SEASON OF LENT (7th Day)

7th Day of Lent

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

I am determined in seeing only good, only God.

     Prayer is not an escape into apathy and inaction, but rather a harnessing of all our mind power in a relaxed attitude of believing. So long as we believe in a God who interferes with nature to please someone who has asked a favor, we will not have a strength of faith upon which to build out lives.

     Jesus did not originate spiritual healing. He did not create the healing law. He simply discovered and brought to full flower the great Truth of the healing principle by which anyone may rise above sickness or weakness into perfect life and wholeness.

"Your eye is the lamp of your body. If your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light; but if it is not healthy, your body is full of darkness."      ----Luke 11:34

***Reprinted from Unity's booklet  Lent 2012   Release Your Inner Splendor

INSPIRATIONAL STORY (Greg's Mother Had Only One Eye)

Greg's Mother Had Only One Eye

     Greg Jacob's mother was a single woman who had only one eye and he hated her because of it. He felt as though she was such an embarrassment.

      To support the family, she cooked for students and teachers at an elementary school cafeteria. One day, when Greg was a young boy and attending the school where his mother worked, during the lunch hour, she came out from the kitchen area to say hello to him. He was so embarrassed!

      "How could she do this to me," he thought to himself. He ignored her, gave her a hateful glance and quickly ran out of the cafeteria, not eating any lunch at all.

      The next day at school, one of his classmates told him, "Ewww! Your mom only has one eye! How gross!"

       Greg felt ashamed and just wanted to bury himself in a deep hole where nobody could find him. He was so ashamed that he wished his mother would just disappear. Finally, later that day when it bothered him so badly, he confronted his mother, "If you're only gonna make me the laughing stock, why don't you just die? You embarrassed me in front of the whole school! Now, I won't be able to have any friends because they all think my mother is a 'freak'. From now on just stay away from me! I don't want people to know you're my mother!"

      Greg's mother didn't respond. And he didn't even stop to think, for a second, about what he had said. He was so full of anger and was oblivious to her feelings.

      He wanted to get out of the house. He just wanted to get away from her and have nothing more to do with her. So, during his years of growing up, he studied very hard so that his academic knowledge would earn him a scholarship and he could move to another state to get away from his mother. His goal was accomplished and after his graduation he moved far away.

     He got married, bought a house, and had children. He was very happy, indeed, with his wife and kids, and how his life had turned out.

     Then one day, after many years of being apart and no contact, Greg's mother surprised him with a visit to his home. She hadn't seen Greg for so long and never met his wife or even seen her grandchildren that she greatly anticipated meeting them for the very first time.

     When she stood at the door, as soon as the children saw her they began laughing at her. Greg was angry at her for coming uninvited and yelled at her, "HOW DARE YOU COME TO MY HOUSE AND SCARE MY CHILDREN! GET OUT OF HERE! NOW!!!"

       His mother stood at the door dumbfounded but quietly responded, "Oh, I'm so sorry. I may have gotten the wrong address."

       Greg snarled at her at without saying anything, then slammed the door in her face.

       Feeling disappointed about losing the opportunity to see her son and meet his family, she turned and left.

        Two years passed, since his mother had been at his house and Greg received a letter in the mail regarding a school reunion in his hometown. He didn't want to take his family, in fear that they might meet up with his mother so, he lied to his wife telling her he was going on a business trip. 

        After the reunion ceremonies were over, he became curious as to how his mother was. He went to the old dilapidated home where he grew up as a child. As he stood from a distance glancing toward the building, a neighbor came out from his nearby home and walked up to him, "She passed away two weeks ago." 

         Greg did not shed a single tear. He showed no remorse. He showed no emotion whatsoever at the news he just heard.

          Then the neighbor handed him a letter and said, " I've been holding onto this. Your mother told me, in case you stop by while you were in town for the reunion, to give this to you. She wanted you to have it."

           Greg stubbornly took the letter and began walking away. He went to his car, sat inside, then grumpily opened the envelope and began reading:

My dearest son,

       I think of you all the time. I'm sorry that I came to your house and scared your children. 

       I was so glad when I heard you were coming for the reunion. But I may not be able to even get out of bed to see you. I'm sorry that I was a constant embarrassment to you when you were growing up.

       You see.... when you were very little, you got into an accident and lost your eye. As a mother, I couldn't stand watching you having to grow up with one eye. So I gave you mine.

       I was so proud of my son who was seeing a whole new world for me, in my place, with that eye.

       If you receive this letter then that means I have gone and will not be able to see you here on earth again. But son, please know this.... I love you, very much!

                                                                         With all my love to you,

                                                                                   Your mother

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with promise: "that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth."                    Ephesians 6:1-3          NLT 

     

         

INSPIRATIONAL STORY (Ears)

EARS

     "Can I see my baby?" the happy new mother asked.

      When the bundle was nestled in her arms and she moved the fold of the blanket to look at his face, she gasped,"Oh my goodness."

       The doctor turned his head to glance out the window. He was at a loss for words as he tried to compose himself to tell her, "He was born with no cartilage for his outer ears. We won't know until later when he is older, whether or not he is able to hear. But examing his inner ear lobe it seems everything is fine and it doesn't seem any damage done to his inner oracle organs."

       As the baby grew older it was determined that his hearing was fine and was not affected in any way. It was only his appearance that was different.

