February 14th Valentine's Day - A Brief History of Valentine’s Day

February 14 is St. Valentine’s Day. This day has come to mean flowers, gifts and candlelight for lovebirds, crispy little hearts and cards for grade-schoolers, and bitterness for those left behind. However, the name behind the mushy cards, flowers and gifts sales belonged to a few separate godly men who served Christ early in Church history. At least three different martyrs (sufferers) named Valentine are mentioned in the early metrologies under the date of February 14.

At least two Valentines were martyred under Roman Emperor Claudius II (AD 268 – 270), who is known for his sound beating of the Goths. The majority of his reign was spent at war and fighting rebellion and opposition. His devotion to conquering led the Emperor to declare that no young men of fighting age could be married; they needed to be focused on being soldiers. Yet, according to tradition, a Christian pastor named Valentine opposed Claudius’ decree and married young Roman soldiers in secret. When this illegal activity was discovered, Valentine was killed.

 

Another tradition tells of a young man named Valentine who was jailed when Claudius II forbade Christianity. The Emperor declared Christianity treasonous by definition since no Christians would worship Caesar as Lord. Like other Christians, Valentine was imprisoned for his faith. But, while in prison, he continued to minister the Gospel of Christ, even to his jailors. He befriended one jailor, who asked him to pray for his blind adopted daughter. Valentine prayed for the girl and she gained her eyesight. Valentine had the chance to witness to the jailor and his whole family and a large number of them believed in Jesus. When the news reached the Emperor that Valentine was making converts even while in prison, he had Valentine beheaded. According to the story, young Valentine sent a note to the healed girl just before his execution, signing it,” From your Valentine”.

St. Valentine’s Day, while honouring the saints who were martyred near that day, was not it seems associated with romantic love until the time of Chaucer. In Chaucer’s “Parliament of Fouls” composed around 1380, he stated: For this was sent on Seynt Valentyne’s day When every foul cometh there to choose his mate.

 

As St. Valentine’s Day arrives, and sweethearts exchange cards and gifts, may we be encouraged by the truly unselfish love of Christ – and his servants who died so that the Gospel could be spread on to us.

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Top 200 Secrets Of Success - Series 9 (161-180 secrets out of 200)

161. Each day, do two things that you do not like doing. This may be the preparation of a report you have been putting off or shining your shoes. It does not matter how small the task, just do it! Soon these chores will not seem so bad, your personal power will increase and your productivity will soar. Try it because this is an age-old technique for building strength of character.

162. True happiness comes from only one thing: achievement of goals, whether they are personal, professional or otherwise. You are happiest when you feel you are growing. When you feel that you are contributing and advancing in the direction of your dreams, you will notice that you have boundless energy and vitality. Time spent on activities which offer little reward aside from a fleeting feeling of relaxation (television watching is the best example), is time lost forever. Relaxation is essential but chose the most effective means of renewal and spend your time in productive pursuits that will slowly move you along the path of accomplishment. Happiness comes from doing - not sleeping.

163. Napoleon III of France had a special ability to remember the names of all those he met. His secret was to say "so sorry, I missed your name" after being introduced to a new person. This would cause the name to be repeated and reinforced within his memory. If the name was difficult, he would ask for the proper spelling.

164. The sages of China have held a basic life philosophy for thousands of years: develop an indomitable spirit along with courtesy and integrity. The repetition of these three traits will make you an exceptionally powerful individual respected by all. Exert your effort and personal influence to attain these qualities.

165. A valuable technique for defeating negative and self-limiting thoughts that can hamper you from attaining peak performance is the mental interrupt device. When a negative thought enters your consciousness, first you must become aware of it and have a strong desire to remove it for good.

To do this, interrupt the negative train of thought by doing something to break and banish the self-limiting pattern. When the bad thought enters, you may pinch yourself and say, "I am strong and weak thoughts are gone", or you may shout out loud or do anything that will divert your attention and remove the negative focus. By practising this technique, you will see a marked decrease in the negative thoughts that most people have, paving the way to the mindset of a true winner.

