Stories of Faith, Hope, Joy, Love and Friendship

An Unforgettable Flight

2011-05-21T07:10:00.000+08:00

BY DENNY KUCICH AS TOLD TO BEVERLY BRASS

I put my carry-on in the luggage compartment and sat down in my assigned seat. This is going to be a long flight, I thought. I’m glad I have a good book to read. Maybe I’ll get a little nap.

I fly frequently; I always look for an opportunity to share Jesus with someone. I wondered who it could be, because all around me were empty seats. Not much of a chance to talk to anyone, I thought.

Then just before takeoff a line of soldiers came down the aisle and took the seats across the aisle and in front of me. More came. Still more. Finally 10 soldiers filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding me. This is more like it! OK, Lord, which one will it be? Who needs to hear about You?

I decided to start a conversation.

“Where are you headed?” I asked the soldier sitting closest to me.

“Chicago. To Great Lakes Base. We’ll be there two weeks for special training. Then we’re being deployed to Iraq.”

Anyone Hungry?

After we had been flying for about an hour, an announcement that sack lunches were available for $5 each was made. It would be several hours before we reached Chicago, and I quickly decided that a lunch would help. As I reached for my wallet, I overheard a soldier ask his buddy if he planned to buy a lunch.

“No, that seems like a lot of money just for a sack lunch. Probably isn’t worth $5. I’ll just wait until we get to Chicago.” His friend agreed.

I looked around at the other soldiers surrounding me. Not one was buying a lunch. I was hungry, but I couldn’t bring myself to eat in front of them. I walked to the back of the plane and handed the flight attendant a $50 bill. “Please take a lunch to all those soldiers,” I said.

She grabbed my arms and squeezed tightly, her eyes wet with tears. “My son was a soldier in Iraq,” she said. “It’s almost like you’re doing it for him.”

She picked up 10 lunches and headed for the area where the soldiers were seated. Overwhelmed by her emotional response, I returned to my seat, only to realize I had failed to order a lunch for myself. Before I could undo my seat belt the flight attendant stopped by my seat.

“Which would you like—beef or chicken?” she asked.

“Chicken,” I replied, wondering why she had asked. She went to the front of the plane and returned a minute later with a dinner plate from the first-class cabin. She put down my tray table and sat the plate on it. “This is your thanks,” she said.

Now I felt guilty. I had dinner, and the soldiers had only a sack lunch.

Gathering Momentum

After we finished eating, I went again to the back of the plane, heading for the restroom.

A man stopped me. “I saw what you did,” he said. “I want to be part of it. Here—take this.” He handed me $25.

Soon after I returned to my seat, the plane’s captain came down the aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he walked. I noticed he was looking at the numbers only on my side of the plane. When he got to my seat, he stopped, smiled, and, holding out his hand, said, “I want to shake your hand.”

Quickly unfastening my seat belt, I stood and took the captain’s hand. In a booming voice he said, “I was a soldier, and I was a pilot. Someone once bought me lunch. It was an act of kindness I never forgot. Thank you.”

I sat down embarrassed by the applause of passengers sitting nearby.

Later I walked to the front of the plane to stretch my legs. About six rows in front of me a man reached out to shake my hand. He left another $25 in my palm.

When we arrived in Chicago, I gathered my belongings and started to deplane. Waiting just inside the door was a man who stopped me, put something in my shirt pocket, turned, and walked away without saying a word. Another $25.

Upon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their trip to Great Lakes Base. I walked over to them and handed them $50. “Here,” I said. “By the time you reach base it’ll be time for another meal. God bless you.”

Ten young men left that flight feeling the love and respect of their fellow travelers. As I walked to my car I whispered a prayer for their safe return. They were giving their all for their country. I could give them only a couple meals. It seemed so little.

Excerpt from:

http://www.adventistreview.org/issue.php?issue=2011-1514&page=28

Drink plenty of 'water'

2011-05-18T07:33:00.000+08:00

I've heard it. I've read it.

As long as I have been running, it's always been the same message: "drink plenty of water."

All along most race courses are water stations, and most runners slow down to drink a cup of cool water. Keeping your water level up is critical when you run.

If you get slightly dehydrated, you will not run well.

If you get moderately dehydrated, you will become disoriented.

If you get seriously dehydrated, you can die.

It's serious business.

The first year I ran, I was inexperienced (also younger, slimmer, stupider, etc.) I passed water stop after water stop, occasionally drinking a swallow or two. I felt good, and I wasn't going to waste precious seconds drinking water, even though it was a hot, humid day.

Big mistake.

As I neared the final mile, I "hit the wall." My energy level dropped to zero, I began having to walk some, and I realized I would have to work hard just to finish. I did make it across the line, but only with a tremendous headache and hardly enough energy to walk. It was not much fun.

I learned an important lesson that year.

Stopping for water doesn't actually slow you down. In fact, you will run a better race if you do drink water. The bottom line is that your body is simply not designed to function without water.

In the same way, your spiritual stamina depends on stopping for regular drinks of "spiritual water."

The dilemma for busy people is finding time to invest in reading the Word and spending time in prayer.

Like the runner intent on reaching the finish line, we tend to put off those regular drinks of water until we are totally parched.

In fact, finishing the spiritual race at all may depend on it. Runners who don't ever slow down to take a drink often stumble off the course far short of the finish line.

In this year's race, I saw a man become dehydrated just a mile from the finish. Strangely, he didn't seem to recognize that anything was wrong. He was swaying from side to side as he walked, mumbling over and over, "I'm fine. I'm fine." He was so disoriented that he didn't even recognize his own sick condition.