       One day, when he was in second grade, he ran home crying. As soon as he entered the house and saw his mother he ran into her arms, clung tightly to her and sobbed, "Mom, the other kids are laughing and making fun of me. How come I don't have ears like everybody else? The kids are calling me a "freak" and said I'm from another planet. Am I normal, mom? How come I don't look like everybody else?"

       The mother was heartbroken and couldn't find the proper words that would make him feel better. She knew he would always have to go through this type of torment from the other children.

        "It's okay, son. I love you." she said as she tried to comfort him. "You don't look like everybody else because you're special. God made you unique. Maybe someday, God will allow you to have ears like the other kids."

          That evening the mother sat down and talked to her husband about what transpired with their son.

         "We need to find a way to help him." She told him. "We cannot let him suffer all the teasing and bullying that he will have to face from other children."

          Years passed, although the boy had this misfortune of being born without ears, he did very well. He had such a wonderful attitude and never let it get him down. Because of his attitude, he developed a great character and many of his schoolmates liked him very much. He became very popular. He also discovered he had a gift for literature and music.

         Eventually, his parents had a meeting with the family physician. Again, the parents asked if there was anything that can be done for their son.

         "I believe I can recommend you to a surgeon who could possibly graft a pair of outer ears for your son. But only if there will be a donor." the physician assured them.

         The parents then began placing requests for donors so their son could have ears grafted. They exhausted all possible resources when finally, two years later, someone was willing to make the sacrifice to give their son a pair of ears.

        "Son, we will be taking you to the hospital in a few weeks." the father told his son. "Your mother and I have found someone who will donate the ears you need. But it's a secret who the donor is so you won't know who it is."

         When the time came, the boy had the operation done. It was a great success and a new person emerged. His confidence grew. His talents blossomed and he became a genius. He was victorious in school and college. Later he married and became a very influential person in his hometown.

         One day, while he was visiting his parents, he went outside with his father and they began discussing everything from his birth to where he is now.

         "Dad, I need to know.... who gave me these ears?" The young man asked. "I owe that person so much. They need to know just how blessed I became once I received their wonderful donation. I want them to know how it made a huge impact in my life."

           "Well, son" the father began to speak, "The agreement was that we wouldn't tell you. At least not now. Maybe sometime in the future. Rest assured, that the donor is well aware of how they blessed you." Then the father smiled as he put his hand on his son's shoulder and they began walking back to the house.

            As years passed, one of the darkest days of the young mans life finally came.... his mother passed away. As he stood with his father over his mother's casket, his father stretched forth his hand, slowly and tenderly he raised the thick, reddish-brown hair to reveal his mother had no outer ears.

            "Mother said she was glad she never let her hair be cut," the son gently whispered, "and no matter how long, tangled or stringy it looked, nobody ever thought Mother was less beautiful did they?"

Real beauty lies not in the physical appearances, but in the heart. Real treasure lies not in that which can be seen, but in that which cannot be seen. Real love lies not in what is done and known, but in that which is done but not known.

May you all have a JESUSful and God-filled day!

Shalom!

Special notice

       This is a special notice to all my followers and to those who are receiving my posts by e-mail....

       A few previous Lent posts have been reprinted and re-posted due to the fact that earlier, I forgot to add the affirmations. So if you receive another Lent post that was previously printed it is only because I updated it with the affirmation.

            I'm sorry if it threw anybody off and in the future I will try harder to proofread before posting.

        Thank you for your patience and understanding.

                                                                       Shalom,

                                                                          Dejon

SEASON OF LENT (6th Day)

6th Day of Lent

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

The wisdom and love of God inspire my every decision.

      We can never understand Truth or life until we give up, once and for all, the idea of favoritism in the universe, and until we stop praying to be forgiven before we have changed our own attitudes. God plays no favorites.

      If you are having a problem, don't shift into the attitude that a "twist of fate has ruined my life." And most important, determine that you will grow through it and thus rise to a state of mind where such a thing cannot happen again.

Therefore I do my best always to have a clear conscience toward God and all people.                                                                                   Acts 24:16

*** Reprinted from Unity's booklet   Lent 2012  Release Your Inner Splendor

JESUS' DEATH -- 60 SECONDS

JESUS' DEATH -- 60 SECONDS



60 seconds with God...

For

The next 60 seconds, set aside whatever

You're doing and take this opportunity!

Let's see if satan can stop this...

THE (SCIENTIFIC) DEATH OF JESUS

At the age of 33,

Jesus was condemned to the death penalty.

At the time, crucifixion was the "worst" death. Only the worst

criminals were condemned to be crucified. Yet it was

even more dreadful for Jesus, for unlike other criminals

condemned to death by crucifixion, Jesus was nailed to the Cross

by His hands and feet, rather than tied....

Each nail was 6 to 8 inches long.

The nails

were driven into His wrist. Not

into His palms as is commonly

portrayed. There's a tendon in the wrist that

extends to the shoulder. The Roman guards knew

that when the nails were being hammered into the

wrist, that tendon would tear and

break, forcing Jesus to use His back

muscles to support Himself, so that He could breathe.