166. Taking time from your busy work and family schedule to focus on personal growth activities is essential and is never to be considered a waste. Taking one hour from your hectic morning to watch kids playing in a nearby park or to take a brisk walk might seem like a poor use of time to some. But by making more time for life's simple pleasures and bringing more balance into your day, you will make the remaining hours far more
productive and effective. You cannot do good unless you feel good. When you are serene, relaxed and enthusiastic you are also more productive, creative and dynamic. This is something that has been proved time and time again and yet we consistently get caught up in the apparent immediacy of our routine and fail to see the forest for the trees.

167. Read more, learn more, laugh more and love more.

168. Pick five relationships that you desire to improve over the next six months. Write out the names of these people and under each name detail why you want to improve the relationship, how you plan to do so and in what time frame. This is simply another facet of goal setting - the practice which will always yield excellent results in any of life's fields. Be committed to being a better parent, friend and citizen. Be creative in the steps
you take to show your appreciation and respect for your loved ones. Sending notes is fine but consider unique and thoughtful measures ranging from a romantic picnic in the country with your partner to an early morning fishing trip with an old friend.

169. Remember the power of prayer.

170. An excellent investment in your personal growth is the six tape series of Reverend Norman Vincent Peale entitled "The Power of Positive Thinking". Get it and listen to it over and over. It is packed full of strategies and techniques that, without fail, will ensure that you live a long, happy, productive and prosperous life.

171. Consider purchasing a pocket organizer which may prove to be an excellent tool for scheduling, recording your commitments and keeping the responsibilities of your life in fine order. One can be purchased at a reasonable price.

172. Browse second-hand bookstores every few months searching for lost treasures of character-building books. You will find gems on public speaking, improving your habits, time management, personal health and other important subjects for low prices. Some of these older texts are the very best and come from an age where every young person was under an obligation to develop discipline and good life habits regularly.

173. Read The Magic of Believing by Claude M. Bristol. It will allow you to release the powerful forces which most certainly exist in your mind but may presently be untapped.

174. Be known as someone with a cool head, warm heart and great character. Your presence on this earth will long be remembered.

175. It has been said that doing something for others is the highest form of religion. Every week, out of the 168 hours available, spend a few in service to others. Many say that such selfless service soon becomes a key focus within their lives. Give your time at a seniors home or to needy children. Teach someone how to read or offer to give a public lecture on the subject of your expertise. Simply take action and do something to leave a legacy.

176. Fill your home with bright, fresh flowers. This is one of the best investments you can make. Let the sounds of great music, loud laughter and good fun fill the oasis of your home.

177. Get to know and enjoy your neighbors. They make life more pleasant and can provide helpful resources when you least expect it.

178. Recognize the power of mantras and the repetition of positive, powerful words. Indian yogis have employed this technique for over 4000 years to live tranquil, productive and focused lives. Create your own personal mantra which you can repeat daily to enhance your character and strengthen your spirit.

179. When the breath is still and strong, so is the mind.

180. Use the following visualization from time to time. Sit in a quiet place and picture that you will be on the earth for only another day. Who would you call, what would you say and what would you do? These questions will give you some important insights into what outstanding actions you must endeavor to complete.


All Links of Top 200 Secrets of Success:

Series 10 Link (181-200 secrets out of 200)
https://www.spoonfeeding.in/2012/02/top-200-secrets-of-success-last-series.html

Series 9 Link (161-180 secrets out of 200)
https://www.spoonfeeding.in/2012/02/top-200-secrets-of-success-series-9-161.html

Series 8 Link (141-160 secrets out of 200)
https://www.spoonfeeding.in/2012/01/top-200-secrets-of-success-series-8-141.html

Series 7 Link (121-140 secrets out of 200)
https://www.spoonfeeding.in/2012/01/top-200-secrets-of-success-series-7-121.html

Series 6 Link (101-120 secrets out of 200)
https://www.spoonfeeding.in/2012/01/top-200-secrets-of-success-series-6-101.html

Series 5 Link (81-100 secrets out of 200)
https://www.spoonfeeding.in/2011/12/top-200-secrets-of-success-series-5-81.html

Series 4 Link (61-80 secrets out of 200)
https://www.spoonfeeding.in/2011/12/top-200-secrets-of-success-series-4-61.html