If you let yourself become spiritually dehydrated, you may not even be able to recognize it.

Stop today to drink some cool "Living Water."

For serious runners, it's a must.

--the Author is unknown but the
"Living Water" is known.

Satan's Beautitudes

2011-05-18T07:30:00.000+08:00

lessed are those who are too tired, too busy, too distracted to spend an hour once a week with their fellow Christians in Church ~ they are my best workers.

Blessed are those who wait to be asked and expect to be thanked ~ I can use them in my business.

Blessed are those who are touchy. Soon they will stop going to church ~ verily, they shall be my missionaries.

Blessed are those who sow gossip and trouble ~ they are my beloved children.

Blessed are those who have no time to pray ~ for they are MY prey.

Blessed are those who gossip ~ for they are my secret agents.

Blessed are you when you read this and think it has everything to do with other people, and nothing to do with you.

~ I've got room for YOU at my inn.

The Builder – A Story of Forgiveness

2010-11-09T19:57:00.000+08:00

Once upon a time two brothers who lived on adjoining farms fell into conflict. It was the first serious rift in 40 years of farming side by side, sharing machinery, and trading labor and goods as needed without a hitch.

Then the long collaboration fell apart. It began with a small misunderstanding and it grew into a major difference, and finally it exploded into an exchange of bitter words followed by weeks of silence.

One morning there was a knock on John's door. He opened it to find a man with a carpenter's toolbox. "I'm looking for a few days work" he said.

"Perhaps you would have a few small jobs here and there. Could I help you?"
"Yes," said the older brother. "I do have a job for you. Look across the creek at that farm. That's my neighbor, in fact, it's my younger brother. Last week there was a meadow between us and he took his bulldozer to the river levee and now there is a creek between us. Well, he may have done this to spite me, but I'll go him one better. See that pile of lumber curing by the barn? I want you to build me a fence - an 8-foot fence - so I won't need to see his place anymore. Cool him down, anyhow."

The carpenter said, "I think I understand the situation. Show me the nails and the post-hole digger and I'll be able to do a job that pleases you."

The older brother had to go to town for supplies, so he helped the carpenter get the materials ready and then he was off for the day.

The carpenter worked hard all that day measuring, sawing, nailing.

About sunset when the farmer returned, the carpenter had just finished his job. The farmer's eyes opened wide, his jaw dropped.

There was no fence there at all. It was a bridge... a bridge stretching from one side of the creek to the other! A fine piece of work handrails and all - and the neighbor, his younger brother, was coming across, his hand outstretched.

"You are quite a fellow to build this bridge after all I've said and done."
The two brothers stood at each end of the bridge, and then they met in the middle, taking each other's hand. They turned to see the carpenter hoist his toolbox on his shoulder. "No, wait! Stay a few days. I've a lot of other projects for you," said the older brother.

"I'd love to stay on," the carpenter said, "but, I have many more bridges to build."
Author Unknown

The Friendship Poem

2010-05-27T21:29:00.000+08:00

The Friendship Poem

Around the corner I have a friend,
In this great city that has no end,
Yet the days go by and weeks rush on,
And before I know it, a year is gone.
And I never see my old friends face,
For life is a swift and terrible race,
He knows I like him just as well,
As in the days when I rang his bell.
And he rang mine but we were younger then,
And now we are busy, tired men.

Tired of playing a foolish game,
Tired of trying to make a name.
'Tomorrow' I say! 'I will call on Jim
Just to show that I'm thinking of him.'
But tomorrow comes and tomorrow goes,
And distance between us grows and grows.
Around the corner, yet miles away,
'Here's a telegram sir,' 'Jim died today.'
And that's what we get and deserve in the end.
Around the corner, a vanished friend.

Remember to always say what you mean.
If you love someone, tell them.
Don't be afraid to express yourself.
Reach out and tell someone what they mean to you.
Because when you decide that it is the right time it might be too late.
Seize the day. Never have regrets.
And most importantly, stay close to your friends and family, for they have helped make you the person that you are today.

Serenity Prayer

2010-04-13T22:41:00.001+08:00

God,

Grant me the serenity;

To accept the things I cannot change;

The courage, to change the things I can;

And the wisdom, to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;

Enjoying one moment at a time;

Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;

Taking, as He did, this sinful world

As it is, not as I would have it;

Trusting that He will make all things right

If I surrender to His Will;

So that I may be reasonably happy in this life

And supremely happy with Him

Forever and ever in the next.

William Spence, 1953

Heaven as Written by a 17 year Old Boy

2010-03-18T14:22:00.000+08:00

Dear All,

PLEASE ENSURE YOU READ THIS TO THE END, PREFERABLY WHEN YOU ARE LESS BUSY.
I can only imagine...

Heaven as written by a 17 Year Old Boy
This is excellent and really gets you thinking about what will happen in Heaven.
17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for a class. The subject was what Heaven was like. "I wowed 'em," he later told his father, Bruce. It's a killer. It's the bomb. It's the best thing I ever wrote." It also was the last.
Brian's parents had forgotten about the essay when a cousin found it while cleaning out the teenager's locker at Teays Valley High School in Pickaway County

Brian had been dead only hours, but his parents desperately wanted every piece of his life near them, notes from classmates and teachers, and his homework. Only two months before, he had handwritten the essay about encountering Jesus in a file room full of cards detailing every moment of the teen's life. But it was only after Brian's death that Beth and Bruce Moore realized that their son had described his view of heaven.
It makes such an impact that people want to share it. "You feel like you are there," Mr. Moore said.. Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day after Memorial Day. He was driving home from a friend's house when his car went off Bulen-Pierce Road in Pickaway County and struck a utility pole. He emerged from the wreck unharmed but stepped on a downed power line and was electrocuted.

