A Letter To Patrick

Dear Patrick,

I was then an only child who had everything I could ever want. But even a pretty, spoiled and rich kid could get lonely once in a while so when Mom told me that she was pregnant, I was ecstatic. I imagined how wonderful you would be and how we'd always be together and how much you would look like me. So, when you were born, I looked at your tiny hands and feet and marveled at how beautiful you were. We took you home and I showed you proudly to my friends. They would touch you and sometimes pinch you, but you never reacted.

When you were five months old, some things began to bother Mom. You seemed so unmoving and numb, and your cry sounded odd -- almost like a kitten's. So we brought you to many doctors.

The thirteenth doctor who looked at you quietly said you have the "cry du chat" (pronounced kree-do-sha) syndrome, 'cry of the cat' in French. When I asked what that meant, he looked at me with pity and softly said, "Your brother will never walk nor talk." The doctor told us that it is a condition that afflicts one in 50,000 babies, rendering victims severely retarded. Mom was shocked and I was furious. I thought it was unfair.

When we went home, Mom took you in her arms and cried. I looked at you and realized that word will get around that you're not normal. So to hold on to my popularity, I did the unthinkable ... I disowned you.

Mom and Dad didn't know but I steeled myself not to love you as you grew. Mom and Dad showered you with love and attention and that made me bitter. And as the years passed, that bitterness turned to anger, and then hate.

Mom never gave up on you. She knew she had to do it for your sake. Every time she put your toys down, you'd roll instead of crawl. I watched her heart break every time she took away your toys and strapped your tummy with foam so you couldn't roll. You'd struggle and you'd cry in that pitiful way, the cry of the kitten. But she still didn't give up. And then one day, you defied what all your doctors said -- you crawled!

When Mom saw this, she knew that you would eventually walk. So when you were still crawling at age four , she'd put you on the grass with only your diapers on knowing that you hate the feel of the grass your skin, and smile at your discomfort. You would crawl to the sidewalk and Mom would put you back. Again and again, Mom repeated this on the lawn. Until one day, Mom saw you pull yourself up and toddle off the grass as fast as your little legs could carry you. Laughing and crying, she shouted for Dad and I to come. Dad hugged you crying openly. I watched from my bedroom window this heartbreaking scene.

Over the years, Mom taught you to speak, read and write. From then on, I would sometimes see you walk outside, smell the flowers, marvel at the birds, or just smile at no one. I began to see the beauty of the world around me, the simplicity of life and the wonders of this world, through your eyes. It was then that I realized that you were my brother and no matter how much I tried to hate you, I couldn't, because I had grown to love you.

During the next few days, we again became acquainted with each other. I would buy you toys and give you all the love that a sister could ever give to her brother. And you would reward me by smiling and hugging me. But I guess, you were never really meant for us. On your tenth birthday, you felt severe headaches.

The doctor's diagnosis -- leukemia. Mom gasped and Dad held her, while I fought hard to keep my tears from falling. At that moment, I loved you all the more. I couldn't even bear to leave your side. Then the doctors told us that your only hope was to have a bone marrow transplant. You became the subject of a nationwide donor search. When at last we found the right match, you were too sick, and the doctor reluctantly ruled out the operations. Since then, you underwent chemotherapy and radiation.

Even at the end, you continued to pursue life. Just a month before you died, you made me draw up a list of things you wanted to do when you got out of the hospital. Two days after the list was completed, you asked the doctors to send you home. There, we ate ice cream and cake, run across the grass, flew kites, went fishing, took pictures of one another and let the balloons fly.

I remember the last conversation that we had. You said that if you die, and if I need of help, I could send you a note to heaven by tying it on the string any a balloon and letting it fly. When you said this, I started crying. Then you hugged me. Then again, for the last time, you got sick.

That last night, you asked for water, a back rub, a cuddle. Finally, you went into seizure with tears streaming down your face. Later, at the hospital, you struggled to talk but the words wouldn't come. I know what you wanted to say. "I hear you," I whispered. And for the last time, I said, "I'll always love you and I will never forget you. Don't be afraid. You'll soon be with God in heaven." Then, with my tears flowing freely, I watched the bravest boy I had ever known finally stop breathing. Dad, Mom and I cried until I felt as if there were no more tears left.

Patrick was finally gone, leaving us behind. From then on, you were my source of inspiration. You showed me how to love life and live life to the fullest. With your simplicity and honesty, you showed me a world full of love and caring. And you made me realize that the most important thing in this life is to continue loving without asking why or how and without setting any limit. Thank you, my little brother, for all these.

Your sister,

Sarah

Author Unknown

A Girl's Love & Faith

About six years ago, I went to the Pocono's for a winter retreat with my church. It was a small, simple gathering of about forty kids.

We were not yet teens but slowly coming to realize ourselves as more than just children.

Since I was new to the church, a few friends of mine gave me a basic overview on the kids of our youth group. I can still remember a few random faces and the descriptions that went with them:

"Oh, that's so-and-so. He's such a pussy; he wet the bed at last year's retreat." or "That's the kid that kicked so-and-so's butt cuz he bothered his sister."

Yet the one that haunts me with such clarity to this day is of a little girl, probably in the third grade at the time. With uneven locks of greasy hair adorning her misshapen face, she was constantly bombarded with ridicule from the heartless and unsympathetic. She was born with a physical ailment that affected her coordination and altered her facial features. It would be almost a daily retreat tradition for us to yell "retard" as she passed by on her way to the chapel.

Yet, as the final day of our retreat neared, we all prepared our hearts for the most emotional night...the night in which voices would cry, hands would be raised, and eyes would flow freely without considering what the person next to you would think the following day. Yet, instead of pouring our hearts out in a scattered groups on the floor as expected, our pastor told us to stay in our seats for a moment.

After about three minutes of composed silence, he said with calm, monotone sincerity,

"Who here loves Jesus?"

Everyone raised their hand; some even shouted small cries of their devotion.

"Who here really loves Jesus?" he repeated.

Again, everyone raised their arms, some fists clenched, accompanied by countless amen's and hallelujahs. Then, as the silence reentered the room, he slowly produced a seven-inch long, steel stake from behind his back. With eyes of ice, he said,

"Then those of you that really love Jesus please come to the front of the room...and suffer his fate."

A confused and scared silence congested the air of the room. No one dared make a sound, even a cough, for fear that everyone else may look at him. It seemed as though everything had been frozen in a heavy fog that engulfed the room. Watches seemed to have stopped. Eyes ceased to blink. The only thing that moved was the flowing perspiration as we all waited for something to happen. The pastor clenched the stake high above his head.

"Who here is willing to place their hand out for this stake to puncture it? Who? WHO?!"

A small, scraping sound arose from the back row. It was the sound of a little girl, whimpering and stumbling, slowly rising from her chair. She broke the expectations of every person that had looked down on her, the retard, the ugly retard, just as Jesus had been resurrected in spite of the Romans' hatred of him. She bore the weight of everyone's stares and snickers as she limped up the aisle to the front of the room, just as Jesus had arduously carried his cross. Slowly lifting her ugly head to the pastor, she muttered,

"I will."

Tears coursed from the pastor's eyes as he asked her with fervent conviction,

"Are you willing to pierce your hands for Jesus? Are you?!"

Her face was streaked with the rivers of tears, not emotional tears like that of all of ours had been, but spiritual tears flowing from her dull eyes. She slowly peeled her arms from her sides and lifted them to the man before her.

"Yes."

Not much changed the next day. She didn't miraculously lose her physical defects. She was still made fun of...mostly by the kids that weren't at the last night's service. And I'm sure that if I asked any of the kids that were in that room the final night if they ever made fun of anyone ever again that they would all say yes. But the fact of the matter is, that occurrence will stay with all of us, the teachers, the kids, everyone, for the rest of our lives.

And perhaps we should all stop being so judgmental, so ready to accuse or ridicule or hate, and stop modeling ourselves to be like the Romans. Because as much as it surprised us all, the only one of us that approached the pastor with a sincere courage was that "retard, that ugly retard" girl.

And even though we already know to do this, do we really always follow it? Well, that just shows the understanding and love of Jesus, of how much he can allow himself to be spit on and laughed at and still forgive us...just like a humble, disabled little girl with a monumental spirit. Pass this on...and I hope this girl's courage and sincere faith has affected you and will remind you of Christ's love as much as it has me.

Author Unknown

A Quiet Voice

This little story reminds us to listen to that small quiet voice from within -- you never know where it will lead you.

As a teacher of origami (the ancient Japanese art of paper folding) at the LaFarge Lifelong Learning Institute in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Art Beaudry was asked to represent the school at an exhibit at a large mall in Milwaukee. He decided to take along a couple hundred folded paper cranes to pass out to people who stopped at his booth.

Before that day, something strange happened -- a voice told him to find a piece of gold foil paper and make a gold origami crane. The voice was so insistent that Art actually found himself rummaging through his collection of origami papers at home until he found one flat, shiny piece of gold foil.

"Why am I doing this?" he asked himself. Art had never worked with the shiny gold paper; it didn't fold as easily or neatly as the crisp multicolored papers. But that little voice kept nudging. Art tried to ignore the voice. "Why gold foil anyway? Paper is much easier to work with," he grumbled.

The voice continued. "Do it! And give it to a special person." By now Art was getting a little cranky. "What special person?" he asked the voice. "You'll know which one," the voice said.

