around to rescue you from some flying monkeys.
Follow Your Own Yellow Brick Road
Although Glinda the Good Witch directs Dorothy to the yellow brick road, explaining that it will lead her to the one person who can get her back home to Kansas, let’s face it: Dorothy probably could have found the road on her own. It was right there in front of her. Discover your own path in life—what you want to be, where you want to go, how you want to live–and be sure to sing and skip throughout the journey.
Don’t hide your true self behind a screen
One of the most memorable scenes in the film is when we discover the Wizard is just a man. He has no magical powers. He doesn’t even have a booming voice. The lesson? Don’t try to be something you’re not, because the people who matter in this life will love you no matter what. Can a Brutha get an AMEN!?!
There’s no place like home
Although it should go without saying, home means more than just your house or apartment. It’s wherever the people you love—and who love you—are found. You can have many different “homes,” and even if you haven’t visited in a while, you can always go back.
Look within for your power
We all remember the scene where Dorothy misses her balloon flight home, starts to cry, and is subsequently notified by Glinda that with those fancy ruby slippers, she had the power to return home the whole time; she just needed to discover it for herself. When in doubt, look within for the answer. You’re more powerful than you think.
Well, I hope I wet your appetite enough to hop back aboard tomorrow for part II of “What I learned from the Wizard of OZ”.
Hey Passengers, Merry Monday! I thought I’d share a story with you that will hopefully inspire you for the rest of the week and beyond.
A blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet. He held up a sign which said: “I am blind, please help.” There were only a few coins in the hat.
A man was walking by. He took a few coins from his pocket and dropped them into the hat. He then took the sign, turned it around, and wrote some words. He put the sign back so that everyone who walked by would see the new words.
Soon the hat began to fill up. A lot more people were giving money to the blind boy. That afternoon the man who had changed the sign came to see how things were. The boy recognized his footsteps and asked, “Were you the one who changed my sign this morning? What did you write?” The man said, “I only wrote the truth. I said what you said but in a
different way.” I wrote: “Today is a beautiful day but I cannot see it.”
Both signs told people that the boy was blind. But the first sign simply said the boy was blind. The second sign told people that they were so blessed that they were not blind. Should we be surprised that the second sign was more effective?
Moral of the Story: Be thankful for what you have. Be creative. Be innovative.. Think differently and positively. When life gives you a 100 reasons to cry, show life that you have 1000 reasons to smile Face your past without regret. Handle your present with confidence. Prepare for the future without fear. Keep the faith and drop the fear.
Just think God is Near! God Bless you and your family. From a friend to a friend.
The most beautiful thing is to see a person smiling| And even more beautiful is, knowing that you are the reason behind it!!!
If you got something from this please direct someone today to the Train to share it.
Merry Monday!
Your Conductor…
P.S. This week try to keep the following in mind:
“Life has to be an incessant process of repair and reconstruction, of discarding evil and developing goodness. Paddy grains have to be de-husked in order to become edible as rice. Cotton has to be converted as yarn to become wearable cloth. Gold nuggets have to be heated in the crucible to remove the impurities. Man too, must purify his impulses, emotions and desires and cultivate good thoughts, words and deeds so that he can progress spiritually.” ~ Prasanthi Nilayam
Hey Fellow passengers this week I’d like to recycle a point or purpose for “Therapy Thursdays” , here on the train. On the following website you can ask questions pertaining to emotional and mental health issues free of charge to a licensed professional, Doctor Diedra Hayman PhD.
Below you will find our first weekly interview/chat which centered mainly around the website and the help you can find there. Perhaps you know of someone who might benefit from being able to talk with someone who might not have the money to see a professional in person. Prayerfully this might be a source of aid.
Additionally, you will find Dr. Hayman’s Bio and contact information. If you “ever” need someone to talk to please seek her out on her site, and again, there is no cost to ask a question or two. While there, tell her your conductor sent you!
The interview:
CHUCKIE: You just published a website called Apples of Gold. What is the focus of your site? DR. DEE: The website (applesofgold.info) is designed to provide free psychological consultation to people who may need some guidance on issues in their lives, and who may not be ready to actually go see a therapist face to face. Or they have questions that really don’t NEED an appointment with a psychologist, to have answered. The site also provides positive lifestyle encouragement so that readers will be encouraged to life more healthy lives.
CHUCKIE: Did you just say free? Dr. DEE: Yes, free.
CHUCKIE: May God bless you…
CHUCKIE: Why did you call it “Apples of Gold� DR. DEE: That comes from Proverbs 25:11, which says that a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. I am hoping that the advice and counsel on lifestyle, as well as the personal advice and counsel I may provide to those requesting my service, will be wise and in harmony with the teachings of scripture.
CHUCKIE: When you talk about “positive lifestyle encouragementâ€, what exactly do you mean? DR. DEE: Well, the body and the mind are in close sympathy with one another, and what impacts the one, impacts the other. So I advocate the use of the eight natural remedies, in order to bring the body, the mind, and the spirit into harmony. An easy way to remember the eight natural remedies is through the acronym “NEWSTARTâ€. That’s not something I developed, but I agree with it. The remedies are: Nutrition, exercise, water, sunshine, temperance (moderation), fresh air, rest, and trust in God. If we take care to incorporate all these things into our lives, we will tend toward better physical, mental, and spiritual health.
CHUCKIE: What can people write to you about? DR. DEE: People can ask about anything that has to do with mental health, relationships, spirituality, and even some physical concerns. I wont always have the answers, and I am careful to make that clear when I respond to a writer. However, I can usually point them in the right direction.
