RUDY'S ANGEL

RUDY'S ANGEL

I walked into the grocery store not particularly interested in buying groceries. I wasn't hungry. The pain of losing my husband of 37 years was still too raw. And this grocery store held so many sweet memories.

Rudy often came with me and almost every time he'd pretend to go off and look for something special. I knew what he was up to. I'd always spot him walking down the aisle with the three yellow roses in his hands.

Rudy knew I loved yellow roses. With a heart filled with grief, I only wanted to buy my few items and leave, but even grocery shopping was different since Rudy had passed on.

Shopping for one took time, a little more thought than it had for two. Standing by the meat, I searched for the perfect small steak and remembered how Rudy had loved his steak.

Suddenly a woman came beside me. She was blond, slim and lovely in a soft green pantsuit. I watched as she picked up a large pack of T-bones, dropped them in her basket, hesitated, and then put them back. She turned to go and once again reached for the pack of steaks. She saw me watching her and she smiled. "My husband loves T-bones, but honestly, at these prices, I don't know."

I swallowed the emotion down my throat and met her pale blue eyes. "My husband passed away eight days ago," I told her. Glancing at the package in her hands, I fought to control the tremble in my voice. "Buy him the steaks. And cherish every moment you have together."

She shook her head and I saw the emotion in her eyes as she placed the package in her basket and wheeled away.

I turned and pushed my cart across the length of the store to the dairy products. There I stood, trying to decide which size milk I should buy. A quart, I finally decided and moved on to the ice cream section near the front of the store. If nothing else, I could always fix myself an ice cream cone. I placed the ice cream in my cart and looked down the aisle toward the front.

I saw first the green suit, then recognized the pretty lady coming towards me. In her arms she carried a package. On her face was the brightest smile I had ever seen. I would swear a soft halo encircled her blond hair as she kept walking toward me, her eyes holding mine. As she came closer, I saw what she held and tears began misting in my eyes. "These are for you," she said and placed three beautiful long stemmed yellow roses in my arms. "When you go through the line, they will know these are paid for." She leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on my cheek, then smiled again.

I wanted to tell her what she'd done, what the roses meant, but still unable to speak, I watched as she walked away as tears clouded my vision. I looked down at the beautiful roses nestled in the green tissue wrapping and found it almost unreal. How did she know?

Suddenly the answer seemed so clear. I wasn't alone. "Oh, Rudy, you haven't forgotten me, have you?" I whispered, with tears in my eyes. He was still with me, and she was his angel.

Everyday be thankful for what you have and who you are.

-- Author Unknown

ONE'S WORTH

ONE'S WORTH

A well known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20 bill. In the room of 200, he asked, "Who would like this $20 bill?" Hands started going up.  He said, "I am going to give this $20 to one of you, but first, let me do this."  He proceeded to crumple the dollar bill in his hand.  He then asked, "Who still wants it?"  Still the hands were up in the air. "Well, what if I do this?" And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe.  He picked it up, now all crumpled and dirty.  "Now who still wants it?"  Still, the hands went up.

"My friends, you have all learned a very valuable lesson.  No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value.  It was still worth $20.  Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way.  We feel as though we are worthless.  But, no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value in God's eyes.  To Him, dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless.

Thought:  The worth of our lives come not in what we do or who we are, but in WHOSE we are.

-- Author Unknown

PERSPECTIVES!

PERSPECTIVES!

One day, a financially comfortable father decided to take his son to the country, with the purpose of showing him how poor people live, and that the son could understand the value of things, and realize how fortunate they were.

They stayed overnight at a very humble family's farm for 1 day and 1 night. As the trip ended, and during their return home, the father asks his son:

So what did you think of the trip?

It was great, dad!

Did you see how poor and needy some people have to live?

Yes!

And what did you learn?

I saw that we have one dog in the house, but they have four. We have a huge swimming pool, but they have a river that never ever ends.  We have imported lamps in the patio, they have the stars.  Our backyard ends at the fence, but theirs goes on and on into the horizon. Especially though, dad, I saw that they have time to talk to each other and live as a family. You and Mom have to work all day, and I hardly see you both!

As the conversation ended, the father remained silent, and his son added:  Thanks Dad, for showing me how rich we could be!!

-- Author Unknown

ALL WE REALLY NEED TO KNOW WE LEARNED FROM NOAH'S ARK

ALL WE REALLY NEED TO KNOW WE LEARNED FROM NOAH'S ARK

1. Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark.

