1 Minute Speeches – Page 2 – Bejoy Peter's Public Speaking ®

February 19, 2022July 23, 2022

“Where Are You?” God Cares About You!

“Where are you?” God is asking you this question today. It means that he cares about you.

When God is asking, “Where are you?” it is to help you realise that life without him is miserable. He earnestly wants you to come back to him, even if you have rebelled against him.

When you do so, you’ll find God, full of compassion and mercy, waiting to lead you home. In Jesus, who on the cross bled and died for you, you’ll find what you’ve been seeking all along.

In him, you will find unconditional love and acceptance. He is the one who understands your pain, your loneliness, your weaknesses and temptations, your search for meaning, and above all who has experienced rejection first-hand more than you do.

When he is asking, “Where are you?” he sees your heart and all the doubts you have. Just come to him. He is willing and has the authority to forgive you if your heart is burdened with sorrow over sins you’ve done.

For you are not lost, but you belong to him. His eye is watching over you and ever asking, “Where are you?” What will be your response? Will it be, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!”

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“Where are you?” is the first question that God asked Adam in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve were hiding from God after disobeying him. See Genesis 3:9 Bible.
Who Will Show Me Compassion?

Link Page to Read Along Motivational Sermonettes and Speeches

December 9, 2021November 9, 2022

Even When Others Might Call You a Failure

Even when others might call you a failure; God doesn’t call you so. For the blood of Jesus shed on the cross was to give you a new beginning in life. So, thank God for all your failures.

Believe that God can use all your failures to make you a better person. A broken and contrite heart; and humility often comes as a result of failure.

God looks at your heart and your motives more than your failure; whatever that be. Therefore, if at all you have failed, do not give up hope.

For stars in the heavens still twinkle at night. And no failure in your life is final; if you can accept God’s help to rise up once again.

Link Page to Read Along Motivational Sermonettes and Speeches

Link to post Short speeches of Introduction, Welcome, Felicitation, Vote of Thanks! — Short Speeches of Introduction, Welcome, Felicitation, Vote of Thanks!

October 28, 2021July 23, 2022

Speech for Students on Corruption

Corruption is nothing new. It has been there as long as history goes back in time. Today, let me sketch in very quick terms what corruption is and what probably leads to corruption.

Corruption is making money illegaly and secretly using power one has. It affects people and societies negatively. It can create lack of trust in people and institutions especially democratic ones. Some forms of corruption can impact our environment too. It also topples justice and creates more inequality in society.

Now what causes corruption. Let me just look at the motives that make people become corrupt. Dissatisfaction with one’s economic condition, greed for money, envy of one’s neigbour, the hope of getting rich quickly, being overly influenced by the glamorous lifestyles of people especially seen through social media can all be motives making people corrupt.

Sadly, what is happening is that we find children take pledges at school assemblies against corruption. But they are not taught how to avoid the temptation to become rich by unlawful means or the various ways in which people become corrupt. If such awareness can be provided they will know beforehand and be forewarned about the dangers of corruption.

Before I conclude, we need role models to look up to and learn from. We need to be inspired by those few who raise their voices against corruption. And the least each one of us can do is to keep ourselves from becoming corrupt. The world will certainly witness new forms of corruption, but let us be firm in our stand against it.

October 27, 2021July 23, 2022

My Life Is Like Speech for Kids

Hi friends,

Let me tell you in simple words what my life is like.

My life is like a bud waiting to bloom. So when I wake up to the sun’s rays hitting my face each morning, my heart is full of joy and thanks to God for the gift of a new day ahead.

My life is like a boat on the river. There is a journey ahead each day. And I look forward eagerly to it. I don’t like to sit still. I want to move on and make progress. Each day is one step I can take towards my goal.

My life is like sunshine on a rainy day. When parents say, “Don’t go out and play in the rain,” I still can have a run in the rain as it is a sunshine day. I don’t mean to disobey but it is in me to play when it looks like I can’t play.