Both of His feet

were nailed together. Thus He was forced to

support Himself on the single nail that

impaled His feet to the cross. Jesus could

not support Himself with His legs for long because of the pain,

so He was forced to alternate between arching His

back and using His legs just to continue to

breathe. Imagine the struggle, the pain, the

suffering, the courage!

Jesus endured this

reality for over 3 hours.

Yes,

over 3 hours!!! Can you imagine this kind of

suffering? A few minutes before He died,

Jesus stopped bleeding. He was simply pouring water

from His wounds.

From common images, we see wounds to His hands and feet and

even the spear wound to His side...

But do we remember the many wounds

made to His body? A hammer

driving large nails through the wrists, the feet overlapped

and a nail hammered through the arches, then a

Roman guard piercing His side with a spear. And...

before the nails and the spear, Jesus was whipped and

beaten. The whipping was so severe that it tore the

flesh from His body. The beating so horrible that His face was torn and His beard ripped from His face. The

Crown of Thorns (2 to 3 inch thorns) cut deeply into His

scalp. Most men

would not have survivied this torture.

He had no more blood

to bleed out, only water poured from His

wounds. The

human adult body contains about 3.5 liters

(just less than a gallon) of blood.

Jesus poured all 3.5 liters of His blood;

He had 3 nails hammered into His

members, a Crown of Thorns on His head and, beyond

that, a Roman soldier who stabbed a spear into His

chest...

All these without

mentioning the humiliation He passed after carrying His own

Cross for almost 2 kilometers, while the crowd spat in His

face and threw stones (the Cross beam was almost 30 kg. of

weight, to which His hands were nailed).

Jesus had to endure this experience,

so that you may have free access to God.

So that your sins can be "washed" away...

ALL of them, with no exceptions!

Don't ignore this!

JESUS CHRIST DIED.... FOR YOU!!!!!

For you, who now read this post,

do not believe that He only died for others

(those who go to church or for pastors, bishops, etc.)

HE DIED FOR YOU!!!!

It's easy to post on Facebook, your blogs, or to e-mail

jokes or silly photos,

but when it comes to God....

sometimes, we feel ashamed to "share" or forward a message about Him on

to others.

We become worried of what they may think about us.

Accept the reality, the truth, that

JESUS IS THE ONLY SALVATION FOR THE WORLD!!!

God has special plans for YOU!!!

Share this with all your friends....

about what He went through to save you.

Really think about it!

May God bless you!

For the next 60 seconds,

set aside what you're doing and take

this opportunity!!! Please don't allow satan to stop this!!!

All you have to do is:

1. Pray for the person who sent this message to you.

2. Send this message to 10 people... More if you wish!

3. That way, 10 people will pray for you

 and you will encourage many people

to pray to God for others.

4. Take a moment to appreciate the power of God in your life, as

you do what pleases Him.

If you are not ashamed to do this, please, follow Jesus'

instructions.

He said  (Matthew 10:32 - 33)

"Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will

acknowledge before My Father in heaven; but whosoever denies Me

before others, I also will deny before My Father in heaven."

SEASON OF LENT (5th Day)

5th Day of Lent

Monday, February 27, 2012

I think, speak and act from the sacredness of my Being.

      It is the intelligence of God that ever works to inspire each individual to right action. It is the life of God through which our lives are forever biased on the side of health and healing. It is the substance of God through which our efforts are influenced in favor of success and prosperity.

     Without any question, the knowledge of this Truth will make you free. Can you imagine how different your life would be right now if you reall believed that there was an activity of God within you, working for your good, for healing and guidance and justice?

For this reason, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God's will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.                               Colossians 1:9

*** Reprinted from Unity's booklet   Lent 2012    Release Your Inner Splendor

SEASON OF LENT (1st Sunday)

1st Sunday

February 26, 2012

 Aware of God's presence within me, I experience the fullness of life.

     One thing is certain; life is not physical, but simply flows through the physical as a vessel. Life is invisible. No one has ever seen it. Life, like an idea, cannot be touched, tasted, smelled, seen, nor heard. Perhaps this is the key; perhaps life is an idea in the great Mind of the Infinite. As is the case with an idea, all that we see are its visible manifestations. We see it coming into birth.

     In his epistle to the Philippians, Paul said, "For to me to live is Christ." This has been given all sorts of theological overtones, but could he not have meant, quite simply, that life is the evidence of a divine idea, which he called the Christ, finding its expression in us and as us?

Your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.           Coloccians 3:3-4

***Reprinted from Unity's booklet    Lent 2012   Release Your Inner Splendor

SEASON OF LENT (4th Day)

4th Day of Lent

Saturday, February 25, 2012

     The kingdom of God is within you, your very own divine potential. Be still. Accept. Trust. The results will astound you!

During this journey to release my inner splendor, I acknowledge my divine potential by:

(Take a moment to reflect on what experiences you may be encountering or how this Lenten season is bringing you to the awareness of the meaning of this period and write it down or meditate on it.)

***Reprinted from Unity's booklet    Lent 2012    Release Your Inner Splendor

SEASON OF LENT (3rd Day)

3rd Day of Lent

Friday, February 24, 2012

I am a most important person to God, for I am God's living enterprise.

     God is not off somewhere in space where you must strain to reach Him to get Him to work a miracle for you "if you are lucky."

