I just love those good news stories and the way the characters stay connected. I especially appreciate the nod to Paul Harvey. What a wonderful storyteller he was, including the pleasantly unique lilt he had to his voice. It’s 58 degrees here in Morganton, GA. That’s some good news! I’ve been wrapped in my cozy robe, drinking coffee on the porch, watching the bunnies, deer and birds. Three hummingbirds have been battling for my two feeders. It can’t get any better than this. I hope all you fine folks will have a glorious day. If anyone deserves it, YOU do.
Good morning Sean and happy Friday to all yall. I'm with ya Sean. Thats why I tune into this station when I'm waking up. If bad vibes are counter productive to positive spirituality why the heck would I listen/watch that manure on the air waves. That quick answer is that I don't. Oh I watch the weather and sports highlights but thats about it. So keep it up Sean we need more good news. Listen to that song by the Gaither vocal band "Good news" anyway the dogs want to go out so yall have a splendiferous day and...
I was replying to ricpayson. He was basically referring to Sean’s substack as a good “station” vs the news stations that report only the horrific things going on.
Ol’ Ben Franklin said “Beer proves God loves us and wants us to be happy.” That’d be enough to make Ben an American hero.
What a great thing that people can break into spontaneous generosity. Just yesterday I went to pick up some breakfast tacos for a friend whose wife is in the hospital. Her health is fading fast. Had to park around the corner because there were five sheriffs’ vehicles in the parking spots in the street. I walked in to see a big guy in black coveralls, with a company name stitched on the front.
When the woman came out of the kitchen to work the cash register, he asked if the ticket for the deputies was there. He paid for himself and all five deputies; sixty four bucks with the tip.
Good things happen. Sometimes right in front of us. We can be gracious when we choose to be. That probably proves God loves us as much as a cold beer when it’s 106 in the shade, and I expect that makes God happy.
Pone I know you've heard this one but in case some of you had'nt, Purty Eye opening.
The story of Teddy Stoddard
There is a story many years ago of an elementary teacher. Her name was Mrs. Thompson. And as she stood in front of her fifth grade class on the very first day of school, she told the children what they must have thought was a lie.
Like most teachers, she looked at her students and said that
she loved them all the same. But that was impossible, because there in the front row, slumped in his seat, was a little boy named Teddy Stoddard.
Mrs. Thompson had watched Teddy the year before and noticed that he didn't play well with the other children, that his clothes were messy and that he constantly needed a bath. And Teddy could be unpleasant. It got to the point where Mrs. Thompson would actually take delight in marking his papers with a broad red pen, making bold X's and then putting a big "F" at the top of his papers.
At the school where Mrs. Thompson taught, she was required to review each child's past records, and she put Teddy Stoddard's off until last. However, when she reviewed his file, she was in for a surprise. Teddy's first grade Teacher wrote, "Teddy is a bright child with a ready laugh. He does his work neatly and has good manners...he is a joy to be around."
His second grade teacher wrote, "Teddy Stoddard is an excellent student, well liked by his classmates, but he is troubled because his mother has a terminal illness and life at home must be a struggle."
His third grade teacher wrote, "His mother's death has been hard on him. He tries to do his best but his father doesn't show much interest and his home life will soon affect him if some steps aren't taken."
Teddy's fourth grade teacher wrote, "Teddy Stoddard is withdrawn and doesn't show much interest in school. He doesn't have many friends and sometimes sleeps in class."
By now, Mrs. Thompson realized the problem and she was ashamed of herself. She felt even worse when her students brought her Christmas presents, wrapped in beautiful ribbons and bright paper, except for Teddy's. His present was clumsily wrapped in the heavy, brown paper that he got from a grocery bag.
Mrs. Thompson took pains to open it in the middle of the other presents. Some of the children started to laugh when she found a rhinestone bracelet with some of the stones missing and a bottle that was one quarter full of perfume. But she stifled the children's laughter when she exclaimed, how pretty the bracelet was. She put it on and dabbed some of the perfume on her wrist.
Teddy Stoddard stayed after school that day just long enough to say, "Mrs. Thompson, today you smelled just like my Mom used to." After the children left she cried for at least an hour. On that very day, she quit teaching reading, writing, and arithmetic. Instead, she began to teach children.
Mrs. Thompson paid particular attention to Teddy. As she worked with him, his mind seemed to come alive. The more she encouraged him, the faster he responded. By the end of the year, Teddy had become one of the smartest children in the class and, despite her lie that she would love all the children the same, Teddy Stoddard became one of her "pets."
boy
A year later, she found a note under her door, from Teddy, telling her that she was still the best teacher he ever had in his whole life. Six years went by before she got another note from Teddy. He then wrote that he had finished high school, third in his class, and she was still the best teacher he ever had in his whole life.