That evening Art carefully folded and shaped the unforgiving gold foil until it became as graceful and delicate as a real crane about to take flight. He packed the exquisite crane in the box along with about 200 other colorful paper cranes he'd made over the previous few weeks.

The next day at the mall, dozens upon dozens of people stopped by Art's booth to ask questions about origami. He demonstrated the art. He folded, unfolded and refolded. He explained the intricate details, the need for sharp creases.

Then, suddenly, there was a woman standing in front of Art. Was this that special person? Art had never seen her before, and she hadn't said a word as she watched him carefully fold a pink piece of paper into a crane with pointed, graceful wings.

Art glanced up at her face, and before he realized it, he found himself reaching for the "gold-foil crane" he'd labored over the night before. Carefully he picked up the gold crane, and gently placed it in the woman's hand.

Art said: "I don't know why, but a voice told me to give you that golden crane. The crane is the ancient symbol of peace," Art said simply.

The woman didn't say a word as she slowly cupped her hand around the fragile bird as if it were alive. When Art looked at her face, he saw tears filling her eyes.

Finally, the woman took a deep breath and said, "My husband died three weeks ago. This is the first time I've been out. Today ...." She wiped her eyes with her free hand, still gently cradling the golden crane with the other. Then she said very quietly, as tears streamed down her face. "Today would have been our 'golden' wedding anniversary."

Then the lady said in a clear voice, "Thank you so much for this beautiful gift. Now I know that my husband is at peace.

Don't you see? The voice you heard, it was the voice of God, and this beautiful crane is a gift from Him. It's the most wonderful 50th wedding anniversary gift I could have received. Thank you for listening to Holy Spirit within your heart."

And that's how Art learned to listen very carefully, when the Holy Spirit speaks to him within, and tells him to do things he may not understand -- now or even later.

Are you listening? God may be speaking to you.

Author Unknown

A Soldier's Playing Cards

After heavy fighting, a soldier returned to camp. The next day being Sunday, the Chaplain had set up church service.

The men were asked to take out their Bible or Prayer Books. The Chaplain noticed one soldier looking at a deck of cards. After service, he was taken by the Chaplain to see the Major.

The Chaplain explained to the Major what he had seen. The Major told the young soldier he would be punished if he could not explain himself.

The young soldier told the Major that during the battle, he had neither a Bible or a Prayer Book so he would use his deck of cards and explained:

You see, Sir, when I look at the ACE, it tells me that there is one GOD and no other.

When I see the "2," it reminds me that there are two parts the Bible, the OLD TESTAMENT and the NEW TESTAMENT.

The "3" tells me of the TRINITY OF GOD THE FATHER, GOD THE SON and GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT.

The "4" reminds me of the FOUR GOSPELS, MATTHEW, MARK, LUKE and JOHN.

When I see the "5," it tells me of the FIVE UNWISE VIRGINS who were lost and that five were saved.

The "6" makes me mindful that GOD CREATED THE EARTH IN JUST SIX DAYS, and GOD said that it was good.

When I see the "7," it reminds me that GOD RESTED ON THE SEVENTH DAY.

As I look at the "8," it reminds me that GOD DESTROYED ALL HUMAN LIFE BY WATER EXCEPT FOR EIGHT PEOPLE, Noah, his wife, their three sons, and their three son's wives.

When I see the "9," I think of the NINE LEPERS that GOD healed. There were ten lepers in all, but only one stopped to thank him.

The "10" reminds me of the TEN COMMANDMENTS carved in stone by the hand of GOD.

The "JACK" makes me remember the Prince of Darkness. Like a roaring lion, he devours those that he can.

When I look at the "QUEEN," I see THE CHURCH, THE BRIDE OF JESUS.

As I look at the last card, THE KING," it reminds me that JESUS IS LORD OF LORDS and KING OF KINGS."

There are 365 spots on a deck of cards, and that is the number of days in each year.

There are 52 cards to a deck and that is the number of weeks in a year.

There are 12 picture cards and that is the number of months in a year.

There are 4 different suits in a deck and that is the number of seasons in a year..."

And so, the young soldier then said to the Major, "You see, Sir, my intentions were honorable. My deck of cards serves as my BIBLE, my PRAYER BOOK and my ALMANAC.

Most importantly, my deck of cards reminds me that I need JESUS... 365 days, 52 weeks and 12 months a year and that I should always PRAY 4 others."

May you never look at a deck of cards the same way!

Author Unknown

Beauty Tips for Everyone!

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For beautiful eyes, look for the good in other people.

To lose weight, let go of stress, hatred, anger, contentment and the need to control others.

To improve your ears, listen to the word of God. Rather than focus on the thorns of life, smell the roses and count your blessings, giving thanks for
each one of them.

For poise, walk with knowledge and self-esteem. To strengthen your arms, hug at least 3 people a day. Touch someone with your love.

To strengthen your heart, forgive yourself and others. Don't worry and hurry so much.

Rather than walk this earth lightly, walk firmly with determination and leave your mark.

For the ultimate in business, casual or evening attire put on the robe of Christ; it fits like a glove but allows room for growth. Best of all, it never goes out of style and is appropriate for any occasion.

Doing these things on a daily basis will certainly make you a more beautiful person.

Peace Is Not The Absence Of Trouble But The Presence of God.

Author Unknown

God, a Little Girl & 57 Cents

A sobbing little girl stood near a small church from which she had been turned away because there wasn't enough room.

"I can't go to Sunday School," she sobbed to the pastor as he walked by.

Seeing her shabby, unkempt appearance, the pastor guessed the reason and, taking her by the hand, took her inside and found a place for her in the Sunday school class. The child was so happy that they found room for her, and she went to bed that night thinking of the children who have no place to worship Jesus.

Some two years later, this child lay dead in one of the poor tenement buildings. Her parents called for the kindhearted pastor who had befriended their daughter to handle the final arrangements.

As her poor little body was being moved, a worn and crumpled red purse was found which seemed to have been rummaged from some trash dump.

Inside was found 57 cents and a note, scribbled in childish handwriting, which read: "This is to help build the little church bigger so more children can go to Sunday School."

For two years she had saved for this offering of love. When the pastor tearfully read that note, he knew instantly what he would do. Carrying this note and the cracked, red pocketbook to the pulpit, he told the story of her unselfish love and devotion.

He challenged his deacons to get busy and raise enough money for the larger building.

A newspaper learned of the story and published it. It was read by a wealthy realtor who offered them a parcel of land worth many thousands.

When told that the church could not pay so much, he offered to sell it to the little church for 57 cents.

Church members made large donations. Checks came from far and wide.

Within five years the little girl's gift had increased to $250,000.00, a huge sum for that time (just before 1900). Her unselfish love had paid large dividends.

When you are in the city of Philadelphia, look up Temple Baptist Church, with a seating capacity of 3,300. And be sure to visit Temple University, where thousands of students are educated.

Have a look, too, at the Good Samaritan Hospital and at a Sunday School building which houses hundreds of beautiful children, built so that no child in the area will ever need to be left outside during Sunday School time.

In one of the rooms of this building may be seen the picture of the sweet face of the little girl whose 57 cents, so sacrificially saved, made such remarkable history. Alongside of it is a portrait of her kind pastor, Dr. Russell H. Conwell, author of the book, "Acres of Diamonds"

This is a true story, which shows WHAT GOD CAN DO WITH 57 CENTS.

Author Unknown

God is...

God is Lord Almighty, Omnipotent King, Lion of Judah, Rock of Ages, Prince of Peace, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Provider, Protector, Paternal Leader, Ruling Lord and Reigning King of all the universe.

He is Father, Helper, Guardian and God. He is the First and Last, the Beginning and the End. He is the keeper of Creation and the Creator of all He keeps. The Architect of the universe and the Manager of all times.

He always was, is, and will be: Unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and never Undone. He was bruised and brought healing. He was pierced and eased pain. He was persecuted and brought freedom. He was dead and brought life. He is risen and brings power. He reigns and brings Peace.

The world can't understand him, the armies can't defeat Him, the schools can't explain Him, and the leaders can't ignore Him. Herod couldn't kill Him, the Pharisees couldn't confuse Him, the people couldn't hold Him! Nero couldn't crush Him. Hitler couldn't silence Him, the New Age can't replace Him and Donahue can't explain Him away!

He is light, love, longevity, and Lord. He is goodness, kindness, gentleness, and God. He is Holy, Righteous, mighty, powerful, and pure. His ways are right, His word is eternal, His will is unchanging, and His mind is on me! His is my redeemer, He is my savior, He is my guide, He is my peace, He is my Joy, He is my comfort, He is my Lord and He rules my life.

I serve Him because His bond is love, His burden is light, and His goal for me is abundant life. I follow Him because He is the wisdom of the wise, the power of the powerful, the ancient of days, the ruler of rulers, the leader of leaders, the overseer of the over comers, and the sovereign Lord of all that was, is and is to come.

And if that seems impressive to you, try this for size. His goal is a relationship with ME! He will never leave me, forsake me, mislead me, forget me, overlook me, and never cancel my appointment in His appointment book!

When I fall, He lifts me up. When I fail, He forgives me. When I am weak, He is strong. When I am lost, He is The Way. When I am afraid, He is my courage. When I stumble, He steadies me. When I am hurt, He heals me. When I am broken, He mends me. When I am blind, He leads me. When I am hungry, He feeds me. When I face trials, He is with me When I face persecution, He stills me. When I face problems, He comforts me. When I face loss, He provides for me. When I face Death, He carries me Home!

