Prescribed by the Great Physician

The next time you feel like GOD can't use you, just remember.. 

Noah was a drunk 

Abraham was too old 

Isaac was a daydreamer 

Jacob was a liar 

Leah was ugly 

Joseph was abused 

Moses had a stuttering problem 

Gideon was afraid 

Samson had long hair and was a womanizer 

Jeremiah and Timothy were too young 

David had an affair and was a murderer 

Elijah was suicidal 

Isaiah preached naked 

Jonah ran from God 

Naomi was a widow 

Job went bankrupt 

Peter denied Christ 

The Disciples fell asleep while praying 

Martha worried about everything 

The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once 

Zaccheus was too small 

Paul was too religious 

Timothy had an ulcer..AND 

Lazarus was dead!

And Don't forget

Jesus Helped them all!!!!

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Now! No more excuses! God can use you to your full potential. Besides you aren't the message, you are just the messenger. And one more thing... Share this with a friend or two. In the Circle of God's love, God's waiting to use your full potential.
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1. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts. 

2. Dear God, I have a problem, it's Me. 

3. There is no key to happiness. The door is always 

open. 

4. Silence is often misinterpreted but never 

misquoted. 

7. Do the math .. count your blessings. 

8. Faith is the ability to not panic. 

9. If you worry, you didn't pray . If you pray, 

don't worry. 

10. As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling 

home everyday. 

11. Blessed are the flexible for they shall not be 

bent out of shape. 

12. The most important things in your house are the people. 

13 When we get tangled up in our problems, be still.  God wants us to be still so He can untangle the knot. 

14. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry. 

15 He who dies with the most toys is still dead.

Have a great day!!! The SON is shining and HE can certainly use you!

Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle. Live simply, Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly....... Leave the rest to God.
Love and Prayers Always

THE POWER OF PRAYER

THE POWER OF PRAYER

When you receive this, say a prayer.  That's all you have to do. There is nothing attached.  This is powerful.  Just send this to four people and do not break this, please.  Prayer is one of the best free gifts we can receive.  There is no cost but there are a lot of rewards. Let's continue praying for one another.

Creator God, I ask you to bless my friends reading this right now Lord, show them a new revelation of Your love and power. Holy Spirit, I ask You to minister to their spirit at this very moment.

Where there is pain, give them Your peace & mercy.

Where there is self-doubting, release a renewed confidence in Your ability to work through them.

Where there is tiredness, or exhaustion, I ask You to give them understanding, patience, & strength as they learn submission to Your leading.

Where there is spiritual stagnation, I ask You to renew them by revealing Your nearness, and by drawing them into greater intimacy with You.

Where there is fear, reveal Your love, and release to them Your courage.

Where there is a sin locking them, reveal it, and break its hold over my friend's life.

Bless their finances, give them greater vision, and raise up leaders, and friends to support, and encourage them.

Give each of them discernment to recognize the demonic forces around them, and reveal to them the power they have in You to defeat it.

I ask You to do these things in Jesus' name.

In Christian love,

Your Friend in Jesus.

THE LETTER

THE LETTER

Ruth went to her mail box and there was only one letter. She picked it up and looked at it before opening, but then she looked at the envelope again.   There was no stamp, no postmark, only her name and address.

She read the letter:

Dear Ruth,

I'm going to be in your neighborhood Saturday afternoon and I'd like to stop by for a visit.

Love Always,
Jesus

Her hands were shaking as she placed the letter on the table.  "Why would the Lord want to visit me? I'm nobody special. I don't have anything to offer."   With that thought, Ruth remembered her empty kitchen cabinets.

"Oh my goodness, I really don't have anything to offer. I'll have to run down to the store and buy something for dinner."  She reached for her purse and counted out its contents. Five dollars and forty cents.

"Well, I can get some bread and cold cuts, at least." She threw on her coat and hurried out the door. A loaf of french bread, a half-pound of sliced turkey, and a carton of milk...leaving Ruth with grand total of twelve cents to last her until Monday. Nonetheless, she felt good as she headed home, her meager offerings tucked under her arm.