Four years after that, she got another letter, saying that while things had been tough at times, he stayed in school, had stuck with it, and would soon graduate from college with the highest of honors. He assured Mrs.Thompson that she was still the best and favorite teacher he ever had in his whole life.
Then four more years passed and yet another letter came. This time he explained that after he got his bachelor's degree, he decided to go a little further. The letter explained that she was still the best and favorite teacher he ever had. But now his name was a little longer.
The letter was signed, Theodore F. Stoddard, MD.
The story doesn't end there. You see, there was yet another letter that spring. Teddy said he'd met this girl and was going to be married. He explained that his father had died a couple of years ago and he was wondering if Mrs. Thompson might agree to sit in the place at the wedding that was usually reserved for the mother of the groom.
Of course, Mrs. Thompson did. And guess what? She wore that bracelet, the one with several rhinestones missing. And she made sure she was wearing the perfume that Teddy remembered his mother wearing on their last Christmas together.
They hugged each other, and Dr. Stoddard whispered in Mrs. Thompson's ear, "Thank you, Mrs. Thompson, for believing in me. Thank you so much for making me feel important and showing me that I could make a difference." Mrs. Thompson, with tears in her eyes, whispered back. She said, "Teddy, you have it all wrong. You were the one who taught me that I could make a difference. I didn't know how to teach until I met you."
Lessons from the Story of Teddy Stoddard
Don't judge by appearance. How many times do we judge others before we know all the facts. Everyone has a story; let's take time to learn it first.
A little kindness goes a long way! We may see little acts and words of kindness as small, but in God's hands they can go a long way.
Philippians 2:3-4 - "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Divine Providence. The Bible is full of those kinds of stories too. The Gospel is the Good News, actually the Best News.
Something in human nature relishes stories where everything works out for the better. Where an unlikely human, an underdog is best, rescues someone in distress. Everyone lives happily ever after.
I follow Jimmy Darts on Facebook. He approaches people around the country and asks for a small favor. Usually it’s an extra dollar to buy something in the store or restaurant. Other times it’s just doing a very insignificant favor. He tries several times to find someone who doesn’t brush him off. (Warning, it can be convicting.)
The person who finally helps him is given a small windfall. Inevitably the person who helps has a story, and a sad one. It’s not uncommon for JD to pray for these people. The camera rarely captures JD himself, he wants no glory. It’s promoted by the public who wants to see more of these stories. And it gives viewers a different perspective on folks who are down on their luck.
In a recent interview JD was asked why he does this. He said his parents would give he and his brother 200 dollars a piece at Christmas. They could spend half on whatever they wanted but had to find someone to bless with the other 100 bucks. He says for him it gave real weight to the Lords words ‘it’s better to give than receive’. He credits the Holy Spirit’s guidance in finding the right person to ask for help.
Maybe something to think about doing with your own kids or grandkids. School has just started so the rest of the year zooms by. Sometimes our local animal rescues will feature a child who’s collected pet food instead of birthday gifts. It’s a beautiful thing.
It is known as the Golden Rule and found in Matt. 7:12. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Jesus said that pretty well sums up the law, the foundational ones being the Ten Commandments. It would be a different world if we actually practiced this ---wouldn’t it?
God’s remnant is what the Bible calls good people of hope, faith and kind acts. Thankful we continue to see good souls, today, through our Storymaker….these dear subjects are sprinkled throughout our great land. It’s STILL great because good is indeed in it! And reading about it IS still a powerful tool…..thought of the day….”Turn off the tube!”
We are made in His image. That spark that gives us all the ability to be compassionate and love each other is what I believe that image is. Let's all give someone a story like this to tell today. That's what life should be like. Bless ya, Sean.
Someone help me.
I can't think of that guy's name to save my life.
"And now you know the rest of the story"
I listened to him for so many years.
Please tell me.
I'm 63 & losing my memory more every day.
PAUL HARVEY ! ! !
There. I'm not as senile as I thought.
Thanks for the telekinetic transfers. I guess they work sometimes.
Thank ye. Thank ye. Thank ye!
I love you Sean & Jamie, & the dogs, & Becca, & Bruce, & the G. O. Opry, & Momma Nem, & The Neighbors & Ever Body Else.
Paul Harvey - "and now you know the rest of the story. "
My favorite is "And God Made a Dog." I bawl every time I hear it - being a rescuer and owning several of the critters.
Random acts of kindness.....they're EVERYWHERE! Take notice....pass them on....if each one of us would just do one....think of what could happen!!!!
I know everyone says this, but I love your stories. ♥️🥹🥹🥹
Me too Debbie!