     God is on your side. God has a stake in you. God is not someone to reach for but a presence to accept. Instead of dwelling on how difficult things are for you, turn often to the center of your being and relax in the assurance that you are God's living enterprise and that your good fortune is secure because it is God's good pleasure to give it to you.

To set the mind on the spirit is life and peace.                   Romans 8:6

*** Reprinted from Unity's booklet   Lent 2012    Release Your Inner Splendor

SEASON OF LENT (2nd Day)

2nd Day of Lent

Thursday, February 23, 2012

I choose positive and uplifting thoughts to create the life I desire.

     If you are not happy with the things that are repeatedly happening in your life, or with the direction in which you seem to be moving, you can turn it around. But first you must understand that it is your life, that you live in a world of your own thoughts, and that you can change your life by altering your thoughts whenever you really want to do so. This is not to say it is easy, but it is possible.
      Life is consciousness. You stand where you do today, wherever that is, because of your consciousness. And there is only one way you can come to stand anywhere else -- by changing your consciousness. If you wish to go up higher, you can do so, and there is no limit to the heights to which you can climb.

I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!       John 16:33


** Reprinted from Unity's booklet    Lent 2012   Release Your Inner Splendor 

SEASON OF LENT (Message from Eric Butterworth)

The Effusion of Light

By Eric Butterworth

Excerpt from In the Flow of Life

     We are living today in a complex and changing world. If there is one thing one needs more than anything else, it is light: light in terms of insight into self, guidance along life's ways, knowledge of the secrets of the universe, and the wisdom to use light and not to abuse it. The clearest thinkers the race has produced have always seen the course of their lives as the quest for light. It is said that Goethe, who spent his life on this quest, gasped the last words on his deathbed: "More light!"

       And yet invariably the search has been "out there." We have thought of light in terms of ideas and innovations, or the minds that gave birth to them. His followers saw Jesus as the light, instead of one who gave evidence of "the true light that enlightens every man... coming into the world" (John 1:9). It is true that He said, "I am the light of the world."  But He also said, "You are the light of the world... Let your light so shine."  (Matthew 5:14, 16).

       Light is the reality of God within all creation. It is the reality of our own potential. All overcoming, all healing, all self-expansion is the inevitable effect of the dawning of light within and its effusion without. It is of this that Isaiah speaks:  "Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily."  (Isaiah 58:80 KJV)

      Humankind forever stands at the crossroads of human experience, and the darkness of fear and indecision is overwhelming. Which way to go? What to choose? Who or what to vote for? One of the chief causes of strain is living in the awareness that even little decisions can influence our whole lives. Who of us cannot identify with Robert Frost as he muses;

                                   Two roads diverged in a wood, and I ----

                                   I took the one less traveled by,

                                   And that has made all the difference?

    

      From the earliest times humankind has yearned for some way to see beyond the horizon and thus to know the ultimate course of those "two roads." The precursors of religion are the medicine men and fortune-tellers and seers and prophets who were able, or claimed they were, to look into the future. The very word Providence, long used as a synonym for God, comes from root words that mean "to see forward." And the dictionary definition of the word religion is "divine revelation for human guidance."

     Humankind has instinctively sensed a dimension of life in which there flows, like an underground stream, a directive force that is forever correspondent with every conscious need. Emerson talks of this:

                 There is guidance for each of us, and by lowly listening we shall

                 hear the right word. Why need you choose so painfully?... Certainly

                 there is a possible right for you that precludes the need of... willful

                 election. For you there is a reality, a fit place... Place yourself in the

                 middle of the stream of power and wisdom which animates all whom

                 it floats, and you are without effort impelled to truth, to right and a

                 perfect contentment.

      Some persons puzzle over the question, "How can one distinguish between divine guidance and human will?" The very question implies a duality --- a sense of God "out there" who would or could desire for you something contrary to your personal desires. Divine guidance is not an exterior force acting upon you. It is the seed of your divinity (The Christ of you) seeking to fulfill its pattern in the outforming process of your life. God could never want for you that which you do not inherently want for yourself.

      Of course, willfulness can be a problem. But then the first step in prayer is to let go the ego, to give consent to the flow of the "unimpeachable wholeness of the universe." You may not succeed on every occasion in letting the flow of your own pattern have its way. This is why the term practice the Presence is so meaningful. Paul advises us to "study to show thyself approved unto God" (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV) This does not mean trying to win divine approval. You are always as approved of God as you are of sunlight. Your work is to determine how you are blocking the flow. Then open the windows, step out of the shadows into the light. And this may take effort and perseverance.

       Your mind is your kingdom. It has no boundaries. The free flow of ideas and creativity is your inheritance. It is important to begin acting on the behalf that you can dip into this process at any time, manifesting guidance and light in creative and imaginative ways that are beyond human knowing. For it is a wellspring that is inexhaustible.

**Reprinted from Unity's booklet:   Lent 2012   Release Your Inner Splendor

                             

SEASON OF LENT (1st Day of Lent)

1st Day of Lent

Ash Wedsnesday, February 22, 2012

I am open to letting Spirit express through me.

     It is Easter time! The Christian world assembles in a manner unsurpassed the rest of the year to hear the message of the Resurrection. It is a simple though puzzling story. Jesus had been crucified on the Cross and buried in a tomb. Later, his followers came to the tomb and found it empty.