The Moore 's framed a copy of Brian's essay and hung it among the family portraits in the living room. "I think God used him to make a point. I think we were meant to find it and make something out of it," Mrs. Moore said of the essay. She and her husband want to share their son's vision of life after death. "I'm happy for Brian. I know he's in heaven. I know I'll see him.

Here is Brian's essay entitled:

" The Room.."
In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings.
As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read "Girls I have liked" I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.

A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I have betrayed." The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. "Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I have Given," "Jokes I Have Laughed at."

Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've yelled at my brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger", "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." I never ceased to be surprised by the contents Often there were many more cards than expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived.

Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth.. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.

When I pulled out the file marked "TV Shows I have watched," I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.

When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me.

One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now I had to empty it and burn the cards...
But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it. Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.

And then I saw it. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With.." The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.
And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes.. No one must ever, ever know of this room I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him.

No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes.
Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.

Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. "No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him.. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, and so alive.
The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished."

I stood up, and He led me out of the room.. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.

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

If you feel the same way forward it to as many people as you can so the love of Jesus will touch their lives also. My "People I shared the gospel with" file just got bigger, how about yours?

92-year old preacher

2009-12-08T16:26:00.000+08:00

While watching a little TV one day instead of going to church, I watched a church in Atlanta honoring one of its senior pastors who had been retired many years. He was 92 at that time and I wondered why the church even bothered to ask the old gentleman to preach at that age.

After a warm welcome, introduction of this speaker, and as the applause quieted down, he rose from his high back chair and walked slowly, with great effort and a sliding gait to the podium. Without a note or written paper of any kind he placed both hands on the pulpit to steady himself and then quietly and slowly he began to speak....

"When I was asked to come here today and talk to you, your pastor asked me to tell you what was the greatest lesson ever learned in my 50-odd years of preaching. I thought about it for a few days and boiled it down to just one thing that made the most difference in my life and sustained me through all my trials.

The one thing that I could always rely on when tears and heartbreak and pain and fear and sorrow paralyzed me... The only thing that would comfort was this verse....... . ..

"Jesus loves me this I know.
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong,
We are weak but He is strong.....
Yes, Jesus loves me....
The Bible tells me so."

When he finished, the church was quiet. You actually could hear his foot steps as he shuffled back to his chair. I don't believe I will ever forget it.

A pastor once stated, "I always noticed that it was the adults who chose the children's hymn 'Jesus Loves Me' (for the children of course) during a hymn sing, and it was the adults who sang the loudest because I could see they knew it the best."

"Senior version of Jesus Loves Me"

Here is a new version just for us who have white hair or no hair at all. For us over middle age (or even those almost there) and all you others, check out this newest version of Jesus Loves Me.

JESUS LOVES ME

Jesus loves me, this I know,
Though my hair is white as snow
Though my sight is growing dim,
Still He bids me trust in Him.
(CHORUS)
YES, JESUS LOVES ME.. YES, JESUS LOVES ME..
YES, JESUS LOVES ME, FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO.

Though my steps are oh, so slow,
With my hand in His I'll go
On through life, let come what may,
He'll be there to lead the way.
(CHORUS)

When the nights are dark and long,
In my heart He puts a song..
Telling me in words so clear,
"Have no fear, for I am near."
(CHORUS)

When my work on earth is done,
And life's victories have been won.
He will take me home above,
Then I'll understand His love.
(CHORUS)

I love Jesus, does He know?
Have I ever told Him so?
Jesus loves to hear me say,
That I love Him every day.
(CHORUS)

If you think this is neat, please pass it on to your friends. If you do not pass it on, nothing bad will happen, but you will have missed an opportunity to "reach out and touch" a friend or a loved one.

God Bless Us All!!!
=

Change Your Thinking

2009-11-27T11:23:00.002+08:00

Change Your Thinking

It will take just 37 seconds to read this and change your thinking.

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room.

One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs.
His bed was next to the room's only window.

The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.

The men talked for hours on end.

They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation..

Every afternoon, when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.

The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.

The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake.

Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.

As the man by the window described all this in exquisite details, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine this picturesque scene.

One warm afternoon, the man by the window described a parade passing by.

Although the other man could not hear the band - he could see it in his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.

Days, weeks and months passed.

One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep.

She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away..

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

Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside.
He strained to slowly turn to look out the window besides the bed.

It faced a blank wall.

The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.

The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall.

She said, 'Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.'

Epilogue:

There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations.

Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled.

If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy.

'Today is a gift, that is why it is called The Present.'

I pray you will forward it to all your friends to whom you wish God's blessings.

The Power of a Hug

2009-11-22T17:08:00.000+08:00

It has been proved that showing affection strengthens growth and positive development in people.

We all need physical contact to feel good, and one of the most important ways of physical contact between two people is hugging.

Who does not need cuddles in this society that is becoming ever colder, more competitive, that compels us to be more individualistic, more personal-goal oriented...?

When we hug, we receive an energy feedback. We bring life to our senses and reaffirm the trust in our senses.

Sometimes we CANNOT find the right words to express how we feel, and then hugs are the best way to say it.

We need four hugs a day to survive, eight to preserve ourselves,

and twelve to grow.