I just love those good news stories and the way the characters stay connected. I especially appreciate the nod to Paul Harvey. What a wonderful storyteller he was, including the pleasantly unique lilt he had to his voice. It’s 58 degrees here in Morganton, GA. That’s some good news! I’ve been wrapped in my cozy robe, drinking coffee on the porch, watching the bunnies, deer and birds. Three hummingbirds have been battling for my two feeders. It can’t get any better than this. I hope all you fine folks will have a glorious day. If anyone deserves it, YOU do.
Thanks Sean for such GOOD news! God bless you and bless all followers.
Have a Good Friday.
Good morning Sean and happy Friday to all yall. I'm with ya Sean. Thats why I tune into this station when I'm waking up. If bad vibes are counter productive to positive spirituality why the heck would I listen/watch that manure on the air waves. That quick answer is that I don't. Oh I watch the weather and sports highlights but thats about it. So keep it up Sean we need more good news. Listen to that song by the Gaither vocal band "Good news" anyway the dogs want to go out so yall have a splendiferous day and...
Peace
I tune in to the Sean of The South station first thing too.
What station is he on.. & can I possibly get it in Slidell, La??
I was replying to ricpayson. He was basically referring to Sean’s substack as a good “station” vs the news stations that report only the horrific things going on.
Or lovely day by bill withers
What a lovely good news story. Blessings to you & all your followers.
Ol’ Ben Franklin said “Beer proves God loves us and wants us to be happy.” That’d be enough to make Ben an American hero.
What a great thing that people can break into spontaneous generosity. Just yesterday I went to pick up some breakfast tacos for a friend whose wife is in the hospital. Her health is fading fast. Had to park around the corner because there were five sheriffs’ vehicles in the parking spots in the street. I walked in to see a big guy in black coveralls, with a company name stitched on the front.
When the woman came out of the kitchen to work the cash register, he asked if the ticket for the deputies was there. He paid for himself and all five deputies; sixty four bucks with the tip.
Good things happen. Sometimes right in front of us. We can be gracious when we choose to be. That probably proves God loves us as much as a cold beer when it’s 106 in the shade, and I expect that makes God happy.
And the beat goes on...good vibes good moods, I think we all deserve them, Thanks Sean!
Peace and Love to All from Birmingham 🙏♥️
Pone I know you've heard this one but in case some of you had'nt, Purty Eye opening.
The story of Teddy Stoddard
There is a story many years ago of an elementary teacher. Her name was Mrs. Thompson. And as she stood in front of her fifth grade class on the very first day of school, she told the children what they must have thought was a lie.
Like most teachers, she looked at her students and said that
she loved them all the same. But that was impossible, because there in the front row, slumped in his seat, was a little boy named Teddy Stoddard.
Mrs. Thompson had watched Teddy the year before and noticed that he didn't play well with the other children, that his clothes were messy and that he constantly needed a bath. And Teddy could be unpleasant. It got to the point where Mrs. Thompson would actually take delight in marking his papers with a broad red pen, making bold X's and then putting a big "F" at the top of his papers.
At the school where Mrs. Thompson taught, she was required to review each child's past records, and she put Teddy Stoddard's off until last. However, when she reviewed his file, she was in for a surprise. Teddy's first grade Teacher wrote, "Teddy is a bright child with a ready laugh. He does his work neatly and has good manners...he is a joy to be around."
His second grade teacher wrote, "Teddy Stoddard is an excellent student, well liked by his classmates, but he is troubled because his mother has a terminal illness and life at home must be a struggle."
His third grade teacher wrote, "His mother's death has been hard on him. He tries to do his best but his father doesn't show much interest and his home life will soon affect him if some steps aren't taken."
Teddy's fourth grade teacher wrote, "Teddy Stoddard is withdrawn and doesn't show much interest in school. He doesn't have many friends and sometimes sleeps in class."
By now, Mrs. Thompson realized the problem and she was ashamed of herself. She felt even worse when her students brought her Christmas presents, wrapped in beautiful ribbons and bright paper, except for Teddy's. His present was clumsily wrapped in the heavy, brown paper that he got from a grocery bag.
Mrs. Thompson took pains to open it in the middle of the other presents. Some of the children started to laugh when she found a rhinestone bracelet with some of the stones missing and a bottle that was one quarter full of perfume. But she stifled the children's laughter when she exclaimed, how pretty the bracelet was. She put it on and dabbed some of the perfume on her wrist.
Teddy Stoddard stayed after school that day just long enough to say, "Mrs. Thompson, today you smelled just like my Mom used to." After the children left she cried for at least an hour. On that very day, she quit teaching reading, writing, and arithmetic. Instead, she began to teach children.