      Could it be that the Easter story and the underlying principle of resurrection are saying to every person. "I want to live in you. I want to raise you from death to life, from defeat to victory, from sickness to health, from failure to sucess?"

Do not think that I come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.    ------ Matthew 5:17

**Reprinted from Unity's booklet Lent 2012  Realease Your Inner Splendor 

SEASON OF LENT (Introduction)

Introduction

     The 40 days of Lent are a time to prepare for a resurrection experience --- a breakthrough in conciousness as demonstrated by Jesus Christ.

      The messages I'll be posting are from Silent Unity icon Rev. Eric Butterworth and affirmations by Rev. Adriana Segovia. They will guide you through this transformative experience. Books they have used include: Spiritual Economics, Discover The Power Within You, In The Flow of Life and The Universe Is Calling.

       Now, during this Lenten season, is the time to realize the kingdom of God within ourselves. May your divine potential be discovered and may you be blessed on your journey to self-discovery, the journey to release your inner splendor.


Silent Unity is a non-profit organization and is available for prayer support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can contact Silent Unity by calling 1-800-NOW-PRAY (669-7729), by going online to silentunity.org, or by writing 1901 NW blue Parkway, Unity Village, MO 64065-0001.

God bless! Shalom!

INSPIRATIONAL STORY (Hospital Window)

Hospital Window

     Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window. The other man had to spend all his time on his back.

      The men talked for hours on end. They began by telling each other about their illnesses but, eventually, their talks became more intimate as they spoke of their wives and families, their homes, jobs, their involvemnet in the military service, where they had been on vacation and other personal matters.

     Every afternoon, when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window. The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.

     "This window overlooks a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans play on the water while children sail their model boats." the man by the window said. "Young lovers walk arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline can be seen in the distance."

      While the man by the window described this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene. His smile growing with every new piece of detail told to him.

     One afternoon, the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although, the other man couldn't hear the band, any commotion or excitement --- he could see it. In his mind's eye, as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.

      Days, weeks and months went by as this became a daily routine. Small chitchat and an hour of the view of the outside world.

     One morning, the day nurse entered the room to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened but called the hospital attendants to take the body away.

     As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch and after making sure he was comfortable, she began straightening up the room.

     Slowly and painfully, the man propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside that he had heard so much about. He strained to slowly look out the window. 

     It faced a blank wall.

     The man was confused and somewhat disappointed. He looked forward to seeing all the wonderful things his roommate had described to him. The park, the lake, the ducks and swans. None of that could be seen from the bedside window.

      Feeling a little frustrated the man asked the nurse, "What could have compelled my roommate to lie to me like he did? He described such wonderful things outside this window but nothing he spoke of can be seen. All that is visible is that ugly grey blank wall. Why did he lie to me?"

     "Didn't he tell you?" the nurse responded, "He was blind so he couldn't see the wall. But maybe he described such wonderful things because they were visions in his mind and he wanted to encourage you?'

     The man laid back on his bed and let out a sigh as he softly said, "Yes, that he did." Then he whispered to himself, "Thank you for sharing your wonderful world, my friend."

Romans 12:8  If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging.             NLT

HUMOR FOR HAPPINESS (The Hikers)

The Hikers

     One day, Joe, Bob and Dave were hiking in a wilderness area when they came upon a large, raging, violent river. They needed to get to the other side but had no idea how to do so.

      Joe prayed to God, "Please God, give me the strength to cross this river."

      Poof! God gave him big arms and strong legs and, in about two hours, he was able to swim across the river to the other side. Although, he almost drowned a couple of times.

      Seeing this, Dave prayed to God, "Please God, give me the strength and the tools to cross this river."

       Poof! God gave him a rowboat and, in about an hour, he was able to row across the river to the other side. But, his boat did almost capsize a few times.

      Bob had seen how this worked out for the other two so he also prayed to God, "Please God, give me the strength, the tools and the intelligence to cross this river."

      Poof! God turned him into a woman. She looked at the map, hiked upstream couple hundred yards then walked across the bridge!

PSALM 23

Even though we may be able to recite it from memory... We never thought or looked at Psalm 23 in this way:

Psalm 23

The Lord is my Shepherd (That's Relationship!)

I shall not want (That's Supply!)

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures (That's Rest!)

He leadeth me beside the still waters (That's Refreshment!)

He restoreth my soul (That's Healing!)

He leadeth me in the path of righteousness (That's Guidance!)

For His name sake (That's Purpose!)

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death (That's Testing!)

I will fear no eveil (That's Protection!)

For Thou art with me (That's Faithfulness!)

Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me (That's Discipline!)

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies (That's Hope!)

Thou annointest my head with oil (That's Consecration!)

My cup runneth over (That's Abundance!)

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life (That's Blessings!)

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord (That's Security!)

Forever (That's Eternity!) 

         ****     ****    ****   ****   ****    ****   ****   ****  ****   ****

What is most valuable is not what we have in our lives, but WHO we have in our lives!

Be Blessed and Be a Blessing! Shalom!

POEM (Let Yesterday Go)

Let Yesterday Go

Let yesterday go, it's all over now,

And you have to get on with living.

Don't waste precious days on empty regrets

When you ought to be loving and giving.

lift up your eyes and look to the stars,

No matter how distant they seem.

There's always tomorrow, especially when we

Hold tight to our hopes and our dreams.