My life is like a cricket match. Each ball can take my wicket or I can hit it for a six. All depends on how I play the game. I don’t bother much if the last ball went near my wicket or hit me on my pads; the next ball is still a chance to make a shot that will win the match.

My life is like a song. There are some moments when my pitch is not right and my voice doesn’t blend. Yet no matter what others think, I still will try my luck for the notes I fail to sing shall make my Creator sad; and no one else can sing the song of praise he has put in my mouth to sing.

Of course my friends, there are more ways to think about what my life is like. But I will end saying that God loves me and he is my light; and life is bright when his life and love is my light.

The 10th Commandment: You Shall Not Covet!

October 12, 2021March 26, 2025

Speech on My Life Is like a Boat on the Seas

Hi friends,

Your life and mine is like a boat on the seas. We are sailing on. The far shores are ready to welcome you and me.

So let us spread our sails to the wind. Let us keep a steady eye. If the waters grow troubled and the night stretches long; let us anchor on hope till break of dawn.

Therefore my friends, I ask of you to look beyond the present moment. I tell you not to lose courage. The waves might roll and the waters may become troubled; but we will sail on.

It doesn’t matter if you feel afraid and see no way ahead. Whatever happens don’t yield to despair; for though I steer the boat it is the unseen hand of God, my Captain, who guides my boat.

It is not the safety of the shore that we shall seek; but the adventure on the seas. For if my life is a boat on the seas; there is no joy in mooring it to the shore.

So sail on with me my friends; for our time is brief; our task ahead great; and our purpose true.

Thank you.

Featured image courtesy: Karla Car (Unsplash)

March 28, 2021April 20, 2025

“Hosanna”—Meet Your King!

Emperors and generals have ridden into cities in triumphal processions in the annals of human history. But none of them have captured the imagination of the masses or have had such enduring appeal to people across all cultures and nations like the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday two thousand years ago amidst the cries of “Hosanna.”

The show of power was remarkably absent in this ride of conquest. Jesus rode into Jerusalem in gentleness in contrast to the pomp of heroes who returned victorious from war.

Let us now look at some characteristics of the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem:

It was a public entry as masses had gathered in Jerusalem to attend the Passover.
It was a courageous entry as the religious leaders were already plotting to take his life.
It was a humble entry as he came riding on a borrowed donkey.
It was a king’s entry as people hailed him as the long-awaited Messiah and as the Son of David.
It was a joyous entry as children were shouting “Hosanna” (meaning “save now”) and rejoicing before him waving palm branches.
It was a peaceful entry by the Prince of Peace into the City of Peace.

He knew that in the space of a few days the cries of acclamation and “Hosanna” would give way to the cry of “Crucify, Crucify.”

He knew the hearts of men and how people would refuse to listen to the truth and instead side with popular vote against him soon.

He knew that he was going to be rejected, scorned, mocked, despised, spat upon, stripped naked, hit with fists and staff, flogged with whips and crowned with thorns and that they would make him bleed.

He knew it all.
Yet he chose to ride as king to Jerusalem where he would bleed and die for the sin of the world and for the forgiveness of your sins and mine.

See the king in lowly majesty.
He stands before you today for your verdict: “Hosanna” or “Crucify?”
Which one would you choose?

March 24, 2021July 22, 2022

1 Minute Speech for Children on the Hobby of Stamp Collection

A postal stamp is a small piece of paper but having great worth. It has created one of the most popular hobbies in the world—the art of stamp collection which falls under the term philately.

Of course its nearest relative is the hobby of coin collection—numismatics.

Philatelists are there among the young and the old. Through this hobby history can come alive, one can learn about countries of the world, national leaders, monuments, tourist spots, animals, birds, and flowers specific to certain regions and countries.

Special commemorative stamps are a collector’s delight. One learns to organize stamps as his collection grows.

