Monday, June 13, 2005
THE ARMY SON
Author Unknown
The Creightons were very proud of their son, Frank. When he went to college, naturally they missed him; but he wrote and they looked forward to his letters and saw him on weekends. Then Frank was drafted into the army.
After he had been in the army about five months, he received his call to go to Vietnam. Of course, the parents' anxiety for his first letter was greater than ever before. And ever week they heard from him and were thankful for his well-being. Then one week went by without a letter ~ two weeks ~ and finally three. At the end of the third week a telegram came, saying, "We regret to inform you that you son has been missing for three weeks and is presumed to have been killed inaction while fighting for his country."
The parents were shocked and grieved. They tried to accept the situation and go on living, but it was tragically lonesome without Frank.
About three weeks later, however, the phone rang. When Mrs. Creighton answered it, a voice on the other end said, "Mother, it's Frank. they found me, and I'm going to be all right. I'm in the United States and I'm coming home soon."
Mrs. Creighton was overjoyed, with tears running down her cheeks she sobbed, "Oh, that's wonderful! That's ! just wonderful, Frank."
There was silence for a moment, and then Frank said, "Mother I want to ask you something that is important to me. While I've been here, I've met a lot of wonderful people and I've really become close friends with some. There is one fellow I would like to bring home with me to meet you and Dad. And I would like to know if it would be all right if he could stay and live with us, because he has no place to go."
His mother assured him it would be all right.
Then Frank said, "You see, he wasn't as lucky as some; he was injured in battle. He was hit by a blast and his face is all disfigured. He lost his leg, and his right hand is missing. So you see, he feels uneasy about how others will accept him."
Frank's mother stopped to think a minute. She began to wonder how things would work out, and what people in town would think of someone like that. She said, "Sure Frank, you bring him home~ for a visit, that is. We would love to meet him and have him stay for a while; but about him staying with us permanently, well, we'll have to think about that." There was silence for a minute, and then Frank said, "Okay, Mother," and hung up.
A week went by without any word from Frank, and then a telegram arrived ~ "We regret to inform you that your son has taken his life. We would like you to come and identify the body."
Their wonderful son was gone. The horror stricken parents could only ask themselves, "Why had he done this?" When they walked into the room to identify the body of their son, they found a young man with a disfigured face, one leg missing, and his right hand gone.
Sent by Rita Chimchidian
The Creightons were very proud of their son, Frank. When he went to college, naturally they missed him; but he wrote and they looked forward to his letters and saw him on weekends. Then Frank was drafted into the army.
After he had been in the army about five months, he received his call to go to Vietnam. Of course, the parents' anxiety for his first letter was greater than ever before. And ever week they heard from him and were thankful for his well-being. Then one week went by without a letter ~ two weeks ~ and finally three. At the end of the third week a telegram came, saying, "We regret to inform you that you son has been missing for three weeks and is presumed to have been killed inaction while fighting for his country."
The parents were shocked and grieved. They tried to accept the situation and go on living, but it was tragically lonesome without Frank.
About three weeks later, however, the phone rang. When Mrs. Creighton answered it, a voice on the other end said, "Mother, it's Frank. they found me, and I'm going to be all right. I'm in the United States and I'm coming home soon."
Mrs. Creighton was overjoyed, with tears running down her cheeks she sobbed, "Oh, that's wonderful! That's ! just wonderful, Frank."
There was silence for a moment, and then Frank said, "Mother I want to ask you something that is important to me. While I've been here, I've met a lot of wonderful people and I've really become close friends with some. There is one fellow I would like to bring home with me to meet you and Dad. And I would like to know if it would be all right if he could stay and live with us, because he has no place to go."
His mother assured him it would be all right.
Then Frank said, "You see, he wasn't as lucky as some; he was injured in battle. He was hit by a blast and his face is all disfigured. He lost his leg, and his right hand is missing. So you see, he feels uneasy about how others will accept him."
Frank's mother stopped to think a minute. She began to wonder how things would work out, and what people in town would think of someone like that. She said, "Sure Frank, you bring him home~ for a visit, that is. We would love to meet him and have him stay for a while; but about him staying with us permanently, well, we'll have to think about that." There was silence for a minute, and then Frank said, "Okay, Mother," and hung up.
A week went by without any word from Frank, and then a telegram arrived ~ "We regret to inform you that your son has taken his life. We would like you to come and identify the body."
Their wonderful son was gone. The horror stricken parents could only ask themselves, "Why had he done this?" When they walked into the room to identify the body of their son, they found a young man with a disfigured face, one leg missing, and his right hand gone.
Sent by Rita Chimchidian
I AM GRATEFUL
By Edith Fitch
Even though I'm hearing-impaired, I'm thankful for my keen senses of smell, taste, and touch. I'm most thankful for glasses that improve my sense of sight and help me in lipreading and anticipating sounds.
I've never heard a robin announcing "Spring is here," nor have I heard the "cheer-up" messages of any songbirds. But I'm thankful I can see the birds and the many beauties in nature. I don't have to hear the rustle of leaves to enjoy their vibrant fall colors or their vivid springtime shades of green. I don't have to hear the ocean roar (does it really?) to feel the mighty power of each wave cresting and breaking. I don't have to hear syrup boiling on the stove to savor the taste of candy in the making.
When I started school I acted the part, pretending to enjoy giggling and whispering secrets with my friends. All my life I strove to act like one with acute hearing, without revealing I was a sham. In spite of my deception, I'm thankful for being accepted by a host of friends.
I have difficulty participating in group conversations, but I'm thankful for those who keep me tuned in by repeating what I miss. And I'm thankful to those who give me a facial view and speak slowly rather than embarrassingly louder.
I can't watch TV and do needlework or prepare a meal at the same time. Neither can I enjoy the chatter in group activities and work efficiently at the same time. But I'm thankful for 24 hours in a day in which to accomplish the priorities in my life-one thing at a time. And I'm thankful I can work and live an independent life.
It's easy to be thankful to those who have been tolerant, kind, and helpful in my hearing loss. Although distasteful at the time, I'm now most grateful to those who were firm with me when I wanted to be spared the stress encountered in hearing situations. These disciplinarians can be credited for pushing me beyond what I might have attained.
Thank You, Lord, for blessings too numerous to mention.
------------------------------------------
To you, our good Lord is giving
Many blessings here below;
May on bended knee before Him
Even though I'm hearing-impaired, I'm thankful for my keen senses of smell, taste, and touch. I'm most thankful for glasses that improve my sense of sight and help me in lipreading and anticipating sounds.
I've never heard a robin announcing "Spring is here," nor have I heard the "cheer-up" messages of any songbirds. But I'm thankful I can see the birds and the many beauties in nature. I don't have to hear the rustle of leaves to enjoy their vibrant fall colors or their vivid springtime shades of green. I don't have to hear the ocean roar (does it really?) to feel the mighty power of each wave cresting and breaking. I don't have to hear syrup boiling on the stove to savor the taste of candy in the making.
When I started school I acted the part, pretending to enjoy giggling and whispering secrets with my friends. All my life I strove to act like one with acute hearing, without revealing I was a sham. In spite of my deception, I'm thankful for being accepted by a host of friends.
I have difficulty participating in group conversations, but I'm thankful for those who keep me tuned in by repeating what I miss. And I'm thankful to those who give me a facial view and speak slowly rather than embarrassingly louder.
I can't watch TV and do needlework or prepare a meal at the same time. Neither can I enjoy the chatter in group activities and work efficiently at the same time. But I'm thankful for 24 hours in a day in which to accomplish the priorities in my life-one thing at a time. And I'm thankful I can work and live an independent life.
It's easy to be thankful to those who have been tolerant, kind, and helpful in my hearing loss. Although distasteful at the time, I'm now most grateful to those who were firm with me when I wanted to be spared the stress encountered in hearing situations. These disciplinarians can be credited for pushing me beyond what I might have attained.
Thank You, Lord, for blessings too numerous to mention.
------------------------------------------
To you, our good Lord is giving
Many blessings here below;
May on bended knee before Him
SOWING
Copyright (c) 2004 - Pastor Bill - Christian Cyber Ministries
All Rights Reserved
The story is told about Ignace Paderewski's career. The famous Polish pianist agreed to play a concert organized by two Stanford University students working their way through school. Paderewski's manager said they would have to guarantee the artist a fee of $2,000. The boys agreed and eventually the concert was held.
Though the two student promoters worked hard, they took in only $1,600. Discouraged, they told Paderewski of their efforts and handed him the $1,600 with a note promising to pay him the balance of $400. But the artist tore up the note and gave them back the $1,600. "Take your expenses out of this," he said, "give yourselves each 10% of what's left for your work, and let me have the rest."
Years later, Paderewski was faced with feeding the people of his war-ravaged Poland. Amazingly, even before a request was made, thousands of tons of food were sent to Poland by the United States.