Whatever failings, whatever mistakes

Have happened along the way,

God's long since forgiven -- to find peace of mind,

It's time to "call it a day."

For all of us learn from the hard knocks we get,

God meant that this should be so,

And some things there are, he allows us to keep,

But we have to let yesterday go!

                                                                          ---- Grace E. Easley

Romans 13:12   The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living.                                                                                              NLT

POEM (I Didn't Drink and Drive, Mom)

I Didn't Drink and Drive, Mom

I went to a party, Mom,

I remembered what you said...

You told me not to drink any liquor, Mom,

So I drank soda instead.

I really felt proud inside, Mom,

The way you said I would,

I didn't drink and drive, Mom,

Even though the others said I should.

I know I did the right thing, Mom,

I know you are always right.

Now the party is finally ending, Mom,

As everyone is driving out of sight.

As I got into my car, Mom,

I knew I'd get home in one piece,

Because of the way you raised me,

So responsible and sweet.

I started to drive away, Mom,

But as I pulled out into the road,

The other car didn't see me, Mom,

And hit me like a load...

As I lay on the pavement, Mom,

I hear the policeman say,

"The other guy is drunk,"

And now I'm the one who will pay.

I'm lying here dying, Mom...

I wish you'd get here soon.

How could this happen to me, Mom?

My life just burst like a balloon.

There is blood all around me, Mom,

And most of it is mine.

I hear the medic say, Mom,

I'll die in a short time.

I just wanted to tell you, Mom,

I swear I didn't drink.

It was the others, Mom,

The others didn't think.

He was probably...

At the same party as I.

The only difference is...

He drank, and I will die.

Why do people drink, Mom,

It can ruin your whole life.

I'm feeling sharp pains now,

Pains just like a knife.

The guy who hit me is walking, Mom,

And I don't think it's fair,

I'm lying here dying...

And all he can do is stare.

Tell my brother not to cry, Mom,

Tell Daddy to be brave,

And when I go to heaven, Mom,

Put "GOOD BOY" on my grave.

Someone should have told him, Mom,

Not to drink and drive.

If only they had told him, Mom,

I would still be alive.

My breath is geting shorter, Mom,

I'm becoming very scared,

Please don't cry for me, Mom,

When I needed you, you were always there.

I have one last question, Mom,

Before I say good-bye,

I didn't drink and drive, Mom,

So why am I the one to die?

DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE!!!

Please "share" this with others to raise awareness for the dangers of drinking and driving! Thank you.

God bless!

POEM (An Act of Love)

An Act of Love

An act of love need not be

    a gesture great or grand...

A smile can work a miracle

    and show you understand.

Being there in time of need

    transends the spoken word;

A helping hand is simply grand

    when hearts begin to bleed.

A prayer is nothing till it's heard

    beyond the highest leaf,

But when it's answered, oh my friend,

    how strong is our belief!

An act of love may simply be

    a smile, a hug, a kiss...

But it's a joy for all to see

    when troubles come like this.

                                   --- Clay Harrison ---

Happy Valentine's Day!

MORAL STORY (Island of Feelings)

Island of Feelings

     Once upon a time there was an Island where all the feelings lived:  Happiness, Sadness, Selfishness, Pride, Love and all the other feelings.

     One day, the feelings noticed the water in the ocean was slowly beginning to rise more and more. They all realized the Island was about to sink. They quickly began gathering material, each constructed their own boats, then set sail before the Island sank.

     Except Love. Love was the only one who stayed. Love wanted to hold out until the last possible moment. But Love noticed the water was rising and the Island was beginning to sink. Because Love did not built a boat, Love decided to ask for help.
     Most of the feelings were already far offshore. Then Love noticed Selfishness was passing by in a grand boat. Love shouted out, "Selfishness, can you take me with you?"
     Selfishness answered, "No, I can't! There is a lot of gold and silver and other precious jewels and valuables in my boat. There is no place in here for you!"
     Love decided to ask Pride, who was also passing by in a beautiful Cruise liner, "Pride, please help me! Let me go with you! Please don't leave me here!"
     "I can't help you, Love." Pride shouted back. "You are all wet and might damage my boat."
     Sadness was nearby so Love asked, "Sadness, will you please let me on your boat? Please, let me go with you or I will be stuck here and will sink with the Island!"
     "Oh... Love. I am so sad that I need to be by myself. I can't bring you with me."
     Happiness passed by Love, too. But she was so happy and giggling that she did not hear when Love called her.
     Suddenly, there was a voice calling to Love, "Come, Love. I will take you." It was an elder who lived on  another Island. So, Love jumped into the boat and they sailed to another dry Island where it was safe.
     So blessed and joyful, Love forgot to ask the elder his name and to thank him. The elder had already wandered away and Love began searching the Island for him.
     Love recognized the Island they landed on was the Island of experience and learnng. This is where, Wisdom, Knowledge and Time lived.
     While searching for the elder, Love recognized two other elders up ahead. It was Knowledge and Wisdom. Love asked them, "Did you two see the elder who brought me here? Do you know who it was?" 
    Knowledge looked at Love and replied, "It was Time. Time brought you here."
    "Time?" Love asked, "But why did Time help me? Time isn't a feeling."
     Wisdom stepped forward with a smile and said, "Because only Time is capable of understanding how valuable Love is."