He is everything for everybody, everywhere, every time, and in every way. He is God, He is faithful, I am His, and He is mine. My Father in heaven can whip the father of this world, and so, if you're wondering why I feel so secure, understand this: He said it, and that settles it.

God is in control, I am on His side, and that means all is well with my soul.

Author Unknown

Hands

An old man, probably some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the park bench. He didn't move, just sat with his head down staring at his hands. When I sat down beside him he didn't acknowledge my presence and the longer I sat I wondered if he was ok.

Finally, not really wanting to disturb him but wanting to check on him at the same time, I asked him if he was ok. He raised his head and looked at me and smiled.

Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking, he said in a clear strong voice.

I didn't mean to disturb you, sir, but you were just sitting here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were ok I explained to him.

Have you ever looked at your hands he asked. I mean really looked at your hands?

I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point he was making.

Then he smiled and related this story:

Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years. These hands, though wrinkled, shriveled and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life. They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon the floor. They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child my mother taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots. They dried the tears of my children and caressed the love of my life. They held my rifle and wiped my tears when I went off to war. They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent. They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son. Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special. They wrote the letters home and trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse and walked my daughter down the aisle. Yet, they were strong and sure when I dug my buddy out of a foxhole and lifted a plow off of my best friends foot. They have held children, consoled neighbors, and shook in fists of anger when I didn't understand. They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body. They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw. And to this day when not much of anything else of me works real well these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer. These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of my life. But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when he leads me home. And He won't care about where these hands have been or what they have done. What He will care about is to whom these hands belong and how much He loves these hands. And with these hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of Christ.

No doubt I will never look at my hands the same again. I never saw the old man again after I left the park that day but I will never forget him and the words he spoke. When my hands are hurt or sore or when I stroke the face of my children and wife I think of the man in the park. I have a feeling he has been stroked and caressed and held by the hands of God. I, too, want to touch the face of God and feel his hands upon my face. Thank you, Father God, for hands.

Author Unknown

I Know He Is:

I know He is the beginning, so why do I worry about the end?

I know He is the creator, so why do I wonder who will destroy?

I know He has forgiven me, so why can’t I forgive myself?

I know He is a healer, so why do I speak of sickness?

I know He can do all things, so why do I say I can’t?

I know He will protect me, so why do I fear?

I know He will supply all my needs, so why can’t I wait?

I know He is my strength and my salvation, so why do I feel weak?

I know He is the right way, so why do I go the wrong way?

I know He is the light, so why do I choose to walk in darkness?

I know that whatever I ask of GOD, GOD will give me, so why am I scared to ask?

I know tomorrow is not promised, so why do I put off for tomorrow what I can do today?

I know that the truth shall make me free, so why do I continue to lie?

I know He gives us revelation, knowledge and understanding, so why do I lean on my own understanding?

I know I should live in the spirit as well as walk in the spirit, so why do I choose to live in the spirit, but walk in the flesh?

I know that when praises go up, blessings come down, so why do I refuse to praise Him?

I know I am saved, so why do I refuse the word He has given me?

I know He has a plan for me, so why am I rushing it because I am eager to do His will, when it is His time not my time?

The shortest distance between a problem and a solution is the distance between your knees and the floor.

The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything!

Author Unknown

Inspirational Quotations #1

Sometimes the Lord rides out the storm with us and other times He calms the restless sea around us. Most of all, He calms the storm inside us in our deepest inner soul.
Lloyd John Ogilvie

Sometimes the Lord calms the storm; sometimes He lets the storm rage and calms the child.
Author Unknown

Oftentimes God demonstrates His faithfulness in adversity by providing for us what we need to survive. He does not change our painful circumstances. He sustains us through them.
Charles Stanley

This is the beginning of a new day. God has given me this day to use as I will. I can waste it or use it for good. What I do today is important, because I'm exchanging a day of my life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving in its place something that I have traded for it. I want it to be gain, not loss; good, not evil; success, not failure; in order that I shall not regret the price I paid for it.
Author Unknown

When circumstances seem impossible, when all signs of grace in you seem at their lowest ebb, when temptation is fiercest, when love and joy and hope seem well-nigh extinguished in your heart, then rest, without feeling and without emotion, in the Father's faithfulness.
C. Tryon

No matter how difficult the challenge, when we spread our wings of faith and allow the winds of God's Spirit to lift us, no obstacle is too great to overcome.
Roy Lessin

May God give us a pure heart so we may see Him; a humble heart so we may hear Him; a loving heart so we may serve Him; a faithful heart so we may live Him.
Dag Hammarskjold

This hard place in which you perhaps find yourself is the very place in which God is giving you opportunity to look only to Him, to spend time in prayer, and to learn long-suffering, gentleness, meekness -- in short, to learn the depths of the love that Christ Himself has poured out on all of us.
Elisabeth Elliot

There is no greater joy than the peace and assurance of knowing that, whatever the future may hold, you are secure in the loving arms of the Savior.
Billy Graham

If God, like a father, denies us what we want now, it is in order to give us some far better thing later on. The will of God, we can rest assured, is invariably a better thing.
Elisabeth Elliot

No matter how unloved you have felt in the past, no matter how lost you feel in your sin, God knew all that when he chose you-- and he wants you anyway.
Wayne Jacobsen

Before us is a future all unknown, a path untrod;
Beside us a friend well-loved and known--
That friend is God.
Author Unknown

God sees with utter clarity who we are. He is undeceived as to our warts and wickedness. But when God looks at us that is not all He sees. He also sees who we are intended to be, who we will one day become.
John Ortberg

Inspirational Quotations #2

Difficulties and obstacles are God's challenges to faith. When hindrances confront us in the path of duty, we are to recognize them as vessels for faith to fill with the fullness and all-sufficiency of Jesus. A. B. Simpson

Rejoice in knowing that you belong to God and that He is conforming you to the image of His Son. See every event of this day as part of that process. Yield to the Spirit's prompting, and take heart that God will accomplish His will. John MacArthur

If you have the courage to let Christ into every room of your life, He will come in and redecorate your life so it is more beautiful that you ever imagined possible. But you'll never know until you start opening those doors. Ray Pritchard

Even when we cannot see the why and wherefore of God's dealings, we know that there is love in and behind them, and so we can rejoice always. J. I. Packer

The promises of Scripture are not mere pious hopes or sanctified guesses. They are more than sentimental words to be printed on decorated cards for Sunday School children. They are eternal verities. They are true. There is no perhaps about them. Peter Marshall

Snuggle in God's arms. When you are hurting, when you feel lonely . . . let Him cradle you, comfort you, reassure you of His all-sufficient power and love. Kay Arthur

God knows how hard you've tried. How tired you get, how empty your soul can feel even when your days and nights are crowded with all you do in the name of the Lord. God knows the longings of your spirit, unfulfilled places of your heart. God knows your needs, even when you don't have a clue. Penelope J. Stokes

There is no situation so chaotic that God cannot from that situation create something that is surpassingly good. He did it at creation. He did it at the cross. He is doing it today. H. C. G. Moule

From the tiny birds of the air and from the fragile lilies of the field, we learn the same truth . . . God takes care of His own. . . . At just the right moment, He steps in and proves Himself as our faithful heavenly Father. Charles Swindoll

No matter how unloved you have felt in the past, no matter how lost you feel in your sin, God knew all that when he chose you-- and he wants you anyway. Wayne Jacobsen

If God wants you to do something, he'll make it possible for you to do it, but the grace he provides comes only with the task and cannot be stockpiled beforehand. We are dependent on him from hour to hour, and the greater our awareness of this fact, the less likely we are to faint or fail in a crisis. Louis Cassels

When God is about to do something great, he starts with a difficulty. When he is about to do something truly magnificent, he starts with an impossibility. Armin Gesswein

The Bible is one of God's greatest love gifts to you. It is the world's greatest literary treasure. It is the foundation of the church and your faith. But there is always the danger that you may forget how personally God wants to give it specifically to you. He desires you to use it daily as your spiritual food, your personal prayer resource, and your weapon for spiritual conquest. Wesley L. Duewel

When God doesn't show up when you think He should, don't get discouraged. Many times I have prayed believing that my prayer was part of God's perfect will, yet He didn't move as quickly as I wanted Him to. One time I had to wait sixteen years for Him to answer. But when He did, it was the right answer at the right time. While I was waiting on Him, I wondered what was happening. Sometimes I asked if He really heard me. Was I praying right? What else could I do? But deep within He assured me that He would see me through. He'll do the same for you. Thelma Wells

Who has not marked even here the glory of God as seen in the great sunset? Rivers of glory wind through meadows of gold. Lakes of glory lie embedded in the evening sky. Seas of glory lap eternal shores with their shimmering waves. Mountains of glory rear themselves to the heavens with cloud-capped summits tipped with the splendor of the dying day. Earth too is flooded with the glory. It falls in the dim aisles of great forests and illumines them with its splendor. It dances among the wind-tossed leaves. It splotches the trunks of giant trees. It bathes in light the upturned faces of those who watch and worship as the climaxing splendor of earth, sea, and sky turns the heart to God our Father who is Himself the glory of all creation and who deigns to give us, in the lavish, golden glory of the sunset the faint forth-shadowing of the glory of the Father's House. But if the earthy glory is such, what must be the glory of the heavenly city? James McConkey