"Hey lady, can you help us, lady?" Ruth had been so absorbed in her dinner plans, she hadn't even noticed two figures huddled in the alleyway. A man and a woman, both of them dressed in little more than rags.

"Look lady, I ain't got a job, ya know, and my wife and I have been living out here on the street, and, well, now it's getting cold and we're getting kinda hungry and, well, if you could help us, lady, we'd really appreciate it."

Ruth looked at them both. They were dirty, they smelled bad and, frankly, she was certain that they could get some kind of work if they really wanted to.

"Sir, I'd like to help you, but I'm a poor woman myself. All I have is a few cold cuts and some bread, and I'm having an important guest for dinner tonight and I was planning on serving that to Him."

"Yeah, well, okay lady, I understand. Thanks anyway." The man put his arm around the woman's shoulders, turned and headed back into the alley.  As she watched them leave, Ruth felt a familiar twinge in her heart.

"Sir, wait!" The couple stopped and turned as she ran down the alley after them. "Look, why don't you take this food. I'll figure out something else to serve my guest." She handed the man her grocery bag.

"Thank you lady. Thank you very much!"

"Yes, thank you!" It was the man's wife, and Ruth could see now that she was shivering.

"You know, I've got another coat at home. Here, why don't you take this one."   Ruth unbuttoned her jacket and slipped it over the woman's shoulders.

Then smiling, she turned and walked back to the street...without her coat and with nothing to serve her guest. "Thank you lady! Thank you very much!"

Ruth was chilled by the time she reached her front door, and worried too.  The Lord was coming to visit and she didn't have anything to offer Him.  She fumbled through her purse for the door key. But as she did, she noticed another envelope in her mailbox.

"That's odd. The mailman doesn't usually come twice in one day."  She took the envelope out of the box and opened it.


Dear Ruth,

It was so good to see you again. Thank you for the lovely meal. And thank you, too, for the beautiful coat.

Love Always,
Jesus

The air was still cold, but even without her coat, Ruth no longer noticed.

-- Author Unknown

Two Horses

Just up the road from my home is a field, with two horses in it.

From a distance, each looks like every other horse. But if you stop your car, or are walking by, you will notice something quite amazing.

Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind.

His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him. This alone is amazing.

If nearby and listening, you will hear the sound of a bell. Looking around for the source of the sound, you will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field.

Attached to her halter is a small bell. It lets her blind friend know where she is, so he can follow her.

As you stand and watch these two friends, you'll see how she is always checking on him, and that he will listen for her bell and then slowly walk to where she is, trusting that she will not lead him astray. When she returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, she stops occasionally and looks back, making sure her friend isn't too far behind to hear the bell.

Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges. He watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need.

Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives. Other times we are the guide horse, helping others see.

Good friends are like this. You don't always see them, but you know they are always there.

Please listen for my bell and I'll listen for yours.

THE GRANDFATHER'S TABLE

THE GRANDFATHER'S TABLE

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."  Therefore, 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.

Children are remarkably perceptive. Their eyes ever observe, their ears ever listen, and their minds ever process the messages they absorb. If they see us patiently, provide a happy home atmosphere for family members, they will imitate that attitude for the rest of their lives. The wise parent realizes that every day the building blocks are being laid for the child's future.  Let us be wise builders and role models.

-- Author Unknown

THE BRICKS OF LIFE

THE BRICKS OF LIFE

About ten years ago, a young and very successful executive named Josh was traveling down a Chicago neighborhood street. He was going a bit too fast in his sleek, black, 12 cylinder Jaguar XKE, which was only two months old. He was watching for kids darting out from between parked cars and slowed down when he thought he saw something. As his car passed, no child darted out, but a brick sailed out and-WHUMP! – it smashed into the Jag's shiny black side door! SCREECH...!!!! Brakes slammed! Gears ground into reverse, and tires madly spun the Jag back to the spot from where the brick had been thrown.

Josh jumped out of the car, grabbed the kid and pushed him up against a parked car. He shouted at the kid, "What was that all about and who are you? Just what the heck are you doing?" Building up a head of steam, he went on. "That's my new Jag, that brick you threw is gonna cost you a lot of money. Why did you throw it?"

