A Letter From God To You

Today I will be handling All of your problems for you. I do Not need your help. So, have a nice day. I love you

P.S. And, remember... If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do Not attempt to resolve it yourself! Kindly put it in the SFGTD (something for God to do) box. I will get to it in MY TIME. All situations will be resolved, but in My time, not yours.

Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold onto it by worrying about it. Instead, focus on all the wonderful things that are present in your life now.

Now, you have a nice day.God

God has seen you struggling, God says it's over. A blessing is coming your way. If you believe in God,

Dangers Lurk In The Darkness

"This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is the light, and in him is no darkness at all." "He that saith he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no occasion of him stumbling" (1 John 2:10-11).

Dangers lurks in the darkness! Darkness is invading the minds of many Christians. They have unwittingly allowed the devil to project darkness into their thoughts about God. Many say that they believe in him yet they live a life completely opposite to his holiness. We can't have it both ways. There is danger lurking in the darkness of the Soul, Heart, Mind and Conscience. Being in darkness actually means that you can't see where you are spiritually. We are taught by the apostle Paul to examine ourselves (II Corinthians 13:5). We check our bank account, we weigh ourselves on the scale, we check our gas gauge, we check our oil levels, we check our phone messages etc. We must also check or examine ourselves. One dark spot on a clean white shirt calls for an immediate change church! Here's what darkness does . . .

1. Darkness - if allowed in the soul, it will try to corrupt your confidence in God by blocking your reception to spiritual knowledge (Proverbs 19:1-2).

2. Darkness - if allowed in the heart, confuses your thinking causing you to judge others while justifying your own actions (Isaiah 5:19-21).

3. Darkness - If allowed in the mind, causes spiritual blindness projected by the devil (II Corinthians 4:3-4). You will become indifferent and selective in your service to God. It will turn you outward toward your flesh instead of inward to your true self, spirit (Romans 8:5).

4. Darkness - If allowed in the conscience, kills your ability to feel anything or repair yourself and then causes you to depart from the faith spiritually, your in church ritually but you fall victim to sin listening to seducing spirits, the murmurs, the gossips, liars etc.(I Tim. 4:1-2).

5. Darkness - If allowed in the spirit, returns you to your former state before the cross (II Peter 2:9-22). You may attend church but you're bringing the worldliness with you. Having a form of godliness but denying the power of God (II Timothy 3:1-7). Your an "Old Self!"

Christmas

In origin Christmas is pagan, it is not found in the Bible neither did the early pre-Catholic church celebrate it. The name itself is from the Old English ‘Mass of Christ’ = Christmas.

Pagan festivities, merrymaking, the giving of presents coupled with the worship of idols and pagan gods with human sacrifice is lost in the myths of time. New Year was the time when pagans celebrated the return of the Sun and worshipped it. It is these festivals that continue today in the form of Christmas.

The early church father, Tertullian (died 220?) wrote a treatise ‘De Idololatria’ in which he chastises Christians for putting wreaths on their doors and other practices of idolatry practised at the new year.

At that time many Christians were found and persecuted who did not decorate their homes with lamps, laurels and other decorations, at the New Year. Laurels were placed on doors to honour various door, home and hinge gods.

It is clear that the custom of giving presents and celebration was well established at this time (c200) from Tertullian’s writing on Idolatry. The customs of giving presents at New Year can be traced back to Babel prior to the dispersion of mankind and was very widespread at this time.

The Romans celebrated the great holiday Saturnalia from 17 to 21 December in remembrance of the great golden age. During this time slaves were given limited freedom and served by their masters. On the 22 came Sigillaria, the feast of dolls when dolls were given to children amongst other toys. On 25 December came Brumalia, otherwise known as ‘Dies Natalis Invicti Solis’ The Birthday of the Unconquered Sun. This was to celebrate the time of year when the days began to lengthen after the solstice. This date was quite recent being instituted by the Emperor Aurelian in honour of Mithras, the Persian Sun God of which he was a worshiper around 270-273.

The last date of the Roman holiday was Kalendae Januarri, New Year’s Day when everybody gave gifts to everyone else.

In Britain the New Year was celebrated in the feast of Yule and in Norway the feast or festival of the god Thor.

The Roman church when Christianity was legalised incorporated these feasts into the one feast ‘Christmas’. Instead of ridding the church of idolatry they incorporated it into the church! So from around 336 the church at Rome set the date of Christ’s birth at 25 December but this was not followed by other churches, the date finally being accepted in the fifth century. The Arminian church still celebrates Christmas on 6 January.
Many dates were ascribed for the date of Christ’s birth by the early church, 6 January, March 24 and 28, April 2, 19, May 20 and December 25 this last date being accepted by the church at Rome.

The ancients worshipped trees on all continents. Even today some pagans still worship trees. This practise was widespread in Europe before and after Christianity began.

Pope Gregory 1 wrote a letter to Augustine of Canterbury (c600) to encourage the continued pagan use of decorating buildings with evergreens. Augustine had been concerned with paganism in what is now England, again the answer was to incorporate this into Catholicism. Many Druid temples were converted to ‘churches’ sometimes even retaining the pagan priests! Hence started the concept of the church being the building/temple (the house of a god) as opposed to the church being the people of God.

Ivy was the badge of the wine god Bacchus and was banished to the outside of the house, Holly was allowed inside and hence we have the competition between ‘the Holly and the Ivy’.

Mistletoe is of Celtic origin and was known as ‘all-heal’ and was believed to have certain miraculous powers. Mistletoe is found on the Oak tree which was highly venerated by the Oak Priests (Druids) of the many Celtic tribes across Europe and England. Because of it’s association with the Druids many denominations have in times past refused it’s use in decorations in church buildings.

Christmas hymns started in the eastern church from around 760. Carols which are festive songs as opposed to devotional hymns started around 1100 but were not in regular use until the 1300s onwards.
In the 1640s in England, Christmas was dismissed as being pagan and outlawed. During the early nineteenth century it was revived particularly by Albert the Husband of queen Victoria who re-introduced the fir-tree into the celebrations.

Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen (Jer. 10:2).



Blue skies and rainbows and sunbeams from heaven Are what I can see when my Lord is living in me
I know that Jesus is well and alive today He makes His home in my heart Never more will I be all alone since He Promised me that we never would part

Tall mountains, green valleys, the beauty that surrounds me All make me aware of the One who made it all
Green grass and flowers all blooming in springtime Are works of the Master I live for each day
I'm not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus For it is the power that saves men today

Merry Christmas

Jesus The Faithful One. We should have hope and confidence in Him. We hold all of our trust in Him.We carry our hope in our hearts. We rest in His faithfulness. We believe in the promises He has made. He promise's to fulfill each one. He has the authority to change our lives. He has always accomplished all that. He has spoken His power is limitless. His character is changless. His love is endless. With Jesus you'll never be friendless!

Something To Think About

Everyday is a good day when you are in the Lord. You should always expect something good to happen instead of the worst. The best way to remember this truth is to remind yourself of it each morning and at night before you close your eyes, this will encourage you to look forward to the next day as a good day!

A Talk With God

Our Father Who Art In Heaven. Person Praying
Yes? God

Don't interrupt me. I'm praying.Person Praying
But -- you called ME! God

Called you?No, I didn't call you.I'm praying.Our Father who art in Heaven. Person Praying
There -- you did it again! God

Did what! ?Person Praying
Called ME.You said,'Our Father who art in Heaven'Well, here I am.What's on your mind? God

But I didn't mean anything by it.I was, you know, just saying my prayers for the day.I always say the Lor d's Prayer.It makes me feel good,kind of like fulfilling a duty. Person Praying
Well, all right.Go on. God

Okay, Hallowed be thy name . Person Praying
Hold it right there.What do you mean by that? God

By what? Person Praying
By 'Hallowed be thy name'? God

It means, it means . . good grief,I don't know what it means.How in the world should I know?It's just a part of the prayer..By the way, what does it mean? Person Praying
It means honored, holy, wonderful. God

Hey, that makes sense.I never thought about what 'hallowed' meant before.Thanks.Thy Kingdom come,Thy will be done,on earth as it is in Heaven. Person Praying
Do you really mean that? God

Sure, why not? Person Praying
What are you doing about it? God

Doing? Why, nothing, I guess.I just think it would be ki nd of neat if you gotcontrol,of everything down here like you have upthere.We're kinda in a mess down here you know. Person Praying
Yes, I know;but, have I got control of you? God

Well, I go to church. Person Praying
That isn't what I asked you.What about your bad temper?You've really got a problem there, you know.And then there's the way you spend your money --all on yourself.And what about the kind of books you read ? God