Inspirational Quotes #1

Faith isn't the ability to believe long and far into the misty future.
It's simply taking God at His Word and taking the next step.
Joni Erickson Tada

The Lord will either calm your storm . . .
or allow it to rage while He calms you.
Unknown

Allow your dreams a place in your prayers and plans.
God-given dreams can help you move into the future He is preparing for you.
Barbara Johnson

Worry is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do, but it doesn't get you anywhere.
Unknown

My job is to take care of the possible and trust God with the impossible.
Unknown

Fear knocked at the door and faith answered. No one was there.
Old English Proverb

No matter how steep the mountain - the Lord is going to climb it with you.
Helen Steiner Rice

Sorrow looks back, worry looks around, faith looks up.
Unknown

Inspirational Quotes #2

God never said that the journey would be easy, but He did say that the arrival would be worthwhile Max Lucado

God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supplies. Hudson Taylor

God will meet you where you are in order to take you where He wants you to go. Tony Evans

Life is wasted if we do not grasp the glory of the cross, cherish it for the treasure that it is, and cleave to it as the highest price of every pleasure and the deepest comfort in every pain. What was once foolishness to us—a crucified God—must become our wisdom and our power and our only boast in this world. John Piper

God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.    Augustine

Let God’s promises shine on your problems. Corrie ten Boom

Christ literally walked in our shoes. Tim Keller

He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose. Jim Elliot
Remember who you are. Don’t compromise for anyone, for any reason. You are a child of the Almighty God. Live that truth. Lysa Terkeurst

If you can’t fly, then run, If you can’t run, then walk, If you can’t walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward. Martin Luther King Jr.

Our greatest fear should not be of failure but of succeeding at things in life that don’t really matter. Francis Chan

If God is your partner, make your plans BIG! D.L. Moody

You are the only Bible some unbelievers will ever read. John MacArthur

We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face...we must do that which we think we cannot. Eleanor Roosevelt

He who lays up treasures on earth spends his life backing away from his treasures. To him, death is loss. He who lays up treasures in heaven looks forward to eternity; he’s moving daily toward his treasures. To him, death is gain. Randy Alcorn

God does not give us everything we want, but He does fulfill His promises, leading us along the best and straightest paths to Himself. Dietrich BonhoefferThe Christian life is not a constant high. I have my moments of deep discouragement. I have to go to God in prayer with tears in my eyes, and say, 'O God, forgive me,' or 'Help me. Billy Graham

Always, everywhere God is present, and always He seeks to discover Himself to each one A.W.Tozer

If you believe in a God who controls the big things, you have to believe in a God who controls the little things. It is we, of course, to whom things look 'little' or 'big'. Elisabeth Elliot

There is no one who is insignificant in the purpose of God. Alistair Begg

Relying on God has to start all over everyday, as if nothing has yet been done. C. S. Lewis

This is our time on the history line of God. This is it. What will we do with the one deep exhale of God on this earth? For we are but a vapor and we have to make it count. We’re on. Direct us, Lord, and get us on our feet. Beth Moore

The best thing about the future is that it comes only one day at a time. Abraham Lincoln
Your potential is the sum of all the possibilities God has for your life. Charles Stanley

The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard, but must be felt with the heart. Helen Keller

We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations. Chuck Swindoll

Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies. Mother Teresa
The greater your knowledge of the goodness and grace of God on your life, the more likely you are to praise Him in the storm. Matt Chandler

God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him John Piper

Just For Today

Trust God one day at a time!

Just for today! I will begin the day by praying: "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24)

Just for today! I will say, "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13)

Just for today! I will not worry about my needs, for "...my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)

Just for today! I will not fear, "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity; but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline." (II Timothy 1:7)

Just for today! I will not harbor doubt and lack faith, for "...without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." (Hebrews 11:6)

Just for today! I will not lack strength, for "...the Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1b)

Just for today! I will not admit defeat, for God "...always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ, ..." (II Corinthians 2:14b)

Just for today! I will not lack wisdom, for, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask Cod, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5)

Just for today! I will not feel condemned, for "..., there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1)

Just for today! I will not be worried or frustrated: "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (I Peter 5:7)

Just for today! I will not be depressed, "...for his compassion's never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22b,23)

Just for today! I will not feel alone for Jesus said, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:20b)

Just for today! I will not be discontented, "...for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." (Philippians 4:llb)

Just for today! I will not feel worthless, for "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (II Corinthians 5:21)

Just for today! I will not be confused, "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace…" (I Corinthians 14:33a KJV)

Just for today! I will not let the pressures of life bother me, when Christ said, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33b)

Just for today! I will not feel like a failure, when "…in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." (Romans 8:37)

Author Unknown

Listen Or Wait

A young and successful executive was traveling down a neighborhood street, going a bit to fast in his new Jaguar. He was watching for kids running out from between parked cars and slowed down when he thought he saw something.

As his car passed, no children appeared. Instead, a brick smashed into the Jag's side door! He slammed on the brakes and reversed back to the spot from where the brick had been thrown. He jumped out of the car, grabbed the kid who threw the brick and pushed him against a parked car shouting. "What was that all about? Just what the heck are you doing?"

Building a head of steam he went on. "That's a new car and that brick you threw is going to cost a lot of money!!"

"Please, mister, please. I'm sorry, I didn't know what else to do!!" pleaded the youngster. "I threw the brick because no one else would stop..." tears were dripping down the boy's chin as he pointed around the parked car. "It's my brother," he said. "He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can't lift him up." Sobbing, the boy asked the executive, "Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair? He's hurt and he's too heavy for me."

Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat. He lifted the young man back into the wheelchair and took out his handkerchief and wiped the scrapes and cuts, checking to see` that everything was going to be okay. "Thank you and May God bless you," the grateful child said to him. The man then watched the little boy push his brother down the sidewalk toward their home.

It was a long walk back to his Jaguar ....a long, slow walk. He never did repair the side door. He kept the dent to remind him not to go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your attention.

God whispers in your soul and speaks to your heart. Sometimes when you don't have time to listen, He has to throw a "brick" at you. It's your choice: Listen to the whisper, or wait for the brick...

Author Unknown

My Never Again List

Never again will I confess, "I can't". For I can do ALL Things Through Christ which strengthen me. Philippians 4:13

Never again will I confess, lack, for "My God shall supply All me needs according to His riches in glory by Jesus. Philippians 4:19

Never again will I confess Fear, for "God has not given me the spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and of sound mind." II Timothy 1:7

Never again will I confess Doubt and lack of faith, for "God hath Given to every man the measure of faith." Romans 12:3

Never again will I confess weakness, for "The Lord is the strength of my life" Psalms.27:1 and "The people will know their God shall be strong and do exploits." Daniel. 11:32

Never again will I confess supremacy of Satan over my life for, "Greater Is He that is within me that he that is in the world." 1 John 4:4.

Never again will I confess defeat, for "God always causes me to triumph in Christ Jesus." II Corinthians 2:14

Never again will I confess lack of wisdom for, "Christ Jesus is made unto me wisdom from God." I Corinthians 1:30

Never again will I confess sickness for, "With His stripes I am healed." Isaiah 53:5: and Jesus "Himself took my infirmities and bare my sickness." Matthew 8:17

Never again will I confess worries and frustrations for, I am "Casting all my cares upon Him who cares for me. 1 Peter 5:7

Never again will I confess bondage for, "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." II Corinthians. 3:17.

Never again will I confess condemnation for, "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus." Romans .8:1

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Author Unknown

Parable Of The Pencil

The Pencil Maker took the pencil aside, just before putting him into the box.

“There are 5 things you need to know,” he told the pencil, “Before I send you out into the world. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best pencil you can be.”

One: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in Someone’s hand.

Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you’ll need it to become a better pencil.

Three: You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.

Four: The most important part of you will always be what’s inside.

And Five: On every surface you are used on, you must leave your mark. No matter what the condition, you must continue to write.

The pencil understood and promised to remember, and went into the box with purpose in its heart.

Now replacing the place of the pencil with you. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best person you can be.

One: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in God’s hand. And allow other human beings to access you for the many gifts you possess.

Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, by going through various problems in life, but you’ll need it to become a stronger person.

Three: You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.

Four: The most important part of you will always be what’s on the inside.

And Five: On every surface you walk through, you must leave your mark. No matter what the situation, you must continue to do your duties.

Allow this parable on the pencil to encourage you to know that you are a special person and only you can fulfill the purpose to which you were born to accomplish. Never allow yourself to get discouraged and think that your life is insignificant and cannot make a difference.

Author Unknown

Rain Washed

A little girl had been shopping with her Mom in Target. She must have been 6 years old, this beautiful red haired, freckle faced image of innocence. It was pouring outside. The kind of rain that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down the spout. We all stood there under the awning and just inside the door of the Target.

We waited, some patiently, others irritated because nature messed up their hurried day. I am always mesmerized by rainfall. I got lost in the sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the world. Memories of running, splashing so carefree as a child came pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day.

The little voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were all caught in, "Mom, let's run through the rain," she said. "What?" Mom asked.

"Let's run through the rain!" She repeated.

"No, honey. We'll wait until it slows down a bit," Mom replied.

This young child waited about another minute and repeated, "Mom, let's run through the rain."

"We'll get soaked if we do," Mom said.

"No, we won't, Mom. That's not what you said this morning," the young girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm.

"This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet?"

" Don't you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, 'If God can get us through this, he can get us through anything!'"

