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Sunday, November 15, 2009

Turn a Red Paper Clip into a House


An inspiring story about the power of the mind. The limitless nature that knows no boundaries. Don't make money a hurdle to growth and wealth. Money only hinders creativity and potential. Unleash the mind to create opportunities from thin air.

A young man from Montreal woke up one morning and decided that he wanted a new house. He hadn't the money to buy the house. Creative thinking stormed the air. He finally decided to embark on a journey to turn a little red paper clip into a brand new house.

Kyle MacDonald traded one red paperclip on July 12 2005 and 14 trades later, on July 12, 2006 he traded with the Town of Kipling Saskatchewan for a house located at 503 Main Street. He traded a:

1. Red Paper Clip for a Fish Pen
2. Fish pen for a happy face door knob
3. Door Knob for a mini barbecue grill
4. Grill for a power generator
5. Generator for a beer keg
5. Keg for a snow mobile
6. Snow mobile for a One Week Trip to a small town called Yahk
7. Yahk trip for a Truck
8. Truck for a Recording Contract
9. Recording Contract for 1 years rent in a One Bedroom house in Phoenix
10. 1 Year rent for a 1/2 a day with Alice Cooper
11. Alice Cooper for a KISS snow globe
12. Snow Globe for a starring role in a film
13. Film role for a House in Saskatchewan.

You can create something out of nothing.

Check out the video below:



Kyle's blog:
http://oneredpaperclip.blogspot.com




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Sunday, November 1, 2009

Raising the Bar

A true story that inspired me to change the way I deal with my kids.

A mother came home with a guest. She was greeted by her 3 young children who ran to her side. After the regular kisses and hugs, her youngest daughter, 3 years old, looked at her with a big smile. "Mama! I didn't get a new house today." The mother turned to her friend, which had a puzzled look on her face. "Ok, tell me about your house." the mother exclaimed to the girl.

"Well, it has a pink door and purple windows....", the girl excitedly giggled as she described her house in full detail. After she finished her mom asked her, "So what do you have to do in order to get this house?". This was a no-brainer for the girl. She quickly put her hands up, extended her 10 fingers out and began to recite "Surat Al Ikhlas" ten times. With each recitation she lowered a finger. When she had finished 10 times, she joyfully sprung up, celebrating her new house.1

The mother then said, "Do you know what would make your house look even more beautiful. How would you like a chest full of treasure?" Excitedly the girl nodded in affirmation. She sprung up began to recite, "لا حول ولا قوة إلي بالله".2 The girl's smile widened. "Mama, I'm thirsty. I want to drink water out of the Prophet's hand." In unison they chanted, "اللهم صلي على سيدنا محمد".3

Raising our kids should be fun. With some creativity, we can teach our kids the most complex and deepest meanings. Enthusiasm fills the air and every gasp of air is followed by a gleeful giggle. Surely things taught in this way, will be ingrained in their little minds for many years to come.

It's time to raise a generation of little minds that are filled with energy and piety. A generation that has great knowledge hosted in their hearts, not just their minds. A generation that takes pride in its origins, culture, and religion. A generation who aspires to greater things and has the discipline to achieve. Let's take the first step towards building this future. Let's raise our children to be leaders.

Notes:
1. Whoever recites Surat Al Ikhlas 10 times, Allah will build a palace for him in paradise.

قال صلى الله عليه وسلم(من قرا (قل هو الله احد) حتى يختمها عشر مرات بنى الله له قصرا في الجنه فقال عمر رضي الله عنه: اذا نستكثر قصورا يارسول الله
فقال: الله اكثر واطيب) اخرجه احمد

2. The Prophet told Abu Dhar, Shall I guide to a treasure of the many treasures of paradise. He replied in the affirmative. Say, "لا حول ولا قوة إلي بالله", There is no Will or Might, but that of Allah's.

عن أبي ذر قال: قال لي رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ألا أدلك على كنز من كنوز الجنة، قلت بلى يا رسول الله، قال لا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله. رواه أحمد

3. Whoever says, "اللهم صلي على سيدنا محمد", Allah have praise on our Prophet Mohamed, will drink out of the Prophet's hand in Paradise.


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