Wings for the heart

When tomorrow starts without me.

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 02:05:00 +0000

It's been a trying and life changing week, so I'm posting this.
When tomorrow starts without me,
and I'm not there to see;
If the sun should rise and find your eyes,
all filled with tears for me;
I wish so much you wouldn't cry,
the way you did today,
while thinking of the many things,
we didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me,
as much as I love you,
and each time that you think of me,
I know you'll miss me too;
But when tomorrow starts without me,
please try to understand,
that an Angel came and called my name,
and took me by the hand,
and said my place was ready,
in heaven far above,
and that I'd have to leave behind,
all those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away,
a tear fell from my eye,
for all life, I'd always thought,
I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for,
so much yet to do,
it seemed almost impossible,
that I was leaving you.

I thought of all the yesterdays,
the good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared,
and all the fun we had.

If I could relive yesterday,
just even for awhile,
I'd say goodbye and kiss you
and maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized,
that this could never be,
for emptiness and memories,
would take the place of me.

And when I thought of worldly things,
I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did,
my heart was filled with sorrow.

But when I walked through heaven's gates,
I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me,
from His great golden throne,

He said, "This is eternity,
and all I've promised you".
Today for life on earth is past,
but here it starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow,
but today will always last,
and since each day's the same day,
there's no longing for the past.

But you have been so faithful,
so trusting and so true.
Though there were times you did some things,
you knew you shouldn't do.
But you have been forgiven
and now at last you're free.
So won't you take my hand
and share my life with me?

So when tomorrow starts without me,
don't think we're far apart,
for every time you think of me,
I'm right here, in your heart.

Everyday Thanksgiving

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Sat, 24 May 2008 14:53:00 +0000

Even though I clutch my blanket and growl
when the alarm rings,
thank you, Lord, that I can hear.
There are many who are deaf.

Even though I keep my eyes closed against
the morning light as long as possible,
thank you, Lord, that I can see.
Many are blind.

Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising,
thank you Lord, that I have the strength to rise.
There are many who are bedridden.

Even though the first hour of my day is hectic,
when socks are lost,
toast is burned and tempers are short,
my children are so loud
thank you, Lord, for my family.
There are many who are lonely.

Even though our breakfast table never looks
like the pictures in magazines
and the menu is at times
unbalanced,
thank you, Lord, for the food we have.
There are many who are hungry.

Even though the routine of my job
is often monotonous,
thank you, Lord,
for the opportunity to work.
There are many who have no job.

Even though I grumble and
bemoan my fate
from day to day
and wish my circumstances
were not so modest,
thank you, Lord, for life. We always take things for granted, but we should all be thankfull for what we have, there is always someone else worse off than you. Even though I'm blind, I'm thankfull that God gave me the rest of my senses.
Found via the Digital angel newsletter, which I have no URL for at this time.

Let's try this again.

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Sat, 24 May 2008 01:17:00 +0000

I know I've been neglecting this blog, so I want to give it a fresh start. I will start posting again tomorrow, and try to find more ways to promote the blog. I'm still taking prayer requests at prayerwings(at)gmail.com.

You Can, by A Lisa Lindsey

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 21:28:00 +0000

If you can't feed a billion people,
then feed just one.

If you can't hire twenty million unemployed,
then hire just one.

If you can't support an army,
then pray for one soldier.

If you can't cure disease,
then visit one person in the hospital.
One smile provides healing.

If you can't save the world,
then improve your community;
and if you can't improve your community,
then help your next-door neighbor.

We can't save the world,
but we can save those within hugging distance.

Don't give up.
Don't become overwhelmed.
We are responsible only for the people in our breathing space.