Now hold on just a minute!Stop picking on me!I'm just as good as some of the rest of thosePeople at church! Person Praying
Excuse ME.I thought yo u were prayingfor my will to be done.If that is to happen,it will have to start with the ones who are praying for it.Like you -- for example .. God

Oh, all right. I guess I do have some hang-ups.Now that you mention it,I could probably name some others. Person Praying
So could I. ; God

I haven't thought about it very much until now,but I really would like to cut out some of those things.I would like to, you know, be really free. Person Praying
Good.Now we're getting somewhere. We'll work together -- You and ME.I'm proud of You. God

Look, Lord, if you don't mind,I need to finish up here.This is taking a lot longer than it usually does.Give us this day, our daily bread. Person Praying
You need to cut out the bread.You're overweight as it is. God

Hey, wait a minute! What is this?Here I was doing my religious duty,and all of a sudden you break inand remind me of all my hang-ups. Person Praying
Praying is a dangerous thing.You just might get what you ask for.Remember,you called ME -- and here I am.It's too late to stop now..Keep praying. ( . pause . . )Well, go on. God

I'm scared to. Person Praying
Scared? Of what? God

I know what you'll say. Person Praying
Try ME. God

Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.. Person Praying
What about Ann? God

See? I knew it!I knew you would bring her up!Why, Lord, she's told lies about me, spread stories.She never paid back the money she owes me.I've sworn to get even ! with her! Person Praying
But -- your prayer --What about your prayer? God

I didn't -- mean it. Person Praying
Well, at least you're honest.But, it's quite a load carrying around all that bitterness and resentment isn't it? God

Yes, but I'll feel better as soon as I get even with her.Boy, have I got some plans for her.She'll wish she had never been born. Person Praying
No, you won't feel any better.You'll feel worse.Revenge isn't sweet.You know how unhappy you are --Well, I can change that. God

You can? How? Person Praying
Forgive Ann.Then, I'll forgive you;And the hate and the sin,will be Ann's problem -- not yours.You will have settled the problemas far as you are concerned. God

Oh, you know, you're right.You always are..And more than I want revenge, P
I want to be right with You . . (sigh).All right all right . .I forgive her. Peson Praying
There now!Wonderful!How do you feel? God

Hmmmm. Well, not bad.Not bad at all!In fact, I feel pretty great!You know, I don't think I'll go to bed uptight tonight.I haven't been getting much rest, you know. Person Praying
Yeah, I know.But, you're not through with your prayer are you? Go on. God

Oh, all right.And lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from evil. Person Praying
Good! Good! I'll do that.Just don't put yourself in a placewhere you can be tempted. God

What do you mean by that? Person Praying
You know what I mean. God

Yeah. I know. Person Praying
Okay.Go ahead. Finish your prayer. God
For Thine is the kingdom,and the power,and the glory forever.Amen. Person Praying
Do you know what would bring me glory --What would really make me happy? God

No, but I'd like to know.I want to please you now.I've really made a mess of things.I want to truly follow you.I can see now how great that would be.So, tell me . . .How do I make you happy? Person Praying

YOU just did.! GOD

Forrest Gump Goes To Heaven!!!!!!

The day finally arrived. Forrest Gump dies and goes to Heaven.

He is at the Pearly Gates, met by St. Peter himself. However, the gates are closed, and Forrest approaches the gatekeeper.

St. Peter said, 'Well, Forrest, it is certainly good to see you. We have heard a lot about you. I must tell you, though, that the place is filling up fast, and we have been administering an entrance examination for everyone. The test is short, but you have to pass it before you can get into Heaven.'

Forrest responds, 'It sure is good to be here, St. Peter, sir. But nobody ever told me about any entrance exam. I sure hope that the test ain't too hard. Life was a big enough test as it was.'

St. Peter continued, 'Yes, I know, Forrest, but the test is only three questions First: What two days of the week begin with the letter T Second: How many seconds are there in a year? Third: What is God's first name?'

Forrest leaves to think the questions over. He returns the next day and sees St. Peter, who waves him up, and says, 'Now that you have had a chance to think the questions over, tell me your answers'

Forrest replied, 'Well, the first one -- which two days in the week begins with the letter 'T'? Shucks, that one is easy. That would be Today and Tomorrow.'

The Saint's eyes opened wide and he exclaimed, 'Forrest, that is not what I was thinking, but you do have a point, and I guess I did not specify, so I will give you credit for that answer. How about the next one?' asked St. Peter. How many seconds in a year?

Now that one is harder,' replied Forrest, but I thunk and thunk about that, and I guess the only answer can be twelve.'
Astounded, St. Peter said, 'Twelve? Twelve? Forrest, how in Heaven's name could you come up with twelve seconds in a year?'

Forrest replied, 'Shucks, there's got to be twelve: January 2nd, February 2nd, March 2nd... 'Hold it,' interrupts St. Peter. 'I see where you are going with this, and I see your point, though that was not quite what I had in mind....but I will have to give you credit for that one, too. Let us go on with the third and final question.

'Andy?' exclaimed an exasperated and frustrated St Peter. 'Ok, I can understand how you came up with your answers to my first two questions, but just how in the world did you come up with the name Andy as the first name of God?' 'Shucks, that was the easiest one of all,' Forrest replied. 'I learnt it from the song, 'ANDY WALKS WITH ME, ANDY TALKS WITH ME, ANDY TELLS ME I AM HIS OWN.'

St. Peter opened the Pearly Gates, and said: 'RUN Forrest, RUN.'

But They Made Light Of It......Matt 22:5

When we examine our lives we have certain things that are absolutely first on our list of priorities. The light bill, the gas bill the mortgage or rent are all up there with the high priorities. They are considered high priorities because we know the consequences of not paying those bills. Now, if the dentist or the lawn care guy doesn't get his money we realize that the world won't come to an end. But if we don't pay the essential bills then we know that of a certainty we will be disconnected. If the electric bill is cut off we realize that the food will spoil, we won't have heat, we will utterly have to walk around in the dark. We wouldn't be able to cook in most cases. Most of us wouldn't be able to use the garage door. Electrical power is essential to the productivity of our lives.

Jesus says, "All power has been given unto me . . . (Matthew 28:18.)" There is natural power like electricity, gas, etc., and there is supernatural power. Somehow we make light of the supernatural power that comes only from Jesus! If we don't have that power if we don't keep our commitment to him how is it that we can't see that the very same thing that happens in the natural also happens in the supernatural, we will be cut off! The reason why most people fail to make the connection (get it)? is because they 'make light of it!' There are so many people who want to be Christians but don't want to identify with Christ. They don't want to keep the connection they just keep shorting out. It would hurt our feelings deeply if the people we love failed to take us seriously. Some people do make light of other's feelings. When a man says that he loves a woman sometimes she'll see his feelings as an opportunity to get money from him. We must be careful not to see Jesus as a person that we can get blessings from simply because he says to us "I love you!"

We should take our personal lives seriously but making light of our spiritual invitation to love, serve and spend time in celebration with our King. The entire world has learned that if they plan not to do something they must come up with a good excuse, but the question is a good excuse for who? The excuse is what people use to explain but not caring to be involved, being unconcerned and indifferent is called making light of the invitation. There is a definite problem in the way some people think that's where the problem lies.

You Have A Right To Remain Silent

How many of us have ever sat down and thought about how our God feels as he watches the choices that we make in life? How do you think God feels about the choices you make? We know about the text book answers about glorifying him, praising him, but do we think about God's feelings being hurt? Because we definitely want people to know how we feel when we have our feelings injured. We refuse to talk. We run silent and run deep staring into nothing. God has feelings! We can quickly think about our God getting angry. But how many times have we seriously thought about the way his feelings are hurt as a Father when one of his children break their oath? You have the right to remain silent?

One of the greatest hindrances in being completely dedicated to Jesus is the excuse of fulfilling our own personal desires. We all have personal obligations and God understands that. But the Lord's focus is not on our natural desires because those desires are what often cause us to forsake him or have gotten us into trouble again and again. God's focus is on our supernatural desires. Listen carefully, He gave us all gifts but we get the idea that we can just dedicate our gifts you know, do something every now and then. However, you must realize the danger of that thinking that's like saying, your doing God a favor! Take a look at your personal life and how dedicated you are to it. Now, compare that to how dedicated you are to God. You have the right to remain silent. There is only one thing you can dedicate to God, and that is to give up your right to yourself (Romans 12:1).

Sometimes we all get fed up with people. We feel like were being disrespected, neglected, rejected and even disconnected but not respected. And God who made us in his image also has times when he allows his feelings to show. Have you ever hurt God's feelings? You have a right to remain silent!