Paderewski later traveled to Paris to thank Herbert Hoover, who headed up the US relief effort. "That's all right, Mr. Paderewski," said Hoover, "I knew that the need was great. And besides, though you may not remember it, I was one of the two college students whom you generously helped when I was in need."
This story from Paderewski's life is a perfect example of sowing and reaping. In God's plan if we are obedient to sow when He asks then it is His responsibility to bring in the reaping. The most incredible part is waiting to see how He does it. It is not a matter of will He but when and how!
"You will always reap what you sow." (Galatians 6:7)
All Rights Reserved
The story is told about Ignace Paderewski's career. The famous Polish pianist agreed to play a concert organized by two Stanford University students working their way through school. Paderewski's manager said they would have to guarantee the artist a fee of $2,000. The boys agreed and eventually the concert was held.
Though the two student promoters worked hard, they took in only $1,600. Discouraged, they told Paderewski of their efforts and handed him the $1,600 with a note promising to pay him the balance of $400. But the artist tore up the note and gave them back the $1,600. "Take your expenses out of this," he said, "give yourselves each 10% of what's left for your work, and let me have the rest."
Years later, Paderewski was faced with feeding the people of his war-ravaged Poland. Amazingly, even before a request was made, thousands of tons of food were sent to Poland by the United States.
Paderewski later traveled to Paris to thank Herbert Hoover, who headed up the US relief effort. "That's all right, Mr. Paderewski," said Hoover, "I knew that the need was great. And besides, though you may not remember it, I was one of the two college students whom you generously helped when I was in need."
This story from Paderewski's life is a perfect example of sowing and reaping. In God's plan if we are obedient to sow when He asks then it is His responsibility to bring in the reaping. The most incredible part is waiting to see how He does it. It is not a matter of will He but when and how!
"You will always reap what you sow." (Galatians 6:7)
ON FAIR PLAY
By Maxwell Maltz, M.D.,F.I.C.S
from his book: Thoughts to Live By
The title of one of Charles Reade's novels is "Put Yourself in His Place."
You will be a happy human being if you make a habit of living with these five words until the practice becomes second nature to you. These five words, lived, not read, will put you on the road to maturity and self-fulfillment, because you will think twice before passing judgment on someone else who has a point of view different from yours and who wants to stand for his rights as you do for yours.
At a moment of stress when you are overcome with doubt and unbelief, when you are overcome with aggressiveness and fear, at that moment when you are ready to denounce someone, say to yourself, "What would I do if I were in his place?" Fight for your rights if you must, but don't fight for something wrong out of hatred or revenge.
Friendship is desperately needed in these chaotic times; and the first light and glow of friendship with others starts when, at a moment of irrationality, you ask yourself, "What would I do if I were in his place?"
Most important, you must have a sense of fair play with yourself. Never denounce yourself because of an important error; never become a displaced person because of it. At such time, ask yourself as you look in the mirror, "Would I do this to my best friend?"
----------------
DEAR GOD, when I communicate with others help me to be quick to listen and slow to speak. Give me an open mind and an understanding heart. When I speak, help not to be judgmental and condemning. May I strive to know first both sides of the issue before I pass judgment or form my own opinion. Help me to be gentle whenever I want to put across my thoughts, and help me to discern how I am to respond. Give me the right words to say that precisely convey the feelings of my heart without ever being offensive or rude to my family and to others. Make me a happy human being by living with these five words, "What would I do if I were in his place?"
from his book: Thoughts to Live By
The title of one of Charles Reade's novels is "Put Yourself in His Place."
You will be a happy human being if you make a habit of living with these five words until the practice becomes second nature to you. These five words, lived, not read, will put you on the road to maturity and self-fulfillment, because you will think twice before passing judgment on someone else who has a point of view different from yours and who wants to stand for his rights as you do for yours.
At a moment of stress when you are overcome with doubt and unbelief, when you are overcome with aggressiveness and fear, at that moment when you are ready to denounce someone, say to yourself, "What would I do if I were in his place?" Fight for your rights if you must, but don't fight for something wrong out of hatred or revenge.
Friendship is desperately needed in these chaotic times; and the first light and glow of friendship with others starts when, at a moment of irrationality, you ask yourself, "What would I do if I were in his place?"
Most important, you must have a sense of fair play with yourself. Never denounce yourself because of an important error; never become a displaced person because of it. At such time, ask yourself as you look in the mirror, "Would I do this to my best friend?"
----------------
DEAR GOD, when I communicate with others help me to be quick to listen and slow to speak. Give me an open mind and an understanding heart. When I speak, help not to be judgmental and condemning. May I strive to know first both sides of the issue before I pass judgment or form my own opinion. Help me to be gentle whenever I want to put across my thoughts, and help me to discern how I am to respond. Give me the right words to say that precisely convey the feelings of my heart without ever being offensive or rude to my family and to others. Make me a happy human being by living with these five words, "What would I do if I were in his place?"
BEAUTY SECRETS
From: Life Lessons from Bible People
Copyright 1996 by The Livingstone Corporation
"Rachel was lovely in form and beautiful." (Genesis 29:17)
Rachel was, in today's parlance, a head turner, a beauty queen. She quickly caught the eye of Jacob, who found her so desirable that he agreed to work seven years for her father in order to marry her.
And yet, if we look beyond Rachel's figure and face to her underlying character, we see some unattractive qualities. First, she is portrayed as jealous and demanding. When she learned she was unable to bear children, her complaining and accusing sent Jacob into a rage.
Second, she is pictured as desperate and conniving. Rather than trusting God to provide her with children in His timing, she tried to "help God out" by sending her servant girl to bed with Jacob. She is seen stealing religious artifacts from her father and then lying about her involvement in the theft. All in all, the Scriptures do not point a pretty picture of this pretty woman!
The lesson of Rachel is especially relevant to people who live in a culture obsessed by youth and glamour. Keep in mind that outer loveliness quickly fades. Inner beauty is far more critical to God, and He makes that character available to anyone who is filled with the Spirit of God. The longer and closer we walk with God, the more attractive we become.
It's possible to be good looking and not very attractive at the same time.
______________________________
Beauty does not last in a pretty face,
For outer loveliness, in age does fade;
But inner beauty, as time goes by
Stays lovely in the beholder's eyes.
Copyright 1996 by The Livingstone Corporation
"Rachel was lovely in form and beautiful." (Genesis 29:17)
Rachel was, in today's parlance, a head turner, a beauty queen. She quickly caught the eye of Jacob, who found her so desirable that he agreed to work seven years for her father in order to marry her.
And yet, if we look beyond Rachel's figure and face to her underlying character, we see some unattractive qualities. First, she is portrayed as jealous and demanding. When she learned she was unable to bear children, her complaining and accusing sent Jacob into a rage.
Second, she is pictured as desperate and conniving. Rather than trusting God to provide her with children in His timing, she tried to "help God out" by sending her servant girl to bed with Jacob. She is seen stealing religious artifacts from her father and then lying about her involvement in the theft. All in all, the Scriptures do not point a pretty picture of this pretty woman!
The lesson of Rachel is especially relevant to people who live in a culture obsessed by youth and glamour. Keep in mind that outer loveliness quickly fades. Inner beauty is far more critical to God, and He makes that character available to anyone who is filled with the Spirit of God. The longer and closer we walk with God, the more attractive we become.
It's possible to be good looking and not very attractive at the same time.
______________________________
Beauty does not last in a pretty face,
For outer loveliness, in age does fade;
But inner beauty, as time goes by
Stays lovely in the beholder's eyes.
THEY DESERVE OUR LOVE
By Mother Teresa
Founder Missionaries of Charity
Excerpted from "The Poor Don't Need Our Sympathy" (orig. title)
Do we know the lonely? Do we know the unwanted and the unloved? Do we know the hungry? Do we really know what hunger is?
I'll give you an example of what hunger is. A child got a piece of bread from a Sister. (He had not eaten for sometime. I saw that child eating the bread slowly, crumb by crumb. I said to him, "I know you are hungry. Why don't you eat the bread up?"
The little one answered, "I want it to last longer!"
He was afraid that when he finished the bread, his hunger would come back again. And so he ate it crumb by crumb!
The other child next to him, was not even eating. I thought that he had finished his bread. But the little one said, "My father is sick, I'm very hungry, but my father is sick, and I think he would love to have this bread."
That little child was willing to go without food to be able to give his father the joy of having a little piece of bread.
The poor are great people!...They aren't asking us to feel sorry for them...They deserve our love!
Not long ago, some Sisters and I went out and picked up four or five people off the streets. One of them was in terrible condition, so I told the Sisters, "I'll take care of her." And I tried to do all that I could for her, all that my love of Jesus could do.
When I put her in bed, she took hold of my hand. There was a beautiful smile on her face. She said only, "Thank you!" And then she died.
She had given me much more than I had given her. She gave me her GRATEFUL LOVE.