A hug makes you feel good. The skin is the biggest organ we have and it needs a lot of love. A hug can cover an extensive part of the skin and provides the massage you need. It is also a way to communicate. It can convey messages for which you have no words.

We can always resort to the universal language of hugs.

The Power of Hugs...
Hugging achieves many things that you might never have imagined. For example:

It feels good
It dissolves solitude
It defeats fear
It opens the door to sensations
It improves self-esteem (wow, he or she wants to hug me!)
It encourages altruism (I can't believe it, but I want to hug that person)
It delays aging (those who hug age more slowly)
It helps reduce appetite (we eat less when we are nourished with hugs and when our arms are wrapped around others)

More benefits from hugs:

It is environmentally friendly (it does not damage the environment)
It preserves energy
It is portable and requires no additional machinery
It does not require a special place to do it (an adequate place to hug)
In any place such as a conference room, a church or a football field
It makes happy days even happier
It gives us a sense of belonging
It fills the void in our lives
It is still effective even after the hugging has finished
It strengthens and increases our ability to share
It harmonizes the hearts of friends

Hugging creates some form of addiction to tenderness, to altruism, to happiness...

Just as laughter, it is highly contagious! Whatever your hug may be, let it always come from the heart, not from the mind.

Come up with new ways of hugging.
Give your hugs interesting or funny names.

Become a full-time "hug therapist."
Be always ready to offer a hug to someone.

Observe the other person and always be careful of his or her personal space.
Do not try to impose your vision or philosophy on others.

A hug does and says very much.

something to share

2009-11-01T08:15:00.001+08:00

A story worth sharing.....

4 years ago, an accident took my beloved away and very
often I
wonder,
how does my wife, who is now in the heavenly realm, feel
right now? She
must
be feeling extremely sad for leaving a husband who is
incapable to
taking care of the house and the kid. 'cos that is the
exact feeling
that I have,> as I feel that I have failed to provide
for the physical
and emotional needs of my child, and failed to be the dad
and mum for my
child.

There was one particular day, when I had an emergency at
work. Hence, I
had to leave home whilst my child was still sleeping. So
thinking that
there was still rice leftovers, I hastily cooked an egg and
left after
informing my sleepy child.

With the double roles, I am often exhausted at work as well
as when I am
home. So after a long day, I came home, totally drained of
all energy.
So with just a brief hug and kiss for my child, I went
straight into the
room, skipping dinner. However, when I jumped into my bed
with intention
of
just having a well-deserved sleep, all I heard and felt
was broken
porcelain and warm liquid! I flipped open my blanket, and
there lies the
source of the 'problem'... a broken bowl with
instant noodles and a mess
on the bed sheet and blanket!

Boy, was I mad! I was so furious that I took a clothes
hanger, charged
straight at my child who was happily playing with his toy,
and give him
a good spanking! He merely cried but not asking for mercy,
except a
short explanation:

"Dad, I was hungry and there wasn't anymore
leftover rice. But you were
not back yet, hence I wanted to cook some instant noodles.
But I
remembered you reminding me not to touch or use the gas
stove without
any adults around, hence I turned on the shower and used
the hot water
from
the bathroom to cook the noodles. One is for you and the
other is for
me. However, I was afraid that the noodles will turn cold,
so I hid it
under
the
blanket to keep it warm till you return. But I forgot to
remind you
'cos I was playing with my toys...I am sorry
Dad..."

At that moment, tears were starting to run down my
cheeks...but I didn't
want my son to see his dad crying so I dashed into the
bathroom and
cried with the shower head on to mask my cries. After that
episode, I
went towards my son to give him a tight hug and applied
medication on
him,
while coaxing him to sleep. Then, it was time to clear up
the mess on
the bed. When everything was done and well past midnight, I
passed my
son's
room, and saw that he was still crying, not from the pain
on his little
buttock, but from looking at the photograph of his beloved
mummy.

A year has passed since the episode, I have tried, in this
period, to
focus on giving him both the love of his dad and mum, and
to attend to
most of his needs. And soon, he is turning seven, and will
be graduating
from
kindergarten. Fortunately, the incident did not leave a
lasting
impression on his childhood memories and he is still
happily growing up.

However, not so long ago, I hit my boy again, with much
regret. This
time, his kindergarten teacher called, informing me of my
son's absence
from
school. I took off early from work and went home, expecting
him to
explain. But he wasn't to be found, so I went around
our house, calling
out his name and eventually found him outside a stationery
shop, happily
playing computer games. I was fuming, brought him home and
whack the
hell out of him. He did not retaliate, except to say,
'I am sorry, Dad'.
But after much probing, I realized that it was a
'Talent Show' organized
by
his school and the invite is for every student's mummy.
And that was the
reason for his absence as he has no mummy.....

Few days after the caning, my son came home to tell me, the
kindergarten
has
recently taught him how to read and write. Since then, he
has kept
to himself and stayed in his room to practise his writing,
which I am
sure, would make my wife proud, if she was still around.
'cos he makes
me
proud too!

Time passes by very quickly, and soon another year has
passed. It's
winter, and its Christmas time. Everywhere the christmas
spirit is in
every passer-by... Christmas carols and frantic
shoppers.... but alas,
my
son got into another trouble. When I was about to knock off
from the
day's work, the post office called. Due to the peak
season, the post
master was also on an edgy mood. He called to tell me that
my son has
attempted to
post several letters with no addressee. Although I did make
a promise
never to hit my son again, I couldn't help but to hit
him as I feel that
this child of mine is really beyond control. Once again, as
before, he
apologized, ' I'm sorry, Dad' and no
additional reason to explain. I
pushed him towards a corner, went to the post office to
collect the
letters with no addressee and came home, and angrily
questioned my son
on his prank, during this time of the year.