Stamps have the great quality of stickiness to purpose. It goes along with the envelope until it is delivered. So a collector of stamps is actually treasuring the journey the stamp had had.

Philately is a serious hobby. It can lead you to a world of knowledge that informs, educates, entertains and inspires at the same time.

Widely known as the “King of hobbies,” stamp collection can be a thing of beauty and joy for all.

A Speech for School Children on My Favourite Hobby—Playing Cricket!

March 19, 2021July 22, 2022

“I the LORD Do Not Change!”

Change is what we see all around us. Maybe it would be more right to say that change and decay is what we see all around us. In this backdrop of flux and change comes this authoritative word from God, “I, the LORD, do not change!”¹

What does it mean? It means that God is unchanging in his holiness, unchanging in his love, and unchanging in his judgement. Let me repeat that for you: “I the LORD do not change,” means that God is unchanging in his holiness, unchanging in his love, and unchanging in his judgement.

First of all, there is nothing more awesome than the unchanging holiness of God. He is full of light and there is no darkness in him. Nothing in the entire universe can compare with the splendour of the holiness of God.

Secondly, there is nothing more amazing than the unchanging love of God. He so loved the world that he gave Jesus and sent him to bleed and die on the cross. That each one of us might find mercy, forgiveness and pardon for our sins; and that each one of us might find the free gift of eternal life by believing in him.

Thirdly, there is nothing more scary than the unchanging wrath and judgement of God. It is popular to believe that a loving God will not punish rebellion, disobedience and sin. But then can a God of justice leave the guilty unpunished? The only way out for anyone is to cry out for the mercy of God.

Yes, God is unchanging in his holiness. Therefore his unchanging wrath and judgement on sin fell on his innocent Son Jesus on the cross.² This was the greatest expression of his unchanging love towards you.

“I the LORD do not change,” also means that he is a rock and tower of strength to those who trust in him. God can be relied on in all the changes of life because he, the LORD, does not change!

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¹Malachi 3:6 Bible
²“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us.” — 2 Corinthians 5:21 Bible.

March 19, 2021July 22, 2022

Assurance Like No Other: “I Am with You Always!”

King David wrote in his famous Psalm 23, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” Yes, he was looking to the presence of God with him for strength in the difficult times of his life.

What an assurance the promise that God himself is with us does give you and me: “I am with you always.”¹

Life is a journey where we need companionship. Our loved ones and friends do give us needed support in different phases of our journey. But then is that enough? Isn’t there that vacuum in your heart that only God can fill?

It is when you feel lonely and without hope that you should be able to hold on to this reassuring promise of the Risen Christ: “I am with you always.”

When God himself is with us, it is a treasure that no riches of the world can compare to or is a match for. The realization that God is with you is the greatest motivation for you to walk out of discouragement today.

You don’t need proof for the promise, “I am with you always,” because his word is good enough. It stands steadfast and immovable; no waves of doubt can assail it and crash it to the ground.

Yes, the presence of God with us gives us courage to face life and all its challenges. In God, you have a constant companion and friend. When you walk along with him, you need to align yourself with him to walk in step with him. The easiest way to do so is to do what pleases him. But is that easy? I doubt.

Yet the assurance “I am with you always,” is that of God and isn’t it comforting to know that he holds your hand even when you falter and lifts you up when you fall down?

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¹“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” — Jesus Christ, Matthew 28:20b Bible NIV 1984

March 17, 2021July 22, 2022

The LORD Says: “I Have Loved You with an Everlasting Love!”

My dear friend, “Are you thirsting for true love?” If so, your thirst ends here. For it is God who is saying, “I have loved you with an everlasting love.”¹

First of all, it is God’s promise of love. What he promises, he keeps. He remains true and faithful to what he has said. That means he will never break his word to you: “I have loved you with an everlasting love.”

Secondly, it is God’s love that is immeasurable. You cannot go beyond the extreme heights or depths or length or breadth of God’s love.