I couldn't help but examine myself. I said, "If I were she, what would I have done?" And my answer was very sincere, "I would have tried to draw some attention to myself by saying, 'I'm hungry, I'm cold, I'm dying!' "
But she had courage, and she had love to give to me, instead of keeping it for herself, of being focused on herself. These are very admirable things!
Why are the Sisters always smiling?...Because we are trying to be contemplatives in the heart of the world. We have chosen to be Missionaries of Charity, to be carriers of God's love.
We have no reason to be unhappy. How can that be? If the words of Jesus are true, "I was hungry, I was sick, I was naked, I was homeless, and you did it to me," (Mt. 25:40) then we are touching Him twenty-fours a day.
This call is basically the same for you too, you have chosen to be Christians. With Jesus and for Jesus, you will be able to live happily.
What we are doing, you cannot do.
And what you are doing we cannot do.
But together, we are doing something beautiful for God.
May our service to the poor further the salvation of mankind, of you and me, for we are touching Jesus.
Founder Missionaries of Charity
Excerpted from "The Poor Don't Need Our Sympathy" (orig. title)
Do we know the lonely? Do we know the unwanted and the unloved? Do we know the hungry? Do we really know what hunger is?
I'll give you an example of what hunger is. A child got a piece of bread from a Sister. (He had not eaten for sometime. I saw that child eating the bread slowly, crumb by crumb. I said to him, "I know you are hungry. Why don't you eat the bread up?"
The little one answered, "I want it to last longer!"
He was afraid that when he finished the bread, his hunger would come back again. And so he ate it crumb by crumb!
The other child next to him, was not even eating. I thought that he had finished his bread. But the little one said, "My father is sick, I'm very hungry, but my father is sick, and I think he would love to have this bread."
That little child was willing to go without food to be able to give his father the joy of having a little piece of bread.
The poor are great people!...They aren't asking us to feel sorry for them...They deserve our love!
Not long ago, some Sisters and I went out and picked up four or five people off the streets. One of them was in terrible condition, so I told the Sisters, "I'll take care of her." And I tried to do all that I could for her, all that my love of Jesus could do.
When I put her in bed, she took hold of my hand. There was a beautiful smile on her face. She said only, "Thank you!" And then she died.
She had given me much more than I had given her. She gave me her GRATEFUL LOVE.
I couldn't help but examine myself. I said, "If I were she, what would I have done?" And my answer was very sincere, "I would have tried to draw some attention to myself by saying, 'I'm hungry, I'm cold, I'm dying!' "
But she had courage, and she had love to give to me, instead of keeping it for herself, of being focused on herself. These are very admirable things!
Why are the Sisters always smiling?...Because we are trying to be contemplatives in the heart of the world. We have chosen to be Missionaries of Charity, to be carriers of God's love.
We have no reason to be unhappy. How can that be? If the words of Jesus are true, "I was hungry, I was sick, I was naked, I was homeless, and you did it to me," (Mt. 25:40) then we are touching Him twenty-fours a day.
This call is basically the same for you too, you have chosen to be Christians. With Jesus and for Jesus, you will be able to live happily.
What we are doing, you cannot do.
And what you are doing we cannot do.
But together, we are doing something beautiful for God.
May our service to the poor further the salvation of mankind, of you and me, for we are touching Jesus.
GOD IS BIG
-Author Unknown
Stop telling God how big your storm is. Instead tell your storm how big your GOD is.
In Phoenix, Arizona, a 26-year-old mother stared down at her 6 year old son, who was dying of terminal leukemia. Although her heart was filled with sadness, she also had a strong feeling of determination. Like any parent, she wanted her son to grow up and fulfill all his dreams. Now that
was no longer possible. The leukemia would see to that. But she still wanted her son's dreams to come true. She took her son's hand and asked, "Billy, did you ever think about what you wanted to be once you grew up? Did you ever dream and wish what you would do with your life?"
Mommy, "I always wanted to be a fireman when I grew up." Mom smiled back and said, "Let's see if we can make your wish come true."
Later that day she went to her local fire department in Phoenix, Arizona, where she met Fireman Bob, who had a heart as big as Phoenix. She explained her son's final wish and asked if it might be possible to give her six-year-old son a ride around the block on a fire engine. Fireman Bob said, "Look, we can do better than that. If you'll have your son Ready at seven o'clock Wednesday morning, we'll make him an honorary fireman for the whole day. He can come down to the fire station, eat with us, go out on all the fire calls, the whole nine yards! And if you'll give us ! his sizes, we'll get a real fire uniform for him, with a real fire hat-not a toy one-with the emblem of the Phoenix Fire Department on it, a yellow slicker like we wear and rubber boots. They're all manufactured right here in Phoenix, so we can get them fast."
Three days later Fireman Bob picked up Billy, dressed him in his fire uniform and escorted him from his hospital bed to the waiting hook and ladder truck. Billy got to sit on the back of the truck and help steer it back to the fire station. He was in heaven. There were three fire calls in Phoenix that day and Billy got to go out on all three calls. He rode in the different fire engines, the paramedic's van, and even the fire chief's car.
He was also videotaped for the local news program. Having his dream come true, with all the love and attention that was lavished upon him, so deeply touched Billy that he lived three months longer than any doctor thought possible.
One night all of his vital signs began to drop dramatically and the head nurse, who believed in the hospice concept that no one should die alone, began to call the family members to the hospital.
Then she remembered the day Billy had spent as a fireman, so she called The Fire Chief and asked if it would be possible to send a fireman in uniform to the hospital to be with Billy as he made his transition. The chief replied, "We can do better than that. We'll be there in five minutes. Will you please do me a favor? When you hear the sirens screaming and see the lights flashing, will you announce over the PA system that there is not a fire? It's just the fire department coming to see one of its finest members one more time. And will you open the window to his room?
About five minutes later a hook and ladder truck arrived at the hospital and extended its ladder up to Billy's third floor open window 16 firefighters climbed up the ladder into Billy's room. With his mother's permission, they hugged him and held him and told him how much they loved him. With his dying breath, Billy looked up at the fire chief and said, "Chief, am I really a fireman now?" "Billy, you are, and the Head Chief, Jesus, is holding your hand," the chief said. With those words, Billy smiled and said, "I know, He's been holding my hand all day, and the angels have been singing.." He closed his eyes one last time.
My instructions were to send this to at least four people that I wanted God to bless and I picked you. Please pass this to at least four people you want to be blessed. This story is powerful and there is nothing attached, please do not break this pattern; uplifting stories are one of the best gifts we receive. There is no cost but a lot of rewards, let's continue to uplift one another.
Stop telling God how big your storm is. Instead tell your storm how big your GOD is...
Stop telling God how big your storm is. Instead tell your storm how big your GOD is.
In Phoenix, Arizona, a 26-year-old mother stared down at her 6 year old son, who was dying of terminal leukemia. Although her heart was filled with sadness, she also had a strong feeling of determination. Like any parent, she wanted her son to grow up and fulfill all his dreams. Now that
was no longer possible. The leukemia would see to that. But she still wanted her son's dreams to come true. She took her son's hand and asked, "Billy, did you ever think about what you wanted to be once you grew up? Did you ever dream and wish what you would do with your life?"
Mommy, "I always wanted to be a fireman when I grew up." Mom smiled back and said, "Let's see if we can make your wish come true."
Later that day she went to her local fire department in Phoenix, Arizona, where she met Fireman Bob, who had a heart as big as Phoenix. She explained her son's final wish and asked if it might be possible to give her six-year-old son a ride around the block on a fire engine. Fireman Bob said, "Look, we can do better than that. If you'll have your son Ready at seven o'clock Wednesday morning, we'll make him an honorary fireman for the whole day. He can come down to the fire station, eat with us, go out on all the fire calls, the whole nine yards! And if you'll give us ! his sizes, we'll get a real fire uniform for him, with a real fire hat-not a toy one-with the emblem of the Phoenix Fire Department on it, a yellow slicker like we wear and rubber boots. They're all manufactured right here in Phoenix, so we can get them fast."
Three days later Fireman Bob picked up Billy, dressed him in his fire uniform and escorted him from his hospital bed to the waiting hook and ladder truck. Billy got to sit on the back of the truck and help steer it back to the fire station. He was in heaven. There were three fire calls in Phoenix that day and Billy got to go out on all three calls. He rode in the different fire engines, the paramedic's van, and even the fire chief's car.
He was also videotaped for the local news program. Having his dream come true, with all the love and attention that was lavished upon him, so deeply touched Billy that he lived three months longer than any doctor thought possible.
One night all of his vital signs began to drop dramatically and the head nurse, who believed in the hospice concept that no one should die alone, began to call the family members to the hospital.
Then she remembered the day Billy had spent as a fireman, so she called The Fire Chief and asked if it would be possible to send a fireman in uniform to the hospital to be with Billy as he made his transition. The chief replied, "We can do better than that. We'll be there in five minutes. Will you please do me a favor? When you hear the sirens screaming and see the lights flashing, will you announce over the PA system that there is not a fire? It's just the fire department coming to see one of its finest members one more time. And will you open the window to his room?