The entire crowd stopped dead silent. I swear you couldn't hear anything but the rain. We all stood silently. No one came or left in the next few minutes. Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say. Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child's life. A time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith.

"Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through the rain. If God let's us get wet, well maybe we just needed washing," Mom said.

Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes, through the puddles. They held their shopping bags over their heads just in case. They got soaked. But they were followed by a few who screamed and laughed like children all the way to their cars.

And yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing.

Circumstances or people can take away your material possessions, they can take away your money, and they can take away your health. But no one can ever take away your precious memories... So, don't forget to make time and take opportunities to make memories everyday. To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.

I HOPE YOU STILL TAKE THE TIME TO RUN THROUGH THE RAIN.

Author Unknown

Remember Adam

The following is a true story as told to the author by Margi Brockhaus, R.N. at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. However, the person who sent me the article forgot to include who the actual author was, so he/she is unknown. Adam was just two weeks shy of his 12th birthday when he was diagnosed with malignant fibrous histiocytoma, which is a cancer that is very rare in children. There are only 15 known pediatric cases in the United States.

Adam was given only a 12% chance of survival. He went through three major surgeries and a year and a half of chemotherapy. And throughout that time we all came to know Adam well. You see, Adam never lost his sense of humor. And he was very much a ladies' man; a heartbreaker who loved to tease and flirt with all the nurses. A 12 year-old boy who endeared himself to every one of us. So in May of 1992 when he was taken off therapy and given a clean bill of health, we all shared in Adam's joy, and we finally thought that we had won one of our battles.

A month later he went out to California to celebrate and spend time at Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm and all those good places. One morning when he tried to get up he was unable to walk and move his right arm. He was rushed back to Children's Mercy Hospital where he was found to have a large brain tumor in his brain stem.

The tumor was an extension of the previous cancer that he had had. The biopsy of the tumor itself held almost a 20% chance of killing him, but Adam insisted on the biopsy to see if there was any type of chemo that could be used to treat it. The tumor was found to be inoperable.

Not only did he get cancer that is not known to occur in children, but Adam is the first known case in medical history to have that cancer occur in his brain. When Adam discovered that he was the first person in the world with this, he said to me with his enduring sense of humor, "Well, at least I'll be remembered for something."

He went downhill very quickly after that and, except for a few days to visit friends, never got out of the hospital again. Toward the middle of September he was really starting to withdraw. He would stop talking to his mother, with whom he had a very close relationship. You see, Adam's parents were divorced and Adam lived with his mom. And although Mom and Dad were still very bitter and angry with one another, they put their feelings aside for the sake of Adam.

But their response to Adam's cancer was very different. Dad firmly believed, after seeing so many sick and dying children at the hospital, that there was no God anywhere that would let this happen to a child, while Mom continued to believe and put her faith in God.

And for the previous year and a half that I worked with Adam, we had all called on God's name frequently: "God will watch over you, Adam." "God can help you through this." "Put your faith in God, Adam."

During those last two weeks, perhaps Adam was the most honest. He was very angry at God because of what was happening to him. And I think he earned the right to question God. But, at the same time, he simply said that he understood that this was an imperfect world and that these things happen. This from a boy who had had to grow up before his time, a boy who had lived through more pain and harsh reality than many of us will ever face.

And that's when it occurred to me.

Throughout this entire time, from Adam's diagnosis over a year and a half ago until now, no one had ever mentioned Jesus to Adam. No one had ever shared the story of Jesus' pain and suffering in order to bridge the gap between God and this imperfect world.

So one day when we were alone, I asked him if he believed in Jesus. He said he wasn't really sure. He said his dad told him that there wasn't even a God. But Adam didn't buy that. He said he believed anyway. But ever since he'd been sick, his mom had stopped talking about Jesus. She talked about God, but not Jesus.

So Adam told me he wasn't really sure, but that he wanted to believe, and what did I think? So I shared with him my feelings and my faith. Then he asked me, "Why do you think Jesus lets this happen to kids?" And I said I didn't know. I don't think any of us do.

But I did tell him that when I get to heaven I'm certainly going to ask Him.

And then Adam told me about his grandmother who was already in heaven. He talked a great deal about her and he kept saying, "Do you think I'll see her when I get there?" And I told him yes, that I believed he would.

During the last 24 hours, Adam was in a coma more often than not. There were only a few hours that he was really coherent. But he told me before he went into the coma that he was ready to die, that he didn't want to do this any more, that his body had quit working.

The only reason he really didn't want to die was because he was worried about his mom. He didn't want to leave her because he was afraid that she wouldn't be able to handle it emotionally. But I told Adam it was ok, that I had talked to his mom. And that she would miss him, and yes she loved him, but it was ok and not to hang on for her sake. She did not want him to do that.

These were things Adam's mom could not share with him, but she told me. I became kind of the go-between. Mom said this, Adam said that; but somehow it worked for them.

All the while Adam's dad just sat in the corner, very angry, hardly able to speak to Adam.

The last eight hours that Adam was alive, I sat with him and watched him go in and out of a coma. But I also watched miracles begin to happen.

How can I tell you what occurred in that room? Even now, it is so vivid in my mind and yet so hard to express.

At one point Adam began to giggle. And he said, "Grandma? It's me--Adam. Oh, yeah, I'll be there. It's ok, you go on back, I'll be there. He said it was my time, and I'm ready."

It was incredible, because even though I couldn't hear Grandma's answers, I knew what she was saying by the look on Adam's face.

As he laid in bed, his face would suddenly brighten up. He would open his eyes a little bit sometimes and always look up. He would smile, he would giggle. He would gasp and hold his breath in excitement. It was unbelievable.

Then he began talking again. He said, "Yes? Yes, I'm ready. Really? Are you sure? She's going to be there? Oh, that's neat. Oh, yes, I've heard it's beautiful. Ok. Well, you don't think I'm ready? But I am ready. Oh . . . oh, I understand. Well, then I'll go back and take care of those few things. All right."

And then Adam laid still a while. And all of us in that room just looked on this child's face and felt the presence in that room. And there was no question in any of our minds who Adam was talking to.

And then, minutes later, he about came up off his pillow and he said, "Michael! You're kidding! Really, oh that's so neat. Yeah, Michael, how ya doing?"

You see, Michael was another 13-year-old boy Adam had watched die just six weeks before. Then Adam said, "That's awesome!" as only a teenager can say it. What that "awesome" was about, I don't know. Michael was probably describing something wonderful up in heaven.

Adam didn't say anything for a little while. And then he started to cry and I reached over and stroked his face, and I said, "Adam, it's ok. Margi's here."

I asked him, "Is there anything you need?" And Adam shook his head and he said, "Oh, it's so beautiful. It's so beautiful and it doesn't hurt." And I just sat on his bed and sobbed with him.

Then he started up his conversation again. "Yes, oh, yes, I do think it is beautiful. Oh you've made it so beautiful. Yes, I'm ready. And I'm not going to hurt? Nobody will hurt? My mom won't hurt?" And his face got a little distressed, because I think God was honest with him and told him that his mom was going to hurt but that He'd take care of her.

Adam's breathing was starting to get very very erratic, and his mom sat down next to him on the bed and was stroking his face and holding his hand and telling him "Mom is here, Adam. Mom is here." Adam opened his eyes and looked up into the room and said, "You've got to tell her that we'll be together again."

And Adam's mom said, "Oh, you're right Adam, we'll be together again." And Adam repeated over, "You've got to tell her. Are You going to tell her? Ok. When are You going to tell her?" Adam set his jaw and said, "No! Well, why are You going to wait? No, You've got to tell her we'll be together again. Yes, yes, I'm coming. But You've got to tell her we'll be together again."

Then Adam listened for a moment, and whatever God said to him, Adam's face began to change. And suddenly it got so hot in that room that everyone noticed it. There was a presence that we all felt. There was simply no denying it. And it was at this point that I believe God started telling Adam about Jesus.

Adam got very upset and began to cry the kind of tears that you and I once had before it became an old story to us. Can you remember? Can you recall what it was like the first time you grasped the implications of what Christ did for you? Can you remember how over-whelmed you were by it? By His willingness to be crucified, to die for you?

Well, it was that kind of grief that rolled down Adam's cheek as he said, "Oh, I'm so sorry. You did that for me, for everybody? Oh, I'm so sorry." And then he said, "Yes God, I know . . . I know. Yes I do. Oh, yes, I really do."

Adam didn't say anything else for almost 45 minutes. Then at about 6:50 he started making pre-death noises. I don't know how to describe it to you unless you've been around a lot of children who have died. Things in your body just happen and you make noises. And then Adam asked, "Are You sure there's room for me? Ok. 8:20. Yes, I'll see You at 8:20. Yes, I'm ready. Yes, tell them I'm coming." He kept repeating it over and over again.

At exactly 7:12 Adam took his last breath. But no one left that room. Usually when a child dies it takes anywhere from 15 to 25 minutes for them to get what is called the "mask of death" -- blood pools to the back of their body, their faces turn grayish-white, and the body begins to get cold.

But with Adam none of that happened. His body stayed warm. His color remained. He did not get that grayish shroud that children get. And the room stayed very warm. There was such an incredible presence. And Adam's mom and I just wrapped our arms around each other and prayed. And I watched Adam's father finally leave his corner chair and make his way to the side of Adam's bed and get on his knees and bow his head. I didn't hear everything he said. But I did her the Name of Jesus. And, I believe with all my heart that Adam stayed in that room until 8:20.

