Be Encouraged

A minister passing through his church in the middle of the day, decided to pause by the altar and see who had come to pray. Just then the back door opened, a man came down the aisle. The minister frowned as he saw the man hadn’t shaved in a while. His shirt was kinda’ shabby and his coat was worn and frayed. The man knelt, he bowed his head, then rose and walked away.

In the days that followed, each noon time came this chap, each time he knelt just for a moment, a lunch pail in his lap. Well, the minister’s suspicions grew, with robbery a main fear, He decided to stop the man and ask him, “Watcha’ doin’ here?”

The old man said, he worked down the road. Lunch was half an hour. Lunchtime was his prayer time, for finding strength and power.”I stay only moments, see, ‘cause the factory is so far away. As I kneel here talking’ to the Lord, this is kinda’ what I say:

“I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, LORD, HOW HAPPY I’VE BEEN, SINCE WE FOUND EACH OTHER’S FRIENDSHIP AND YOU TOOK AWAY MY SIN. I DON’T KNOW MUCH OF HOW TO PRAY, BUT I THINK ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY. SO, JESUS, THIS IS JIM CHECKIN’ IN.”

The minister feeling foolish, told Jim, that was fine. He told the man he was welcome to come and pray just anytime. Time to go, Jim smiled, said “Thanks.” He hurried to the door. The minister knelt at the alter, he’d never done it before. His cold heart melted, warmed with love, he met with Jesus there. As the tears flowed, in his heart, he repeated old Jim’s prayer:

“I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, LORD, HOW HAPPY I’VE BEEN, SINCE WE FOUND EACH OTHER’S FRIENDSHIP AND YOU TOOK AWAY MY SIN. I DON’T KNOW MUCH OF HOW TO PRAY, BUT I THINK ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY. SO, JESUS, THIS IS ME CHECKIN’ IN.”

Past noon one day, the minister noticed that old Jim hadn’t come. As more days passed without Jim, he began to worry some. At the factory, he asked about him, learning he was ill. The hospital staff was worried, but he’d given them a thrill. The week that Jim was with them, brought changes in the ward. His smiles, a joy contagious. Changed people, his reward. The head nurse couldn’t understand why Jim was so glad, when no flowers, calls or cards came, not a visitor he had.

The minister stayed by his bed, he voiced the nurse’s concern: No friends came to show they cared. He had nowhere to turn. Looking surprised, old Jim spoke up and with a winsome smile “The nurse is wrong, she couldn’t know, that all the while Everyday at noon. He’s here, a dear friend of mine, you see, He sits right down, takes my hand, leans over and says to me:

“I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, JIM, HOW HAPPY I HAVE BEEN, SINCE WE FOUND THIS FRIENDSHIP, AND I TOOK AWAY YOUR SIN. I ALWAYS LOVE TO HEAR YOU PRAY, I THINK ABOUT YOU EACH DAY, AND SO JIM, THIS IS JESUS CHECKIN’ IN.”

Author Unknown

Happiness

We convince ourselves that life will be better after we get married and have kids. Then we become frustrated that the kids aren't old enough and we'll be more content when they are. After that, we're frustrated that we have teenagers to deal with. We will certainly be happy when they are out of that stage. We tell ourselves that our life will be complete when our spouse gets his or her act together, when we get a nicer car, are able to go on a nice vacation, when we retire.

The truth is, there's no better time to be happy than right now. If not now....when? Your life will always be filled with challenges. It's best to admit this to yourself and decide to be happy anyway.

One of my favorite quotes comes from Alfred D. Souza. He said, "For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin - real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, or a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were "my life".

This perspective has helped me to see that there is no way to get to happiness. Happiness IS the way. So, treasure every moment that you have and treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time...and remember that time waits for no one.

So, stop waiting until you finish school, until you go back to school, until you lose ten pounds, until you gain ten pounds, until you have kids, until your kids leave the house, until you start work, until you retire, until you get married, until you get divorced, until Friday night, until Sunday morning, until you get a new car or home, until your car or home is paid off, until spring, until summer, until fall, until winter, until you are off welfare, until the first or fifteenth, until your song comes on, until you've had a drink, until you've sobered up, until you die, until you are born again, to decide that there is no better time than right now to be happy. Happiness is a journey, not a destination.

Thought for the day: Work like you don't need money, love like you've never been hurt, and dance like no one's watching.

Some people come into our lives and quickly go.. Some people become friends and stay a while...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!

Live and savor every moment....this is not a dress rehearsal!

Author Unknown

Jesus Loves Me

It was a very hot day, sweat and irritation was in abundance. Traffic was hectic and the A/C in my car was not cooperating either. I had to run so many errands and since the baby sitter was on leave, I had to take a day off and take my 4 year old son wherever I went. I was just hoping that he behaved well the entire day because I was definitely not in a good mood.