2. Stay fit. When you're 600 years old, someone might ask you to do something REALLY big.

3. Don't listen to critics -- do what has to be done.

4. Build on high ground.

5. For safety's sake, travel in pairs.

6. Two heads are better than one.

7. Speed isn't always an advantage. The cheetahs were on board, but so were the snails.

8. If you can't fight or flee -- float!

9. Take care of your animals as if they were the last ones on earth.

10. Don't forget that we're all in the same boat.

11. When the doo-doo gets really deep, don't sit there and complain -- shovel!!!

12. Stay below deck during the storm.

13. Remember that the ark was built by amateurs and the Titanic was built by professionals.

14. If you have to start over, have a friend by your side.

15. Remember that the woodpeckers INSIDE are often a bigger threat than the storm outside.

16. Don't miss the boat.

17. No matter how bleak it looks, there's always a rainbow on the other side.

18. "Stop what you are doing, and do what God says!"

-- Author Unknown

YOUR HAND IN PRAYER

YOUR HAND IN PRAYER

1. Your thumb is nearest to you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to ones to remember. To pray for our  loved ones is, as C.S. Lewis once said, a "sweet duty."

2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom for pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.

3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders.  Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators.  These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.

4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger; as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.

5. And lastly comes our little finger, the smallest finger of all, which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, "The least shall be the greatest among you."   Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself.  By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.

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When you find it hard to get to sleep tonight; Just remember the homeless family who has no bed to lie in.

When you find yourself stuck in traffic; don't despair. There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of privilege.

When you have a bad day at work, think of the man who has been out of work for the last three months.

When you despair over a relationship gone bad, think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be loved in return.

When you grieve the passing of another weekend, think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week, for $15.00 to feed her family.

When your car breaks down, leaving you miles away from assistance, think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.

When you notice a new gray hair in the mirror, think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine.

When you find yourself at a loss, and pondering what is life all about, what is my purpose, be thankful.  There are those who didn't live long enough to get the opportunity.

When you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities, remember, things could be worse. You could be them.

-- Author Unknown

MEMO FROM GOD

From:     GOD
To:       All those who believe in me
Date:     Today and Everyday
Subject:  Life's problems

I am God. Today I will be handling all of your problems. Please remember that I do not need your help. If the devil happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do not attempt to resolve it. Kindly put it in the SFJTD (something for Jesus to do) box.  It will be addressed in MY TIME, not yours. Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold on to it or remove it.

Holding on or removal will delay the resolution of your problem. If it is a situation that you think you are capable of handling, please consult me in prayer to be sure that it is the proper resolution.

Because I do not sleep nor do I slumber, there is no need for you to lose any sleep. Rest my child. If you need to contact me, I am only a prayer away.

-- Author Unknown

THE HOUSE BEHIND THE WEEDS

Just two little boys walking down a dusty lane
They came upon this old white house
With broken window panes.

The paint was faded, the shine was gone
The grass had grown so high
Still they made their little feet
To see what was inside.

They opened up the squeaky door
And then it came to light
This must have been an old church house
Once upon a time.

Dirty, dusty wooden pews
A pulpit that still stood
A bible laid upon it
Though the pages weren't too good.

An offering plate and song books too
Were lying on the floor
They must have left this old church fast
The day they closed these doors.

And over in the corner
A piano was still there
It must have played a pretty tune
But I guess nobody cared.

So little Bill looked up at Tommy
And Tommy looked at Bill
Why Don't we clean this old church up,
and get these old pews filled?"

They took a rag and wiped the dust
To try and make things shine
And then they took the offering plate
And put in it their Last dime.

They took a broom and swept the floor
And picked up broken glass
They got it all so nice and neat
And then they mowed the grass.

They lifted up the old church sign
And stood it by a tree
Right down by that old dirt road
Where everyone could see.

They ran back home, to find Daddy gone
But their Momma was inside
Just to find her hurt again
Where Daddy had made her cry.

"Don't cry Momma, wipe those tears,"
Little Bill and Tommy smiled
"Cause we have a big surprise for you
Just down the road a mile."

Hand in hand they tugged at her
Until they made her run
"What Is it Bill, Oh Tommy,
Just what have you two kids done?"

And then they came upon the house
Once hidden by the weeds
And there it stood a country church
Just like it used to be.

"But what is it, Mother? What's with your tears?
We thought this would bring you joy."
"Yes, but hush kids now and listen close
My Two sweet precious boys."

They both got quiet and stood real still
For the words they heard so true
Was Daddy praying in the church
With his head bowed on the pew.

"Forgive me Lord! Forgive me Lord!
Though I'm not worthy of Your love
Shine down on this sinner man
Sweet Salvation from above."

"For I've been out in the world, You know
Living my life all wrong
Until I came upon this church;
the place where I belong."

"I never noticed it before.
All those times I passed it up
I guess I wasn't looking, Lord.
Or maybe I was drunk."

"Bless oh Lord, yes, bless oh Lord.
The one who made me see
This little church that used to hide
Behind all those tall weeds."

And then he raised his head and stood
With his hands high in the air
To find two, dirty, tear-faced boys
With Momma standing there.

They ran up to him, hugged him tight
As their tears fell on the floor
"Don't worry kids, I'm not the Dad,
the one you've known before."