Charity begins with the next person you see.
Charity begins with just you and just me.
If everyone on earth felt this way, what kind of planet would it be? Found via the mountain wings newsletter at: http://mountainwings.com

THE THREE THINGS IN LIFE

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 18:17:00 +0000

Three things in life that, once gone, never come back -
1. Time
2. Words
3. Opportunity

Three things in life that may never be lost -
1. Peace
2. Hope
3. Honesty

Three things in life that are most valuable -
1. Love
2. Self-confidence
3. Friends

Three things in life that are never certain -
1. Dreams
2. Success
3. Fortune

Three things in life that are most appreciated -
1. Generosity
2. Humor
3. Forgiveness

Three things that make a person -
1. Hard work
2. Sincerity
3. Commitment

Three things in life that can destroy a person -
1. Alcohol / Drugs
2. Pride
3. Anger

Three things that are truly constant -
Father - Son - Holy Ghost

-- Author Unknown, found via http://emailministry.org

Going Home

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 20:06:00 +0000

Years ago, I was enthralled as I listened to a pastor who for several years had faithfully served the church. His executive responsibilities had taken him all over this country. As he concluded his message, he told of one of the most frightening yet thought-provoking experiences of his life.

He had been on a long flight. The first warning of the approaching problems came when the sign on the airplane flashed on: "Fasten your seat belts." Then, after a while, a calm voice said, "We shall not be serving the beverages at this time as we are expecting a little turbulence. Please be sure your seat belt is fastened."

As he looked around the aircraft, it became obvious that many of the passengers were becoming apprehensive. Later, the voice of the announcer said, "We are so sorry that we are unable to serve the meal at this time. The turbulence is still ahead of us."

And then the storm broke. The ominous cracks of thunder could be heard even above the roar of the engines. Lightening lit up the darkening skies, and within moments that great plane was like a cork tossed around on a celestial ocean. One moment the airplane was lifted on terrific currents of air; the next, it dropped as if it were about to crash.

The pastor confessed that he shared the discomfort and fear of those around him. He said, "As I looked around the plane, I could see that nearly all the passengers were upset and alarmed. Some were praying. The future seemed ominous and many were wondering if they would make it through the storm.

And then, I suddenly saw a girl to whom the storm meant nothing. She had tucked her feet beneath her as she sat on her seat and was reading a book. Everything within her small world was calm and orderly. Sometimes she closed her eyes, then she would read again; then she would straighten her legs, but worry and fear were not in her world. When the plane was being buffeted by the terrible storm, when it lurched this way and that, as it rose and fell with frightening severity, when all the adults were scared half to death, that marvelous child was completely composed and unafraid."

The minister could hardly b elieve his eyes. It was not surprising therefore, that when the plane finally reached its destination and all the passengers were hurrying to disembark, he lingered to speak to the girl whom he had watched for such a long time.

Having commented about the storm and behavior of the plane, he asked why she had not been afraid. The sweet child replied, "Sir, my Dad is the pilot, and he is taking me home."

Jesus said, "Fear not." Those who have given their hand to Jesus must trust that the Father is taking them Home. Author unknown, found via the Inspired Buffalo newsletter at: http://inspiredbuffalo.com

Talking to God

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 21:04:00 +0000

As you got up this morning, I watched you and hoped you would talk to Me, even if it was just a few words, asking my opinion or thanking me for something good that happened in your life yesterday. But I noticed you were too busy trying to find the right outfit to put on and wear to work. I waited again.

When you ran around the house getting ready I knew there would be a few minutes for you to stop and say hello, but you were too busy.

At one point you had to wait fifteen minutes with nothing to do except sit in a chair. Then I saw you spring to your feet. I thought you wanted to talk to me but you ran to the phone and called a friend to get the latest gossip.

I watched as you went to work and I waited patiently all day long. With all your activities I guess you were too busy to say anything to me.

I noticed that before lunch you looked around, maybe you felt embarrassed to talk to me, that is why you didn't bow your head. You glanced three or four tables over and you noticed some of your friends talking to me briefly before they ate, but you didn't.

That's okay.