CHUCKIE: Is this like online therapy? DR. DEE: No, its not. There are some issues that only require someone professional providing an educated response, and those are the issues best suited for my site. Online therapy is available on some sites, and it can be helpful for some issues, but it really isn’t appropriate for other issues. For instance, when someone is suicidal, they may want to share some things online, but really they need someone face to face who can assess them properly for risk, and take steps to prevent them from taking their own life, if possible. I don’t collect contact information other than an email address, so would have to encourage someone in that state to call the suicide crisis lines, and I provide those numbers on my site.
CHUCKIE: What kinds of things have people written about, then? DR. DEE: I have had people write about relationship problems, sexual orientation concerns, and depression is another big one. The most difficult issue I have had to address was a woman who had dissociative identity disorder, what we used to call multiple personality disorder. That is an issue that must be addressed face to face over a long period of time, so my task with her was to build up enough trust so that she would listen to my encouragement that she get into a therapist. And sometimes that is the best service I can provide, because overcoming the hesitation to actually get into therapy is huge for many people.
CHUCKIE: You mentioned depression. The holidays are coming up, and I bet the number of depressed people writing you will increase. Why does that happen? DR. DEE: Depression is really a multifaceted issue with many causes, but holidays do tend to be a time when more people become depressed. That happens for many reasons. First, holidays are usually associated with family, and if a person happens to be single, for instance, the holidays can be difficult. Family get togethers are usually a time when pressures are placed on the single to “find someone and get marriedâ€. Other people become depressed because they have lost loved ones either through death, divorce, or breakups, and so the holidays point up that loss. Then there is Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is a form of depression that arises because of the shortness of the days during the winder months. The lack of sunshine actually contributes to changes in the brain which lead to depression in some people.
CHUCKIE: How can a person tell if they are depressed? What are the symptoms? DR. DEE: Major depression requires at least five of the following symptoms: sadness (but in men and in children that may look more like irritability than sadness), low self-esteem, changes in eating or weight (either increasing or decreasing), changes in sleep (either too much or not enough), thoughts of death or suicide, lack of motivation, loss of pleasure in anything, you may move more slowly or more quickly (psychomotor retardation or agitation), problems with concentration, feelings of guilt that are unreasonable. Some people can become so deeply depressed that they actually begin to hear or see things that others don’t hear or see, or they become delusional. And those who are depressed form the highest percentage of those who commit suicide, although not every depressed person becomes suicidal.
CHUCKIE: So depression is really very serious. How is it treated? DR. DEE: The most effective treatment for depression is cognitive behavioral work. Basically you have to work on your thinking, and work on your behavior. This can be done with a therapist, but many people can do well getting a good self-help book such as The Cognitive Behavioral Workbook for Depression: a Step by Step Approach by William Knaus, Control Your Depression by Peter Lewinsohn, or my favorite, Depression: The Way Out, by Neil Nedley, MD. That last book advocates the use of the 8 natural remedies for bringing the life back into balance. Medications are also necessary to help some people manage their depression, and these can be obtained from a primary care doctor or a psychiatrist. Sometimes, a combination of medication management, therapy, and lifestyle change is necessary, and in severe cases, sometimes hospitalization is needed. But it’s the most common mental health disorder, and usually responds well to treatment.
CHUCKIE: Well Doc, thank you so much for hopping the train today…you know I love you gurl. Will you come back soon? Dr. DEE: Love you big guy…Thanks for having me. …and yes I would love to hop the train again sometime soon.
Who is Dr. Diedra Hayman? Dr. Hayman completed her doctoral studies in Counseling Psychology in 1998 at the University of Florida. Her APA-approved predoctoral internship was completed at the University Counseling Center at Virginia Tech. After teaching various forms of psychology at the college level for 6 years, Dr. Hayman was accepted into a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC), where she gained valuable experience in clinical practice with pediatric patients and their families in a medical setting. She also received training in family therapy techniques from some of the finest, most noted family therapists in the country. She is currently a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Indiana and Missouri, where she currently practices.
Prior to participation in the URMC fellowship, Dr. Hayman provided online psychological consultation for three years on a site she created called Apples of Gold Online. She has assisted many people from all walks of life, and with many concerns. Dr. Hayman has clinical experience, interest, and training in post trauma issues (sexual assault/abuse recovery, tragedy aftermath, sudden death of loved ones), psychological aspects of medical conditions (cancer, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, pain management), depression, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, and sexual orientation issues, among other things.
Dr. Hayman works from a biosychosocialspiritual orientation. This means that she takes into account a person’s physical, emotional, social (including relevant family history), and spiritual status in order to assist with presenting concerns. She believes that every concern a person experiences is impacted to a greater or lesser extent, by all these factors, and her suggestions may address any or all of them in order to help someone reach their stated goals.
Note: Next week we will discuss the difficult subject of Sexual abuse.
Two traveling angels stopped to spend the night in the home of a wealthy family. The family was rude and refused to let the angels stay in the mansion’s guest room. Instead the angels were given a small space in the cold basement.
Hey passengers periodically I like to give you some time to KETCHUP! Did you know that at the bottom of each page there is a small word which reads: next>> ? Clicking it takes you back days and days and even years to review some ramblings and musing on the train from your conductor…uh..that would be me. Also, try the LiFeTrain daily news for fun (or the heck of it) see right column, LiFeTrain Daily News or just 
Taught Me About Life…”.
Follow Your Own Yellow Brick Road
house or apartment. It’s wherever the people you love—and who love you—are found. You can have many different “homes,” and even if you haven’t visited in a while, you can always go back.
focus of your site?
Dr. Hayman works from a biosychosocialspiritual orientation. This means that she takes into account a person’s physical, emotional, social (including relevant family history), and spiritual status in order to assist with presenting concerns. She believes that every concern a person experiences is impacted to a greater or lesser extent, by all these factors, and her suggestions may address any or all of them in order to help someone reach their stated goals.