I had to pickup a book for my friend who was celebrating her birthday the next day, so I ran to the bookstore, (Remember I was literally dragging David, my son along with me) and the check out line was very very very long. I did not want to drive to another bookstore to avoid the long line because I did not want to get fried in the heat again.

The checkout line looked like a giant snail to me. I looked at my watch so many times that I thought that even the watch looked like a snail. I could not smile at anybody nor could I interact with my son because “I WAS TOO IRRITATED’, I wanted to finish all my errands. Everyone around me also had a tired and irritated look on them. My son who was trying to get my attention by talking to me about his school, his friends, the beautiful sun, butterflies, a little girl, sounded too boring to me. (How rude can I get huh!!!!????!!!)

I finally had it, I turned towards my son to tell him to just be quiet because his joyful chatter was giving me a headache, but he just smiled at me and started singing “JESUS LOVES ME THIS I KNOW……..YES! JESUS LOVES ME, YES! JESUS LOVES ME” – by now he was LOUD. I was first embarrassed, because people turned their heads towards us, but then I noticed that the heat, the long line or my mood did not affect my boy, but the joy of the Lord, made him sing. Everyone turned and looked at David and smiled at him. Everyone were smiling, (even I was), the line seemed to get shorter, and the checkout person was wishing everybody so sweetly.

My errands list looked shorter, my mood was better, I picked up the book and hugged my son who reminded me that Jesus loves me and I need to pass on His Love and not my irritation on others, because He is there to take care of me, I should just enjoy all the situations and keep praising Him. When I stepped out I thought I saw a cool cloud passing by.

The joy of the Lord can change any bad situation into a pure joy, next time you are down with depression or just irritation, just start humming, Jesus Loves Me…..(it worked for David, it will work for you too, because Jesus is definitely there to take care of us).

Author Unknown

Not Home Yet

An old missionary couple had been working in Africa for years and were returning to New York to retire. They had no pension; their health was broken; they were defeated, discouraged, and afraid. They discovered they were booked on the same ship as President Teddy Roosevelt, who was returning from one of his big-game hunting expeditions.

No one paid any attention to them. They watched the fanfare that accompanied the President's entourage, with passengers trying to catch a glimpse of the great man. As the ship moved across the ocean, the old missionary said to his wife, "Something is wrong." "Why should we have given our lives in faithful service for God in Africa all these many years and have no one care a thing about us? Here this man comes back from a hunting trip and everybody makes much over him, but nobody gives two hoots about us."

"Dear, you shouldn't feel that way", his wife said. He replied "I can't help it; it doesn't seem right."

When the ship docked in New York, a band was waiting to greet the President. The mayor and other dignitaries were there. The papers were full of the President's arrival. No one noticed this missionary couple. They slipped off the ship and found a cheap flat on the East Side, hoping the next day to see what they could do to make a living in the city.

That night the man's spirit broke. He said to his wife, "I can't take this; God is not treating us fairly". His wife replied, "Why don't you go in the bedroom and tell that to the Lord?"

A short time later he came out from the bedroom, but now his face was completely different. His wife asked, "Dear, what happened?" "The Lord settled it with me", he said. "I told him how bitter I was that the President should receive this tremendous home-coming, when no one met us as we returned home. And when I finished, it seemed as though the Lord put his hand on my shoulder and simply said,

"But you're not home yet."

Author Unknown

The 90/10 Principle

Discover the 90/10 Principle: It will change your life The 90/10 principle is incredible! Very few know and apply this principle. The Result? Millions of people are suffering undeserved stress, trials, problems, and heartache. They never seem to be a success in life. Bad days follow bad days. Terrible things seem to be constantly happening. Theirs is constant stress, lack of joy, and broken relationships. Worry consumes time, anger breaks friendships, and life seems dreary and is not enjoyed to the fullest. Friends are lost. Life is a bore and often seems cruel. Does this describe you? If so, do not be discouraged. You can be different! Understand and apply the 90/10 principle. It will change your life!

What is this principle? 10% of life is made up of what happens to you. 90% of life is decided by how you react. What does this mean? We really have no control over 10% of what happens to us. We cannot stop the car from breaking down. The plane may be late arriving, which throws our whole schedule off. A driver may cut us off in traffic. We have no control over this 10%. The other 90% is different. You determine the other 90%! How? By your reaction. You cannot control a red light, but you can control your reaction. Don't let people fool you; YOU can control how you react!