Thirdly, it is God’s love that death cannot break. God’s everlasting love goes beyond time to timelessness and stretches beyond death to all eternity.

Finally, it is God’s love for you for which proof and evidence has been already given. For God so loved you and me and the people of the whole world that he sacrificially gave and gifted his Son Jesus to bleed and die on the cross.

Yes, my friend, God has indeed loved you with an everlasting love. Do not trust your emotions which might feel this love at times and on other occasions feel great dryness in your heart and soul. God loving you with an everlasting love is real fact and truth. Will you love him in return?

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¹“The LORD appeared to us in the past saying, ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.” — Jeremiah 31:3 Bible NIV 1984

Link Page to Read Along Motivational Sermonettes and Speeches
A Short Speech on L❤️ve!

March 17, 2021July 22, 2022

“Why Are You Downcast, O My Soul?”

Most of us worry constantly. It can depress you and make you lose hope. In the midst of your anxieties, one way to stay afloat without losing hope is to ask yourself the question, “Why are you downcast, O my soul?”

Asking that question will compel you to think. It will make you confront the basis of your confidence, hope, and trust: “Who am I trusting my life with?” If it is God, then there is no reason for your soul to be downcast or for you to be disturbed within.

See, the present crisis in your life is yet another opportunity to trust God with. His arm is still strong to save and he is willing to help you. Do not give up hope. Your trust in God will be rewarded. You will not be put to shame.

Instead of the sighing you are going through now; your mouth will sing forth praises to God. Look forward to that moment. God has a way of making the end better than the beginning, the latter half more glorious than the former one.

The delay has always been in his sovereign control. He will never be late but on time. And when he acts, he will do it swiftly in its time. It will be immeasurably more than what you asked for or imagined.

Therefore say to yourself in the words of the Psalmist, “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and my God.”¹

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¹Psalm 42:5, 11; and 43:5 Bible NIV 1984

March 17, 2021July 22, 2022

“Come Back Home, My Child!”

Did you know God is waiting for you? He knows that like a foolish child you’ve strayed and lost your way. So he is anxiously waiting to see you come back home.

“Come back home, my child,” is your Heavenly Father’s voice to you today. “Return to me,” is the call he sounds to you now. So take words with you, “Father, I have sinned against you. Please forgive me.”

Oh, God will run to you, embrace you, kiss you and accept you when he sees you come back from afar!

He will not find fault with you nor condemn you for wasting your life in wild living. But he will receive you with great compassion when you come back. He will show you great mercy.

The door of heaven and the heart of God is always kept open for you to come back. Angels will rejoice at your coming back. There will be celebrations in heaven when you come back to God and your home.

When you get back home my child God will put rich and royal robes on you. Then to all you will no longer be the beggar on the streets, but a son or daughter of God. Come back home my child to the rich welcome of God.

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This post is inspired by the story of the Prodigal Son Jesus told (Gospel of Luke Chapter 15 Bible).

March 16, 2021July 22, 2022

Seeing God Face to Face Beyond Poor Reflection in a Mirror

Not many of us are fully satisfied with what we see in the mirror; are we? Your image in the mirror does not reflect you accurately; does it? But then a mirror reflects a longing within us to see ourselves as we truly are; to be known fully and perfectly as God alone knows you and me.

St. Paul uses the image of a mirror to write about things we know now on earth and things we are yet to see in life beyond the grave. He says, “Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face.”¹

Paul reminds us that realities and truth we have understood now is just a glimpse of what heaven is going to be like.

Today we see through a glass, darkly; or in a mirror, dimly. But he shouts out the hope that one day we shall see face to face.

Yes, those who have known the love of God in their lives and have responded to that supreme sacrifice of Jesus on the cross where he poured out his blood for the forgiveness of our sins; one day will see Jesus face to face.

We will also see our loved ones again—all those who have died believing in him who died for them and rose again from the dead.