There is still more time left, and I have hope that you will talk to me yet you went home and it seems as if you had lots of things to do.

After a few of them were done you turned on the TV, I don't know if you like TV or not, just about anything goes there & you spent a lot of time each day in front of it, not thinking about anything - just enjoying the show. I waited patiently again as you watched the TV and ate your meal but again you didn't talk to me.

Bedtime I guess you felt too tired. After you said goodnight to your family you plopped into bed and fell asleep in no time.

That's okay because you may not realize that I am always there for you. I've got patience more than you will ever know. I even want to teach you how to be patient with others as well. I love you so much that I wait everyday for a nod, prayer or thought or a thankful part of your heart. It is hard to have a one-sided conversation.

Well you are getting up again and once again I will wait with nothing but love for you hoping that today you will give me some time.

Have a nice day!

Your friend,
GOD.
Author unknown, found via http://inspiredbuffalo.com I'm going to try to get back on a daily posting schedule for this blog!!

The 23rd Psalm

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 21:10:00 +0000

The Lord is my Shepherd
That's Relationship

I shall not want
That's Supply

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

He leadeth me beside the still waters
That's Refreshment

He restoreth my soul
That's Healing

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness
That's Guidance

For His name sake
That's Purpose

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

I will fear no evil
That's protection

For Thou art with me
That's Faithfulness

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

Thou annointest my head with oil
That's Consecration

My cup runneth over
That's Abundance

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life
That's Blessing

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

Found via the my chicken soup group at Yahoo. Author unknown.

I'm back

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 18:34:00 +0000

Sorry I haven't been updating for a while, it's been a busy couple of days. Will be back to regularly posting tomorrow.

John 3:16

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 18:42:00 +0000

I received this at my personal email address, via a forward from a family member. The author is unknown to me.

A little boy was selling newspapers on the corner, the people were in and out of the cold.

The little boy was so cold that he wasn't trying to sell
many papers.

He walked up to a policeman and said,
'Mister, you wouldn't happen to know where a poor boy could find a warm place to sleep tonight would you?

You see, I sleep in a box up around the corner there and down the alley and it's awful cold in there for tonight.

Sure would be nice to have a warm place to stay.'

The policeman looked down at the little boy and said, 'You
go down the street to that big white house and you knock
on the door. When they come out the door you just say
John 3:16, and they will let you in.'

So he did. He walked up the steps and knocked on the
door, and a lady answered. He looked up and said,
'John 3:16.' The lady said, 'Come on in, Son.'

She took him in and she sat him down in a split bottom
rocker in front of a great big old fireplace, and she went
off. The boy sat there for a while and thought to himself:
John 3:16 ...I don't understand it, but it sure makes
a cold boy warm.

Later she came back and asked him 'Are you hungry ? '
He said, 'Well, just a little. I haven't eaten in a couple of
days, and I guess I could stand a little bit of food,'

The lady took him in the kitchen and sat him down to a table full of wonderful food. He ate and ate until he couldn't eat any more. Then he thought to
himself:
John 3:16 ...Boy, I sure don't understand it but it sure
makes a hungry boy full.

She took him upstairs to a bathroom to a huge bathtub
filled with warm water, and he sat there and soaked for a
while. As he soaked, he thought to himself: John 3:16 .
I sure don't understand it, but it sure makes a dirty boy
clean. You know, I've not had a bath, a real bath, in my
whole life. The only bath I ever had was when I stood in
front of that big old fire hydrant as they flushed it out.
The lady came in and got him. She took him to a room,
tucked him into a big old feather bed, pulled the covers
up around his neck, kissed him goodnight and turned out the lights. As he lay in the darkness and looked out the window at the snow coming down on that
cold night,
he thought to himself: John 3:16...I don't understand it but it sure makes a tired boy rested.

The next morning the lady came back up and took him
down again to that same big table full of food. After he
ate, she took him back to that same big old split bottom
rocker in front of the fireplace and picked up a big old Bible.