His answer, amidst his sobbing, was : The letters were for
Mummy. My
eyes grew teary, but I tried to control my emotions and
continued to
ask him: " But why did u post so many letters, at one
time?" My son's
reply was: " I have been writing to mummy for a long
time, but each time
I reach out for the post box, it was too high for me, hence
I was not
able to post the letters. But recently, when I went back to
the postbox,
I
could reach it and I sent it all at once..."

After hearing this, I was lost. Lost at not knowing what to
do, what to
say.....
I told my son, " Son, mummy is in the heavenly
kingdom, so in future, if
you have anything to tell her, just burn the letter and it
will
reach
mummy. My son, on hearing this, was much pacifi ed and
calm, and soon
after, he was sleeping soundly. On promising that I will
burn the
letters on his behalf, I brought the letters outside, but
couldn't help
opening the letter before they turn to ash.

And one of the letters broke my heart....

Dear Mummy,

I miss you so much! Today, there was a 'Talent
Show' in school, and the
school invited all mothers for the show. But you are not
around, so I
did not want to participate as well. I did not tell Dad
about it as I
was afraid that Dad would start to cry and miss you all
over again. Dad
went
around looking for me, but in order to hide my sadness, I
sat in front
of the computer and started playing games at one of the
shops. Dad was
furious, and he couldnt help it but scolded and hit me, but
I did not
tell him the real reason. Mummy, everyday I see Dad missing
you and
whenever
he think of
you, he is so sad and often hide and cry in h is room. I
think we both miss you very very much. Too much for our own
good I
think. But
Mummy, I am starting to forget your face. Can you please
appear in my
dreams so that I can see your face and remember you? I
heard that if you
fall asleep with the photograph of the person whom you
miss, you will
see the person in your dreams. But mummy, why havent you
appear?

After reading the letter, I cant stop sobbing. 'cos I
can never replace
the irreplaceable gap left behind by my wife....

For the females with children:
Don't do so much overtime. If you cannot finish the
work, it must be
some kind of problems within the company, and it is not
your sole
problem.
Feedback to your boss. Endless overtime may not necessary
be the answer
to the problem. Take care of your health so that you can
treasure and
take
care of your little precious.

For the married
men:
Drink less, smoke less, cos nothing can replace your good
health, not
even business nor clients.
Try thinking this way, are you able to work till your
clients are
totally dependent on you? or your boss is totally dependent
on you? In
this society, no one is indispensable.

Take care of your health, so that you can take care of your
little
precious and your loved ones.

For those singles out there:
Beauty lies in loving yourself first. With confidence and
loving
yourself, you will see the beauty in other things around
you. You will
be able to work better and happier. Don't let your
health be affected by
your work or your boss, so nothing matters more than your
well being.

Running Ahead of God?

2009-10-25T09:38:00.000+08:00

A friend went to visit the great preacher Phillips Brooks and found him
pacing the floor like a caged lion. His friend asked, "What's the trouble,
Dr. Brooks?" He replied, "The trouble is that I'm in a hurry but God
isn’t."

Abraham could have identified with those feelings. God had promised him a
son, but, from a human perspective, time was running out. In fact, with
Abraham nearly 86 and Sarah 76 years old, most people would have said that
time had already run out. Obviously God needed help. In the Ancient Near
East, it was acceptable for a barren woman to give her maid as a
substitute to bear children for her, so Sarah suggested Abraham take Hagar
and let her bear his child. In his hurry, Abraham ran ahead of God and the
consequences are still felt in the Middle East today. The Arab nations
(descended from Ishmael, the son of the maid servant) and Israel
(descended from Abraham's legitimate heir, Isaac) continue to be bitter
enemies.

God not only has a divine will, He also has an eternal timetable. Just as
the apostle Paul reminded Christians that in "the fullness of time" God
sent His Son (Gal. 4:4) and "in due time Christ died for the ungodly"
(Rom. 5:6), so God has a schedule for everything in our lives as well. We
certainly don't want to lag behind God's agenda, but it's equally
disastrous to run ahead of it.

As you seek God's will for your life, seek His timetable as well. Don't
let your impatience carry you ahead of God. To do the right thing at the
wrong time makes the right thing the wrong thing.

We need to keep in step with God's time as well as His will.

The Law of the Garbage Truck

2009-10-21T18:31:00.001+08:00

One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport.

We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of
the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. I mean, he was really friendly.

So, I asked, "Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!" This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, "The Law of the Garbage Truck."

He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you.

Don't take it personally. Just smile, wave, and wish them well, say a prayer for them and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets. The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day.

Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so . . . love the people who treat you right. Forgive the ones who don't. We're not always responsible for everything that happens to us, but we are
responsible for how we react to what happens.

Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it!

Have a wonderful, garbage-free day!!!!!!!

Why Women Cry?

2009-10-13T21:06:00.000+08:00

Why Women Cry
Watch her eyes

A little boy asked his mother, "Why are you crying?" "Because I'm a woman , " she told him.

"I don't understand , " he said. His Mom just hugged him and said , "And you never will."

Later the little boy asked his father , "Why does mother seem to cry for no reason?"

"All women cry for no reason , " was all his dad could say.

The little boy grew up and became a man , still wondering why women cry...

Finally he put in a call to God. When God got on the phone , he asked , "God , why do women cry so easily?"

God said

"When I made the
woman she had to be special.