Then reflections in the mirror will give way to realities when what is dimly seen becomes clearly seen. This is our blessed hope when Jesus comes again as he promised to take us home for ever!

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¹1 Corinthians 13:12a Bible NIV 1984. See different translations of this verse.

March 14, 2021January 8, 2024

Hope in God Will Be Your Strength

There are times when the flowers are in bloom, the sky is clear and blue, and everyone seems to sport a smile, but you are down; unable to see any good in things around you! It simply means you are depressed. And there seems to be no way out. But wait. There is still one thing you have; that is, hope in God. It will be your strength in these difficult days and times.

There might be no easy answers. And you might not feel radiating with joy. Your one thought will be how to make it through the next few moments. You might be fighting thoughts of giving up on life; you might be struggling with feelings of failure; above all you might be doubting God’s love for you. This is depression at its worst but hope in God will be your strength.

Even when there seems to be no way forward; even when no one seems to care or understand; even when there is no end to criticism against you; even when everything you’ve tried to do have seemed to have failed; there is God above it all, watching over you my friend. You are the apple of his eye. No trouble will separate you from his love and he will not give up on you. So hope in God and he will be your strength.

¹Psalm 62:5 Bible NIV 1984.

Yes, hope in God will be your strength.

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God Give You the Grace to Overflow with Hope
You Can Bounce Back from Defeats Always
Touch of an Angel Is What You Need Today
A Short Speech How to Find Hope When Situations Look Hopeless!
Three Things You Shouldn’t Forget When in Despair

March 10, 2021March 4, 2024

A School Leader’s Speech on Missing the Mark

Hi Friends,

Today I thought to challenge you with the Greek word “hamartia.” It means missing the mark.

Imagine someone trying to throw a dart into a bull’s eye. It falls short and misses target. That is an example of missing the mark. Or else think of a basket ball player shooting the ball into the basket. Instead of falling through the net, it hits the board and rebounds. That is yet another example of missing the mark.

In life, we can miss the mark if we have everthing—fame, success, money, power, wealth, followers and many things more; but fail to have love in our hearts.

In studies, we can miss the mark if we waste opportunties to study by getting distracted by social media or by getting addicted to bad habits.

In family, we can miss the mark if we do not value our loved ones and spend time with them when there are chances to do so.

In friendships, we can miss the mark if we fail to be a friend in need and do not give an empathetic listening to one who is sharing his or her pain with us.

In the perspective of eternity, we can miss the mark if we don’t prepare for it by making wise decsions and honouring God in our hearts on earth.

Yes friends, missing the mark is something each one of us should fear. This fear should make us have sharp focus, avoid distractions and unhealthy habits. This fear should make us strive with all our heart and mind and soul and strength not to miss the mark.

Read Hamartia: How to Avoid Missing the Mark on LinkedIn

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Students, Overcome Your Fear of Exams!
Online Exams for Young Children and Fashionable Cheating
A Note of Appreciation to All Teachers with Love and Utmost Respect
A Teacher’s Motivational Speech: Three Life Lessons Every Student Should Know
Class Leader Felicitates Teacher on Her Achieving Best Teacher Award
A Student’s Inspiring Election Campaign Speech for the Post of School Leader!
Making Fun of Others Will Boomerang One Day Says Class Leader

March 7, 2021July 22, 2022

Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”¹ But is it easy to become poor in spirit? No, not at all. You can be assured that it might take a lifetime to even come near to being poor in spirit.

Being poor in spirit is to see ourselves as spiritually bankrupt when we are without God in this world.

Being poor in spirit is to see how ugly it looks in the eyes of God when I am puffed up with pride.

Being poor in spirit is the opposite of self righteousness which claims ‘I am right, absolutely,” status always.

Being poor in spirit is a state of humility where you are aware of how much and more of God’s grace sustains you each day, moment by moment.

Jesus started off his Sermon on the Mount by pointing to those poor in spirit as heirs to the kingdom of heaven. He was saying that those poor in spirit are truly blessed, happy, and wealthy in a way earthly riches cannot make you.