She sat down in front of him and looked into his young face. 'Do you understand John 3:16 ?' she asked gently. He replied, 'No, Ma'am, I don't. The first
time I ever heard it was last night when the policeman told me to use it,'
She opened the Bible to John 3:16 and began to explain to him about Jesus. Right there, in front of that big old fireplace, he gave his heart and life
to Jesus. He sat there and thought: John 3:16 -- don't understand it, but it sure makes a lost boy feel safe.

You know, I have to confess I don't understand it either,
how God was willing to send His Son to die for me, and how Jesus would agree to do such a thing. I don't understand the agony of the Father and every angel
in heaven as they watched Jesus suffer and die. I don't understand the intense love for ME that kept Jesus on the cross till the end. I don't understand
it, but it sure does make life worth living.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Prayer requests.

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 22:21:00 +0000

When I launched this blog, I said I would take prayer requests, after I set up a separate email address. I've set up the email address, and I'm now ready to take them!! To submit a prayer request, you can post a comment, or send email to prayerwings@gmail.com When you send a request, please provide at least your first name, and a brief discription of what specifically to pray for. If you send an email, I won't post your request on the blog, or share it publically, unless you ask me to. If you post a comment, anyone who reads the blog will be able to see it, after I approve it.

God's Most Amazing Grace, by Virginia (Ginny) Ellis

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 16:40:00 +0000

If there had been another way,
Do you think He would have died?
No other man could take his place,
Not even if one tried.

God did not ask for volunteers,
But even if He had,
Would you have said, "Take me instead?"
Folks would have thought you mad.

None of us was good enough,
To take His place upon that cross,
None of us was rich enough,
To have paid that high a cost.

It's hard to believe a loving God,
Would sacrifice His Son,
But, it had to be that way, you see,
He was the only One.

He took our sin along with Him,
As directed from above,
None of us so generous,
We would offer that much love.

He said He would leave the tomb,
He would ascend to heaven,
Three days later He was gone,
Hallelujah! He Was Risen!

Brother, you could not substitute,
You could not take His place,
He took yours - the only way,
God's most amazing grace.

Easter Sunday

This is the day the doves returned,
The greatest day on earth,
The day the stone was overturned,
The sign of man's rebirth.

This is the day He left the tomb,
The day the angels hailed,
This is the day the lilies bloomed,
The day to lift the veil.

This is the day that Mary's tears,
Upon her cheek were dried,
The day the angels quelled her fears,
By singing He's alive!

This is the day that Christ was seen,
Walking on the road,
In the flesh - no, not a dream,
In a white and holy robe.

This is the day He spoke aloud,
Hear, see, touch - He's real,
The day He rose up in the clouds,
God's truths for man revealed.

Virginia (Ginny) Ellis
Copyright 2001
Found via http://www.mrspshavenofrefuge.org/Easter_Morning/ Link to author's site: http://poetrybyginny.com/index.htm
I hope everyone has a happy easter!! God bless you all!!

Bound in the Fire, by Debbie Preuss

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 19:35:00 +0000

Have you ever felt bound so tight
You couldn't get free with all your might
The ropes of sin, holding you down
Have dashed your hopes of a heavenly crown
You can see the fire coming closer now
You struggle to get free somehow
As the ember becomes a flame
You cling tightly to Jesus' name
The fire's so hot, those that carried you bound
Are falling dead on the ground
Thrown into the fire, bound so tight
Death is the only end in sight
But as your body hits the ground
You suddenly find you are unbound
Instead of killing you, the fire set you free
Jesus' presence there is the key
He walks with you wherever you go
On the beaches, the fire, the snow
When adversity comes your way
Watch the rope begin to fray
As life's fire grows hotter still
Remember the crosses on the hill
The center cross held the Savior divine
He is a friend of yours and mine
He walks through the fire, by our side
Look to Him, He'll be your guide
Gone are the sins that bound - you're free
So come to Him and bow your knee
For we go THROUGH the fire, we do not stay
Don't let the bindings get in your way
Tribulations will come and they'll go
The Savior, Jesus won't let the foe
Burn you in the fire, He's by your side
No matter how hot, you won't be fried
The fire of testing can be so hot
But your soul, Christ's blood has bought
Believe, accept Him and you'll see
He'll guide you safely to eternity
Even if you're bound so tight
You can't get free with all your might
Let the fire burn the ropes, you'll see
You will walk out the other side free