Things are different for us now
So keep on those pretty smiles
And let's go gather people in
To walk down these church aisles."

Then Bill looked up at Tommy
And Tommy looked at Bill
"Come on brother, let's get to work
To get these old pews filled."

"For we need no special blessing
For cleaning up this church
cause, God gave us back our Daddy
And that's more than gold is worth."

Sunday morning, pews all filled
And smiles on every face
Especially two little country boys
The ones who found this place.

Though it was hid back in the weeds
And so far out of sight
Nothing's ever hard to find
If you're walking toward God's light.

1 John 1:7 "We walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin."


-- Author Unknown

THE FERN AND THE BAMBOO

THE FERN AND THE BAMBOO

One day I decided to quit...I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality.... I wanted to quit my life. I went to the woods to have one last talk with God.

"God", I said. "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"

His answer surprised me.

"Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"

"Yes", I replied.

"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.

In the second year the fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.

"In year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit. The same in year four.

"Then in the fifth year, a tiny sprout emerged from the earth.

Compared to the fern, it was seemingly small and insignificant.

But just six months later, the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall.

It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle.

"Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots? I would not quit on the bamboo.. I will never quit on you.

"Don't compare yourself to others." He said. "The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern. Yet they both make the forest beautiful.

"Your time will come", God said to me. "You will rise high"

"How high should I rise?" I asked.

"How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return.

"As high as it can?" I questioned

"Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can."

I left the forest, realizing that God will never give up on me. And He will never give up on you.

Never regret a day in your life.

Good days give you happiness; bad days give you experiences; both are essential to life.

-- Author Unknown

REAL FRIEND TEST

REAL FRIEND TEST

A simple friend, when visiting, acts like a guest. A real friend opens your refrigerator and helps himself.

A simple friend has never seen you cry. A real friend has shoulders soggy from your tears..

A simple friend doesn't know your parents' first names. A real friend has their phone numbers in his address book.

A simple friend brings a bottle to your party. A real friend comes early to help you cook and stays late to help you clean.

A simple friend hates it when you call after they've gone to bed. A real friend asks you why you took so long to call.

A simple friend seeks to talk with you about your problems. A real friend seeks to help you with your problems.

A simple friend wonders about your romantic history. A real friend could blackmail you with it.

A simple friend thinks the friendship is over when you have an argument. A real friend calls you after you had a fight.

A simple friend expects you to always be there for them. A real friend expects to always be there for you!

-- Author Unknown

NEVER ALONE

NEVER ALONE

Do you know the legend of the Cherokee Indian youth's rite of passage? His dad takes him into the forest..blindfolded...and leaves him....alone. 

He is required to sit on a stump the whole night...and not take off the blindfold until the ray of sun shines through it. He is all by himself. He cannot cry out for help to anyone. Once he survives the night..he is a MAN. He cannot tell the other boys of this experience. Each lad must come into his own manhood. 

The boy was terrified...could hear all kinds of noise...Beasts were all around him. Maybe even some human would hurt him. The wind blew the grass and earth... And it shook his stump. But he sat stoically, never removing the blindfold. It would be the only way he could be a man. 

Finally, after a horrific night..the sun appeared and he removed his blindfold. It was then that he saw his father..sitting on the stump next to him...at watch... the entire night.

We are never alone. Even when we do not know it, our Father is protecting us...He is sitting on the stump beside us.

All we have to do is reach out to Him.

-- Author Unknown

JUST A BOX OF CRAYONS

JUST A BOX OF CRAYONS

 

While walking in a toy store
The day before today,
I over heard a Crayon Box
With many things to say.

 

"I don't like red!" said Yellow.
And Green said, "Nor do I!"
And no one here likes Orange,
But no one knows quite why.

 

"We are a box of crayons
that really doesn't get along,"
Said Blue to all the others.
"Something here is wrong!"

 

Well, I bought that box of crayons
And took it home with me
And laid out all the crayons
So the crayons could all see

 

They watched me as I colored
With Red and Blue and Green
And Black and White and Orange
And every color in between

 

They watched as Green became the grass
And Blue became the sky.
The Yellow sun was shining bright
On White clouds drifting by.

 

Colors changing as they touched,
Becoming something new.
They watched me as I colored.
They watched till I was through.

 

And when I'd finally finished,
I began to walk away.
And as I did the Crayon box
Had something more to say........

 

"I do like Red! " said the Yellow
And Green said, "So do I !"
And Blue you are terrific!
"So high up in the sky."

 

"We are a Box of Crayons
Each of us unique,
But when we get together
The picture is complete"
-------
Christian fellowship provides us
With encouragement and love;
It will help us in our journey
'Till we reach our home above
-------
NO CHRISTIAN IS MEANT TO BE AN ISLAND.

 

-- Shane DeRolf