His standards have not changed. Therefore, when the kingdom of heaven literally dawns on earth someday soon, there will be plenty of shocking surprises.

That is why Jesus said, “But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.”² And in those who finally become first will be a host of innumerable people who became poor in spirit and were rewarded with the kingdom of heaven.

Let me therefore end by asking, “Are you poor in spirit?”

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²Matthew 5:3 Jesus, Sermon on the Mount.
²Matthew 19:30 NIV 1984

A Short Speech on Love

February 26, 2021July 22, 2022

4 Vital P’s of Good Parenting

Good parenting does not happen by chance. Children need love but they also need some things more. I am presenting those things as 4 vital P’s of good parenting:

Pray for your child. There is no greater way to bless your child than commit his or her life to God’s hands.

Praise your child. Children need genuine appreciation. Instead of finding fault all the time and criticizing your children, try to make an effort to praise him or her for the good things he or she does.

Push your child. Every child grows up and finds a comfort zone. Push your child to move beyond that and excel in life. They might be hesitant to grab an opportunity. You can then push them to do so.

Play with your child. A child values nothing greater than the presence of his or her parents with them at play. It creates a bonding that time will not be able to erode.

To conclude, pray for your child, praise your child, push your child, and play with your child are the simple but 4 vital P’s of good parenting.

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Speech on How to Make Studies Interesting for Your Children
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Five Simple Steps for Children to Get Out of Bad Habits

February 22, 2021July 22, 2022

Do You Know Him Who Calls You by Name?

How many people know you by name? That question is deeper than you think. In that sense the question is, how many people know you truly?

Your name represents you. Isn’t your name sweet to your ears? Your name gives you your sense of identity and your sense of uniqueness and to a great extent you are not an impersonal alphanumeric code because you have a name.

When others call you by name they respect you as a person. In fact, by calling you by name others are not dismissing you as an lifeless thing or object.

And when God says, “I have called you by name; you are Mine!” it is the highest honour you can have. It means that God knows you like no other. He knows your heart’s true desires. He knows where you fail.

But beyond that when God says, “I have called you by name,” it means that he knows your future. You need not worry about it any more for you are known and intimately known by the One who holds you future.

Isn’t that comforting? But then do you know the One who calls you by name? Do you know the One who has even all the hairs of your head numbered? Therefore, try your best to know him who knows you by name!

JESUS—What Is in a Name?

February 22, 2021July 22, 2022

A Short Speech on “I Am Not Good Enough to Speak!”

“Am I good enough?” The truth is you are not. If you wait till you get over this feel to speak, you will wait for ever. So find comfort in the thought you are good enough with all your faults, shortcomings, and imperfections.

Why do I say so? This is because only God alone can clean up what you have messed up. That takes time. You need patience, faith, and perseverance. You need to get up every time you fail and move forward with hope.

What is available to you is God’s grace. How can one explain that? It simply means his help is available to you even when you are not good enough.

One speaker expressed it like this. “In gully cricket sometimes an opening batsman gets out for a duck the very first ball. Then the opposing team allows him a second chance by starting the game afresh once more. This is similar to God’s grace.”

Often I have heard speakers say that God is a God of the second chance. Is that true? What if he stopped with that second chance given? I believe that God has given us multiple second chances.

This is a more compassionate picture of God’s grace. And it is available to you. Not because you are good enough. But because he loves you in spite of all your failures. So don’t wait to get out of your inferiority complex. Just get up and speak.

The point is simple. It will take a bit longer than your life on earth to get all your problems solved. Therefore learn to speak in spite of all your difficulties, all your “I am not good enough” feel.

You can keep on waiting. Or you can take a bold step and start speaking. The choice is entirely yours.
Positive Thinking

February 12, 2021July 22, 2022

Short Speech for Little Children on My Garden

This world is a beautiful place. One reason why it is so is because of the lovely gardens in public places as well as our homes. Brindavan Garden in Mysore and Lal Bagh Garden in Bengaluru (Bangalore) are two large and beautiful gardens I have visited.