I made her shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the world, yet gentle enough to give comfort.

I gave her an inner strength to endure childbirth and the rejection that many times comes from her children.

I gave her a hardness that allows her to keep going when everyone else gives up , and take care of her family through sickness and fatigue without complaining.

I gave her the sensitivity to love her children under any and all circumstances , even when her child has hurt her very badly.

I gave her strength to carry her husband through his faults and fashioned her from his rib to protect his heart.

I gave her wisdom to know that a good husband never hurts his wife , but sometimes tests her strengths and her resolve to stand beside him unfalteringly.

And finally , I gave her a tear to shed. This is hers exclusively to use whenever it is needed."

"You see my
son , " said God , "the beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears , the figure that she carries , or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman must be seen in her eyes , because that is the doorway to her heart - the place where love resides."

Meet Faith The Dog

2009-10-06T18:50:00.001+08:00

This dog was born on Christmas Eve in the year 2002. He was born with 2 legs -

He of course could not walk when he was born. Even his mother did not want him.

His first owner also did not think that he could survive and he was thinking of 'putting him to sleep'.

But then, his present owner, Jude Stringfellow, met him and wanted to take care of him.

She became determined to teach and train this little dog to walk by himself.

She named him 'Faith'.

In the beginning, she put Faith on a surfboard to let him feel the movement.

Later she used peanut butter on a spoon as a lure and reward for him for standing up and jumping around.

Even the other dog at home encouraged him to walk..

Amazingly, only after 6 months, like a miracle,

Faith learned to balance on his hind legs and to jump to move forward.

After further training in the snow, he could now walk like a human being.

Faith loves to walk around now. No matter where he goes, he attracts people to him.

He is fast becoming famous on the international scene and has appeared on various newspapers and TV shows.

There is now a book entitled 'With a Little Faith' being published about him.

He was even considered to appear in one of Harry Potter movies.

His present owner Jude Stringfellew has given up her teaching post and plans to take him around

the world to preach that even without a perfect body, one can have a perfect soul'.

In life there are always undesirable things, so in order to feel better you just need to look at life

from another direction.

I hope this message will bring fresh new ways of thinking to everyone

and that everyone will appreciate and be thankful for each beautiful day.

Faith is the continual demonstration of the strength and wonder of life.

A small request: All you are asked to do is keep this story circulating.

NEED WASHING??

2009-10-04T20:35:00.000+08:00

A little girl had been shopping with her Mom in Target. She must have been 6 years old, this beautiful red haired, freckle faced image of innocence.. It was pouring outside. The kind of rain that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down the spout. We all stood there under the awning and just inside the door of the Target.

We waited, some patiently, others irritated because nature messed up their hurried day. I am always mesmerized by rainfall. I got lost in the sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the world Memories of running, splashing so carefree as a child came pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day.

The little voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were all caught in 'Mom let's run through the rain,' she said.

'What?' Mom asked.

'Let's run through the rain!' She repeated

'No, honey. We'll wait until it slows down a bit,' Mom replied.

This young child waited about another minute and repeated: 'Mom, let's run through the rain,'

'We'll get soaked if we do,' Mom said..

'No, we won't, Mom.. That's not what you said this morning,' the young girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm..

This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet?

'Don't you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, 'If God can get us through this, he can get us through anything!'

The entire crowd stopped dead silent. I swear you couldn't hear anything but the rain.. We all stood silently. No one came or left in the next few minutes.

Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say. Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child's life. A time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith.

'Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through the rain. If GOD lets us get wet, well maybe we just needed washing,' Mom said.

Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes, through the puddles. They held their shopping bags over their heads just in case. They got soaked. But they were followed by a few who screamed and laughed like children all the way to their cars.

Circumstances or people can take away your material possessions, they can take away your money, and they can take away your health. But no one can ever take away your precious memories....So, don't forget to make time and take the opportunities to make memories every day. To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.

I HOPE YOU STILL TAKE THE TIME TO RUN THROUGH THE RAIN.

They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but then an entire life to forget them.

Take the time to live!!!

Keep in touch with your friends, you never know when you'll need each other -- and don't forget to run in the rain!

The Purpose Behind Every Incident

2009-09-30T20:36:00.001+08:00

....after New York 9/11...this message was circulated...good reminder...

~The ' L I T T L E ' Things~

As you might remember, the head of a company survived 9/11
Because his son started kindergarten.

Another fellow was alive because it was
His turn to bring donuts.

One woman was late because her
Alarm clock didn't go off in time.

One was late because of being stuck on the NJ Turnpike
Because of an auto accident.

One of them
Missed his bus.

One spilled food on her clothes and had to take
Time to change.

One's
Car wouldn't start.

One couldn't
Get a taxi.

The one that struck me was the man
Who put on a new pair of shoes that morning,
Took the various means to get to work
But before he got there, he developed
A blister on his foot.
He stopped at a drugstore to buy a Band-Aid.
That is why he is alive today..

Now when I am
Stuck in traffic,
Miss an elevator,
Turn back to answer a ringing telephone...

All the little things that annoy me.
I think to myself,
This is exactly where
God wants me to be
At this very moment..

Next time your morning seems to be
Going wrong,
The children are slow getting dressed,
You can't seem to find the car keys,
You hit every traffic light,
Don't get mad or frustrated;
It May be just that
God is at work watching over you.

May God continue to bless you
With all those annoying little things
And may you remember their possible purpose.

(that's the cool part)
God Bless All

THE TONGUE CAN BE YOUR WORST ENEMY!