A Great Thanksgiving Story

One day, a poor boy who was selling goods from door to door to pay his way through school, found he had only one thin dime left, and he was hungry.

He decided he would ask for a meal at the next house. However, he lost his nerve when a lovely young woman opened the door. Instead of a meal he asked for a drink of water. She thought he looked hungry so brought him a large glass of milk. He drank it slowly, and then asked, 'How much do I owe you?'

'You don't owe me anything,' she replied 'Mother has taught us never to accept payment for a kindness.' He said... 'Then I thank you from my heart.'

As Howard Kelly left that house, he not only felt; stronger physically, but his faith in God and man was strong also. He had been ready to give up and quit.

Years later that young woman became critically ill. The local doctors were baffled. They finally sent her to the big city, where they called in specialists to study her rare disease. Dr. Howard Kelly was called in for the consultation. When he heard the name of the town she came from, a strange light filled his eyes.

Immediately he rose and went down the hall of the hospital to her room. Dressed in his doctor's gown he went in to see her. He recognized her at once. He went back to the consultation room determined to do his best to save her life. From that day he gave special attention to the case.

After a long struggle, the battle was won. Dr. Kelly requested the business office to pass the final bill to him for approval. He looked at it, then wrote something on the edge and the bill was sent to her room.

She feared to open it, for she was sure it would take the rest of her life to pay for it all. Finally, she looked, and something caught; her attention on the side as She read these words.....

'Paid in full with one glass of milk.' (Signed) Dr. Howard Kelly.

Tears of joy flooded her eyes as her happy heart prayed: 'Thank You, GOD, that Your love has spread abroad through human hearts and hands.'

The Word Remission (Acts2:28)

Have you ever been really hurt by someone? Most conflict occurs over silly things where two opposite opinions clash and spin out of control until it blows up into a full scale fight or argument. Sometimes people will not speak to each other for days, months and even years. The rationalization is, "I don't need to be bothered with that person in my life." But then you find yourself not going to places if you know the person will also attend. Some people go out of their way to avoid seeing someone. Well, socially you may never speak to that person again but truthfully and psychologically you're carrying that person around with you in your heart wherever you go, it's a disease of UN-forgiveness! What makes it a disease? It's a disease because it eats at you in your heart, soul, mind and conscience continually. And you think about it over and over again periodically. The therapeutic gossip approach is to talk about that person to someone else which only makes the thing bigger. There are many diseases that eat and deteriorate the human body but the greatest affect is seen in what it does to the mind. When people get their feelings hurt they think of all kinds of crazy things relating to revenge, retaliation, retribution, road-blocking, anything to hurt the person back. The pain from this kind of disease will never stop until it's treated and sent into remission. Remission means the symptoms begin to disappear and eventually you're cured. What kind of hurt are you carrying around inside you?

God's feelings are hurt by millions of people every day and you and I are in that number. But we don't think of God's feelings like we do our own. The difference between God and us is he's willing to forgive us and forget about the hurt right away. God so loved the world that he gave his Son Jesus for the sole purpose of granting us remission of our sins. How can we say that we are God's people, God's children and yet we sensitively carry our feelings on our shoulders refusing to forgive others? She who doesn't identify with God's forgiving nature is not of God! Today we look at a forgiving father, a repentant son and an unforgiving brother (Luke 15:11-32). The quickest way to be cured from anyone hurting you is to forgive them as fast as you can, then the hurt and pain can go into remission!

The Top 5 Fear List

The fear of man brings a snare, but he who trusts in the Lord will be exalted.Proverbs 29:25

A college professor did a survey of two thousand students and asked them what their greatest fears were. Here is the list of their top five fears:

1. Public speaking;
2. Blindness;
3. Heights;
4. Heart attack or cancer;
5. Death.

Fear is a snare. A trap. It can cause us to become paralyzed and discouraged. It intimidates us and causes us to feel inferior to others and to our circumstances. I believe fear operates like a magnifying glass, making seemingly small objects and circumstances seem giant and insurmountable.

Today, I believe too many Christians suffer from what I call the "What If Syndrome." Like a dog chasing its tail, they don't make any decisions because they continually worry "What if...?"

This is exactly how the devil wants you to think.You see, if Satan can get fear to line the interior of your soul, it becomes like a impenetrable coating that causes you to take your focus off God. Satan will do all he can to keep us from yielding our lives to God and experiencing His peace and love.

First Peter 5:8 tells us, "Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." He is trying to use the snare of fear to devour us!But God's Word says, "He who trusts in the Lord will be exalted."

And although Satan may win a few battles on this earth, the victory is God's in the end.Fear is the emotional pain in the soul of unbelief. When we feel fearful, it is God's warning light to us that we need to respond with faith; fear and faith cannot exist in the same spot simultaneously.

Are You Spinning Plates?

Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.Psalm 127:1.

Do you remember the man who spun the plates on the "Ed Sullivan Show" years ago? I've never forgotten him.He would start at one end of a long table, place a stick perpendicular to the table, then spin a plate on the stick. Working on down the table, he would place other plates and set them to spinning on their own sticks. As the first plate began to wobble, the man would rush back and expertly spin it again as the audience breathed a sigh of relief.On he would go...seven, eight, nine plates. By this time, plates two, three and four were now beginning to wobble. But just before you knew everything would come crashing down, he would quickly scoop up all of the plates in his professional hands and bow to the applause of the audience.

Similarly, the roles we assume in life as husband, wife, father, mother, businessman, civic leader, church leader, Sunday School teacher...all represent different plates in our lives. We begin spinning them early in our married lives, with plate number one being our marriages. Through the years we add other plates-career, children, church responsibilities-and our efforts to focus become more difficult.The real problems come when we begin to make wrong choices.

We mistakenly choose to meet more material "needs" by applying our efforts primarily to our work. This isn't about keeping our families from starving, but more about status, significance and the accumulation of "more."The result is that our focus is lost. We add even more plates. Important plates begin to wobble-even fall and shatter.

How are your essential plates spinning? Any wobbling? Are you giving your energy to the right "ones" according to God's value system?

The Grocery List

Louise Redden, a poorly dressed lady with a look of defeat on her face, walked into a grocery store. She approached the owner of the store in a most humble manner and asked if he would let her charge a few groceries.

She softly explained that her husband was very ill and unable to work, they had seven children and they needed food.

John Longhouse, the grocer, scoffed at her and requested that she leave his store at once.

Visualizing the family needs, she said: "Please, sir! I will bring you the money just as soon as I can."

John told her he could not give her credit, since she did not have a charge account at his store.

Standing beside the counter was a customer who overheard the conversation between the two. The customer walked forward and told the grocer that he would stand good for whatever she needed for her family.

The grocer said in a very reluctant voice, "Do you have a grocery list?

"Louise replied, "Yes sir." "O.K" he said, "put your grocery list on the scales and whatever your grocery list weighs, I will give you that amount in groceries.

"Louise, hesitated a moment with a bowed head, then she reached into her purse and took out a piece of paper and scribbled something on it. She then laid the piece of paper on the scale carefully with her head still bowed.

The eyes of the grocer and the customer showed amazement when the scales went down and stayed down.

The grocer, staring at the scales, turned slowly to the customer and said begrudgingly, "I can't believe it."

The customer smiled and the grocer started putting the groceries on the other side of the scales. The scale did not balance so he continued to put more and more groceries on them until the scales would hold no more. The grocer stood there in utter disgust.

Finally, he grabbed the piece of paper from the scales and looked at it with greater amazement.It was not a grocery list, it was a prayer, which said:"Dear Lord, you know my needs and I am leaving this in your hands."

The grocer gave her the groceries that he had gathered and stood in stunned silence.Louise thanked him and left the store.The other customer handed a fifty-dollar bill to the grocer and said;"It was worth every penny of it . Only God Knows how much a prayer weighs.

trust God to heal the sick, provide food for the hungry, clothes and shelter for those that don't have as we do. Amen & Amen

O The Power Of Prayer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THE SCARS OF LIFE

Some years ago, on a hot summer day in south Florida, a little boy decided to go for a swim in the old swimming hole behind his house. In a hurry to dive into the cool water, he ran out the back door, leaving behind shoes, socks, and shirt as he went. He flew into the water, not realizing that as he swam toward the middle of the lake, an alligator was swimming toward the
shore.

His father, working in the yard, saw the two as they got closer and closer together. In utter fear, he ran toward the water, yelling to his son as loudly as he could.

Hearing his voice, the little boy became alarmed and made a U-turn to swim to his father. It was too late. Just as he reached his father, the alligator reached him.

From the dock, the father grabbed his little boy by the arms just as the alligator snatched his legs. That began an incredible tug-of-war between the two. The alligator was much stronger than the father, but the father was much too passionate to let go.