Series 3 Link (41-60 secrets out of 200)
https://www.spoonfeeding.in/2011/12/top-200-secrets-of-success-series-3-41.html

Series 2 Link (21-40 secrets out of 200)
https://www.spoonfeeding.in/2011/12/top-200-secrets-of-success-series-2-21.html

Series 1 Link (1-20 secrets out of 200)
https://www.spoonfeeding.in/2011/12/top-200-secrets-of-success.html

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Akbar and Birbal Stories in Telugu and English - అక్బర్ బీర్బల్ కథలు - Brief History of Birbal - Part 1

  

 

Introduction of Birbal Stories


Birbal Stories are very well known and popular in India among all ages of people. They are also called by another name Akbar-Birbal Stories.

There was a Mogul Emperor in India, Akbar The Great (1542-1605). His full name was Jalaludden Mohammed Akbar Padshah Ghazi and he ruled India from 1560 to 1605. He himself was illiterate, but he invited several learned people in his court. Among these people, nine were very famous and were called Nav Ratna (nine jewels of the Mogul Crown) of his court. Among these nine jewels, five people were more famous - Tansen, Todarmal, Abul Fazal, Maan Singh and Birbal.

1. Tansen ... A Great Singer
2. Dasvant ... A Great Painter
3. King Todarmal ... A Financial Wizard
4. Abdu us-Samad ... A Brilliant Calligrapher and Designer of Imperil Coins
5. Abul Fazal ... A Great Historian ( whose brother was Faizi )
6. Faizi ... A Great Poet
7. Mir Fareh-ullah Shirazi ... Financier,Philosopher,Physician & Astronomer
8. King Maan Singh ... A Great Man known for His Chivalry
9. Birbal ... A Great Man known for His Valuable Advice

Akbar's son Prince Sultan Salim, later known as Jehangir wrote that nobody could create out that Akbar was an illiterate. Akbar was a extremely hard-working King. It is also said about him that he slept only three hours a night.

Birbal (1528-1583) is definitely one of the most popular figures in Indian history equally regarded by adults and children. Birbal's duties in Akbar's court were mostly administrative and military but he was a very close friend of Akbar too, because Akbar loved his wisdom, funniness and delicate humor. He was a minister in the administration of Mogul Emperor Akbar and one of the members of inner council of nine advisors. He was a poet and an author too.

It is believed that he was a son of poor Braahman of Trivikrampur on the banks of River Yamuna. According to a popular legend, he died on an expedition to Afghanistan at the head of a large military force due to treachery. It is also said that when Birbal died, Akbar mourned him for several months.

The exchanges between Akbar and Birbal have been recorded in many volumes. Many of these have become folk stories in Indian tradition. Birbal's collection of poetry available under the pen name Brahm are preserved in Bharatpur Museum, Rajsthan, India.


1. Birbal Stories: Birbal Identifies Thief

One fine morning, a minister from Emperor Akbar's court had gathered in the assembly hall.

He informed the Emperor that all his valuables had been stolen by a thief the previous night.

Akbar was shocked to hear this because the place where that minister lived was the safest place in the kingdom.

He invited Birbal to solve the mystery. Akbar said "It is definitely not possible for an outsider to enter into the minister's house and steal the valuables. This blunder is definitely committed only by another minister of that court." Saying so, he arranged for a donkey to be tied to a pillar. He ordered all the courtiers to lift the donkey's tail and say "I have not stolen."

Birbal added "Only then we can judge the culprit." After everyone had finished, he asked the courtiers to show their palm to him. All the courtiers except Alim Khan had a black patch of paint on their palm. Birbal had actually painted the donkey's tail with a black coat of paint. In the fright, the guilty minister did not touch the donkey's tail at all. Thus Birbal once again proved his intelligence and was rewarded by the king with 1000 gold coins.


2. Birbal Stories: Birbal Denies Rumor

One day a man stopped Birbal in the street and began narrating his woes to him.

"I've walked twenty miles to see you," he told Birbal finally, "and all along the way people kept saying you were the most generous man in the country."

Birbal knew the man was going to ask him for money.

"Are you going back the same way?" he asked.

"Yes," said the man.

"Will you do me a favor?"