Psalm 90:14      Satisfy us each morning with
                                 your unfailing love,
                             so we may sing for joy to the
                                end of our lives.                 NLT


Psalm 63:3       Your unfailing love is better than
                                 life itself;
                             how I praise you!                  NLT
    
      

  

INSPIRATIONAL STORY (Take My Son)

Take My Son

    A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything, from Picasso to Raphael, in their collection. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art.

    When the Vietnam war began, the son went off to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. When the father was notified, he grieved deeply for his only son.

     About a month later, just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door. When the father answered, a young man stood with a large package in his hands.

     In a gentle voice he said, "Sir, you don't know me, but I am the soldier your son gave his life for. He saved many lives that day and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly. He often talked about you and your love of art." The young man held out the package, "I know this isn't much. I'm not really a great artist. But I think your son would have wanted you to have this."

    The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears. he thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture.

    "Oh, no sir. I could never repay what your son did for me. It's a gift."

    The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Everytime visitors came to his home, he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected.

    The man died a few months later. An auction was being held for all the great work he had collected. Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the masterpiece paintings and having the opportunity to purchase one for their own collection.

    On the platform, the first piece to be auctioned, sat the painting of the son. The auctioneer pounded his gavel, "We will start the bidding with this portrait of the son. Who will bid for this portrait?"

    There was silence.

    Then a voice in the back of the room shouted, "We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one."

     But the auctioneer persisted, "Will somebody bid for this portrait? Who will start the bidding? One hundred dollars? Two hundred dollars? Who will start bidding?"

    Another voice angrily shouted, "We didn't come to see this portrait! We came to see the Van Gogh's, the Rembrandt's! The good paintings! Get on with the real bids!"

    But still the auctioneer continued, "The son? The son? Who will take the son?"

    Finally a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the long time gardener of the man and his son. "I will give ten dollars for the portrait." Being a poor man, it was all he could afford.

    "We have ten dollars. Who will bid twenty? Will anybody else bid twenty?" said the auctioneer.

    "Give it to him for ten dollars," someone spoke up. "Let's see the masterpieces!"

     The crowd was becoming angry. They didn't want the portrait of the son. They wanted the more worthy investments for their collection.

     The auctioneer pounded the gavel, "Going for ten dollars... is there anybody who will bid more than ten dollars for the son?" After a short pause, he continued," Going once... going twice.... SOLD! For ten dollars!" He then pounded his gavel to signal the closing of the bid.

    A man sitting on the second row shouted, "Good! Now let's get on with the real collection!"

    The auctioneer laid the gavel on the podium, then said, "I'm sorry, the auction is over."

    "What? What about the paintings? The masterpieces?" asked the confused crowd.

    "I am sorry. When I called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time. Only the portrait of the son would be auctioned. Whoever bought that portrait would inherit the entire estate, including the masterpiece paintings."

     He then looked and pointed toward the gardener, "The man who took the son gets everything."

God gave His son 2,000 years ago to die on the cross. Much like the auctioneer, His message today is.... "The son? The son? Who will take the son?"

Because, you see, whoever takes the Son gets everything.

John 3:16   "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Everybody... now THAT'S  LOVE!!!

Heavenly Father, I accept Your Son and my Savior, Jesus Christ, into my heart. I know He died on the Cross for me so that I may have eternal life. I know that it was by His blood my sins have been forgiven. Amen.

INSPIRATIONAL STORY (True Beauty)

True Beauty

    One day a young man was standing in the middle of town proclaiming that he had the most beautiful heart in the whole valley. A large crowd gathered and they all admired his heart for it was perfect.

    There was not a mark or a flaw in it. Yes, they all agreed it truly was the most beautiful heart they had ever seen. The young man was very proud and boasted more loudly about his beautiful heart.

    Suddenly, an old man appeared at the front of the crowd and said, "Why your heart is not nearly as beautiful as mine."

    The crowd and the young man looked at the old man's heart. It was beating strongly but full of scars. It had places where pieces had been removed and other pieces put in but they didn't fit quite right and there were several jagged edges. In fact, in some places there were deep gouges where whole pieces were missing.

    The people stared, then began whispering to each other, "How can he say his heart is more beautiful?"

    The young man looked at the old man's heart and saw it's state and laughed, "Hahaha!" 

     "You must be joking." he said. "Compare your heart with mine. Mine is perfect and yours is a mess of scars and tears."

      "Yes," said the old man. "Yours is perfect looking but I would never trade with you. You see, every scar represents a person to whom I have given my love. I tear out a piece of my heart and give it to them and often, they give me a piece of their heart which fits into the empty place in my heart. But because the pieces aren't exact, I have some rough edges which I cherish because they remind me of the love we shared."

       Then the old man points to a few holes in his heart and explains, "Sometimes, I have given pieces of my heart away and the other person hasn't returned a piece of his heart to me. These are the empty gouges--- giving love is taking a chance. Although, these gouges are painful, they stay open. Reminding me of the love I have for these people too, and I hope someday they may return and fill the space that I have waiting for them."

      The old man grins and looks at the young man, "So, now do you see what true beauty is?"

      The young man stood silently with tears running down his cheeks. He walked up to the old man, reached into his perfect young and beautiful heart and ripped a piece out. With trembling hands, he offered it to the old man.