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

Moved beyond words, the young executive tried desperately to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat. Straining, he lifted the young man back into the wheelchair and took out his handkerchief and wiped the scrapes and cuts, checking to see that everything was going to be OK. He then watched the younger brother push him down the sidewalk toward their home.

It was a long walk back to the sleek, black, shining, 12 cylinder Jaguar XKE - a long and slow walk. Josh never did fix the side door of his Jag. He kept the dent to remind him not to go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at him to get his attention.

Some bricks are softer than others.  Feel for the bricks of life coming at you.  For all the negative things we have to say to ourselves, God has positive answers:

You say: "It's impossible."
God says: All things are possible. (Luke 18:27)

You say: "I'm too tired."
God says: I will give you rest. (Matt 11:28-30)

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

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

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

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

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

You say: "It's not worth it."
God says: It will be worth it. (Rom 8:28)

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

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

You say: "I'm afraid."
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear.  (2 Tim 1:7)

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

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

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

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

Pass this on, you never know whose life maybe in need of this today!

-- Author Unknown

Steps To Happiness

Steps to Happiness!

Everybody should know:
You can't be all things to all people
You can't do all everything at once
You can't do all things equally well
You can't do everything better than everyone else you're human, just like everyone else.

So:
You have to find out who you are and be that
You have to decide what comes first and do that
You have to discover your strengths and use them
You have to learn not to compete with others because no one else is in the business of being you.

Then:
You will have learned to accept your own uniqueness
You will have learned to set priorities and make decisions
You will have learned to live with your limitations
You will have learned to give yourself the respect that is due and you will be on the road to being the best "you" that you can be.

Dare to believe:
That you are a wonderfully unique person
That you are the only one just like you in all of history
That it is more than a right, it is your duty to be who you are
That life is not a problem to solve, but a gift to cherish
You will be able to stay on top of what used to get you down and achieve the impossible.

THANK YOU LORD

THANK YOU LORD

Lord, thank you for this sink of dirty dishes; we have plenty of food to eat.

Thank you for this pile of dirty, stinky laundry; we have plenty of nice clothes to wear.

And I would like to thank you, Lord, for those unmade beds; they were so warm and comfortable last night.  I know that many have no bed.

My thanks to you, Lord, for this bathroom, complete with all the splattered mirrors, soggy, grimy towels and  dirty lavatory; they are so convenient.

Thank you for this finger-smudged refrigerator that needs defrosting so badly;  It has served us faithfully for many years.  It is full of cold drinks and enough leftovers for two or three meals.

Thank you, Lord, for this oven that absolutely must be cleaned today. It has baked so many things over the years.

The whole family is grateful for that tall grass that needs mowing, the lawn that needs raking; we all enjoy the yard.

Thank you, Lord, even for that slamming screen door.  My kids are healthy and able to run and play.

Lord, the presence of all these chores awaiting me says You have richly blessed my family.  I shall do them cheerfully and I shall do them gratefully.

-- Author Unknown

TEN LITTLE CHRISTIANS

TEN LITTLE CHRISTIANS

Ten little Christians standing in a line,
One disliked the pastor, then there were nine.
Nine little Christians stayed up very late,
One slept in on Sunday, then there were eight.

Eight little Christians on their way to heaven,
One took the low road, then there were seven.
Seven little Christians chirping like chicks,
One disliked the music, then there were six.

Six little Christians seemed very much alive,
But one lost his interest, then there were five.
Five little Christians pulling for Heaven's shore,
But one stopped to rest, then there were four.

Four little Christians, each busy as a bee,
One got her feelings hurt, then there were three.
Three little Christians knew what to do,
One joined the sports crowd, then there were two.

Two little Christians, our rhyme is nearly done,
Differed with each other, then there was one.
One little Christian can't do much 'tis true;
Brought his friend to Bible study, then there were two.

Two earnest Christians, each won one more,
That doubled their number, then there were four.
Four sincere Christians worked early and late,
Each won another, then there were eight.

Eight little Christians, if they doubled as before,
In just a few short weeks, we'd have 1,024.
In this little jingle, there's a lesson true,
You belong to the building, or the wrecking crew.