Debbie Preuss ©
March 22, 2008

This poem was inspired by the story of Shadrach, Meshach and
Abendego, We go through different fires
today, but God is faithful and He will be with us whatever our fire!
Each trial we go through is
burning the bonds that hold us back. He will lead us through!

Found via the daily thoughts and inspirations group at Yahoo: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dailythoughtsandinspirations/

Calvary's Tree, by Marilyn Ferguson

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:42:00 +0000

Are you weak and heavy laden
Are you cumbered down with care,
Does the weight upon your shoulders
Seem like more than you can bear?

Do you struggle with life's burdens
As you travel on life's road,
Do you tend to bend and buckle
Under such a heavy load?

My friend, just think of Jesus
How He suffered and He died,
For our sins and our transgressions
He was whipped and crucified.

Imagine how He stood the pain
It cut right to the bone,
The anguish that He must have felt
Up there so all alone.

Each strap that lashed across His back
Brought pain beyond belief,
While soldiers laughed and scorned Him
How He prayed for some relief.

A crown of thorns was laid to rest
Upon His weary head,
While angry crowds cried crucify
He suffered and He bled.

My friend, just think of Jesus
He was such a wretched sight,
They bound Him to a rugged cross
He died without a fight.

The nails were driven through
His hands, He moaned in agony,
Yet, He would do it all again
He'd give His life for me.

So my friend just think of Jesus
When you grumble and complain,
You'll see Him there on Calvary
The place where He was slain.

That lowly figure on the cross
Will slowly come to life,
You'll see the anguish in His eyes
The torment and the strife.

You'll see the sweat upon His brow
The burdens that He bore,
All the things that bring you pain
Won't matter anymore.

Marilyn Ferguson ©2003 Found via http://www.mrspshavenofrefuge.org

Three Bullets

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 18:41:00 +0000

Three Bullets
With God all things are possible*-Matthew 19:26

There once was a man who had nothing for his family to eat.
He had an old rifle and three bullets.
So, he decided that he would go out hunting
and kill some wild game for dinner.

As he went down the road, he saw a rabbit.
He shot at the rabbit and missed it.
The rabbit ran away.

Then he saw a squirrel and fired a shot at the squirrel but missed it.
The squirrel disappeared into a hole in a cottonwood tree.
As he went further, he saw a large wild " Tom" turkey in the tree, but he had only one bullet remaining.

A voice spoke to him and said,
" Pray first, aim high, and stay focused.

However, at the same time, he saw a deer
which was a better kill.

He brought the gun down and aimed at the deer.
But, then he saw a rattlesnake between his legs about to bite him,
so he naturally brought the gun down further to shoot the rattlesnake.

Still, the voice said again to him,
" I said, 'Pray, Aim high, and Stay focused."

So, the man decided to listen to God's voice.

He prayed, then aimed the gun high up in the tree,
and shot the wild turkey.

The bullet bounced off the turkey and killed the deer.

The handle fell off the gun, hit the snake in the head, and killed the snake.
And, when the gun had gone off, it knocked him into a pond.

When he stood up to look around,
he had fish in all his pockets,
a dead deer, and a turkey for his family to eat.

The snake (Satan) was dead simply because
the man listened to God.

Moral of the story:

Pray first before you do anything,
aim and shoot high in your goals,
and stay focused on God.

Never let others discourage you concerning your past.
The past is exactly that, " the past."