I'm not sure why. I don't know if it was to witness how his mom would handle his passing and to make sure she would be all right, or if it was to hear his dad acknowledge Jesus Christ. But I do know that at exactly 8:20 everything that should have happened an hour before started happening very, very quickly.

I know that Adam is in a far better place. But his life has touched mine in ways I have yet to discover. And the last hours of his life will stay with me forever. It is so vivid in my memory, I dream it. Adam reminds me daily that it is not our circumstance but Christ's sacrifice that gives us hope, hope in the midst of despair.

So tonight, when you tuck your children in bed, hold them close. Tell them about Jesus. Tell them there's plenty of room.

And remember Adam . . .

Author Unknown

Recipe for a Miracle

• 1 cup Tension

• 2 cups Stress

• 1 teaspoon of Guilt

• 2 heaping cups of Limited Time

• 3/4 tablespoon of Urgency

• A dash of "No Other Choice"

• 3 heaping cups of Faith

Fold ingredients gently into a bowl. Mix vigorously and add a few tears. You'll sweat a little as you knead the dough.

Pack it firmly between your hopes and dreams and form into a perfect little ball.

Sprinkle it with a little faith (I recommend Hebrews 11), rolling the ball in the flour until fully covered.

Place it under a veil of belief and allow it to rise.

Put it in an oven that has been pre-set at the perfect temperature for the heat of trials and tribulations.

Allow it to brown under the warmth of God's love. Remove after due season and allow to cool in the confidence of His promise.

Garnish with your praises. Arrange neatly on a platter of thankfulness and serve to friends, families and, oh yes, strangers . . . invite them too!

Pass on the recipe to all who request it and let them know that with this recipe, they have the makings of a miracle!

Author Unknown

Start With Yourself

The following words were written on the tomb of the Anglican Bishop in the Crypts of Westminster Abbey:

"When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered that the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country,

But it, too, seemed immovable.

As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it.

And now as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize: If only I had changed myself first, then by example I would have changed my family.

From their inspiration and encouragement, I would then have been able to better my country and, who knows, I may have even changed the world."

Author Unknown

The Daffodil Principle

Several times my daughter had telephoned to say, "Mother, you must come see the daffodils before they are over." I wanted to go, but it was a two-hour drive from Laguna to Lake Arrowhead. "I will come next Tuesday," I promised, a little reluctantly, on her third call.

Next Tuesday dawned cold and rainy. Still, I had promised, and so I drove there. When I finally walked into Carolyn's house and hugged and greeted my grandchildren, I said, "Forget the daffodils, Carolyn! The road is invisible in the clouds and fog, and there is nothing in the world except you and these children that I want to see bad enough to drive another inch!"

My daughter smiled calmly and said, "We drive in this all the time, Mother." "Well, you won't get me back on the road until it clears, and then I'm heading for home!" I assured her.

"I was hoping you'd take me over to the garage to pick up my car." "How far will we have to drive?" "Just a few blocks," Carolyn said. "I'll drive. I'm used to this." After several minutes, I had to ask, "Where are we going? This isn't the way to the garage!"

"We're going to my garage the long way," Carolyn smiled, "by way of the daffodils." "Carolyn," I said sternly, "please turn around." "It's all right, Mother, I promise. You will never forgive yourself if you miss this experience." After about twenty minutes, we turned onto a small gravel road and I saw a small church. On the far side of the church, I saw a hand-lettered sign that read, "Daffodil Garden."

We got out of the car and each took a child's hand, and I followed Carolyn down the path. Then, we turned a corner of the path, and I looked up and gasped. Before me lay the most glorious sight. It looked as though someone had taken a great vat of gold and poured it down over the mountain peak and slopes. The flowers were planted in majestic, swirling patterns-great ribbons and swaths of deep orange, white, lemon yellow, salmon pink, saffron, and butter yellow. Each different-colored variety was planted as a group so that it swirled and flowed like its own river with its own unique hue.

There were five acres of flowers. "But who has done this?" I asked Carolyn. "It's just one woman," Carolyn answered. "She lives on the property. That's her home." Carolyn pointed to a well kept A-frame house that looked small and modest in the midst of all that glory. We walked up to the house.

On the patio, we saw a poster. "Answers to the Questions I Know You Are Asking" was the headline. The first answer was a simple one."50,000 bulbs," it read. The second answer was, "One at a time, by one woman. Two hands, two feet, and very little brain." The third answer was, "Began in 1958."

There it was, The Daffodil Principle. For me, that moment was a life-changing experience. I thought of this woman whom I had never met, who, more than forty years before, had begun -one bulb at a time- to bring her vision of beauty and joy to an obscure mountain top. Still, just planting one bulb at a time, year after year, had changed the world. This unknown woman had forever changed the world in which she lived. She had created something of ineffable (indescribable) magnificence,
beauty, and inspiration.

The principle her daffodil garden taught is one of the greatest principles of celebration. That is, learning to move toward our goals and desires one step at a time - often just one baby-step at a time - and learning to love the doing, learning to use the accumulation of time. When we multiply tiny pieces of time with small increments of daily effort, we too will find we can accomplish magnificent things. We can change the world.

"It makes me sad in a way," I admitted to Carolyn. "What might I have accomplished if I had thought of a wonderful goal thirty-five or forty years ago and had worked away at it 'one bulb at a time' through all those years. Just think what I might have been able to achieve!"

My daughter summed up the message of the day in her usual direct way. "Start tomorrow," she said.

It's so pointless to think of the lost hours of yesterdays. The way to make learning a lesson of celebration instead of a cause for regret is to only ask, "How can I put this to use today?"

Author Unknown

The Greatest

The highest aim in life – To know God and do His will!
The most enriching good habit – Complimenting others
The most destructive bad habit – Worry
The greatest joy – Giving
The greatest loss – Loss of self-respect

The most satisfying work – Helping others
The ugliest personality trait – Selfishness
The most endangered species – Dedicated leaders
Our greatest natural resource – Our youth
The ugliest look – A frown

The greatest “shot in the arm” – Encouragement
The greatest problem to overcome – Fear
The most effective sleeping pill – Peace of mind
The most crippling failure disease – Excuses
The surest way to limit God – Unbelief

The most powerful forces in life – Love
The most dangerous piranha – A gossiper
The Greatest Life-Giver – The Creator
The world’s most incredible computer – The brain
The worst thing to be without – Hope

The deadliest weapon – The tongue
The two most power-filled words – “I Can”
The greatest asset – Faith
The most worthless emotion – Self-pity
The most beautiful attire – A SMILE!

The most prized possession – Self esteem
The most powerful channel of communication – PRAYER
The most contagious spirit – Enthusiasm
The most urgent need – SALVATION
The GREATEST – GOD

Author Unknown

The Old Fisherman

Our house was directly across the street from the clinic entrance of John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. We lived downstairs and rented the upstairs rooms to out patients at the clinic.

One summer evening as I was fixing supper, there was a knock at the door. I opened it to see a truly awful looking man. Why, he's hardly taller than my eight-year-old, I thought as I stared at the stooped, shriveled body. But the appalling thing was his face--lopsided from swelling, red and raw.

Yet his voice was pleasant as he said, "Good evening. I've come to see if you've a room for just one night. I came for a treatment this morning from the eastern shore, and there's no bus 'til morning." He told me he'd been hunting for a room since noon but with no success, no one seemed to have a room. "I guess it's my face...I know it looks terrible, but my doctor says with a few more treatments..." For a moment I hesitated, but his next words convinced me: "I could sleep in this rocking chair on the porch. My bus leaves early in the morning."

I told him we would find him a bed, but to rest on the porch. I went inside and finished getting supper. When we were ready, I asked the old man if he would join us.

"No thank you. I have plenty." And he held up a brown paper bag.

When I had finished the dishes, I went out on the porch to talk with him a few minutes. It didn't take a long time to see that this old man had an oversized heart crowded into that tiny body. He told me he fished for a living to support his daughter, her five children, and her husband, who was hopelessly crippled from a back injury. He didn't tell it by way of complaint; in fact, every other sentence was preface with a thanks to God for a blessing. He was grateful that no pain accompanied his disease, which was apparently a form of skin cancer. He thanked God for giving him the strength to keep going.

At bedtime, we put a camp cot in the children's room for him.

When I got up in the morning, the bed linens were neatly folded and the little man was out on the porch. He refused breakfast, but just before he left for his bus, haltingly, as if asking a great favor, he said, "Could I please come back and stay the next time I have a treatment? I won't put you out a bit. I can sleep fine in a chair." He paused a moment and then added, "Your children made me feel at home. Grownups are bothered by my face, but children don't seem to mind."

I told him he was welcome to come again.

On his next trip he arrived a little after seven in the morning. As a gift, he brought a big fish and a quart of the largest oysters I had ever seen. He said he had shucked them that morning before he left so that they'd be nice and fresh. I knew his bus left at 4:00 a.m. and I wondered what time he had to get up in order to do this for us.

In the years he came to stay overnight with us there was never a time that he did not bring us fish or oysters or vegetables from his garden. Other times we received packages in the mail, always by special delivery; fish and oysters packed in a box of fresh young spinach or kale, every leaf carefully washed. Knowing that he must walk three miles to mail these, and knowing how little money he had made the gifts doubly precious. When I received these little remembrances, I often thought of a comment our next-door neighbor made after he left that first morning.