A farmer happened to drive by, heard his screams, raced from his truck, took aim and shot the alligator.

Remarkably, after weeks and weeks in the hospital, the little boy survived His legs were extremely scarred by the vicious attack of the animal. And, on his arms, were deep scratches where his father's fingernails dug into his flesh in his effort to hang on to the son he loved.

The newspaper reporter who interviewed the boy after the trauma, asked if he would show him his scars. The boy lifted his pant legs. And then, with obvious pride, he said to the reporter, "But look at my arms. I have great scars on my arms, too. I have them because my Dad wouldn't let go."

You and I can identify with that little boy. We have scars, too. No, not from an alligator, but the scars of a painful past. Some of those scars are unsightly and have caused us deep regret. But some wounds, my friend, are because God has refused to let you go. In the midst of your struggle, He's been there holding on to you.

The Scripture teaches that God loves you. You are a child of God. He wants to protect you and provide for you in every way. But sometimes we foolishly wade into dangerous situations, not knowing what lies ahead. The swimming hole of life is filled with peril - and we forget that the enemy is waiting to attack. That's when the tug-of-war begins - and if you have the scars of His love on your arms, be very, very grateful. He did not and will not ever let you go.

What good will it be for you to gain the world and loose your soul? Or what can you give in exchange for your soul? Matthew :16-26

The Visitor

You Took My Parking Space at ChurchThis should wake us up.

One day, a man went to visit a church. He got there early, parked his car and got out. Another car pulled up near him. The driver got out and said, "I always park there! You took my place!"
The visitor went inside for Sunday School, found an empty seat and sat down. A young lady from the church approached him and stated, "That's my seat! You took my place!"
The visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude welcome, but said nothing.
After Sunday School, the visitor went into the sanctuary and sat down.Another member walked up to him and said, "That's where I always sit! You took my place!"
The visitor was even more troubled by this treatment, but still He said nothing.
Later as the congregation was praying for Christ to dwell among them, the visitor stood up, and his appearance began to change. Horrible scars became visible on his hands and on his sandaled feet. Someone from the congregation noticed him and called out, "What happened to you?"
T he visitor replied, as his hat became a crown of thorns, and a tear fell from his eye, "I took your place."

This is powerful.
Maybe, just maybe, we can get the world to start thinking of who took our place.

Our Wardrobe(Love)

And then as the crowning touch to all the other garments in this unique wardrobe, we need to wear LOVE. Love is the finishing touch that covers up blemishes; it fills in the missing gaps, and mends the frayed edges. God's love, worn in our hearts, motivates us to want to wear all these garments.

So, here they are, God's wardrobe all prepared for you: Compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, tolerance, forgiveness, peace, thankfulness and love. You've heard it said that the clothes make the person. Well, that certainly is true with this special wardrobe for our inner persons which as Christians we are told to "put on." The good news is that all of us can afford this wardrobe and we will be the best dressed person on the job if we wear these lovely garments regularly!

But how in the world do we do that? If you're finding that they just don't fit, or you don't know how in your real everyday situation to be patient or kind or gentle or thankful, then how can we put on these beautiful clothes which every Christian should wear? I want to encourage you to believe that you can be God's well dressed person.

How can we acquire these unique clothes? Colossians 3 says we should wear compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, tolerance, forgiveness, peace, thankfulness and love. You may recognize these as the fruit of the Spirit of God-the evidence of the fact that God's Spirit is living within you.

I have found it helpful to think of them as garments that I should wear. And the wonderful thing to know is that these garments are intended for everyone; they are within our grasp, and they look wonderful on all of us.

Putting on these garments is not an act of our emotions, it is an act of our will. When you know you're facing a day that will require, for instance, a great deal of patience, keep repeating that you will put on patience for that day. Put it on by faith, regardless of whether you feel patient or not.
Secondly, many of these inner garments do not come naturally to our various personalities, but that's no excuse. We often let ourselves off the hook by saying, "Well, that's just the way I am," but it's not the way we should be. Don't let your personality be an excuse for not making God's best dressed list.

Every morning before you leave home, dress the inner person. You wouldn't leave home without dressing the outer person, but many of us rush out without even thinking about dressing the inner person. So, every day start putting on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, peace, thankfulness, tolerance and love.

Our Wardrobe(Thankfulness)

Would you be voted one of God's best dressed people? You can be, if you'll wear the wardrobe He's prepared for you.

The third chapter of Colossians tells us we are to "put on" certain garments, and we've seen that we need to wear compassion, kindness, humility, patience, forgiveness, tolerance, peace and gentleness. But there are a couple more.

THANKFULNESS is absolutely essential in your wardrobe if you want to be a well-dressed Christian. There usually is lots of complaining going on in most any job environment. If you wear thankfulness you won't complain. You'll be too busy counting your blessings.

Our Wardrobe(Peace)

PEACE is the next beautiful garment in God's wardrobe. Are you peaceful? Or do you fret and worry a lot? Perfect peace comes by fixing your mind on Jesus Christ. Have you tried any peace on lately? It's the most wonderfully comfortable garment in the whole wardrobe, and you'll want to wear it constantly.

Would you be voted one of God's best dressed people? You can be, if you'll wear the wardrobe He's prepared for you.

Our Wardrobe(Forgiveness)

FORGIVENESS-the word itself is beautiful. And, what a wonderful garment to have and to wear. God tells us to forgive others as He has forgiven us. Are you harboring an unforgiving attitude in your heart toward someone? Even if you have been mistreated, you need to put on forgiveness. Even if you haven't been asked to forgive, you need to wear forgiveness. And even if you've forgiven them for the same thing time and again, you need to keep forgiving.

You'll be amazed to see that in forgiving others, you relieve yourself from an immense burden of bitterness and resentment. And you experience God's forgiveness for you in greater measure, so you rid yourself of guilt. Forgiveness will look great on you!

Our Wardrobe (Tolerance)

We've seen that we should wear compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. The next garment is "bearing with one another" - or TOLERANCE. Tolerance is that beautiful quality of allowing other people to be different from us, even different from what we think they should be, and loving them and appreciating them for who they are. If we wore tolerance to work every day, we wouldn't be upset when people didn't do just what we thought they should do. We'd allow them more room for error. We'd bend over backwards to understand where they're coming from, and to give them more time to grow and learn.

God has to remind me that he deals with each of us individually.Just because He is teaching me one lesson doesn't mean that all my friends have to learn it simultaneously! Tolerance is the garment that allows us to "bear with" others, and it'll look good on you!

Our Wardrobe (Gentleness)

GENTLENESS. I'm always overwhelmed with the amazing gentleness of Jesus Christ. Oh, how we need to wear His gentleness to work everyday. We need that gentle and quiet spirit which Peter tells us is precious in the sight of God.

Often our words can pierce and hurt people before we realize what we're doing. We need to pray for a gentle tongue. Gentle answers turn away anger, as we are told in Proverbs 15:1, and a gentle spirit brings peace to chaotic situations. It is a precious garment, and everyone will love it on you!

Our Wardrobe (Humility)

The third garment in this special wardrobe is HUMILITY.

The world system often gives negative connotations to humility, as though it was weak or wimpy. But that's an incorrect assessment of true humility. The Bible defines humility as a lack of pride, and an awareness of who we are in comparison to who God is. If your assessment of yourself is inflated, and you have a "know-it-all" attitude, you're not wearing humility, and you're missing an important outfit in your wardrobe.

Our Wardrobe (Kindness)

KINDNESS
Is the second garment in the closet of a well dressed Christian. Have you been too busy to wear any kindness lately? Do you take it on and off, depending on your mood or who you're with? Sometimes we are least kind to the people we're with the most. It seems we save our kind behavior for people we don't see very often, as though it were in short supply. We really need to show kindness to those people we work with. God has plenty of it, so wear it to work everyday. You'll look terrific!

Note: I started with this series on June the 10th it was on Compassion and I got side tracked so I would like to finish the series.Sorry about that!

Something To Think About

She jumped up as soon as she saw the surgeon come out of the operating room.. She said: 'How is my little boy? Is he going to be all right? When can I see him?'The surgeon said, 'I'm sorry. We did all we could, but your boy didn't make it.'

Sally said, 'Why do little children get cancer? Doesn't God care any more? Where were you,

God, when my son needed you?' The surgeon asked, 'Would you like some time alone with your son? One of the nurses will be out in a few minutes, before he's transported to the university.

' Sally asked the nurse to stay with her while she said good bye to son. She ran her fingers lovingly through his thick red curly hair. 'Would you like a lock of his hair?' the nurse asked. Sally nodded yes. The nurse cut a lock of the boy's hair, put it in a plastic bag and handed it to Sally.