About five minutes later a hook and ladder truck arrived at the hospital and extended its ladder up to Billy's third floor open window 16 firefighters climbed up the ladder into Billy's room. With his mother's permission, they hugged him and held him and told him how much they loved him. With his dying breath, Billy looked up at the fire chief and said, "Chief, am I really a fireman now?" "Billy, you are, and the Head Chief, Jesus, is holding your hand," the chief said. With those words, Billy smiled and said, "I know, He's been holding my hand all day, and the angels have been singing.." He closed his eyes one last time.
My instructions were to send this to at least four people that I wanted God to bless and I picked you. Please pass this to at least four people you want to be blessed. This story is powerful and there is nothing attached, please do not break this pattern; uplifting stories are one of the best gifts we receive. There is no cost but a lot of rewards, let's continue to uplift one another.
Stop telling God how big your storm is. Instead tell your storm how big your GOD is...
THE RIGHT WORD FOR SEX
Sent by: Ping Cabia
Adam lay with his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, "With the help of the LORD I have brought forth a man." (Genesis 4:1)
It's amazing how creative parents can become when it's time to explain the facts of life to a child, especially in the vocabulary they choose. A parent says to their child, "This is your chin. This is your neck. That's your stomach. That's your ...oogieboogiewagaboogie!" I've really heard some pretty funny names for human anatomy - words invented by red-faced parents, but not recognized by any doctor on earth. Of course, they're better than a lot of the words our children come home from school asking about. But when it comes to sex, it's important to use the right words - especially one.
I'm Ron Hutchcraft, and I want to have A Word With You today about "The Right Word For Sex."
Our word for today from the Word of God comes from the Inventor of sex, who is, of course, God Himself. Our world seems to have forgotten who invented sex - and that the Inventor knows best. In the first experience of sexual love in human history, Genesis 4:1 (our word for today from the Word of God) says, "And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived." Now this is sex as it was meant to be, still unspoiled, still the best. And the word God uses to describe it is "know."
When two people come together physically, it's designed to be the ultimate knowing. When two people have sex that isn't an expression of a deep, intimate friendship and commitment, they aren't going all the way - they're only going a small part of the way. That's not ultimate knowing!
The Hebrew word for "know" here is "yadah." It conveys the intimacy of two people who know each other as they really are - a deep, personal, intimate, experiential knowledge of another person. That's why God designed this kind of bonding to be for a lifetime commitment, confined within the protective fence He calls marriage.
Ironically, when you take sex out of marriage, it actually slows down the knowing process. The physical tends to take over the relationship. The relationship becomes more self-centered. A couple stops talking and focuses on the physical. And, as a result, too many people end up married to a stranger -- someone whose body they know, but not their heart. Because so many relationships between men and women have been so physical, a lot of those relationships are strangely lonely. With sex dominating so many relationships, a lot of men and women have never developed a friendship -- and maybe never will.
When the physical starts to take over, it often masks serious weaknesses and dangers in the relationship - hormones make you blind. Consequently, many people have married the wrong person because their passion blinded them. It actually kept them from really knowing their partner. And they made a lifelong mistake.
Remember how the Inventor designed sex: two people bonded in a lifetime knowing experience, expressing it through the unparalleled intimacy of sex. Anything less is a cheap, twisted, ultimately disillusioning counterfeit. If you've made that mistake, there's a Savior who died for every sin, including our sexual sin, who will forgive it if you'll repent of it - and He'll begin to restore your emotional and spiritual virginity. Don't settle for anything less than Designer love where the right word for sex is K-N-O-W. Know - as in knowing your best friend forever.
Adam lay with his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, "With the help of the LORD I have brought forth a man." (Genesis 4:1)
It's amazing how creative parents can become when it's time to explain the facts of life to a child, especially in the vocabulary they choose. A parent says to their child, "This is your chin. This is your neck. That's your stomach. That's your ...oogieboogiewagaboogie!" I've really heard some pretty funny names for human anatomy - words invented by red-faced parents, but not recognized by any doctor on earth. Of course, they're better than a lot of the words our children come home from school asking about. But when it comes to sex, it's important to use the right words - especially one.
I'm Ron Hutchcraft, and I want to have A Word With You today about "The Right Word For Sex."
Our word for today from the Word of God comes from the Inventor of sex, who is, of course, God Himself. Our world seems to have forgotten who invented sex - and that the Inventor knows best. In the first experience of sexual love in human history, Genesis 4:1 (our word for today from the Word of God) says, "And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived." Now this is sex as it was meant to be, still unspoiled, still the best. And the word God uses to describe it is "know."
When two people come together physically, it's designed to be the ultimate knowing. When two people have sex that isn't an expression of a deep, intimate friendship and commitment, they aren't going all the way - they're only going a small part of the way. That's not ultimate knowing!
The Hebrew word for "know" here is "yadah." It conveys the intimacy of two people who know each other as they really are - a deep, personal, intimate, experiential knowledge of another person. That's why God designed this kind of bonding to be for a lifetime commitment, confined within the protective fence He calls marriage.
Ironically, when you take sex out of marriage, it actually slows down the knowing process. The physical tends to take over the relationship. The relationship becomes more self-centered. A couple stops talking and focuses on the physical. And, as a result, too many people end up married to a stranger -- someone whose body they know, but not their heart. Because so many relationships between men and women have been so physical, a lot of those relationships are strangely lonely. With sex dominating so many relationships, a lot of men and women have never developed a friendship -- and maybe never will.
When the physical starts to take over, it often masks serious weaknesses and dangers in the relationship - hormones make you blind. Consequently, many people have married the wrong person because their passion blinded them. It actually kept them from really knowing their partner. And they made a lifelong mistake.
Remember how the Inventor designed sex: two people bonded in a lifetime knowing experience, expressing it through the unparalleled intimacy of sex. Anything less is a cheap, twisted, ultimately disillusioning counterfeit. If you've made that mistake, there's a Savior who died for every sin, including our sexual sin, who will forgive it if you'll repent of it - and He'll begin to restore your emotional and spiritual virginity. Don't settle for anything less than Designer love where the right word for sex is K-N-O-W. Know - as in knowing your best friend forever.
GOOD LUCK MEANS GOD
From: Christian Pilgrims
This is a story about a husband rushing to the shopping center to find a last minute anniversary gift for his wife. Just as he was going through the door of the supermarket, an impatient shopper came rushing out, bumping an elderly lady and sending her parcels flying. No one stopped to help her.
John looked at his watch. In a few minutes the store would be dosed. What should he do? The poor old lady looked so upset.... Well, John helped her gather up everything. She gave him such a sweet smile, that he was charmed into seeing her safely to her bus. Then John dashed back to the supermarket, just as the security man had locked all the doors. So, all he could buy his wife was a bunch of flowers.
One night, about two months later, John was hundreds of miles from home, driving through a heavy rainstorm when his tire blew out. He found that his spare tire was also flat. So, dripping wet, he climbed back into the car and waited and waited in the dark.... Finally, he saw two headlights coming down the road.... He waved frantically, and the car stopped. Inside, was that same old lady he had helped some weeks before.
She explained that she was actually on the wrong road. Back somewhere, she had taken a wrong turn. And so it was by pure luck that she happened to be here, just when she could be of help.
Any Christian, of course, knows that there is no such a thing as luck. Luck is another word for God working behind things... like caring for the birds of the air and the lilies of the field and the hairs of your head, as Matthew says in 6:28.
---------------------------------------------
There is no such thing as luck
In a world where God is in command;
Luck is another word for God
Fulfilling in us His perfect plan.
This is a story about a husband rushing to the shopping center to find a last minute anniversary gift for his wife. Just as he was going through the door of the supermarket, an impatient shopper came rushing out, bumping an elderly lady and sending her parcels flying. No one stopped to help her.
John looked at his watch. In a few minutes the store would be dosed. What should he do? The poor old lady looked so upset.... Well, John helped her gather up everything. She gave him such a sweet smile, that he was charmed into seeing her safely to her bus. Then John dashed back to the supermarket, just as the security man had locked all the doors. So, all he could buy his wife was a bunch of flowers.
One night, about two months later, John was hundreds of miles from home, driving through a heavy rainstorm when his tire blew out. He found that his spare tire was also flat. So, dripping wet, he climbed back into the car and waited and waited in the dark.... Finally, he saw two headlights coming down the road.... He waved frantically, and the car stopped. Inside, was that same old lady he had helped some weeks before.
She explained that she was actually on the wrong road. Back somewhere, she had taken a wrong turn. And so it was by pure luck that she happened to be here, just when she could be of help.
Any Christian, of course, knows that there is no such a thing as luck. Luck is another word for God working behind things... like caring for the birds of the air and the lilies of the field and the hairs of your head, as Matthew says in 6:28.
---------------------------------------------
There is no such thing as luck
In a world where God is in command;
Luck is another word for God
Fulfilling in us His perfect plan.