"Did you keep that awful looking man last night? I turned him away! You can lose roomers by putting up such people!"

Maybe we did lose roomers once or twice. But oh! If only they could have known him, perhaps their illnesses would have been easier to bear. I know our family always will be grateful to have known him; from him we learned what it was to accept the bad without complaint and the good with gratitude to God.

Recently I was visiting a friend who has a greenhouse. As she showed me her flowers, we came to the most beautiful one of all, a golden chrysanthemum, bursting with blooms. But to my great surprise, it was growing in an old dented, rusty bucket. I thought to myself, If this were my plant, I'd put it in the loveliest container I had! My friend changed my mind.

"I ran short of pots," she explained, "and knowing how beautiful this one would be, I thought it wouldn't mind starting out in this old pail. It's just for a little while, till I can put it out in the garden."

She must have wondered why I laughed so delightedly, but I was imagining just such a scene in heaven.

"Here's an especially beautiful one," God might have said when he came to the soul of the sweet old fisherman. "He won't mind starting in this small body."

All this happened long ago -- and now, in God's garden, how tall this lovely soul must stand.

The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (1Samuel 16:7)

Author Unknown

The Price of a Miracle

Sally was only eight years old when she heard Mommy and Daddy talking about her little brother, Georgi. He was very sick and they had done everything they could afford to save his life. Only a very expensive surgery could help him now and that was out of the financial question. She heard Daddy say it with a whispered desperation, ''Only a miracle can save him now.''

Sally went to her bedroom and pulled her piggy bank from its hiding place in the closet. She shook all the change out on the floor and counted it carefully. Three times. The total had to be exactly perfect. No chance here for mistakes. Tying the coins up in a kerchief, she slipped out of the apartment and made her way to the corner drug store.

She waited patiently for the pharmacist to give her attention but he was too busy talking to another man to be bothered by an eight year old. Sally twisted her feet to make a scuffing noise. She cleared her throat. No good. Finally she took a quarter from its hiding place and banged it on the glass counter. That did it!

''And what do you want?'' the pharmacist asked in an annoyed tone of voice. ''I'm talking to my brother.'' ''Well, I want to talk to you about my brother,'' Sally answered back in the same annoyed tone. ''He's sick ... and I want to buy a miracle.'' ''I beg your pardon,'' said the pharmacist. ''My Daddy says only a miracle can save him now. So how much does a miracle cost?'' ''We don't sell miracles here, little girl. I can't help you.'' ''Listen, I have the money to pay for it. Just tell me how much it costs.''

The well dressed man stooped down and asked, ''What kind of a miracle does you brother need?'' ''I don't know,'' Sally answered. A tear started down her cheek. ''I just know he's really sick and Mommy says he needs an operation. But my folks can't pay for it, so I have my money. ''How much do you have?'' asked the well dressed man. ''A dollar and eleven cents,'' Sally answered proudly. ''And it's all the money I have in the world.'' ''Well, what a coincidence,'' smiled the man. A dollar and eleven cents -- the exact price of a miracle to save a little brother. He took her money in one hand and with the other hand he grasped her mitten and said ''Take me to where you live. I want to see your brother and meet your parents.''

That well dressed man was Dr. Carlton Armstrong, renowned surgeon, specializing in solving Georgi's malady. The operation was completed without charge and it wasn't long until Georgi was home again and doing well. Mommy and Daddy were happily talking about the chain of events that had led them to this place. ''That surgery,'' Mommy whispered. ''It's like a miracle. I wonder how much it would have cost?''

Sally smiled to herself. She knew exactly how much a miracle cost ... one dollar and eleven cents ... plus the faith of a little child.

Author Unknown

The Secret

A woman named Frances once knew a young person at church named Debbie. Debbie always seemed effervescent and happy, although Frances knew she had faced struggles in her life. Her long-awaited marriage had quickly ended in divorce. She had struggled to get a grip on her single life. She hadn't chosen it, but she decided she would live it with utmost enjoyment and satisfaction.

Debbie was active in Sunday school, in the choir, as a leader of the junior high girl's group and in the church renewal movement. Frances enjoyed knowing Debbie. Debbie's whole face seemed to smile and she always greeted Frances with a hug.

One day Frances asked Debbie, "How is it that you are always so happy you have so much energy, and you never seem to get down?" With her eyes smiling, Debbie said, "I know the secret!" "What secret is that?" "What are you talking about?" Frances asked. Debbie replied, "I'll tell you all about it, but you have to promise to share the 'secret' with others." Frances agreed, "Okay, now what is it?"

The secret is this: I have learned there is little I can do in my life that will make me truly happy. I must depend on God to make me happy and meet my needs. When a need arises in my life, I have to trust God to supply according to His riches. I have learned most of the time I don't need half of what I think I do. HE has never let me down. Since I learned that secret, I am happy.

Frances' first thought was, That's too simple! But upon reflecting over her own life she recalled how she thought a bigger house would make her happy-but it didn't! She thought a better-paying job would make her happy-but it hadn't.

When did she realize her greatest happiness? Sitting on the floor with her grandchildren, eating pizza and watching a movie, a simple gift from God. Debbie knew the secret, Frances learned the secret, and now you know it too! We can't depend on people to make us happy -- only GOD in His wisdom can do that. Trust Him. 

The Story behind "Amazing Grace"

I was born in 1725, and I died 1807. The only godly influence in my life, as far back as I can remember, was my mother, whom I had for only seven years. When she left my life through death, I was virtually an orphan.
My father remarried, sent me to a strict military school, where the severity of discipline almost broke my back. I couldn't stand it any longer, and I left in rebellion at age of ten. One year later, deciding that I would never enter formal education again, I became a seaman apprentice, hoping somehow to step into my father's trade and learn at least the ability to skillfully navigate a ship. And I determined that I would sin to my fill without restraint, now that the righteous lamp of my life had gone out. I did that all the days in the military service and I further rebelled.

My spirit would not break, and I became increasingly more and more a rebel. Because of a number of things that I disagreed with in the military, I finally deserted, only to be captured like a common criminal and beaten publicly several times. After enduring the punishment, I again fled.

I entertained thoughts of suicide on my way to Africa. I decided on Africa, because it would be the place I could get farthest from anyone that knew me. And again I made a pact with the devil to live for him.

Somehow, through a process of events, I got in touch with a Portuguese slave trader, and I lived in his home. His wife, who was brimming with hostility, took a lot out on me. She beat me, and I ate like a dog on the floor of the home. If I refused to do that, she would whip me with a lash.

I fled penniless, owning only the clothes on my back, to the shoreline of Africa where I built a fire, hoping to attract a ship that was passing by. The skipper thought that I had gold or slaves or ivory to sell and was surprised that I was a skilled navigator. And it was there that I virtually lived for a long period of time.

I went through all sorts of narrow escapes with death only a hairbreadth away, on a number of occasions. One time I opened some crates of rum and got everybody on the crew drunk. The skipper, incensed with my actions, beat me, threw me down below, and I lived on stale bread and sour vegetables for an unendurable amount of time. He brought me above to beat me again, and I fell overboard. Because I couldn't swim, he harpooned me to get me back on the ship. And I lived with the scar in my side, big enough for me to put my fist into, until the day of my death. On board, I was inflamed with fever and enraged with the humiliation.

A storm broke out, and I wound up again in the hold of the ship, down among the pumps. To keep the ship afloat, I worked as a servant of the slaves. There, bruised and confused, bleeding, diseased, I was the epitome of the degenerate man. I remembered the words of my mother.

I cried out to God, the only way I knew, calling upon His grace and His mercy to deliver me, and upon His son to save me. The only glimmer of light I could find was in a crack in the floor above me, and I looked up to it and screamed for help.

God heard me.

Thirty-one years passed, I married a childhood sweetheart. I entered the ministry. In every place that I served, rooms had to be added to the building to handle the crowds that came to hear the gospel that was presented and the story of God's grace in my life.

My tombstone above my head reads, "Born 1725, died 1807. A clerk, once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slaves in Africa, was by the rich mercy of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the faith he once long labored to destroy."

I decided before my death to put my life's story in verse. And that verse has become a hymn.

My name? John Newton.
The hymn? "Amazing Grace

Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound)
That sav'd a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears reliev'd;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believ'd!

Thro' many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promis'd good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who call'd me here below,
Will be forever mine.

Author Unknown

Things I Have Learned

I've learned....
That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.

I've learned....
That the Lord didn't do it all in one day. What makes me think I can?

I've learned....
That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.

I've learned....
That when you're in love, it shows.

I've learned....
That just one person saying to me, "You've made my day!" makes my day.

I've learned....
That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.

I've learned....
That being kind is more important than being right.

I've learned....
That you should never say no to a gift from a child.

I've learned....
That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.

I've learned....
That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.

I've learned....
That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.

I've learned....
That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

I've learned....
That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.

I've learned....
That money doesn't buy class.

I've learned....
That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I've learned....
That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.

I've learned....
That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I've learned....
That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.

I've learned....
That love, not time, heals all wounds.

I've learned....
That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.

I've learned....
That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I've learned....
That there's nothing sweeter than sleeping with your babies and feeling their breath on your cheeks.

I've learned....
That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.

I've learned....
That life is tough, but I'm tougher.

I've learned....
That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.

I've learned....
That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

I've learned....
That I wish I could have told my Dad that I love him one more time before he passed away.

I've learned....
That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.