-- Author Unknown

SIX YEAR OLD'S PRAYER

SIX YEAR OLD'S PRAYER

Last week I took my children to a restaurant. My six-year-old son had asked if he could say grace. As we bowed our heads he said,  "God is good. God is great. Thank you for the food, and I would even thank you more if Mom gets us ice cream for dessert.  And Liberty and justice for all, amen."

Along with the laughter from the other customers nearby, I heard a woman remark, "That's what's wrong with this country. Kids today don't even know how to pray. Asking God for ice-cream. Why, I never."

Hearing this, my son burst into tears and asked me, "Did I do it wrong? Is God mad at me?"

As I held him and assured him that he had done a terrific job and God was certainly not mad at him.

An elderly gentleman approached the table. He winked at my son and said, "I happen to know that God thought that was a great prayer."

"Really?", my son asked.  Then in a theatrical whisper he added (indicating the woman whose remark had started this whole thing), "Too bad she never asks God for ice cream.  A little ice cream is good for the soul sometimes."

Naturally, I bought my kids ice cream at the end of the meal. My son stared at his for a moment and then did something I will remember the rest of my life.

He picked up his sundae and without a word walked over and placed it in front of the woman. With a big smile he told her,   "Here, this is for you.  Ice cream is good for the soul sometimes, and my soul is good already."

-- Author Unknown

PAID IN FULL

PAID IN FULL

Your day in court will come one day, so make sure that you have good representation.

After living a "decent" life my time on earth came to an end.  The first thing I remember is sitting on a bench in the waiting room of what I thought to be a court house. The doors opened and I was instructed to come in and have a seat by the defense table.

As I looked around I saw the "prosecutor," he was a villainous looking gent who snarled as he stared at me, he definitely was the most evil person I have ever seen. I sat down and looked to my left and there sat my lawyer, a kind and gentle looking man whose appearance seemed very familiar to me.

The corner door flew open and there appeared the judge in full flowing robes. He commanded an awesome presence as he moved across the room and I couldn't take my eyes off of him. As he took his seat behind the bench he said "Let us begin."

The prosecutor rose and said "My name is Satan and I am here to show you why this man belongs in hell."  He proceeded to tell of lies that I told, things that I stole and in the past when I cheated others. Satan told of other horrible perversions that were once in my life and the more he spoke the further down in my seat I sank. I was so embarrassed that I couldn't look at anyone, even my own lawyer, as the Devil told of sins that even I had completely forgotten about.

As upset as I was at Satan for telling all these things about me, I was equally upset at my representative who sat there silently not offering any form of defense at all. I know I had been guilty of those things, but I had done some good in my life -- couldn't that at least equal out part of the harm I've done?

Satan finished with a fury and said "This man belongs in hell, he is guilty of all that I have charged and there is not a person who can prove otherwise.  Justice will finally be served this day."

When it was his turn, my lawyer first asked if he might approach the bench. The judge allowed this over the strong objection of Satan, and beckoned him to come forward.

As he got up and started walking I was able to see him now in his full splendor and majesty.  Now I realized why he seemed so familiar, this was Jesus representing me, my Lord and my Savior.

He stopped at the bench and softly said to the judge "Hi Dad" and then he turned to address the court. "Satan was correct in saying that this man had sinned, I won't deny any of these allegations. And yes the wages of sin is death and this man deserves to be punished."

Jesus took a deep breath and turned to his Father with stretched arms and proclaimed "However, I died on the cross so that this person might have eternal life and he has accepted me as his Savior, so he is mine."

My Lord continued with "His name is written in the book of life and no one can snatch him from me.  Satan still does not understand yet, this man is not to be given justice but rather mercy."  As Jesus sat down, He quietly paused, looked at his Father and replied "There is nothing else that needs to be done, I've done it all."

The Judge lifted his mighty hand and slammed the gavel down and the following words bellowed from his lips -- "This man is free -- the penalty for him has already been paid in full. Case dismissed."

As my Lord lead me away I could hear Satan ranting and raving "I won't give up, I'll win the next one."