MISSED OPPORTUNITIES
By Alan Smith
The following story is told of a young man who wished to marry the farmer's daughter.
A young man went to a farmer to ask his permission to marry his beautiful daughter. The farmer looked him over and responded, "Son, go stand out in that field and I'm going to release three bulls, one at a time. If you can catch the tail of any one of the three bulls, you can marry my daughter."
The young man stood in the pasture awaiting the first bull. The barn door opened and out ran the biggest, meanest-looking bull he had ever seen. He decided that one of the next bulls had to be a better choice than this one, so he ran over to the side and let the bull pass through the pasture out the back gate.
The barn door opened again. Unbelievable! He had never seen anything so big and fierce in his life. It stood -- pawing the ground, grunting, slinging slobber -- as it eyed him. Whatever the next bull was like, it had to be a better choice than this one. He ran to the fence and let the bull pass through the pasture, out the back gate.
The door opened a third time. A smile came across his face. This was the weakest, scrawniest little bull he had ever seen. This one was his bull. As the bull came running by, he positioned himself just right and jumped at just the exact moment. He grabbed... but the bull had no tail!
Life is full of opportunities. Some will be easy to take advantage of, some will be difficult. But once we let them pass (often in hopes of something better), those opportunities may never again be available.
The same thing is also true of opportunities to serve Christ. God often opens doors for us -- opportunities to speak up for Him, opportunities to minister to someone who is hurting or in need, opportunities to make an influence on the world around us. If we allow them to pass by (perhaps because we are waiting for something easier to come along), we may miss out on them altogether.
Continue praying, keeping alert, and always thanking God. Also pray for us that God will give us an opportunity to tell people his message. (Col. 4:2-3a)
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:10)
May you take advantage of the doors God opens for you this day!
The following story is told of a young man who wished to marry the farmer's daughter.
A young man went to a farmer to ask his permission to marry his beautiful daughter. The farmer looked him over and responded, "Son, go stand out in that field and I'm going to release three bulls, one at a time. If you can catch the tail of any one of the three bulls, you can marry my daughter."
The young man stood in the pasture awaiting the first bull. The barn door opened and out ran the biggest, meanest-looking bull he had ever seen. He decided that one of the next bulls had to be a better choice than this one, so he ran over to the side and let the bull pass through the pasture out the back gate.
The barn door opened again. Unbelievable! He had never seen anything so big and fierce in his life. It stood -- pawing the ground, grunting, slinging slobber -- as it eyed him. Whatever the next bull was like, it had to be a better choice than this one. He ran to the fence and let the bull pass through the pasture, out the back gate.
The door opened a third time. A smile came across his face. This was the weakest, scrawniest little bull he had ever seen. This one was his bull. As the bull came running by, he positioned himself just right and jumped at just the exact moment. He grabbed... but the bull had no tail!
Life is full of opportunities. Some will be easy to take advantage of, some will be difficult. But once we let them pass (often in hopes of something better), those opportunities may never again be available.
The same thing is also true of opportunities to serve Christ. God often opens doors for us -- opportunities to speak up for Him, opportunities to minister to someone who is hurting or in need, opportunities to make an influence on the world around us. If we allow them to pass by (perhaps because we are waiting for something easier to come along), we may miss out on them altogether.
Continue praying, keeping alert, and always thanking God. Also pray for us that God will give us an opportunity to tell people his message. (Col. 4:2-3a)
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:10)
May you take advantage of the doors God opens for you this day!
I'M MAKING A LITTLE BOWL FOR YOU
From: Sonia Santos
The Wooden Bowl (excerpt, orig subj.)
A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four year old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered.
The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.
The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. "We must do something about Grandfather," said the son. I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.
So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl.
When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.
The four year old watched it all in silence. One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?" Just as sweetly, the boy responded, "Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up." The four year old smiled and went back to work.
The words so struck the parents that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.
That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.
On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.
I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life."
I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.
I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But, if you focus on your family, the needs of others, and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.
I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.
I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone.
I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.
The Wooden Bowl (excerpt, orig subj.)
A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four year old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered.
The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.
The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. "We must do something about Grandfather," said the son. I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.
So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl.
When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.
The four year old watched it all in silence. One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?" Just as sweetly, the boy responded, "Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up." The four year old smiled and went back to work.
The words so struck the parents that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.
That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.
On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.
I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life."
I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.
I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But, if you focus on your family, the needs of others, and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.
I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.
I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone.
I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.
WHICH IS MORE IMPORTANT...?
By Len Woods, Excerpted from "Life Application Family Devotions"
When report cards came out last term, Christy Tolbert's grades were terrible. She just didn't try at all. So her parent laid down the law: no TV, no phone privileges, and no outside activities Monday through Thursday until the next report period.
Thus far the new studying strategy has worked. Christy has pulled up all her grades. In fact, she does well on her geography project (a report on the Everglades), she may even make the principal's honor roll.
Up late the night before the geography project is due, Christy is trying to copy her paper from the hard disk of her dad's computer onto a floppy disk -- to save it. Somehow he erases the whole paper, or the computer eats it, or the hard disk malfunctions. At any rate, the paper is gone!
Christy and her mom try unsuccessfully to recover the missing document.They call Mr. Tolbert (he is in Atlanta on a business trip). He suggests some other ways to try to save her paper. None of them work. Now Christy is in tears. Even if she can piece together her disjointed scribbles and rewrite the whole thing, it will be at least a day late. That will mean a whole letter grade penalty.
"Daddy, I worked so hard!" she sobs. "And now my average will be all messed up! I probably won't make the honor roll."
Mr. Tolbert tries to comfort his discouraged daughter. "Sweetheart, I don't care so much about your grade. I care that you tried your best and that you learned something."
Which is more important -- making good grades or learning about a subject? How accurate are grades as an indicator of knowledge gained? What advice would you give to someone who was struggling in school?
Proverbs 12:24 says, " The diligent hand will govern, but the slothful will be enslaved." [How does this warning apply to your kid's study habits?]
In this age of information, knowledge is plentiful, but wisdom is scarce. Wisdom means far more than simply knowing a lot. It is a basic attitude that affects every aspect of life. The foundation of knowledge is to fear the Lord -- to honor and respect God, to live in awe of His power and to obey His Word. Faith in God should be the controlling principle for your understanding of the world, your attitudes, and your actions. Trust in God -- He will make you truly wise.
Tip for parents. You can better motivate your children to study if you yourself will spend time "studying" each night. While they "hit the books," do some reading, learn a new skill, take a correspondence course, or get a review in the "three Rs" (by helping your children with their homework).
When report cards came out last term, Christy Tolbert's grades were terrible. She just didn't try at all. So her parent laid down the law: no TV, no phone privileges, and no outside activities Monday through Thursday until the next report period.
Thus far the new studying strategy has worked. Christy has pulled up all her grades. In fact, she does well on her geography project (a report on the Everglades), she may even make the principal's honor roll.
Up late the night before the geography project is due, Christy is trying to copy her paper from the hard disk of her dad's computer onto a floppy disk -- to save it. Somehow he erases the whole paper, or the computer eats it, or the hard disk malfunctions. At any rate, the paper is gone!
Christy and her mom try unsuccessfully to recover the missing document.They call Mr. Tolbert (he is in Atlanta on a business trip). He suggests some other ways to try to save her paper. None of them work. Now Christy is in tears. Even if she can piece together her disjointed scribbles and rewrite the whole thing, it will be at least a day late. That will mean a whole letter grade penalty.
"Daddy, I worked so hard!" she sobs. "And now my average will be all messed up! I probably won't make the honor roll."
Mr. Tolbert tries to comfort his discouraged daughter. "Sweetheart, I don't care so much about your grade. I care that you tried your best and that you learned something."
Which is more important -- making good grades or learning about a subject? How accurate are grades as an indicator of knowledge gained? What advice would you give to someone who was struggling in school?
Proverbs 12:24 says, " The diligent hand will govern, but the slothful will be enslaved." [How does this warning apply to your kid's study habits?]
In this age of information, knowledge is plentiful, but wisdom is scarce. Wisdom means far more than simply knowing a lot. It is a basic attitude that affects every aspect of life. The foundation of knowledge is to fear the Lord -- to honor and respect God, to live in awe of His power and to obey His Word. Faith in God should be the controlling principle for your understanding of the world, your attitudes, and your actions. Trust in God -- He will make you truly wise.
Tip for parents. You can better motivate your children to study if you yourself will spend time "studying" each night. While they "hit the books," do some reading, learn a new skill, take a correspondence course, or get a review in the "three Rs" (by helping your children with their homework).
ABOVE YOU
Author Unknown
If you put a buzzard in a pen six or eight feet square and entirely open at the top, the bird, in spite of his ability to fly, will be an absolute prisoner. The reason is that a buzzard always begins a flight from the ground with a run of ten or twelve feet. Without space to run, as is his habit, he will not even attempt to fly, but will remain a prisoner for life in a small jail with no top.