       The old man took his offering, placed it in his heart and then took a piece from his old scarred heart and placed it in the wound of the young man's heart.

       It fit but not perfectly because there were still some jagged edges.

       The young man looked at his heart which was not perfect anymore but more beautiful than before, since love from the old man's heart flowed into his.

        Both men embraced and walked away side by side.

John 13:34-35   "So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples."                 NLT

    

   

INSPIRATIONAL STORY (The Boy and the Fence)

The Boy and the Fence

   There once was a little boy who had a bad temper. So, one day, his dad gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper he must hammer a nail into the back of their fence. 

   The first day the boy had driven over 75 nails into the fence. The second day just a few more. By the third day he drove nearly 150 nails into the fence in one day. That's when the boy realized his anger was causing him alot of work.

    The next few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails he hammered daily gradually began to lessen. The boy discovered that it was easier to control his temper than to drive nails into the fence.

   Finally, the day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all. He told his dad about it and his dad suggested that now the boy should pull one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper.

    After a few months passed, the little boy was finally able to tell his dad that all the nails were gone.

    The dad took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. He told his son, "You have done well, son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same." As the dad looked at his son he continued, "When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out. It won't matter how many times you say I'm sorry, the wound is still there."

    

What I have learned:

     The next time I get angry with someone and I'm about to speak, I need to ask myself if there is a way to say what I want to say in a tactful manner. 

   Most times, the habit of reacting angrily is just that --- a habit you learned when you were young and haven't questioned since. You might have become blind to the effect it has on your life.

     It is really so that the world reflects back your own attitude. If you constantly wonder why people are angry at you, maybe.... it is YOU who treated them with anger first!

What I have learned:

   I need to listen to the tone of my voice and try, really try, to speak tactfully to someone who I am angry with. If I know this will be difficult to do, then I need to write the words down first, read what I've written, and if it seems tactful, I need to rehearse it in my mind.

   I need to teach my mind, intentionally, to use respectful words. I have used harsh, cruel words for years to intimidate or as a way of standing up for myself. But now, I'm taking the first step by admitting that I handled things in the wrong manner and I am willing  to change to become a better person by trying to control my anger so that I can do my part to make this world a better place.

   I believe, once I control my anger and teach my mind to use respectful words then, I just might find, life feels a bit nicer because people aren't angry at me anymore. 

Psalm 37-8   Stop being angry!

                        Turn from your rage!

                    Do not lose your temper ---

                        it only leads to harm.                                                 NLT

Heavenly Father, I know I have problems with my temper. At times, I am very easily offended when it is unnecessary. Allow Your Son, Jesus Christ, to walk with me and teach me how to control my anger and to have compassion, patience and understanding with others. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.  Thank You Father, for I trust You have heard my prayer and Jesus will be walking with me on this beginning today. 

   

   

INSPIRATIONAL STORY (The Wolves Within)

The Wolves Within

      One day, an 8 year old came home from school very angry at his classmates because they had done him great unjustice and treated him unfairly.

      His grandfather noticed that the child was very visibly upset. He saw the temperment beginning to turn into a violent rage as the boy would storm around the house throwing and slamming things around. The grandfather could not sit and watch the child continue to destroy the peacful environment. He walk over to the boy and said, "Son, come sit with me here on the couch. I want to tell you a story."

      The two walked over to the couch. The grandfather sat up comfortably prepared to tell his tale while the boy sat slouched beside him. "Son, sometimes, I also become very angry about the injustices done to me. People treat me as if I don't know any better or as if I'm not equal to them. They mistake my kindness for weakness. They treat me so badly and have no remorse whatsoever for the wrongs they do." He puts his arm around the boy and pulls him closer to him as he continues, " But hate wears you down and does not hurt your enemy. It is like taking poison and waiting for your enemy to die. I struggle with these feelings many times."

      Gently placing his fingers under the boys chin to lift his head up, he looks into the boys eyes, smiles and says, "It is as if two wolves live inside of me. One wolf is good and does no harm. He gets along with everybody, is joyful, uplifting and encouraging. He lives in harmony with everyone around him and does not take offense when the offense was not intended. He will only fight when it is right to do so and in the right manner."

      Then with a scowl on his face and a deep voice says,"But the other wolf... ahhh! He is full of anger and rage! The littlest thing will set him into a tantrum! He fights with everybody, all the time, for no reason! He feels so much bitterness and hatred! He cannot think because his anger and hatred are so great! It is hard for me to live with these two wolves inside of me. They both try to rule my Spirit."

       The boy intently looked into his grandfather's eyes and asked, "Which one wins, grandpa? The  good wolf that does no harm or the other wolf that is full of anger?"

       Solemnly, the grandfather looks at the boy and in a gentle voice replies, "The one I feed."

Ephesians 4:26-27  And "don't sin by letting anger control you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.                  NLT

God knows we will, at times. become angry. But He expects us to take a moment to clear our thoughts so that we can calm down and receive His Peace. Once we receive His Peace it opens up room in our hearts for His Love and His Forgiveness. Once we recieve His Love and His Forgiveness, then we are able to love and forgive others.

May you all have His Peace, His Love and His Forgiveness deep within your hearts. Be kind and understanding with one another. This is everybody's planet and we must all share it!

God bless!

Shalom!