"Certainly," said the man. "What do you want me to do?"

"Please deny the rumor of my generosity," said Birbal, walking away.


3. Birbal Stories: Birbal Betrays Himself

Birbal was missing. He and the emperor had a quarrel and Birbal had stormed out of the palace vowing never to return.

Now Akbar missed him and wanted him back but no one knew where he was.

Then the emperor had a brainwave. He offered a reward of 1000 gold coins to any man who could come to the palace observing the following condition. The man had to walk in the sun without an umbrella but he had to be in the shade at the same time.

"Impossible," said the people.

Then a villager came carrying a string cot over his head and claimed the prize.

"I've walked in the sun but at the same time I was in the shade of the strings of the cot," he said.

It was a brilliant solution. On interrogation the villager confessed that the idea had been suggested to him by a man living with him.

"It could only be Birbal!" said the emperor, delighted.

Sure enough it was Birbal and he and the emperor had a joyous reunion.


See other Parts:

1. Akbar & Birbal Stories in Telugu and English - Brief History of Birbal - Part 2
2. Mughal Emperor Akbar and Birbal Famous Stories in Telugu and English - Part 3

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Paramanandayya Sishyula Kathalu - పరమానందయ్య శిష్యుల కథలు తెలుగులో - Stories of Paramanandayya Sishyulu - Part 2

 

Read related stories:

1. Paramanandayya Sishyula Kathalu - Stories of Paramanandayya Sishyulu - Part 1
2. Paramanandayya Sishyula Kathalu - Stories of Paramanandayya Sishyulu - Part 2
3. Stories of Paramanandayya Sishyulu - Paramanandayya Sishyula Kathalu - Part 3

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Anna Hazare's Message for Rebuilding Republic

DOWNLOAD Anna Hazare's Message for Rebuilding Republic Video

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Child Future Protection Plan - LIC New Policy - Jeevan Ankur Plan Review

Yes. Every parent dreams that their child will grow up to be the most successful person in this world. But, uncertainties of life always surround us and can shatter our dreams for our children.

Well, how good it would be if we could guarantee that our dreams for our loved one will never get shattered - even if you are not around  LIC’s Jeevan Ankur is a best gift that you can give to your loved one. It is a unique insurance plan that promises to fund your child’s upbringing if God forbid, you are not there to take care of her.

Here are some exclusive features of Jeevan Ankur plan:

•  Your life risk is covered and your child is the beneficiary
• You can pay the premium in lumpsum or through regular payments
• On death during the term of the policy 

1.     Full sum assured is paid immediately 

2.    10% of sum assured is paid every year till the end of policy term as income benefit. 

3.     At the end of policy term once again full sum assured is paid along with Loyalty addition 

• On survival at the end of the policy term, a maturity amount equal to Sum Assured + Loyalty addition is paid 

• Additionally, there are optional Riders such as Accident Rider, Critical Illness and Premium Waiver for Critical Illness available on this plan.

Summary of Benefits

• An insurance of Rs. 15,00,000 is being proposed to you for the benefit of your daughter ABC (Child Name), who is at present 1 years old.
• This policy is aimed at protecting your daughter till her age of 25 years. Hence the term of this policy will be 24 years.
• You will be required to pay annual premium of Rs. 51,451 to maintain this policy. 
• In the unfortunate event of your death during the term of this policy, your daughter will be taken care of with the following benefits: 

1. Rs. 15,00,000 will be paid immediately to tide over immediate financial crisis. 
2. If the death occurs due to accident, an additional amount of Rs. 15,00,000 will also be paid immediately. 
3. To ensure good upbringing of ABC (Child Name), Rs.1,50,000 will be paid every year till she becomes 25 years old. 
4. At age 25, Jashmitha will receive an estimated Rs.28,27,500 which will help her to take her life further with ease. 

• You are also protected against Critical Illness to the tune of Rs. 5,00,000 
• Estimated Maturity Amount after 24 years: Rs. 28,27,500.

Contact:

R. Purnachander Rao
Phone: 7893007774, 9246907774
E-mail :  simsindia.com@gmail.com
Website: www.simsindia.com, www.policysolutions.in
Hyderabad, India

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