The ordinary bat that flies around at night, a remarkably nimble creature in the air, cannot take off from a level place. If it is placed on the floor or flat ground, all it can do is shuffle about helplessly and, no doubt, painfully, until it reaches some slight elevation from which it can throw itself into the air. Then, at once, it takes off like a flash.
A Bumblebee if dropped into an open tumbler will be there until it dies, unless it is taken out. It never sees the means of escape at the top, but persists in trying to find some way out through the sides near the bottom. It will seek a way where none exists, until it completely destroys itself.
In many ways, there are lots of people like the buzzard, the bat, and the bee. They are struggling about with all their problems and frustrations, not realizing that the answer is right there "above" them.
------------------------------------------
The Lord is near to all who call;
He promised in His Holy Word
That all who faint and struggle
And who trust in Him will be heard.
If you put a buzzard in a pen six or eight feet square and entirely open at the top, the bird, in spite of his ability to fly, will be an absolute prisoner. The reason is that a buzzard always begins a flight from the ground with a run of ten or twelve feet. Without space to run, as is his habit, he will not even attempt to fly, but will remain a prisoner for life in a small jail with no top.
The ordinary bat that flies around at night, a remarkably nimble creature in the air, cannot take off from a level place. If it is placed on the floor or flat ground, all it can do is shuffle about helplessly and, no doubt, painfully, until it reaches some slight elevation from which it can throw itself into the air. Then, at once, it takes off like a flash.
A Bumblebee if dropped into an open tumbler will be there until it dies, unless it is taken out. It never sees the means of escape at the top, but persists in trying to find some way out through the sides near the bottom. It will seek a way where none exists, until it completely destroys itself.
In many ways, there are lots of people like the buzzard, the bat, and the bee. They are struggling about with all their problems and frustrations, not realizing that the answer is right there "above" them.
------------------------------------------
The Lord is near to all who call;
He promised in His Holy Word
That all who faint and struggle
And who trust in Him will be heard.
SEEING WHAT OTHERS CANNOT SEE
By Os Hilman
Copyright 2004 Salem Web Network and its Content Providers. All rights reserved.
And Elisha prayed, "O Lord, open his eyes so he may see." Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 6:17
Several years ago, a movie was made called Field of Dreams. The story is about a man who had a vision to build a baseball field in the middle of a cornfield on his rural farm. He did not know why; he just knew he was to do it. To the chagrin of his neighbors, he built the baseball diamond in the farm community. One night some players showed up. The man realized these were no ordinary players, but were actually the great players from the past. When the skeptical neighbors came to view this phenomenon, they were unable to see what the farm owner could see. This made it even worse for him. Now he was really a lunatic in their eyes.
This fictitious story has a spiritual application for us. First, if God tells us to "build a ball field," we should do it. It is not for us to determine the reason we are instructed to do it. Once we are obedient, God will allow us to see what others cannot see. It is the rite of passage for those who are willing to risk all for God's purposes. God increases the spiritual senses to levels we never knew before. Those around us will observe this.
Do you want to see what others cannot see? If so, it will require a level of obedience that will go beyond human reason. It may require risk and ridicule from others. But you will see what others cannot see.
---------------------------------------
What God wants you to do
you may not understand now,
No matter what, just obey
And in His time you will see why;
Your faith and obedience
Will someday reap heaven's reply.
Copyright 2004 Salem Web Network and its Content Providers. All rights reserved.
And Elisha prayed, "O Lord, open his eyes so he may see." Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 6:17
Several years ago, a movie was made called Field of Dreams. The story is about a man who had a vision to build a baseball field in the middle of a cornfield on his rural farm. He did not know why; he just knew he was to do it. To the chagrin of his neighbors, he built the baseball diamond in the farm community. One night some players showed up. The man realized these were no ordinary players, but were actually the great players from the past. When the skeptical neighbors came to view this phenomenon, they were unable to see what the farm owner could see. This made it even worse for him. Now he was really a lunatic in their eyes.
This fictitious story has a spiritual application for us. First, if God tells us to "build a ball field," we should do it. It is not for us to determine the reason we are instructed to do it. Once we are obedient, God will allow us to see what others cannot see. It is the rite of passage for those who are willing to risk all for God's purposes. God increases the spiritual senses to levels we never knew before. Those around us will observe this.
Do you want to see what others cannot see? If so, it will require a level of obedience that will go beyond human reason. It may require risk and ridicule from others. But you will see what others cannot see.
---------------------------------------
What God wants you to do
you may not understand now,
No matter what, just obey
And in His time you will see why;
Your faith and obedience
Will someday reap heaven's reply.
YOU HAVE TO LISTEN CAREFULLY
Author Unknown
A number of years ago, a young man was seeking a job as a Morse code operator. He found an ad in the local newspaper and went to the office address that was listed. When he got there he found it was a large, busy office with lots of hustle and bustle, including the constant chatter of a telegraph key in the background.
As he made his way into the office, a sign directed all the applicants for the position of telegraph operator to take a seat and wait until they are summoned. About a dozen applicants were sitting, waiting ahead of him for their instructions. This was a bit discouraging, but the young man figured he had nothing to lose so he sat down along with the others to wait his summons.
After two or three minutes this young man stood back up, walked over to the door where the sign was hanging and walked right on through the inner office. Naturally, all of the other applicants perked up and started looking at each other and muttering. It was only about another five minutes when the young man appeared at the door, this time with the employer.
The employer looked at the dozen other applicants and said, "All of you gentleman may go now. Thanks for your interest. The position has been filled by this young man."
At this, several of them grumbled again, and one of them spoke up and said, "Sir, I don't understand. He was the last one of us to come in, and we never even got a chance to be interviewed; yet he got a job. I don't think that's really fair.
The employer said, "I'm sorry, but all the time you've been sitting here the telegraph key has been ticking out a message in Morse code. This is the message" 'If you understand this message in Morse code, come right in. This job is yours.' None of you heard it. He did. The job is his."
It's easy to become so absorbed in our activities, even in our jobs; we can fail to hear the still, small voice of God speaking to us. Could we be so deafened by the roar of this world that the real message from Jesus Christ is being drowned out? We should stop for a moment, and listen to our heart. God is speaking to us if we will only be open to hear his voice. Napoleon once said, "A sentence of death wonderfully concentrates the mind!" Surely we don't have to wait until that time comes for us. "We preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God." (1 Corinthians 1:23-24)
A number of years ago, a young man was seeking a job as a Morse code operator. He found an ad in the local newspaper and went to the office address that was listed. When he got there he found it was a large, busy office with lots of hustle and bustle, including the constant chatter of a telegraph key in the background.
As he made his way into the office, a sign directed all the applicants for the position of telegraph operator to take a seat and wait until they are summoned. About a dozen applicants were sitting, waiting ahead of him for their instructions. This was a bit discouraging, but the young man figured he had nothing to lose so he sat down along with the others to wait his summons.
After two or three minutes this young man stood back up, walked over to the door where the sign was hanging and walked right on through the inner office. Naturally, all of the other applicants perked up and started looking at each other and muttering. It was only about another five minutes when the young man appeared at the door, this time with the employer.
The employer looked at the dozen other applicants and said, "All of you gentleman may go now. Thanks for your interest. The position has been filled by this young man."
At this, several of them grumbled again, and one of them spoke up and said, "Sir, I don't understand. He was the last one of us to come in, and we never even got a chance to be interviewed; yet he got a job. I don't think that's really fair.
The employer said, "I'm sorry, but all the time you've been sitting here the telegraph key has been ticking out a message in Morse code. This is the message" 'If you understand this message in Morse code, come right in. This job is yours.' None of you heard it. He did. The job is his."
It's easy to become so absorbed in our activities, even in our jobs; we can fail to hear the still, small voice of God speaking to us. Could we be so deafened by the roar of this world that the real message from Jesus Christ is being drowned out? We should stop for a moment, and listen to our heart. God is speaking to us if we will only be open to hear his voice. Napoleon once said, "A sentence of death wonderfully concentrates the mind!" Surely we don't have to wait until that time comes for us. "We preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God." (1 Corinthians 1:23-24)
MERE POSSESSIONS
By Marjorie Holmes, "Hold Me Up A Little Longer, Lord"
DEAR LORD,
Help me not to put much stock in possessions, Lord. Mere possessions.
I want things, sure I want things. Life seems to be a continual round of wanting things, from the first toys we fight over as children, on through our thrilled counting of the wedding presents...Not primarily love and friends and pride in what we can do, but things.
Sometimes I'm ashamed of how much I want things. For my husband and the house and the children. Yes, and for myself. And this hunger is enhanced every time I turned on the TV or walk through the shopping mall. My senses are tormented by the dazzling world of things.
Lord, cool this fires of wanting. Help me to realize how futile is this passion for possession. Because--and this is what strips my values to the bone -- one of my best friends died today in the very midst of her possessions.