The mother said, 'It was Jimmy's idea to donate his body to the University for Study. He said it might help somebody else. 'I said no at first, but Jimmy said, 'Mom, I won't be using it after I die. Maybe it will help some other little boy spend one more day with his Mom.' She went on, 'My Jimmy had a heart of gold. Always thinking of someone else. Always wanting to help others if he could.

Sally walked out of Children's Mercy Hospital for the last time, after spending most of the last six months there. She put the bag with Jimmy's belongings on the seat beside her in the car.

The drive home was difficult. It was even harder to enter the empty house. She carried Jimmy's belongings, and the plastic bag with the lock of his hair to her son's room.

She started placing the model cars and other personal things back in his room exactly where he had always kept them. She lay down across his bed and, hugging his pillow, cried herself to sleep.

It was around midnight when Sally awoke. Lying beside her on the bed was a folded letter. The letter said:

'Dear Mom,

I know you're going to miss me; but don't think that I will ever forget you, or stop loving you, just 'cause I'm not around to say 'I Love You'. I will always love you, Mom, even more with each day. Someday we will see each other again. Until then, if you want to adopt a little boy so you won't be so lonely, that's okay with me. He can have my room and old stuff to play with. But, if you decide to get a girl instead, she probably wouldn't like the same things us boys do. You'll have to buy her dolls and stuff girls like, you know. Don't be sad thinking about me. This really is a neat place. Grandma and Grandpa met me as soon as I got here and showed me around some, but it will take a long time to see everything. The angels are so cool. I love to watch them fly. And, you know what? Jesus doesn't look like any of his pictures. Yet, when I saw Him, I knew it was Him. Jesus himself took me to see GOD! And guess what, Mom? I got to sit on God's knee and talk to Him, like I was somebody important. That's when I told Him that I wanted to write you a letter, to tell you goodbye and everything. But I already knew that wasn't allowed. Well, you know what Mom? God handed me some paper and His own personal pen to write you this letter. I think Gabriel is the name of the angel who is going to drop this letter off to you. God said for me to give you the answer to one of the questions you asked Him 'where was He when I needed him?' God said He was in the same place with me, as when His son Jesus was on the cross. He was right there, as He always is with all His children.

Oh, by the way, Mom, no one else can see what I've written except you. To everyone else this is just a blank piece of paper. Isn't that cool? I have to give God His pen back now He needs it to write some more names in the Book of Life. Tonight I get to sit at the table with Jesus for supper. I'm sure the food will be great. Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. I don't hurt anymore the cancer is all gone.. I'm glad because I couldn't stand that pain anymore and God couldn't stand to see me hurt so much, either. That's when He sent The Angel of Mercy to come get me. The Angel said I was a Special Delivery! How about that?

Signed with Love from God, Jesus & Me.

A Holy Man and the Lord

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.

Cutting Corners Psalms 127:1

Dad and Son was a very prominent housing construction business. One day Dad called his son and gave him an assignment to build a twenty room mansion while he traveled to expand their business. Spare no expense on the best materials his father said, and I'll see you in about eight months. The son was eager to start the work and please his father. But when choosing the foundation he began building on sandstone instead of granite. He thought this house will last for at least forty years before anyone discovers it's unstable. Then he thought about other ways that he could save on expenses and pocket the money. He cut corners everywhere he could by using inferior materials on the overall structure of the house. But throughout the interior and exterior the house was very beautiful. He thought to himself; dad will be pleased and no one will ever no that I saved thousands of dollars. His father returned and they took a look at the completed twenty room mansion. The son handed his father the keys and said well dad what do you think? The father stared at the house for a while, then he scratched his head. He turned and handed the keys back to his son and said I think you deserve this house!

Did the father know that his son had cut corners on the building, of course he did? The same way that God knows it when we fail to build with the right spiritual materials. The son had only to imitate his father by following his father's instructions and he would have pleased his father. The bible gives us instructions from our Father on how to build our spiritual house. Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it (Psalm 127:1). We must be very careful not to cut corners in building our personal lives in Christ. Living single requires building interdependence with God. Marriages must be built on the foundation of Christ and his church, not on physical attraction, fleeting emotion or financial stability. Our children's growth and development must be built from the stable foundation of a spiritual not religious home. This is what the Lord meant when he said, "Upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18). He builds us individually, practically, socially, collectively and spiritually.

The evil son made the house appear beautiful outwardly but the inward foundation and structure was unstable, he reaped what he sowed. He showed no respect for his father's business. Blessed is every one that fears the Lord that walks in his ways (Psalm 128:1). For we are laborers together with God, you are God's husbandry, you are God's building (I Corinthians 3:9).

The Brick

A young and successful executive was traveling down a neighborhood street, going a bit too fast in his new Jaguar. 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 children appeared. Instead, a brick smashed into the Jag's side door! He slammed on the brakes and backed the Jag back to the spot where the brick had been thrown. The angry driver then jumped out of the car, grabbed the nearest kid and pushed him up against a parked car shouting, 'What was that all about and who are you? Just what the heck are you doing? That's a new car and that brick you threw is going to cost a lot of money. Why did you do it?' The young boy was apologetic.

'Please, mister...please, I'm sorry but I didn't know what else to do,' He pleaded. 'I threw the brick because no one else would stop...' With tears dripping down his face and off his chin, the youth pointed to a spot just around a parked car. 'It's my brother, 'he said 'He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can't lift him up.'

Now sobbing, the boy asked the stunned executive, 'Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair? He's hurt and he's too heavy for me.'
Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat. He hurriedly lifted the handicapped boy back into the wheelchair, then took out a linen handkerchief and dabbed at the fresh scrapes and cuts. A quick look told him everything was going to be okay. 'Thank you and may God bless you,' the grateful child told the stranger. Too shook up for words, the man simply watched the boy! push his wheelchair-bound brother down the sidewalk toward their home.

It was a long, slow walk back to the Jaguar. The damage was very noticeable, but the driver never bothered to repair the dented side door.

He kept the dent there to remind him of this message: 'Don't go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your attention!' God whispers in our souls and speaks to our hearts. Sometimes when we don't have time to listen, He has to throw a brick at us. It's our choice to listen or not.

Foot Prints Of Jesus

(Psalm 119:105,133)
Have you ever heard the term, "He's following in your footsteps?" That's a good thing if the person leading the way if faithfully walking with God. How can we possibly expect to live spiritual lives if we aren't following in the footsteps of Jesus? How can we expect our children and all of those others who look up to us to live saved and convicted if we who know the truth do not walk in it? There is a big difference in saying I'm a Christian and walking, which is living like Jesus intended you to live. So whose footsteps are you following?

The only way to walk right is to get in the word right! The Psalmist says, "Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" 119:105. It's the word that tells you where you stand with Jesus, and it's his light that shows you the direction that you should go. When you read the word you must be prepared to obey what it says. Look at (Psalm 119:130-135), "The entrance of your words gives (me) light; it gives understanding to those who struggle understanding the simplest things. You've got to open your mental mouth and desire the Spirit of God to feed you (v. 132), then taste the Lord and see that he is good. The is following in the footsteps of Jesus church!

"Order my steps in the word: and please don't let any lawlessness have rule over me." The writer is saying Lord, "I want your word to be my walking cane and support and give me the strength to walk away from any devil that would deceive me trying to take your place in my life" (v. 133). You have to guard your heart and watch your step in this world. Even when attending church be careful that you're not just sitting in the sanctuary dining room feasting on the word but not sharing it with anyone when you leave. When Jesus gave us the Great Commission the order was for "Carry Out!" Are you walking in someone else's rut or are you following in the footsteps of Jesus?

Footprints of Jesus

Words by Mary B. Slade Music by Asa B. Everett

1 Peter 2:21"For even hereunto were ye called:because Christ also suffered for us,leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps."

Sweetly, Lord, have we heard Thee calling,Come, follow Me!And we see where Thy footprints fallingLead us to Thee.

RefrainFootprints of Jesus,That make the pathway glow;We will follow the steps of JesusWhere'er they go.

Though they lead o'er the cold, dark mountains,Seeking His sheep;Or along by Siloam's fountains,Helping the weak.

RefrainFootprints of Jesus,That make the pathway glow;We will follow the steps of JesusWhere'er they go.

If they lead through the temple holy,Preaching the Word;Or in homes of the poor and lowly,Serving the Lord.

RefrainFootprints of Jesus,That make the pathway glow;We will follow the steps of JesusWhere'er they go.

Though, dear Lord, in Thy pathway keeping,We follow Thee;Through the gloom of that place of weeping,Gethsemane!