I asked Jesus as he gave me my instructions where to go next.  "Have you ever lost a case?" Christ lovingly smiled and said  "Everyone that has come to me and asked me to represent them has received the same verdict as you  .  .  ..

"PAID IN FULL."

-- Author Unknown

Anger Management

Anger Management

A husband asks his wife, "When I get mad at you, you never fight back.
How do you control your anger"? "I clean the toilet bowl." "
How does that help"? "I use your toothbrush."

Tamara Lowe is a fast talker

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.

==========================
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

HEAVEN & HELL

A holy man was having a conversation with the Lord one day and said, "Lord, I would like to know what Heaven and Hell are like. "

The Lord led the holy man to two doors. He opened one of the doors and the holy man looked in. In the middle of the room was a large round table. In the middle of the table was a large pot of stew which smelled delicious and made the holy man's mouth water. The people sitting around the table were thin and sickly. They appeared to be famished. They were holding spoons with very long handles that were strapped to their arms and each found it possible to reach into the pot of stew and take a spoonful, but because the handle was longer than their arms, they could not get the spoons back into their mouths. The holy man shuddered at the sight of their misery and suffering. The Lord said, "You have seen Hell."

They went to the next room and opened the door. It was exactly the same as the first one. There was the large round table with the large pot of stew which made the Holy man's mouth water. The people were equipped with the same long-handled spoons, but here the people were well nourished and plump, laughing and talking. The Holy man said, "I don't understand." "It is simple" said the Lord, "it requires but one skill.

You see, they have learned to feed each other, while the greedy think only of themselves." When Jesus died on the cross he was thinking of you!

-- Author Unknown

I HAVE MOVED!!!!!!

Can't remember if I told you all, but:

I have moved out from 1 Beggars Alley, located at 2 Poverty Lane at the corner of Bleak and Buster Circle. As of today, I have a brand new home.

My new address is: Living Well on 3 Abundance Drive, located at the corner of Blessings Street and Prosperity Peak. No longer! will I allow myself to travel on Begging Peter to pay off Paul route, located at a dead end intersection called I Don't Have, it connects with Borrowers Junction.

I no longer hang out at Failure's Place, near Excuses Avenue, next to Procrastination Point. I've moved on to an Upscale community called Higher Heights with unlimited potential and opportunities for me to succeed.

Look at me. Each day that I'm awake, I am thankful to be a product of my new environment. All my clothes are tailor made. I'm dressed in life's finest. Let me introduce you to all of them: Divine Favour, Conceive, Believe, Act on Faith, Be Persistent, and Always be Prepared to Achieve.

Life is good because God is good! Care to change your address?   There are many vacancies!

GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS
I AM WELL BLESSED AND SO ARE YOU!!!!!
'DON'T TELL GOD HOW BIG YOUR STORM IS, TELL YOUR STORM HOW BIG OUR GOD IS'
-- Author Unknown

ALPHABETS OF HAPPINESS

ALPHABETS OF HAPPINESS

 A--Accept  -- Accept others for who they are and for the choices they've made even if you have difficulty understanding their beliefs, motives, or actions.

B--Break Away  -- Break away from everything that stands in the way of what you hope to accomplish with your life.

C--Create  -- Create a family of friends whom you can share your hopes, dreams, sorrows, and happiness with.

D--Decide  -- Decide that you'll be successful and happy come what may, and good things will find you. The roadblocks are only minor obstacles along the way.

E--Explore  -- Explore and experiment. The world has much to offer, and you have much to give. And every time you try something new, you'll learn more about yourself.

F--Forgive  -- Forgive and forget. Grudges only weigh you down and inspire unhappiness and grief. Soar above it, and remember that everyone makes mistakes.

G--Grow  -- Leave the childhood monsters behind. They can no longer hurt you or stand in your way.

H--Hope  -- Hope for the best and never forget that anything is possible as long as you remain dedicated to the task.

I--Ignore  -- Ignore the negative voice inside your head. Focus instead on your goals and remember your accomplishments. Your past success is only a small inkling of what the future holds.

J--Journey -- Journey to new worlds, new possibilities, by remaining open-minded. Try to learn something new every day, and you'll grow.