The beautiful home she and her husband worked so hard to achieve, finally finished; furnished the way she wanted it, with the best of everything...The oriental rugs she was proud of. The formal French sofas. The paintings. The china and glass and handsome silver service...She has been snatched away, while silently, almost cruelly, they remain.
Lord, I grieve for my friend. My heart hurts that she had so little time to enjoy her things. Things she had earned and that meant so much to her. But let me learn something from this loss:
The possessions are meant to enhance life, not to become the main focus of living. That we come into the world with nothing, we leave with nothing.
Help me not to put much stock in mere possessions, Lord.
------------------------------------------
You'll find at the journey's end,
Things don't matter much anymore;
For all things do fade away,
Save all that we offered to the Lord.
DEAR LORD,
Help me not to put much stock in possessions, Lord. Mere possessions.
I want things, sure I want things. Life seems to be a continual round of wanting things, from the first toys we fight over as children, on through our thrilled counting of the wedding presents...Not primarily love and friends and pride in what we can do, but things.
Sometimes I'm ashamed of how much I want things. For my husband and the house and the children. Yes, and for myself. And this hunger is enhanced every time I turned on the TV or walk through the shopping mall. My senses are tormented by the dazzling world of things.
Lord, cool this fires of wanting. Help me to realize how futile is this passion for possession. Because--and this is what strips my values to the bone -- one of my best friends died today in the very midst of her possessions.
The beautiful home she and her husband worked so hard to achieve, finally finished; furnished the way she wanted it, with the best of everything...The oriental rugs she was proud of. The formal French sofas. The paintings. The china and glass and handsome silver service...She has been snatched away, while silently, almost cruelly, they remain.
Lord, I grieve for my friend. My heart hurts that she had so little time to enjoy her things. Things she had earned and that meant so much to her. But let me learn something from this loss:
The possessions are meant to enhance life, not to become the main focus of living. That we come into the world with nothing, we leave with nothing.
Help me not to put much stock in mere possessions, Lord.
------------------------------------------
You'll find at the journey's end,
Things don't matter much anymore;
For all things do fade away,
Save all that we offered to the Lord.
I CANNOT DO ANYMORE...I NEED YOU, LORD
By Ben Carson, Think Big
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5)
Once when I was operating deep inside a brain, an artery broke loose in an area that I couldn't see. This resulted in vigorous bleeding. Because we couldn't see where the blood was coming from, it looked as though we might lose the patient. Without consciously deciding to do so, I just started praying for God's help. I have learned to act on intuition in such emergencies.
Just then I did something that, in the telling, seems almost irrational. I placed the bipolar forceps into the pool of blood where the bleeding might be coming from. It started sucking away the blood. I pleaded, "God, you've got to stop this bleeding. Please, God, I cannot control it."
Strange as it may seem at that instant the bleeding stopped without my ever being able to locate its cause. Afterward, the patient awakened and recovered fully.
At another time we had a man from Bermuda who had trigeminal neuralgia (an extremely painful condition of face caused by irritation of the fifth cranial nerve). Before we had methods to treat this condition, many patients committed suicide because of the constant pain.
I had to put the needle into an exceptionally small hole at the base of his skull and pass it up to the level of the ganglion. This process requires a skill in which I had to develop a great deal of proficiency during my days as a medical student. On that particular day, however, no matter what I did, I could not get the needle into the hole. I had worked at this for nearly two hours before it occurred to me that perhaps I should just give up.
Just before quitting, I finally prayed: "Lord I cannot get the needle in. There is no way I can do it. I am going to take this needle and push it in one more time. I want You to guide it into the hole, because I cannot seem to do it."
I took the needle, pushed it, and went right through the hole as if it had a mind of its own. A feeling of deep gratitude came over me. I feel that it is a little risky to relate an incident like this because I can almost hear skeptics say, "Oh, come on, Ben, that is ridiculous. Why would you even say a thing like that?"
Yet, for me it is not absurd; it is what I expect. In talking with other Christian surgeons, I have learned that some of them understand because they have experienced similar feelings of God guiding their hands.
When we develop a relationship with God and believe that He is working through us, we still have moments of helplessness---when God has an opportunity to do something for us. This happens when we give our best---which, at the particular moment, does not seem good enough. Ready to give up, we say aloud or silently, "I cannot do anymore, Lord. I need You."
At such moments we provide God with the opportunity to respond. Truly, "Man's eternity is God's opportunity."
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5)
Once when I was operating deep inside a brain, an artery broke loose in an area that I couldn't see. This resulted in vigorous bleeding. Because we couldn't see where the blood was coming from, it looked as though we might lose the patient. Without consciously deciding to do so, I just started praying for God's help. I have learned to act on intuition in such emergencies.
Just then I did something that, in the telling, seems almost irrational. I placed the bipolar forceps into the pool of blood where the bleeding might be coming from. It started sucking away the blood. I pleaded, "God, you've got to stop this bleeding. Please, God, I cannot control it."
Strange as it may seem at that instant the bleeding stopped without my ever being able to locate its cause. Afterward, the patient awakened and recovered fully.
At another time we had a man from Bermuda who had trigeminal neuralgia (an extremely painful condition of face caused by irritation of the fifth cranial nerve). Before we had methods to treat this condition, many patients committed suicide because of the constant pain.
I had to put the needle into an exceptionally small hole at the base of his skull and pass it up to the level of the ganglion. This process requires a skill in which I had to develop a great deal of proficiency during my days as a medical student. On that particular day, however, no matter what I did, I could not get the needle into the hole. I had worked at this for nearly two hours before it occurred to me that perhaps I should just give up.
Just before quitting, I finally prayed: "Lord I cannot get the needle in. There is no way I can do it. I am going to take this needle and push it in one more time. I want You to guide it into the hole, because I cannot seem to do it."
I took the needle, pushed it, and went right through the hole as if it had a mind of its own. A feeling of deep gratitude came over me. I feel that it is a little risky to relate an incident like this because I can almost hear skeptics say, "Oh, come on, Ben, that is ridiculous. Why would you even say a thing like that?"
Yet, for me it is not absurd; it is what I expect. In talking with other Christian surgeons, I have learned that some of them understand because they have experienced similar feelings of God guiding their hands.
When we develop a relationship with God and believe that He is working through us, we still have moments of helplessness---when God has an opportunity to do something for us. This happens when we give our best---which, at the particular moment, does not seem good enough. Ready to give up, we say aloud or silently, "I cannot do anymore, Lord. I need You."
At such moments we provide God with the opportunity to respond. Truly, "Man's eternity is God's opportunity."
MONEY-SMART KIDS
Another Way column by Melodie Davis
"Too many kids only think about the "in" name brand or look when they go shopping, and put pressure on their parents to have the best."
How do we develop our attitudes about money? Are there certain personality types that are more inclined to be savers? Spendthrifts?
A woman was telling me about her nephew, who from a very early age, has always been very close with his money. His mom was a single mom, and so they had to watch every penny they spent. But one day, when a big kids' movie came out, they splurged and she took him to see the movie that everyone wanted to see. She went to buy popcorn, but didn't quite have enough money. She quickly borrowed some from her son.
Sitting in the darkened theater, waiting for the "must see" movie to begin, all of a sudden she noticed her son was crying.
"What is the matter?" she inquired sympathetically.
"I want my money back," he whimpered.
While we can understand a three-year-old worrying about getting his money back and say it is just immaturity, in this case the boy grew up to be a teen who still knows the value of a dollar.
I've noticed with our own daughters that one has a very casual attitude toward money, figuring things will work out in the end. Another has always been thriftier, while the third seems to be a combination. Just this morning they were discussing their bank accounts: one said she was getting worried because she only had $400 while the other only had $70 to her name and wasn't overly stressed.
I was amused when I heard of one teenage boy who was so thrifty that he was known to break up with his girlfriends right before Christmas or a birthday, when he'd have to buy them a present. So the family knew things were serious when he decided one girl was special enough to keep going together right through Christmas!
But regardless of what kind of attitude toward money seems to come as "original equipment," one of the most important lessons we parents teach is how to handle money.
Too many kids only think about the "in" name brand or look when they go shopping, and put pressure on their parents to have the best. One way to help cure this urge is to put kids on a clothing allowance when they reach a certain age, maybe middle school. They get so much clothing money allotted each spring or fall, and when it is used up, there will be no more clothes until next season. Our daughters learned to appreciate this method. They soon learn that the dollars will go further if they buy from the discount department store instead of the in shops. They might even decide to sew, or shop second hand.
One book, Money Savvy Kids, by J. Raymond Albrekson (WaterBrook Press), centers on teaching five faith-based guiding principles to children in regard to money: the importance of work, giving, saving, spending carefully, and avoiding debt. "Today's kids are at greater risk than ever of buying into the instant-wealth culture that dominates our society," he notes.