Let's use an example. You're eating breakfast with your family. Your daughter knocks over a cup of coffee onto your business shirt. You have no control over what just happened. What happens next will be determined by how you react. You curse. You harshly scold your daughter for knocking the coffee cup over. She breaks down in tears. After scolding her, you turn to your spouse and criticize them for placing the cup too close to the edge of the table. A short verbal battle follows. You storm upstairs and change your shirt. Back downstairs you find your daughter has been too busy crying to finish breakfast and get ready for school. She misses the bus. Your spouse must leave immediately for work. You rush to the car and drive your daughter to school. Because you are late, you drive 40 miles an hour in a 30 mph speed limit. After a 15-minute delay and throwing $60 (traffic fine) away, you arrive at school. Your daughter runs to the building without saying good-bye. After arriving at the office 20 minutes late, you find you forgot your briefcase. Your day has started terrible. As it continues, it seems to get worse and worse. You look forward to going home. When you arrive home you find small wedge in your relationship with your spouse and daughter. Why? Because of how you reacted in the morning. Why did you have a bad day?
A) Did the coffee cause it?
B) Did your daughter cause it?
C) Did the Policeman cause it?
D) Did you cause it?
The answer is D. You had no control over what happened with the coffee. How you reacted in those 5 seconds is what caused your bad day.

Here is what could have and should have happened. Coffee splashes over you. Your daughter is about to cry. You gently say, "It's OK honey, you just need to be more careful next time". Grabbing a towel you rush upstairs. After grabbing a new shirt and your briefcase. You come back down in time look through the window and see your child getting on the bus. She turns and waves. You and your spouse kiss before you both go to work. You arrive 5 minutes early and cheerfully greet the staff. Your boss comments on how good the day you are having. Notice the difference. Two different scenarios. Both started the same. Both ended different. Why? Because of how you REACTED. You really do not have any control over 10% of what happens. The other 90% is determined by your reaction.

Here are some ways to apply the 90/10 principle. If someone says something negative about you, do not be a sponge. Let the attack roll off like water on glass. You do not have to let the negative comment affect you! React properly and it will not ruin your day. A wrong reaction could result in losing a friend, being fired, getting stressed out, etc.

How do you react if someone cuts you off in traffic? Do you lose your temper? Pound the steering wheel? (A friend of mine had the steering wheel fall off!) Do you curse? Does your blood pressure skyrocket? Do you try and bump them? WHO CARES if you arrive ten seconds later at work? Why let the cars ruin your drive. Remember the 90-10 principle, and do not worry about it!

You are told you lost your job. Why lose sleep or get irritated? It will work out. Use your "worrying" energy and time into finding another job.

The plane is late. It is going to mangle your schedule for the day. Why take out your frustration on the flight attendant? She has no control over what is going on. Use your time to study, get to know the other passenger, etc. Why get stressed out? It will just make things worse.

Now you now know the 90-10 principle. Apply it and you will be amazed at the results.

Author Unknown

Tools for Sale

It was advertised that the devil was going to put his tools up for sale. On the date of the sale, the tools were placed for public inspection; each tool being marked with its sale price.

They were a treacherous lot of implements...Hatred, Envy, Jealousy, Deceit, Lying, Pride, and so on.

Laid apart from the rest was a harmless looking tool, well worn and priced very high.

"What is the name of this tool?" asked one of the purchasers, pointing to it.

That is Discouragement", replied the devil.

"Why have you priced it so high?"

"Because it is more useful to me than the others. I can pry open and get inside a man's heart with that when I cannot get near him with my other tools. Once I get inside, I can make him do what I choose. It is badly worn because I use it on almost everyone, since very few people know that it belongs to me."

Author Unknown

You Say

You say: "It's impossible." God says: All things are possible. (Luke 8:27)

You say: "I'm too tired." God says: I will give you rest. (Matthew 1:28-30)

You say: "Nobody really loves me." God says: I love you. (John 3:16 & John 13:34)

You say: "I can't go on." God says: My grace is sufficient. (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalms 91:15)

You say: "I can't figure things out." God says: I will direct your steps. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say: "I can't do it." God says: You can do all things. (Philippians 4:13)

You say: "I'm not able." God says: I am able. (II Corinthians 9:8)

You say: "I'm not worth it. God says: It will be worth it. (Romans 8:28)

You say: "I can't forgive myself." God says: I FORGIVE YOU. (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: "I can't manage." God says: I will supply all your needs. (Philippians 4:19)

You say: "I'm afraid." God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear. (II Timothy 1:7)

You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated." God says: Cast all your cares on ME. (I Peter 5:7)

You say: "I don't have enough faith." God says: I've given everyone a measure of faith (Romans 12:3)

You say: "I'm not smart enough." God says: I give you wisdom. (I Corinthians 1:30)

You say: "I feel all alone." God says: I will never leave you or forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)

Author unknown