K--Know  -- Know that no matter how bad things seem, they'll always get better. The warmth of spring always follows the harshest winter.

L--Love  -- Let love fill your heart instead of hate. When hate is in your heart, there's room for nothing else, but when love is in your heart, there's room for endless happiness.

M--Manage  -- Manage your time and your expenses wisely, and you'll suffer less stress and worry. Then you'll be able to focus on the important things in life.

N--Notice  -- Never ignore the poor, infirm, helpless, weak, or suffering. Offer your assistance when possible, and always your kindness and understanding.

O--Open  -- Open your eyes and take in all the beauty around you. Even during the worst of times, there's still much to be thankful for.

P--Play  -- Never forget to have fun along the way. Success means nothing without happiness.

Q--Question  -- Ask many questions, because you're here to learn.

R--Relax  -- Refuse to let worry and stress rule your life, and remember that things always have a way of working out in the end.

S--Share  -- Share your talent, skills, knowledge, and time with others. Everything that you invest in others will return to you many times over.

T--Try  -- Even when your dreams seem impossible to reach, try anyway. You'll be amazed by what you can accomplish.

U--Use  -- Use your gifts to your best ability. Talent that's wasted has no value. Talent that's used will bring unexpected rewards.

V--Value  -- Value the friends and family members who've supported and encouraged you, and be there for them as well.

W--Work  -- Work hard every day to be the best person you can be, but never feel guilty if you fall short of your goals. Every sunrise offers a second chance.

X--X-Ray  -- Look deep inside the hearts of those around you and you'll see the goodness and beauty within.

Y--Yield  -- Yield to commitment. If you stay on track and remain dedicated, you'll find success at the end of the road.

Z--Zoom  -- Zoom to a happy place when bad memories or sorrow rear a ugly head.

-- Author Unknown

A CHRISTIAN'S WAY TO REDUCE STRESS

An Angel says, "Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice."
1. Pray
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more... (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble. 
15. Do something for the Kid in You every day.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good "Thank you Jesus."
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33. Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36. Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU. "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31
-- Author Unknown

CHORES

CHORES

Monday - Wash Day Lord, help me to wash away all my selfishness and vanity, so I may serve you with perfect humility through the week ahead.

Tuesday - Ironing Day Dear Lord, help me to iron out all the wrinkles of prejudice I have collected through the years so that I may see the beauty in others.

Wednesday - Mending Day O God, help me to mend my ways so I will not set bad example for others.

Thursday - Cleaning Day Lord Jesus, help me to dust out all the many faults I have been hiding in the secret corners of my heart.

Friday - Shopping Day O God, give me the grace to shop wisely so I may purchase eternal happiness for myself and all others in need of love.

Saturday - Cooking Day Help me, my Savior, to brew a big kettle of brotherly love and serve it with clean, sweet bread of human kindness.

Sunday - The Lord's Day O God, I have prepared my house for you. Please come into my heart as my honored guest so I may spend the day and the rest of my life in your presence.

-- Author Unknown

TWENTY TRUTHS TO REMEMBER

TWENTY TRUTHS TO REMEMBER

1. Faith is the ability to not panic.
2. If you worry, you didn't pray. If you pray, don't worry.
3. As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home every day.
4. Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.
5. When we get tangled up in our problems, be still. God wants us to be still so He can untangle the knot.
6. Do the math. Count your blessings.
7. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.
8. Dear God: I have a problem. It's me.
9. Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted.
10. Laugh every day, it's like inner jogging.
11. The most important things in your home are the people.
12. Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional.
13. There is no key to happiness. The door is always open.
14. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.
15. He who dies with the most toys is still dead.
16. We do not remember days, but moments. Life moves too fast, so enjoy your precious moments.
17. Nothing is real to you until you experience it, otherwise it's just hearsay.
18. It's all right to sit on your pity pot every now and again. Just be sure to flush when you are done.
19. Surviving and living your life successfully requires courage. The goals and dreams you're seeking require courage and risk-taking. Learn from the turtle -- it only makes progress when it sticks out its neck.
20. Be more concerned with your character than your reputation. Your character is what you really are while your reputation is merely what others think you are.

-- Author Unknown