Mrs. Thompson paid particular attention to Teddy. As she worked with him, his mind seemed to come alive. The more she encouraged him, the faster he responded. By the end of the year, Teddy had become one of the smartest children in the class and, despite her lie that she would love all the children the same, Teddy Stoddard became one of her "pets."
boy
A year later, she found a note under her door, from Teddy, telling her that she was still the best teacher he ever had in his whole life. Six years went by before she got another note from Teddy. He then wrote that he had finished high school, third in his class, and she was still the best teacher he ever had in his whole life.
Four years after that, she got another letter, saying that while things had been tough at times, he stayed in school, had stuck with it, and would soon graduate from college with the highest of honors. He assured Mrs.Thompson that she was still the best and favorite teacher he ever had in his whole life.
Then four more years passed and yet another letter came. This time he explained that after he got his bachelor's degree, he decided to go a little further. The letter explained that she was still the best and favorite teacher he ever had. But now his name was a little longer.
The letter was signed, Theodore F. Stoddard, MD.
The story doesn't end there. You see, there was yet another letter that spring. Teddy said he'd met this girl and was going to be married. He explained that his father had died a couple of years ago and he was wondering if Mrs. Thompson might agree to sit in the place at the wedding that was usually reserved for the mother of the groom.
Of course, Mrs. Thompson did. And guess what? She wore that bracelet, the one with several rhinestones missing. And she made sure she was wearing the perfume that Teddy remembered his mother wearing on their last Christmas together.
They hugged each other, and Dr. Stoddard whispered in Mrs. Thompson's ear, "Thank you, Mrs. Thompson, for believing in me. Thank you so much for making me feel important and showing me that I could make a difference." Mrs. Thompson, with tears in her eyes, whispered back. She said, "Teddy, you have it all wrong. You were the one who taught me that I could make a difference. I didn't know how to teach until I met you."
Lessons from the Story of Teddy Stoddard
Don't judge by appearance. How many times do we judge others before we know all the facts. Everyone has a story; let's take time to learn it first.
A little kindness goes a long way! We may see little acts and words of kindness as small, but in God's hands they can go a long way.
Philippians 2:3-4 - "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
WOW, now that's one inspirational story! And very well written I might add. Thank you, Pu!
Divine Providence. The Bible is full of those kinds of stories too. The Gospel is the Good News, actually the Best News.
Something in human nature relishes stories where everything works out for the better. Where an unlikely human, an underdog is best, rescues someone in distress. Everyone lives happily ever after.
I follow Jimmy Darts on Facebook. He approaches people around the country and asks for a small favor. Usually it’s an extra dollar to buy something in the store or restaurant. Other times it’s just doing a very insignificant favor. He tries several times to find someone who doesn’t brush him off. (Warning, it can be convicting.)
The person who finally helps him is given a small windfall. Inevitably the person who helps has a story, and a sad one. It’s not uncommon for JD to pray for these people. The camera rarely captures JD himself, he wants no glory. It’s promoted by the public who wants to see more of these stories. And it gives viewers a different perspective on folks who are down on their luck.
In a recent interview JD was asked why he does this. He said his parents would give he and his brother 200 dollars a piece at Christmas. They could spend half on whatever they wanted but had to find someone to bless with the other 100 bucks. He says for him it gave real weight to the Lords words ‘it’s better to give than receive’. He credits the Holy Spirit’s guidance in finding the right person to ask for help.
Maybe something to think about doing with your own kids or grandkids. School has just started so the rest of the year zooms by. Sometimes our local animal rescues will feature a child who’s collected pet food instead of birthday gifts. It’s a beautiful thing.
Yes, Dolores, this is the BEST lesson parents could EVER teach their children.
To care for, share with and have empathy for others.
Keep printing the GOOD stuff, Sean. Thanks.
It is known as the Golden Rule and found in Matt. 7:12. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Jesus said that pretty well sums up the law, the foundational ones being the Ten Commandments. It would be a different world if we actually practiced this ---wouldn’t it?
Sadly most people follow the other golden rule "He who has the gold makes the rules"
Hope you have a great day
Goodness AND laughs. Best thing in the world, first thing in the morning.
God’s remnant is what the Bible calls good people of hope, faith and kind acts. Thankful we continue to see good souls, today, through our Storymaker….these dear subjects are sprinkled throughout our great land. It’s STILL great because good is indeed in it! And reading about it IS still a powerful tool…..thought of the day….”Turn off the tube!”
We are made in His image. That spark that gives us all the ability to be compassionate and love each other is what I believe that image is. Let's all give someone a story like this to tell today. That's what life should be like. Bless ya, Sean.