Live every day one day at a time,
and remember that only God knows our future.

Do not look to man for your blessings,
but look to the doors that only He has prepared in advance
for you in your favor.

Wait, be still, and patient: keep God first,
and everything else will follow.

Author unknown
Found via the devotionals newsletter at : http://craftelady.com
Don't worry about tomorrow, God is already there!!!

Something to think about

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 18:12:00 +0000

My grandma sent this one to me, I don't know who it's by.
MIRACLES AND BLESSINGS
There was a blind girl who hated herself because she was blind . She hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend. He was always there for her.She told her boyfriend, 'IF I could only see the world, I will marry you.' One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her. When the bandages came off, she was able to see everything, including her boyfriend.He asked her,'Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?' The girl looked at
her boyfriend and saw that he was blind. The sight of his closed eyelids shocked her. She hadn't expected that. The thought of looking at them the rest
of her life led her to refuse to marry him.
Her boyfriend left her in tears and days later wrote a note to her saying: 'Take good care of your eyes, my dear, for before they were yours, they were
mine.'
This is how the human brain often works when our status changes. Only a very few remember what life was like before, and who was always by their side in
the most painful situations.
Life Is a Gift
Today before you say an unkind word - Think of someone who can't speak.

Before you complain about the taste of your food - Think of someone who has nothing to eat.

Before you complain about your husband or wife - Think of someone who's crying out to GOD for a companion.

Today before you complain about life -Think of someone who went too early to heaven.

Before you complain about your children -Think of someone who desires children but they're barren.

Before you argue about your dirty house because someone didn't clean or sweep -Think of the people who are living in the streets.

Before whining about the distance you drive-Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.

And when you are tired and complain about your job -Think of the unemployed, the disabled, and those who wish they had your job.

Before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another -Remember that not one of us is without sin and we all answer to one MAKER.

And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down -Put a smile on your face and thank GOD you're alive and still around.
There is always someone worse off than you!! I consider myself to be in no way less fortunate because I'm blind!!! I've been blesed with many things, and I thank God everyday for those blessings. The stereotype that all blind people suffer, is an ancient and outdated misconception! All people go through many trials, it isn't unique to blind or disabled people.

Irish blessings and prayers.

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 01:56:00 +0000

I thought since tomorrow is Saint Patrick's day, I would find and post some irish blessings, because sometimes, there's nothing like them!!
May the good earth be soft under you
when you rest upon it,
and may it rest easy over you when,
at the last, you lay out under it,
And may it rest so lightly over you
that your soul may be out
from under it quickly,
and up, and off,
And be on its way to God.

Dear Lord,
Give me a few friends
who will love me for what I am,
and keep ever burning
before my vagrant steps
the kindly light of hope...
And though I come not within sight
of the castle of my dreams,
teach me to be thankful for life,
and for time's olden memories
that are good and sweet.
And may the evening's twilight
find me gentle still.

May there always be work for your hands to do.
May your purse always hold a coin or two.
May the sun always shine on your windowpane.
May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain.
May the hand of a friend always be near you.
May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you. I found these at: http://islandireland.com