RefrainFootprints of Jesus,That make the pathway glow;We will follow the steps of JesusWhere'er they go.
If Thy way and its sorrows bearing,We go again,Up the slope of the hillside, bearingOur cross of pain.
RefrainFootprints of Jesus,That make the pathway glow;We will follow the steps of JesusWhere'er they go.

By and by, through the shining portals,Turning our feet,We shall walk, with the glad immortals,Heav'n's golden street.

RefrainFootprints of Jesus,That make the pathway glow;We will follow the steps of JesusWhere'er they go.+

Then at last when on high He sees us,Our journey done,We will rest where the steps of JesusEnd at His throne. +

RefrainFootprints of Jesus,That make the pathway glow;We will follow the steps of JesusWhere'er they go

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord. Scenes from his life flashed across the sky and he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, one belonging to him and the other to the Lord. When the last scene of his life had flashed before him, he recalled that at the lowest and saddest times of his life there was only one set of footprints. Dismayed, he asked, "Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. I don't understand why, when I needed you most, you would leave me." The Lord replied, "My precious child. I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering when you saw only one set of footprints. That was when I carried you."

The Boy And His Kittens

Johnny's mother looked out the window and noticed him 'playing church' with their three kittens. He had the kittens sitting in a row, and he was preaching to them....

She smiled and went about her work.... A while later she heard loud meowing and hissing; she ran back to the open window to see Johnny baptizing the kittens in a tub of water...

She called out, 'Johnny, stop that! Those kittens are afraid of water'.... Johnny looked up at her and said,'They should have thought about that before they joined the church!

Our Wardrobe(Compassion)

Did you know that there is a special wardrobe designed just for Christians? Yes, Christians need to wear a specialized wardrobe-one that sets us apart from others and identifies us as people who love and serve Jesus Christ. I don't mean a uniform or some strict dress code. The wardrobe that I'm talking about is found in Colossians 3:

And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. And beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body, and be thankful.

Let's look more closely at these inner garments which we need to "put on."The first garment is COMPASSION, which can be described as a deep feeling of sharing the suffering of another. You know, it's not hard to find suffering people these days. Undoubtedly you have suffering people all around you where you work. Are you aware of their suffering? Do you care?

It seems to me that all too often I'm quick to blame people and judge them without stopping to think of what they have endured, or why they are the way they are. Don't you think compassion would look good on your job? If you wear it, you won't be so quick to condemn or judge. You'll give people room to make mistakes. Do you pray for the people you work with? Start praying for them, and watch how much more compassionate you feel toward them.

Are You In A Rut?

So I hated life, for the work which had been done under the sun was grievous to me; because everything is futility and striving after wind.

Ecclesiastes 2:17

Have you thought lately about where you're going in life?A sign on the rugged Alaskan Highway reads: Choose your rut carefully. You'll be in it for the next 200 miles.Too many of us like ruts. Predictable and familiar, ruts offer us security. Like a numbing narcotic, however, they cause us to waste a lot of our lives. It has been said that a rut is nothing more than a grave with both ends knocked out. This must have been part of the futility Solomon experienced when he wrote those words in Ecclesiastes.

Children naturally resist ruts. I had heard a child asks at least 250,000 questions growing up. No wonder they learn so rapidly...and stay out of ruts.

Maybe one reason we adults feel that we're stuck in a 200-mile rut is we don't ask enough questions. Daily we climb on the merry-go-round of life, getting up and going to work. Then we come home and collapse in front of the TV set.

Occasionally we wonder about getting out of our ruts, but we usually give in to our insecurities, and decide to stay where we are. At least we know the boundaries. Some people try to escape the sense of meaninglessness simply by accelerating the pace of their lives. But their direction doesn't change; the rut still determines where they're going.

Where is your rut going? As one man put it, "Most of us live a lifetime looking for the pot at the end of the rainbow, only to find a pot of salty liver soup.

Worry

WORRY
Is there a magic cutoff period when Offspring become accountable for their own Actions? Is there a wonderful moment when Parents can become detached spectators in The lives of their children and shrug, 'It's Their life,' and feel nothing?

When I was in my twenties, I stood in a hospital Corridor waiting for doctors to put a few Stitches in my daughter's head. I asked, 'When do You stop worrying?' The nurse said, 'When they get out of the accident stage.' My Dad just smiled faintly and said nothing.

When I was in my thirties, I sat on a little Chair in a classroom and heard how one of my Children talked incessantly, disrupted the class, And was headed for a career making License plates. As if to read my mind, a teacher Said, 'Don't worry, they all go through This stage and then you can sit back, relax and Enjoy them.' My dad just smiled Faintly and said nothing.

When I was in my forties, I spent a lifetime Waiting for the phone to ring, the cars to come Home, the front door to open. A friend said, 'They're trying to find themselves. Don't worry, In a few years, you can stop worrying. They'll be Adults.' My dad just smiled faintly And said nothing.

By the time I was 50, I was sick & tired of being Vulnerable. I was still worrying over my Children, but there was a new wrinkle. There Was nothing I could do about it. My Dad just smiled faintly and said nothing. I Continued to anguish over their failures, be Tormented by their frustrations and absorbed in Their disappointments.

My friends said that when my kids got married I Could stop worrying and lead my own Life. I wanted to believe that, but I was Haunted by my dad's warm smile and his Occasional, 'You look pale. Are you all right? Call me the minute you get home. Are You depressed about something?'

Can it be that parents are sentenced to a Lifetime of worry? Is concern for one another Handed down like a torch to blaze the trail of Human frailties and the fears of the Unknown? Is concern a curse or is it a virtue That elevates us to the highest form of life?

One of my children became quite irritable Recently, saying to me, 'Where were you? I've beenCalling for 3 days, and no one answered - I was worried.' I smiled a warm smile. The torch has been passed.

Some Interesting Facts For Mothers Day

(II Kings 22:10-20)
The bible is full of history of great women, courageous ladies, sisters, wives and mothers. When we talk about Eve who influenced Adam we normally focus on the negative that came out of it. But that was man's intention, not God's! The great reality is not her sin but that God created her and brought her womanly nature into being because he had a positive role for the woman to play in creation. It is a fact that God did not give man dominion until he had woman standing beside him. This is evidence enough of her exalted place in the creation. Men must begin to learn the true value and importance of why the woman was given to us by God.

The magnificent theme of the story is that God, seeing the incompleteness of man standing alone, wanted to find a helper for him. God made for man a helper who was his equal and who shared in the same process of creation in which he shared. And so God created this helper Eve, whose name means "Life," not from the animal kingdom, but from the rib of Adam himself. The symbolism of the rib is that it was taken from the place nearest to Adam's heart, thus indicating the close relationship of man and woman. From the first woman we learn all the great events in a woman's life, her marriage, mating, motherhood, her influence on the family, her joys, her heartaches. All the elemental questions of life, birth and death, even sin and temptation are shown in their human dimension through the woman. We could talk of Sarah, Abigail, Deborah, Hanna, Esther, all women of great distinction, all have left their mark and faded into history. Today there are still women of great distinction sitting among us, women of God who serve him with their life. Women that we all know, respect and love, women that influence us to walk close to God!

WHY GOD MADE MOMS
Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions:
Why did God make mothers?
1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house.
3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.

How did God make mothers?
1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
3. God made my Mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.

What ingredients are mothers made of ?
1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.

Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?
1. We're related.
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's moms like me.

What kind of little girl was your mom?
1. My Mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.
2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
3. They say she used to be nice.

What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?
1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?

Why did your mom marry your dad?
1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my Mom eats a lot.
2. She got too old to do anything else with him
3. My grandma says that Mom didn't have her thinking cap on.

Who's the boss at your house?
1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.
2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess Mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.

What's the difference between moms & dads?
1. Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work.
2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3 Dads are taller & stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friend's.
4. Moms have magic; they make you feel better without medicine.

What does your mom do in her spare time?
1. Mothers don't do spare time.
2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.

What would it take to make your mom perfect?
1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. Dye it. You know her hair. I'd dye it, maybe blue.

If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?
1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.
2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me.
3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.

Happy Mothers Day!!!!!!!!

The Cab Ride

When I arrived at 2:30 a.m., the building was dark except for a single light in a ground floor window.


Under these circumstances, many drivers would just honk once or twice, wait a minute, and then drive away.


But I had seen too many impoverished people who depended on taxis as their only means of transportation. Unless a situation smelled of danger, I always went to the door. This passenger might be someone who needs my assistance, I reasoned to myself.


So I walked to the door and knocked. "Just a minute", answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor.


After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 90's stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940s movie.


By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets.


There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware.


"Would you carry my bag out to the car?" she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman.