I too have a garden at my home. It gives me great joy to spend time in my garden. There are several flowering plants in my garden. My favourite flowers are roses, jasmine and orchids. When they bloom it is like a wave of joyous smile spreading around.

One of the beautiful sights in my garden is that of butterflies flying around. Sometimes I try running around with them too. The wet feel of my feet on the green lawn especially when it has just been watered is a thrill beyond words.

I do help my parents maintain my garden. One of the lessons they have taught me is to pick out the weeds and thrown them away. Along with it, they have told me that bad habits in life are like weeds. They should be pulled out by its roots and throw away.

I thank God for my garden. It is where I can enjoy the beauty of flowers; its colours and fragrance. It is the place which makes my home a joy. For here, I spend time with my family. Those are precious moments in life to me.

February 12, 2021July 27, 2022

Elected Social Service Leader of School Speaks at Her Installation Ceremony

Beloved Teachers and dear friends,

First of all let me thank all of your for placing your confidence in me and electing me as the Social Service Leader of our school.

I consider this a privilege as well as a great responsibility. At the very outset let me seek your cooperation in dreaming big as well as achieving something noble for the good of the less privileged of the society. I cannot do anything alone, but together we can.

All that we need is a real honest desire to help others. Together with God’s blessings and the help and encouragement of our school management and teachers we can certainly plan and implement a few projects that will help the needy in society.

If I have a message for you this day, it is this that every single rupee counts. The help we give is far more than charity. Know that our efforts are going to help the the downtrodden, the marginalized, the orphans and the poor widows to live with dignity.

Each one of your efforts counts significantly towards the achieving of this goal. A kind attitude, a helping hand, a giving heart, and a we-can-do-it team spirit will go miles to get things done. Let me repeat again, alone I cannot; but together we can. Thank you one and all.

February 12, 2021July 22, 2022

Photographs

A photograph speaks about passion. Only a person who is interested in others, or in nature, or events, or sports or wildlife tend to take photographs. Others take selfies.

A photograph can rise to the level of art and the classic.

The photograph by the famous French Photographer Henri Cartier Bresson of Nehru announcing the death of Gandhiji saying, “The light has gone out of our lives,”

The Vulture and the Little Girl by Kevin Carter taken in Sudan,

The famous kiss marking the end of World War taken in New York by Alfred Eisenstaedt titled V-J Day in Times Square,

The Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph Napalm girl taken at Trang Bàng during the Vietnam War by Nick Ut,

The photographs taken by the first man on the moon Astronaut Neil Armstrong of Edwin Aldrin on the moon

and not to forget NASA’s Pale Blue Dot taken by Voyager from outer space are all examples.

A collection of photographs can communicate a world of emotions and thoughts especially when tribute to a life is made through them. Through these photographs life of the person remembered is made still for those of coming generations to see.

February 12, 2021July 22, 2022

Five Simple Steps for Children to Get Out of Bad Habits

Habits can make or break your life. If you are addicted to bad habits think on these points.

Bad habits give you pleasure. But as with everything there is a price tag. Nothing comes free of cost. Think about how the bad habit will take its toll on your life.

Bad habits have triggers. Certain people or situations compel you to indulge in bad habits. The best thing you can do is to identify the triggers and avoid them.

Bad habits can take hold of you when you are alone and feel lonely. Therefore try to build good friendships or engage in creative hobbies or sports.

Bad habits mostly take hold of you because you have no purpose in life. Do not be idle. Do something positive. Work towards a meaningful goal.

Bad habits can make you feel like a failure. But there is good news for you. If you can rise up one more time and fight one more round, you are no failure.

Hope these tips will inspire you to get rid of bad habits and get started with good habits instead.