William Wood, a professor of economics at James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Va., has written a forthcoming book, Plain Money, which is an overall guide to handling money. As a college professor, he says he has seen too many students who left home without having had to make spending choices and face the consequences. The result is young adults who don't know how to handle money. "Young people can become financially responsible if they face increasing privileges, and increasing accountability, as they grow up," he says. "Gradually they are given more and more responsibility, until as young adults they can stand on their own."
I think this is the key to children learning the value of a dollar, and the value of their own hard work.
"Too many kids only think about the "in" name brand or look when they go shopping, and put pressure on their parents to have the best."
How do we develop our attitudes about money? Are there certain personality types that are more inclined to be savers? Spendthrifts?
A woman was telling me about her nephew, who from a very early age, has always been very close with his money. His mom was a single mom, and so they had to watch every penny they spent. But one day, when a big kids' movie came out, they splurged and she took him to see the movie that everyone wanted to see. She went to buy popcorn, but didn't quite have enough money. She quickly borrowed some from her son.
Sitting in the darkened theater, waiting for the "must see" movie to begin, all of a sudden she noticed her son was crying.
"What is the matter?" she inquired sympathetically.
"I want my money back," he whimpered.
While we can understand a three-year-old worrying about getting his money back and say it is just immaturity, in this case the boy grew up to be a teen who still knows the value of a dollar.
I've noticed with our own daughters that one has a very casual attitude toward money, figuring things will work out in the end. Another has always been thriftier, while the third seems to be a combination. Just this morning they were discussing their bank accounts: one said she was getting worried because she only had $400 while the other only had $70 to her name and wasn't overly stressed.
I was amused when I heard of one teenage boy who was so thrifty that he was known to break up with his girlfriends right before Christmas or a birthday, when he'd have to buy them a present. So the family knew things were serious when he decided one girl was special enough to keep going together right through Christmas!
But regardless of what kind of attitude toward money seems to come as "original equipment," one of the most important lessons we parents teach is how to handle money.
Too many kids only think about the "in" name brand or look when they go shopping, and put pressure on their parents to have the best. One way to help cure this urge is to put kids on a clothing allowance when they reach a certain age, maybe middle school. They get so much clothing money allotted each spring or fall, and when it is used up, there will be no more clothes until next season. Our daughters learned to appreciate this method. They soon learn that the dollars will go further if they buy from the discount department store instead of the in shops. They might even decide to sew, or shop second hand.
One book, Money Savvy Kids, by J. Raymond Albrekson (WaterBrook Press), centers on teaching five faith-based guiding principles to children in regard to money: the importance of work, giving, saving, spending carefully, and avoiding debt. "Today's kids are at greater risk than ever of buying into the instant-wealth culture that dominates our society," he notes.
William Wood, a professor of economics at James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Va., has written a forthcoming book, Plain Money, which is an overall guide to handling money. As a college professor, he says he has seen too many students who left home without having had to make spending choices and face the consequences. The result is young adults who don't know how to handle money. "Young people can become financially responsible if they face increasing privileges, and increasing accountability, as they grow up," he says. "Gradually they are given more and more responsibility, until as young adults they can stand on their own."
I think this is the key to children learning the value of a dollar, and the value of their own hard work.
NEVER TOO LATE
From: Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks by Wayne Rice
On June 8, 1972, a nine-year-old Vietnamese girl, her clothes flaming from gasoline bombs,fled the American-led assault on her village of Trang Bang. With her eyes screwed shut and her mouth spread wide in a scream of pain, she was captured on film in America's most remembered Vietnam wartime photo.
In Officer John Plummer's nightmares, this picture flashed huge, in black and white, to a sound track of children screaming. His order had directed bombers to shower Kim Phuc's village with the chemical explosives. For years, guilt over destroying and maiming the villagers haunted the officer. Women and alcohol were his escape of choice.
Twenty years after the destruction of the village, Officer Plummer asked Christ to take control of his life , unleashing God's ultimate power to end guilt. Although free from guilt, he carried inside himself scars somehow linked to the thick white scars on the neck, arm, and back of the now-grown Vietnamese girl. Six years later, Plummer knew he needed to find her. In an effort to meet her face to face, he tracked her down while she was visiting America.
Unlike the June 1972 event, no photographer captured the moment when Plummer explained to Kim Phuc who he was. But in the middle of a busy sidewalk, the soldier, now 49 years old, and the child, now 33 years old, embraced. "She just opened her arms to me," Plummer later said. "I fell into her arms sobbing. All I could say is, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry."
"It's all right," she replied as she patted Plummer's back, "I forgive, I forgive."
-------
It is our Christian responsibility to seek forgiveness for the wrong we have done to God and to people we've hurt. With God, repenting of our sins and asking pardon for them is never too late. "If we acknowledge our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing. If we say, 'We have not sinned,'...His Word is not in us" (1 John 1: 9-10). For Jesus' sake let us ask forgiveness from our family and friends for the wrong we have done and pardon those who have asked forgiveness from us. Nothing you've ever done is too bad to ask forgiveness for. Saying sorry to those we have hurt and asking for forgiveness is never too late. - Shared by JoeGat
On June 8, 1972, a nine-year-old Vietnamese girl, her clothes flaming from gasoline bombs,fled the American-led assault on her village of Trang Bang. With her eyes screwed shut and her mouth spread wide in a scream of pain, she was captured on film in America's most remembered Vietnam wartime photo.
In Officer John Plummer's nightmares, this picture flashed huge, in black and white, to a sound track of children screaming. His order had directed bombers to shower Kim Phuc's village with the chemical explosives. For years, guilt over destroying and maiming the villagers haunted the officer. Women and alcohol were his escape of choice.
Twenty years after the destruction of the village, Officer Plummer asked Christ to take control of his life , unleashing God's ultimate power to end guilt. Although free from guilt, he carried inside himself scars somehow linked to the thick white scars on the neck, arm, and back of the now-grown Vietnamese girl. Six years later, Plummer knew he needed to find her. In an effort to meet her face to face, he tracked her down while she was visiting America.
Unlike the June 1972 event, no photographer captured the moment when Plummer explained to Kim Phuc who he was. But in the middle of a busy sidewalk, the soldier, now 49 years old, and the child, now 33 years old, embraced. "She just opened her arms to me," Plummer later said. "I fell into her arms sobbing. All I could say is, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry."
"It's all right," she replied as she patted Plummer's back, "I forgive, I forgive."
-------
It is our Christian responsibility to seek forgiveness for the wrong we have done to God and to people we've hurt. With God, repenting of our sins and asking pardon for them is never too late. "If we acknowledge our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing. If we say, 'We have not sinned,'...His Word is not in us" (1 John 1: 9-10). For Jesus' sake let us ask forgiveness from our family and friends for the wrong we have done and pardon those who have asked forgiveness from us. Nothing you've ever done is too bad to ask forgiveness for. Saying sorry to those we have hurt and asking for forgiveness is never too late. - Shared by JoeGat
NEVER TOO LATE
NEVER TOO LATE
By Wayne Rice
Jun 13, 2005
On June 8, 1972, a nine-year-old Vietnamese girl, her clothes flaming
from gasoline bombs,fled the American-led assault on her village of
Trang Bang. With her eyes screwed shut and her mouth spread wide in a
scream of pain, she was captured on film in America's most remembered
Vietnam wartime photo.
In Officer John Plummer's nightmares, this picture flashed huge, in
black and white, to a sound track of children screaming. His order had
directed bombers to shower Kim Phuc's village with the chemical
explosives. For years, guilt over destroying and maiming the villagers
haunted the officer. Women and alcohol were his escape of choice.
Twenty years after the destruction of the village, Officer Plummer
asked Christ to take control of his life , unleashing God's ultimate
power to end guilt. Although free from guilt, he carried inside himself
scars somehow linked to the thick white scars on the neck, arm, and
back of the now-grown Vietnamese girl. Six years later, Plummer knew he
needed to find her. In an effort to meet her face to face, he tracked
her down while she was visiting America.
Unlike the June 1972 event, no photographer captured the moment when
Plummer explained to Kim Phuc who he was. But in the middle of a busy
sidewalk, the soldier, now 49 years old, and the child, now 33 years
old, embraced. "She just opened her arms to me," Plummer later said. "I
fell into her arms sobbing. All I could say is, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry."
"It's all right," she replied as she patted Plummer's back, "I forgive,
I forgive."
-------
** It is our Christian responsibility to seek forgiveness for the wrong
we have done to God and to people we've hurt. With God, repenting of
our sins and asking pardon for them is never too late. "If we
acknowledge our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins
and cleanse us from every wrongdoing. If we say, 'We have not
sinned,'...His Word is not in us" (1 John 1: 9-10). For Jesus' sake let
us ask forgiveness from our family and friends for the wrong we have
done and pardon those who have asked forgiveness from us. Nothing
you've ever done is too bad to ask forgiveness for. Saying sorry to
those we have hurt and asking for forgiveness is never too late.
PRAYER
"Lord, fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may listen to your word
attentively and obey it joyfully."
==========================================================
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