She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb.


She kept thanking me for my kindness. "It's nothing", I told her. "I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother treated".


"Oh, you're such a good boy", she said. When we got in the cab, she gave me an address, and then asked, "Could you drive through downtown?"


"It's not the shortest way," I answered quickly.


"Oh, I don't mind," she said. "I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hospice".


I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. "I don't have any family left," she continued. "The doctor says I don't have very long." I quietly reached over and shut off the meter.


"What route would you like me to take?" I asked.


For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator.


We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.


Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.


As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, "I'm tired. Let's go now"


We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico.


Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her.


I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair.


"How much do I owe you?" she asked, reaching into her purse.


"Nothing," I said.


"You have to make a living," she answered.


"There are other passengers," I responded.


Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly.


"You gave an old woman a little moment of joy," she said. "Thank you."


I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life.


I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift?


What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away?


On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life.


We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments.


But great moments often catch us unaware-beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.


PEOPLE MAY NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY WHAT YOU DID, OR WHAT YOU SAID, ~BUT THEY WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL.

Ask God For What You Want

The reason you don't have what you want is? you don't ask God. James 4:2 TLB

Imagine walking into a restaurant on a whim and asking if your order is ready. "When did you call it in?" the server asks. "Oh I didn't," you reply, "I just thought perhaps you'd have something with my name on it." Sound ridiculous? No more so than expecting God to answer requests you haven't made - or made in faith believing. James says, "The reason you don't have what you want is . . . you don't ask God." Does that mean He'll automatically give you everything you ask for? No. James adds, "Even when you do ask you don't get it because . . . you want only what
will give you pleasure" (James 4:3 TLB). Your motives need to be in tune with what God knows is best for you. John says, "This is the confidence . . . we have in Him . . . if we ask anything . . . according to His will . . . He . . . hears" (1 John 5:14 AMP).

Lamentations 3:25 says, "The Lord is good to those who wait . . . expectantly for Him" (AMP). Expectant prayer demonstrates confidence in God's goodness. Instead of fretting and taking matters into your own hands, when you say, "Lord, I'm going to trust You with this, regardless of the outcome," He will honor your faith. Paul says, "Pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks" (Philippians 4:6 NCV). Do you need a job? Help overcoming a problem? Salvation for your loved ones? A deeper walk with God? Physical or emotional healing? Jesus said, "It gives your Father great happiness to give you the [benefits of His] Kingdom" (Luke 12:32 NLT).

God wants to be good to you, so tell Him the "desires of your heart" (Psalm 37:4 NKJV). And thank Him that the answer will come -- in His time!

Can You Finish The Race?

Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus....For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart.Hebrews 12:1-3

Any runner will tell you that the toughest part of a race is not the end-it's just before the end. Most milers, for example, find that the third lap (of four) is usually their slowest. That's when you feel dog tired and wonder why you ever started running in the first place.

That's how faith is. At some point, after they've been Christians for several years, many believers encounter what I call the "mid-faith crisis." It's characterized by restlessness; a desire to return to the days of youth; a questioning of commitments, identity and personal values; and a loss of enthusiasm for work, marriage, family.

Have you lost your zest for life? Lost your love for people? Kind of bored with God and with church? Can't be impressed anymore? Do you have joy?

Is your job a chore or are you doing it as unto the Lord? Are you wondering why your circumstance seems so unfair?

Do you find you can't remember when you last confessed a sin to God? Are temptations becoming more alluring? Are you in a valley?

There are no simple answers for a time like this. Life is difficult. It isn't ever going to be easy.

"Some of us expect the Christian life to be one of endless prosperity, when we will feel little pain. This is called the "Prosperity Gospel." Well, Christ didn't enjoy this type of prosperity when He lived, did He? Whenever you are weary of the race, follow the advice of Hebrews 12: Keep your eyes on Him and keep on running to win.

Is There A Monster In Your Home?

Much of what comes into our homes via television does not contribute to a sound Christian home, then what can be done to manage this monster?

Why not start a "Just Say No" campaign against TV? I am not advocating total abstinence, although for some families that may be a good solution. But I suggest taking TV in moderation-say, six to eight hours a week.

Here are some tips :

Instruct the kids to ask you for permission to watch TV. Don't let them treat it as a "given," but a privilege. Don't let them watch it randomly, but determine what you want them to watch.

Make TV off-limits in at least these two rooms: The room where you eat your meals, and your bedroom.

Agree on the number of hours and the programs that can be watched during the week and on weekends. Let the kids choose from a list you approve.Don't let your children watch a video movie unless you know what's in it. Read the reviews of movies when they first appear at the theater to get clues about the level of bad language, sex and violence.

Don't just "watch TV"; watch specific programs for a specific purpose. There are other things more valuable to do. But think of how "the tube" undermines the family, and you will realize it will be worth it.

In the early '80s, a Michigan State University study reported that one-third of four- and five-year-olds in the U.S. would give up their relationships with their dads in favor of TV.That's scary evidence of television's power. I believe God wants us to rule over this twenty-first-century monster.

Olympic Dad

Derek Redmond of Great Britain had trained for the Olympic 400-meter run for years. After the Seoul Olympics, he had five operations on both Achilles' tendons, but he bounced back. Now he was running well, and competing in the Olympic semifinals.

Halfway around the track, however, Derek's right hamstring gave way. He fell to the track, sprawled across the fifth lane. The television cameras focused on defending Olympic champion Steve Lewis as he won the race and headed toward the tunnel.

Then, suddenly, Derek got to his feet and began hobbling around the track. He was determined to finish the race.

Derek's dad, Jim Redmond, sitting high in the stands at Olympic Stadium, saw his son collapse. The 49-year-old machine shop owner from Northampton, England, ran down the steps and onto the track. All he knew was his son needed help.

The crowd realized that Derek Redmond was running the race of his life. Around the stands, and around the world, fans stood and honored him with cheers. At the final turn, Jim Redmond caught up to his son and put his arm around him. When Derek saw who it was, he leaned on his dad's right shoulder and sobbed. An usher attempted to intercede and escort Jim Redmond off the track, but his efforts were futile.

They crossed the finish line, father and son, arm in arm.

Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.1 Corinthians 16:13

When Jesus Was Born

(Matthew 2:1-4)
"The real cause for Joy." We sowed sin and death in our lives but God so loved us that He gave us His Son's life for our sins. It is truly a blessing to reap something that we did not sow! Salvation had come to all who would come to this joyous reconciliation and it all started "When Jesus Was Born."

When Jesus was born, a stir begins as soon as Christ is born. He has not spoken a word; he has not done one miracle; he has not proclaimed a single doctrine; but when Jesus was born things started stirring! Things stirred in heaven. The angel of the Lord came upon the shepherds and proclaimed, "Behold I bring you good news of great joy; which shall be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the LORD. And suddenly there was with the angel a great multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men. Things started stirring in heaven when Jesus was born (Luke 2:8-14)!

When Jesus was born, things started stirring with the Shepherds. It came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, lets us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this things which is come to pass which the Lord hath made known to us. And they came with haste and found Mary, and Joseph and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it they made know abroad the saying which was told them concerning the child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them when Jesus was born (2:15-20)!

When Jesus was born, things started stirring with the Wise Men. There came wise men from the East to Jerusalem. Saying where is he that is born King of the Jews for we have see his star in the East and we have come to worship him. When they had heard the king (Herod) they departed and the star which they saw in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. And when they were come into the house, they say the young child with Mary his mother and fell down, and worshipped him and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way, when Jesus was born (Matthew 2:1-12)!

When Jesus was born, things started stirring with Joseph. The angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother and flee into Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night and departed into Egypt, when Jesus was born (Matthew 2:13-14)!

When Jesus was born, things started stirring with King Herod. When Herod the King had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priest and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea; for thus it is written by the prophet. The Herod, when he had privately called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, Go and search for the young child; and when you have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. Then when Herod saw that he was mocked of the wise men, he was exceeding angry and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men, when Jesus was born (Matthew 2:3-16)!

When Jesus was born, things started stirring with faith, hope, love, joy, and peace. Things would never be as they were before. The King of kings had been born for war! Time became pregnant with his approach and as God delivered him on the scene, he would be God and man's go between. Hell was stirred and shaken with fear to hold tight to it's keys. The devil trembled out of fear of being brought to his knees, evil increased to unlimited degrees, no longer would death be able to taunt and tease, those who were lost could finally stand at ease, because almighty God had heard our frantic pleas, when Jesus was born!

Live In Christ

The Atheist And The Bear

An atheist was walking through the woods.
'What majestic trees'! 'What powerful rivers'!'What beautiful animals'!He said to himself.