February 12, 2021July 22, 2022

Bedtime Stories Pave the Way for Success

A child who grows up listening to bedtime stories is prepared for success in later life.

Great stories of the world not only can help a child get to know the cultures of the world, it can also help the child with developing good language and communication skills too.

Perhaps what stories do the most is to help a child know that happiness and sadness are episodes that recur in life.

Stories prepare children to enjoy the good things in life and hold on during tough times. In that sense stories are the best training a child can have.

Stories teach us about lasting values like love and friendship, about the joy of being lost and then found, about the thrill of coming back home and finding acceptance as in the classic story of the prodigal son that Jesus told.

Above all stories give us hope. They paint for us life experiences and enable us to look at it from outside.

Each good ending helps us to hope and believe that it will turn out well for us at the end in spite of all twists and turns that happen before that.

Let me conclude by saying that life without stories is tasteless like the white of an egg. And a story a day brings happiness again!

February 12, 2021October 4, 2023

Paper Planes and Paper Boats Are Not Just Simple Toys

A paper plane is a toy that can fly. It may not fly perfectly. But it is one that inspires a child to aim high in life and have great ambitions in life.

For the early wonder of running out of one’s house to see the thing that flies with that roaring noise is never ever lost on a child!

A paper boat on the other hand kindles imagination. It is a simple toy when children are restricted not to play outdoors in the rain. Then they find joy in the boats they float in water.

Oh, how children clap and laugh and jump about at the little progress their boats make before they get carried away with the swirling currents!

In their mind’s eye they see them travel to far away lands and bring a lot of treasures back. Fun and high adventure like that of The Steadfast Tin Soldier* is what paper boats are all about.

Let me conclude saying, paper boats and paper planes, I wonder what they really are?

*Famous short story by Hans Christian Anderson

February 12, 2021July 22, 2022

1 Minute Motivational Speech: Will You Shine Your Little Light?

Everywhere! I find people ready to give up.
Everywhere! I find people in need of an encouraging word.
Will you shine your little light?

There never was a time when men and women needed the courage to hope more than now. Yes! Now is the time. If at all we needed light to shine in our darkness; it is now. Will you shine your little light?

But who will show the light? Those that have it, have covered it tight. O foolish ones who think that light gets lost if it is allowed to shine. So they light candles in burning sunlight.

Oh, how they lack the simplest of wisdom. That light should shine not when it is daylight. But light should shine when it is pitch black at night.

So unravel your light. Let it shine. It can be that just before one step to the blackest night; some poor soul will find the light. So will you shine your little light; in this time of rampant night?

Short Speech on the Importance of Hiding God’s Word in Our Hearts

February 12, 2021August 12, 2022

A Short Speech for Kids: “I am a Kite!”

I am a kite. I am colourful. I might never compete with planes or rockets but I too can fly. It is my unique ability.

I have a tail. Often it is long. It makes me look beautiful as I fly. But there is more. It gives me stability as I fly. And I always try my best to stay true to the purpose for which I was made.

If you ask me; I too am like you. I always feel the urge to cut off the string that holds me. I am tempted to do things my own way. I want to be free.

But I am also wise. If I cut myself free; where do I end up? No longer am I in control. The same wind that made me dance will dump me in some wasteland in quick time.

So dear friends, freedom is not the same as rebellion. And in yielding to the one who controls you is safety.

February 12, 2021November 9, 2022

A Short Speech for Nursery Kids on How to Look Innocent

First of all, smile at all times. A smile keeps you looking innocent. It makes others say, I am so cute. I hope you also think of me that way too.

Secondly, never lose your curiosity. Always hold close to your heart a sense of wonder. Look up at stars once in a while. Then say to yourself, “If the underside of heaven is so beautiful I wonder what the real side would be!”

Finally, God truly made me innocent. I am like a clean board on which others write on. If I can keep the good things and wipe away the bad things then I can always look innocent as I really am. Thank you.

Curse Words Children Use Rob Their Innocence