2009-09-30T20:35:00.001+08:00

Your words, your dreams, and your thoughts have power to create conditions in your life.
What you speak about, you can bring about.
If you keep saying you can't stand your job, you might lose your job.
If you keep saying you can't stand your body, your body can become sick.
If you keep saying you can't stand your car, your car could be stolen or just stop operating.
If you keep saying you're broke, guess what? You'll always be broke.
If you keep saying you can't trust a man or trust a woman, you will always find someone in your life to hurt and betray you.
If you keep saying you can't find a job, you will remain unemployed.
If you keep saying you can't find someone to love you or believe in you, your very thought will attract more experiences to confirm your beliefs.
If you keep talking about a divorce or break up in a relationship, then you might end up with it.
Turn your thoughts and conversations around to be more positive and power packed with faith, hope, love and action.
Don't be afraid to believe that you can have what you want and deserve.
Watch your Thoughts, they become words.
Watch your Words, they become actions.
Watch your Actions, they become habits.
Watch your Habits, they become character.
Watch your Character, for it becomes your Destiny.
The minute you settle for less than you deserve, you get even less than you settle for.
Thought I would share this with you.
In the search for Me, I discovered Truth.
In the search for Truth, I discovered Love.
Be Blessed
Watch how your circumstances and situations begin to change when you change the way you speak.

Dont Give Up

2009-09-09T21:03:00.001+08:00

Don't give up.....

One day I decided to quit...
I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality... I wanted to quit my life.
I went to the woods to have one last talk with God.
"God", I asked, "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"
His answer surprised me...
"Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"
"Yes", I replied.
"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them.
I gave them light.
I gave them water.
The fern quickly grew from the earth..
Its brilliant green covered the floor.
Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.
In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful.
And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. He said.
"In year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed.
But I would not quit.
In year four, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. I would
not quit." He said.
"Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared
to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant...But just 6
months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall.
It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive.
I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle."
He asked me. "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots".
"I would not quit on the bamboo.
I will never quit on you."
"Don't compare yourself to others."
He said.
"The bamboo had a different Purpose than the fern.
Yet they both make the forest beautiful."
"Your time will come", God said to me.
"You will rise high"
"How high should I rise?"
I asked.
"How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return.
"As high as it can?" I questioned.
"Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can."
I left the forest and brought back this story.
I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on you.
Never, Never, Never Give up.
For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is,
tell the problem how Great the Lord is!

Heavens door open this morning, God asked me...
"My CHILD, what can I do for you?"
And I said, "Daddy, please protect and bless the one reading this message."
God smiled and answered, "Request granted."

A Parable of Two Olive Planters

2009-09-09T20:58:00.001+08:00

There is a parable that tells of two godly old men who planted olive trees so that someday they could have olives to eat and have a supply of oil. As the first one planted his tree, he prayed: "Lord, it needs rain, that its tender roots may drink and swell. Please send gentle showers." And the Lord sent gentle showers. "Lord," he prayed again, "my tree needs warmth; please send sunshine." And the Lord sent sunshine." "Now send frost, Lord, to make its fibers tough." And, behold, the little tree stood sparkling with frost.

But one evening it died. The next day he went to see his friend and found his tree growing well.

"I prayed for rain and sun and frost," he said, "and my tree died."

Then his friend said, "I entrusted my tree to God. God made it, He knows better than I what it needs. So I make no conditions, but simply pray, "Lord, send what it needs. Storm or sunshine, wind, rain, or frost, as Thou knowest what is best'; and behold, it grows well!"

So whatever God permits to come into your life,
easy experiences or hard ones, joy or sorrow,
you can be sure that God is permitting it
so you can grow up in favor
with God and with man. By Eric B. Hare

Burnt Toast

2009-08-25T18:02:00.000+08:00

A beautiful story to ponder upon… if everyone in this world learn to accept others’ mistakes and forgive each other… life will move smoothly.

This is a nice story......
Embracing Imperfection

A story by a girl.
"When I was a little girl, my mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. And I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work.
On that evening so long ago, my mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage, and extremely burned toast in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed!
Yet all my dad did was reach for his toast, smile at my mom, and ask me how my day was at school. I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember Watching him smear butter and jelly on that toast and eat every bite!

When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad For burning the toast. And
I'll never forget what he said: 'Baby, I love burned toast.'

Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if He really liked his toast burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, 'Debbie, your Momma put in a hard day at work today and she's real tired. And besides-a little burnt toast never hurt anyone!' You know, life is full of imperfect things.....and imperfect people. I'm not the best housekeeper or cook.'

What I've learned over the years is that learning to accept each other's faults - and choosing to celebrate each
other's differences - is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship.

And that's my prayer for you today. That you will learn to take the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of your life
and lay them at the feet of GOD. Because in the end, He's the only One who will be able to give you a relationship where burnt toast isn't a deal-breaker!

We could extend this to any relationship in fact - as
understanding is the base of any relationship, be it a husband-wife or parent-child or friendship!! "

"Don't put the key to your happiness in someone else's pocket but into your own." See through God's eyes and feel through God's heart And you will appreciate the value of every soul including yourself.

God bless you all richly

The Pearls

2009-08-19T23:09:00.000+08:00

Jenny was a bright-eyed, pretty five-year-old girl.