As he was walking alongside the river, he heard a rustling in the bushes behind him. He turned to look. He saw a 7-foot grizzly bear charge towards him.

He ran as fast as he could up the path.

He looked over his shoulder & saw that the bear was closing in on him.
He looked over his shoulder again, & the bear was even closer. He tripped & fell on the ground. He rolled over to pick himself up but saw that the bear was right on top of him, reaching for him with his left paw & raising his right paw to strike him.

At that instant the Atheist cried out, 'Oh my God!'Time Stopped.The bear froze.The forest was silent.As a bright light shone upon the man, a voice came out of the sky. 'You deny my existence for all these years, teach others I don't exist and even credit creation to cosmic accident.' 'Do you expect me to help you out of this predicament? Am I to count you as a believer'?

The atheist looked directly into the light, 'It would be hypocritical of me to suddenly ask you to treat me as a Christian now, but perhaps you could make the BEAR a Christian'?'Very Well,' said the voice.

The light went out. The sounds of the forest resumed. And the bear dropped his right paw, brought both paws together, bowed his head & spoke:
'Lord bless this food, which I am about to receive from thy bounty through Christ our Lord, Amen.'

How Does Your Garden Grow?

"Behold, the sower went out to sow...And other seed fell among the thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no crop."Mark 4:3,7

Maybe you've experienced the hope of planting a new garden or lawn. You had a snapshot in your mind of what it would look like-high expectations of vegetable-laden plants or of your neighbor looking enviously at your lush, green lawn. But you discovered that good gardens and thick, carpet-like lawns don't grow naturally. Weeds do.

Pulling weeds and planting seeds. It's the story of life. We are individual lots on which either weeds of selfishness or the fruit of the Holy Spirit grow and flourish. Jesus warned that the soil of our hearts is the most valuable acreage on planet earth.

In Mark 4, Jesus taught the parable of the soils to His disciples. Christ said that spiritual fruitfulness or barrenness depends upon the type of soil that receives the seed of God's Word.

Jesus warned of the choking influence of thorns-three kinds of pesky, prickly weeds that squeeze the life out of fruit-producing seedlings.

The worries of the world, the anxieties of this age, are the first weeds of which Jesus warned. Worry or anxiety means "to be drawn in different directions" or "to be distracted.

"What distracts you? What pulls you in a direction you know is unfruitful? For me it can be busyness. A full schedule of good things that crowds out the best-like time in the morning spent in prayer and the Scripture. I can be distracted by urgent things which could be put off for just a few minutes.

Some people are distracted and worried about what others think about them, preoccupied with pleasing men and gaining their approval. Still others are pulled by their insecurities, trying to find significance in achieving and performing.

Good marriages and families don't grow naturally-weeds do. That's why it's so important that we listen to the words of the Master Gardener, Jesus Christ.

God Calls Us 2 B Humble

God tells us in the Bible to not think too highly of ourselves. This of course doesn’t mean to not feel good about ourselves. It means to not forget who created us. We shouldn’t think we are above our Lord. We need to find our identity in our Savior. God calls us to be humble. I looked up humble in the dictionary, and came up with this : not proud or arrogant, to lower one’s self in importance. No matter how popular or shall we say "cool" we are, we need to place our full selves in the Lord. Our focus should not be trying to fit in with the people around us. Our number one focus should constantly be letting the light of Jesus shine through us. We all want to feel accepted in this world. Always looking for someone to notice us, to pat us on the back, but we will never find true acceptance if we don’t’ look for it in God. So just remember when you find yourself trying to please other people, remember my story. Instead of looking to the group look for favor in the eyes of the Lord, only then will you be truly "cool".

One Day At A Time

ONE DAY AT A TIME
The most useless thing to do ... ........Worry
The greatest Joy....................... ........Giving
The greatest loss.................Loss of self-respect
The most satisfying work............. ...Helping others
The ugliest personality trait......................Selfishness
The most endangered species...................Dedicated leaders
The greatest "shot in the arm"..................Encouragement
The greatest problem to overcome......... ....Fear
Most effective sleeping pill........... ...Peace of mind
The most crippling failure disease..... ....Excuses
The most powerful force in life.............. ........Love

A Vision

I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.Psalm 32:8

Helen Keller was once asked, "Is there anything worse than being blind?"

"Yes," she replied, "the most pathetic person in the whole world is someone who has sight but no vision.

"Vision is possessing a sense of purpose in life. And mankind's purpose is found in the Scriptures. God has a plan for each believer's life, and it is our responsibility to walk by faith, totally dependent upon Him to fulfill His purpose in and through us.

God has chosen you and your mate to fulfill His customized plan in your marriage, family and world. Have you caught that vision? Has your mate?

Americans live for the moment, unmindful of the future. We want satisfaction now. We don't want to plant seeds that grow oak trees; we want to plant seeds today and harvest the trees tomorrow!

Many individuals, and most couples, are not asking enough questions about life. Caught up in the rush of living, they seldom take time to step out of the mainstream long enough to take a look at where they are going. Seneca,the Roman philosopher, said, "You must know for which harbor you are headed if you are to catch the right wind to take you there.

"Do you and your mate know where you are going? Ask yourself:What is my vision, direction, purpose and pursuit in life?What is my mate's vision, direction and purpose?What is God's ordained destiny for my mate? For me? For our marriage? For our family?Can you answer these questions? Are you confident of your answers? Perhaps you and your mate are searching for your purpose, direction and vision in life. Perhaps you have never given much thought to your destiny.

Forward,Backward,or Still Unfolding

Forward, Backward or Still Unfolding?

More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the
surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have
suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order
that I may gain Christ.
Phillipians 3:8

In one of Charles Shultz's "Peanuts" cartoons, Charlie Brown was
sitting in a deck chair near the front of a large boat when Lucy
walked up. "Some people go through life with their deck chair facing
forward, gazing out where they are going," Lucy said philosophically.
"Others go through life with their deck chair facing backwards,
looking at where they've been." Then, looking directly into Charlie
Brown's sunglasses, she asked him, "Charlie Brown, which way is your
deck chair facing?"

Charlie Brown shrugged his shoulders, "I really don't know-I've never
been able to get my deck chair unfolded!"

In these days when family issues have become not only a major issue
for private citizens but also in political campaigns, Christians need
to get their deck chairs unfolded. Unfortunately, many people have
not taken a thoughtful look at what they believe in as family values
and, even more important, the basis for those beliefs.

But with our culture in crisis over the issue, this is not a time to
be struggling with our deck chairs. We need to be speaking up in the
political arena and the marketplace about what matters.
A few years ago, when our whole family was in the car, I asked the
kids what they thought our family values were. The words started
popping furiously like premium popcorn. Here's what they said:
God, limited TV, responsibilities, chores, friendship, kindness,
respectful speaking, education, church, encouragement, servanthood,
obedience, discipline, sharing, giving, boundaries, keeping your
word, home life, prayer, perseverance, doing what you're supposed to
do, love, dignity of kids, food and shelter, spending time with each
other, resolving conflicts, forgiveness, physical affection, our
siblings, laughter, having fun together, memorizing verses, wholesome
speaking, reading, wise council.

A New Life

True friends are hard to find in this life you're lucky to find just one,I found a friend that is second to none,he picks me up if i fall and lets me start anew. Jesus is my friend and hes also there for you,Jesus is my friend. Jesus is his name his love is never ending and forever is the same he is as strong as can be he can do anything as he gave a new life to me.

70x7

Then Peter came and said to Him, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven."Matthew 18:21,22

With these words, Jesus Christ formed one of the most exclusive clubs in the world-the "Seventy-Times-Seven Club." He wants you to forgive each other an infinite number of times, not just when you feel like it. By an act of your will, you must put away resentment and the desire to punish the person who has wronged you.

Families can't function without forgiveness. Living together in close quarters means we inevitably have our toes stepped on. But forgiveness is hard for some people, partly because of several misconceptions about what it involves.

Here are some things forgiveness isn't:

Forgiveness isn't excusing or condoning sin. It doesn't involve changing your attitude about right and wrong.

Forgiveness doesn't require forgetting a person's sin. God has that power, but we do not. Forgiveness means that even though you remember the hurt, you give up the need to punish the other person.

Forgiveness doesn't require denying your pain, hurt or anger. It may take time for your feelings to catch up and begin to fall in line with your decision to forgive.

Similarly, forgiveness doesn't mean stuffing your grief. There is genuine pain due to hurt. It may take time for the wound to heal, even though you forgive the person who offended you.

Forgiveness doesn't always mean instant and full reconciliation. Even when you forgive, it can take time and effort by both parties to rebuild trust.