I've learned....
That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I've learned....
That I can't choose how I feel, but I can choose what I do about it.

I've learned....
That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.

I've learned....
That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.

I've learned....
That it is best to give advice in only two circumstances; when it is requested and when it is a life threatening situation.

I've learned....
That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.

Author Unknown 

Things to Remember

God writes with a pen that never blots, speaks with a tongue that never slips, and acts with a hand that never fails.

God can heal a broken heart, but He has to have all the pieces.

God has a history of using the insignificant to accomplish the impossible.

God never asks about our ability or inability - just our availability.

Without God the world would be a maze without a clue.

Many millions search for God and find Him in their hearts.

Sometimes God calms the storm; sometimes He lets the storm rage and calms His child.

God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with Him.

When God measures a man, He puts the tape around the heart instead of the head.

God does not wish us to remember what He is willing to forget.

God has two dwellings - one in heaven and the other in a grateful heart.

God is more interested in making us what He wants us to be than in giving us what we think we ought to have.

The man who walks with God always knows in what direction he is going.

In order to receive the direction from God you must be able to receive the correction from God.

The measure of a man is not how great his faith is but how great his love is.

To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover the prisoner was You.

Let us so live that when we die, even the undertaker will be sorry.

You can preach a better sermon with your life than with your lips.

Christianity is a religion of paradoxes: The way up is down; the way to get is to give; the way to be first is to be last; and the way to live is to die.

Most people wish to serve God - but only in an advisory capacity.

Christianity helps us to face the music even when we don't like the tune.

A Christian...Is a mind through which Christ thinks, Is a heart through which Christ lives, Is a voice through which Christ speaks, Is a hand through which Christ helps!

Most men forget God all day and ask Him to remember them at night.

Some people complain because God put thorns on roses while others praise Him for putting roses on thorns.

Author Unknown

Today I will ....

I will begin the day by praying: "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24)

I will say, "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13)

I will not worry about my needs, for "...my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)

I will not fear, "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity; but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline." (II Timothy 1:7)

I will not harbor doubt and lack faith, for "...without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." (Hebrews 11:6)

I will not lack strength, for "...the Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1b)

I will not admit defeat, for God "...always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ, ..." (II Corinthians 2:14b)

I will not lack wisdom, for, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask Cod, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5)

I will not feel condemned, for "..., there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1)

I will not be worried or frustrated: "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (I Peter 5:7)

I will not be depressed, "...for his compassion's never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22b,23)

I will not feel alone for Jesus said, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:20b)

I will not be discontented, "...for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." (Philippians 4:llb)

I will not feel worthless, for "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (II Corinthians 5:21)

I will not be confused, "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace…" (I Corinthians 14:33a KJV)

I will not let the pressures of life bother me, when Christ said, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33b)

I will not feel like a failure, when "…in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." (Romans 8:37)
Today and tomorrow, I will ......

Author Unknown

Very Much Alive

The story is told of a young man who went into a taxidermist's shop. He was noticing all of the dead, but life-like animals on display. He stopped in front of an owl and began criticizing the shopkeeper's work, pointing out "mistakes" in the owl's wings, legs, and angle of the head. In his pride he boasted that he could have done a better job himself.

Suddenly, the owl turned his head and blinked. The prideful young man had mistakenly imagined the owl to be just another dead stuffed animal, but to his shame found himself to be the fool.

Many mistakenly imagine the Word of God to be just another piece of dead literature, or the Gospel a poor work of men's hands. Nevertheless, it is alive, truly the work of God's hands!

Author Unknown

Why Should I...

Why should I say I can't when the Bible says I can do all things through Christ who gives me Strength?
Philippians 4:13

Why should I be discontented when I, like Paul can learn to be content in all my circumstances?
Philippians 4:11

Why should I lack anything when I know that God shall supply all my needs according to His riches and glory in Christ Jesus?
Philippians 4:19

Why should I fear when the Bible says God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind?
2 Timothy 1:7

Why should I lack faith to fulfill my calling knowing that God has allotted to me a measure of faith"?
Romans 12:3

Why should I be weak when the Bible says that the Lord is the strength of my life and that I will display strength and take action because I know God?
Psalm 27:1, Daniel 11:32

Why should I allow Satan's supremacy over my life when He that is in me is greater then he that is in the world"?
1 John 4:4

Why should I lack wisdom when Christ became wisdom to me from God and God gives wisdom to me generously when I ask Him for it?
1 Corinthians 1:30, James 1:5

Why should I accept defeat when the Bible says that God always lead me in triumph?
2 Corinthians 2:14

Why should I be depressed when I can recall to mind God's loving kindness, compassion, and faithfulness and have hope?
Lamentations 3:21-23

Why should I worry and fret when I can cast all my anxiety on Christ who cares for me?
1 Peter 5:7

Why should I ever be in bondage knowing that there is liberty where the Spirit of the Lord is?
Galatians 5:1

Why should I feel condemned when the Bible says I am not condemned because I am in Christ?
Romans 8:1

Why should I feel alone when Jesus said He is with me always and He will never leave me nor forsake me?
Matthew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5

Why should I feel accursed or that I am the victim of bad luck when the Bible says that Christ redeemed me from the curse of the law that I might receive the Holy Spirit?
Galatians 3:13,14

Why should I feel worthless when Christ became sin on my behalf that I might become the righteousness of God in Him?
2 Corinthians 5:21

Why should I have a persecution complex knowing that nobody can be against me when God is for me?
Romans 8:31

Why should I be confused when God is the author of peace and he gives me knowledge through His in dwelling Spirit?
1 Corinthians 14:33, 2:12

Why should I feel like a failure when I am a conqueror in all things through Christ?
Romans 8:37

Why should I let the pressures of life bother me when I can take courage knowing that Jesus has overcome the world and its tribulations?
John 16:33

Author Unknown

Wise Words

God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way.

Disappointments are like road humps, they slow you down a bit but you enjoy the smooth road afterwards. Don't stay on the humps too long. Move on!

When you feel down because you didn't get what you want, just sit tight and be happy, because God is thinking of something better to give you.

When something happens to you, good or bad, consider what it means. There's a purpose to life's events, to teach you how to laugh more or not to cry too hard.

You can't make someone love you, all you can do is be someone who can be loved, the rest is up to the person to realize your worth.

What the heart gives away is never gone...It is kept in the hearts of others.

Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risks.

Secure a special place in your heart. A certain place only you can enter. For there will come a time when you need to find yourself and only your heart will show you the way.

The measure of love is when you love without measure. In life there are very rare chances that you'll meet the person you love and loves you in return.

So once you have it don't ever let go, the chance might never come your way again.

It's better to lose your pride to the one you love, than to lose the one you love because of pride.

We spend so much time looking for the right person to love or finding fault with those we already love, when instead we should be perfecting the love we give.

When you truly care for someone, you don't look for faults, you don't look for answers, you don't look for mistakes.

Instead, you fight the mistakes, you accept the faults, and you overlook excuses.

Never abandon an old friend. You will never find one who can take his place.

Five rules to be happy:
1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less.

Author Unknown

Your Property

A tax assessor came one day to a poor but honest man to determine the amount of taxes he would have to pay.

The following conversation took place;

"What property do you possess?" asked the assessor.

"I am a very wealthy man," replied the man.

"List your possessions, please," the assessor instructed.

"First , I have everlasting life, John 3:16.

"Second, I have a mansion in heaven, John 14:2.

"Third, I have peace that passeth understanding, Philippians 4:7.

"Fourth, I have joy unspeakable, 1 Peter 1:8.

"Fifth, I have divine love which never faileth, 1 Corinthians 13:8.

"Sixth, I have a faithful precious wife, Proverbs 31:10.

"Seventh, I have healthy, happy obedient children, Exodus 20:12.

"Eighth, I have true, loyal friends Proverbs 18:24.

"Ninth, I have songs in the night, Psalms 42:8.

"Tenth, I have a crown of life, James 1:12."

The tax assessor closed his book, and said, "Truly you are a very rich man, but your property is not subject to taxation. "

Author Unknown

Words of Wisdom

God gives us the ingredients for our daily bread, but He expects us to do the baking.

Triumph is just a little of "try" and a lot of "umph."

When God measures a man, He puts the tape around the heart instead of the head.

The best times in life are made a thousand times better when shared with a dear friend.

Treat your family like friends and your friends like family.

Give your troubles to God, He'll be up all night anyway.

Don't wait for the hearse to take you to church!

If you have 50 friends, it is not enough, but if you have 1 enemy, it is too many.

So it's not "home Sweet Home"--adjust!

To stay youthful, stay useful!

A women's work is never done; and just about the time she thinks it is, she becomes a "Grandma"!

There is not a right way to do a wrong thing.

Christians are not "sinless" but they sin less!

We should ask God for humility, but never thank Him that you got it!

Worry is like a rocking chair, it'll give you something to do, but won't get you anywhere!

All of me is beautiful and valuable, even the ugly, stupid and disgusting parts.

Yesterday is a cancelled check. Tomorrow is a promissory note. Today is the only cash you have, spend it wisely.

The church is not a hotel for saints, but a hospital for sinners.

A dog is loved by old and young. He wags his tail and not his tongue!

Remember in the darkness, what God had told you in the light.

Even though I huddle in my bed and put off getting up, thank you Lord, that I have the strength to rise, there are many who are bedfast.

Where one goes hereafter depends on what one goes after here!

The most important things in life are the thoughts you choose to think.