One day when she and her mother were checking out at the grocery store, Jenny saw a plastic pearl necklace priced at $2.50. How she wanted that necklace and when she asked her mother if she would buy it for her, her mother said, "Well, it is a pretty necklace, but it costs an awful lot of money. I'll tell you what. I'll buy you the necklace, and when we get home we can make up a list of chores that you can do to pay for the necklace. And don't forget that for your birthday Grandma just might give you a whole dollar bill, too. Okay?"

Jenny agreed, and her mother bought the pearl necklace for her. Jenny worked on her chores very hard every day, and sure enough, her Grandma gave her a brand new dollar bill for her birthday. Soon Jenny had paid off the pearls.

How Jenny loved those pearls. She wore them everywhere to kindergarten, bed, and when she went out with her mother to run errands. The only time she didn't wear them was in the shower - her mother had told her that they would turn her neck green. Now Jenny had a very loving daddy. When Jenny went to bed, he would get up from his favorite chair every night and read Jenny her favorite story. One night when he finished the story, he said, "Jenny, do you love me?"

"Oh yes, Daddy, you know I love you," the little girl said.

"Well, then, give me your pearls."

"Oh! Daddy, not my pearls!" Jenny said. "But you can have Rosie, my favorite doll. Remember her? You gave her to me last year for my birthday. And you can have her tea party outfit, too. Okay?"

"Oh no, darling, that's okay." Her father brushed her cheek with a kiss. "Good night, little one."

A week later, her father once again asked Jenny after her story, "Do you love me?"

"Oh yes, Daddy, you know I love you."

"Well, then, give me your pearls."

"Oh, Daddy, not my pearls! But you can have Ribbons, my toy horse. Do you remember her? She's my favorite. Her hair is so soft, and you can play with it and braid it and everything. You can have Ribbons if you want her, Daddy," the little girl said to her father.

"No, that's okay," her father said and brushed her cheek again with a kiss. "God bless you, little one. Sweet dreams."

Several days later, when Jenny's father came in to read her a story, Jenny was sitting on her bed and her lip was trembling. "Here, Daddy," she said, and held out her hand. She opened it and her beloved pearl necklace was inside. She let it slip into her father's hand. With one hand her father held the plastic pearls and with the other he pulled out of his pocket a blue velvet box.

Inside of the box were real, genuine, beautiful pearls.He had them all along. He was waiting for Jenny to give up the cheap stuff so he could give her the real thing.

So it is with our Heavenly Father. He is waiting for us to give up the cheap things in our lives so that he can give us beautiful treasure. Isn't God good?

Are you holding onto things which God wants you to let go of?

Are you holding onto harmful or unnecessary partners, relationships, habits and activities which you have become so attached to that it seems impossible to let go?

Sometimes it is so hard to see what is in the other hand but do believe this one thing, God will never take away something without giving you something better in its place.

The Weight of Prayer

2009-08-18T13:14:00.000+08:00

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
humb le 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.'

THE POWER OF PRAYER: When you receive this, say
a prayer. That's
all you have to do.

Just stop right now, and say a prayer of thanks
for your own good
fortune.

Then please send this to all your friends and
relatives.


I believe if you will send this testimony out
with prayer in faith,
you will receive what you need God to do in
your and your fa
milies' life .

So dear heart, 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

Father's Love Letter

2009-08-16T08:13:00.000+08:00

My Child,

You may not know me,
but I know everything about you.
Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up.
Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways.
Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.
Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image.
Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being.
Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring.
Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived.
Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation.
Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake,
for all your days are written in my book.
Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth
and where you would live.
Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother’s womb.
Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born.
Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented
by those who don’t know me.
John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry,
but am the complete expression of love.
1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.
1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child
and I am your Father.
1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.
Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father.
Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.
James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.
Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love.
Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless
as the sand on the seashore.
Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you.
Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession.
Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you
with all my heart and all my soul.
Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things.
Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart,
you will find me.
Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you
the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires.
Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you
than you could possibly imagine.
Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you
in all your troubles.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted,
I am close to you.
Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb,
I have carried you close to my heart.
Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away
every tear from your eyes.
Revelation 21:3-4

And I’ll take away all the pain
you have suffered on this earth.
Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you
even as I love my son, Jesus.
John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.
John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being.
Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you,
not against you.
Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression
of my love for you.
1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved
that I might gain your love.
Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus,
you receive me.
1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you
from my love again.
Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I’ll throw the biggest party
heaven has ever seen.
Luke 15:7

I have always been Father,
and will always be Father.
Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is…
Will you be my child?
John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you.
Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad
Almighty God

1st priority

2009-08-13T17:09:00.000+08:00

John Wanamaker was a man who had his priorities straight. In the late 19th
century he opened a department store in Philadelphia. Within a few years
the enterprise became one of the most successful businesses in the
country. But operating his store wasn’t Wanamaker’s only responsibility.

He was also named Postmaster General of the United States and served as
the superintendent for what was then the largest Sunday school in the
world at Bethany Presbyterian Church. When someone asked him how he could
hold all these positions at once, he explained, "Early in life I read,
‘But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these
things shall be added to you’ [Matt. 6:33]. That’s what I’ve done." In the
midst of a busy life, Mr. Wanamaker made God his number-one priority and
the results speak for themselves.

To live life successfully, we must know what’s most important. All
of our other priorities will be out of kilter until we get our first
priority straight. When we know what comes first, the rest will fall into
place. God must always come first in our lives, in our daily schedules,
our checkbooks, our estate plans, our thoughts and our actions. He is
priority one.

If your life is chaotic, it may indicate your priorities are jumbled. Make
God priority one in your life and you may be surprised at how easily
everything else comes together. Only by starting your priorities right can
you hope to end them right.

Everything begins with the right priorities, and right priorities begin
with God.