This too shall pass

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 21:52:00 +0000

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
Psalms 46: 1
********No matter what you are going through now, take cheer in
knowing "this too shall pass." In this life, it rains on both
the just and the unjust. It has well been said that into every
life, a little rain must fall. Trials, temptations, sickness,
and sorrow are all a part of this life here below.
Today, there are many going through illness, grief, sorrow,
financial problems, wars, temptations or trials. Some wonder if
their problems ever will end. Yet, the Lord tells us that He
will be with us. Through all the storms of life, we have one
who walks with us and will bring us out. We're not going
under, we are going over. In the name of our Lord,
we can be confident that the sufferings of this present
life are not worthy to be compared with the joy to be
revealed hereafter.
There was once a wealthy king who commanded his
wise men to inscribe inside his ring the world's greatest
truth. The king wanted something which he thought would
bring help and hope in every time and place. It is said that
months later, the inscribers came back with this inscription
written inside the king's right. "This too shall pass."
In the Bible, we see the words "it came to pass" written
over four hundred fifty times The darkest night will be turned unto
day in God's time. There is no pain or trial too agonizing but what
it will pass. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes
in the morning.
In all times of trouble in our lives, we find the Lord is
there and is our help and strength. He is our strong tower
and fortress. He'll lift us up and will not let us down.
Jesus will lead us on to victory. No matter how bleak
circumstances may look, always remember, "This too
shall pass!" You can believe in Jesus and know He
will never fail.
Jo Ann Kelly © 2008
It wasn't my intent to publish this at all!! But, God had other plans, this wasn't the email I intended to open at all!! Found via the daily thoughts and inspirations group at Yahoo.

The brother's song

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 19:51:00 +0000

Like any good mother, when Karen found out another baby was on the way, she did what she could to help her three-year-old son, Michael, prepare for a new sibling. They found out the new baby was going to be a girl, and day after day, night after night, Michael sang to his sister in his mommy's tummy. He was building a bond of love with his little sister before he even met her. The pregnancy progressed normally for Karen, an active member of the Panther Creek United Methodist Church in Morristown, Tennessee.

In time, the labor pains came. Soon, it was every five minutes, every three and then every minute. But serious complications arose during the delivery and Karen found herself in hours of labor. Would a C- section be required? Finally, after a long struggle, Michael's little sister was born. But she was in very serious condition.

With a siren howling in the night, the ambulance rushed the infant to the neonatal intensive care unit at St. Mary's Hospital in Knoxville, Tennessee. The days inched by and the little girl only got worse. The pediatrician had to tell the parents there was very little hope. They needed to be prepared for the worst.

Karen and her husband contacted a local cemetery about a burial plot. They had fixed up a special room in their house for their new baby, but they now found themselves having to plan for a funeral. Michael, however, kept begging his parents to let him see his sister. "I want to sing to her," he kept saying.

Week two in intensive care looked as if a funeral would come before the week was over. Michael kept nagging about singing to his sister, but kids are never allowed in the intensive care unit. Karen decided to take Michael whether they liked it or not. If he didn't see his sister right then, he may never see her alive.

She dressed him in an oversized scrub suit and marched him into the ICU. He looked like a walking laundry basket. The head nurse recognized him as a child and bellowed, "Get that kid out of here now. No children are allowed!"

The mother rose up strong in Karen, and the usually mild-mannered lady glared steel-eyed right into the head nurse's face, her lips a firm line. "He is not leaving until he sings to his sister," she stated.

Then Karen towed Michael to his sister's bedside. He gazed at the tiny infant losing the battle to live. After a moment, he began to sing. In the pure hearted voice of a three-year-old, Michael sang, "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are gray."

Instantly, the baby girl seemed to respond. Her pulse rate began to calm down and became steady. "Keep on singing, Michael," encouraged Karen, with tears in her eyes.

"You never know, dear, how much I love you. Please don't take my sunshine away." As Michael sang to his sister, the baby's ragged, strained breathing became as smooth as a kitten's purr.

"Keep on singing, sweetheart!"

"The other night, dear, as I lay sleeping, I dreamed I held you in my arms." Michael's little sister began to relax as rest, healing rest, seemed to sweep over her.

"Keep on singing, Michael." Tears had now conquered the face of the bossy head nurse. Karen glowed. "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. Please don't take my sunshine away."

The very next day, the little girl was well enough to go home.

Woman's Day Magazine called it "The Miracle of a Brother's Song." The medical staff just called it a miracle. Karen called it a miracle of God's love.

-Author-unknown. Found via the Life's adventures newsletter at: http://worldstart.com

Puppy Size

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 21:53:00 +0000

"Danielle keeps repeating it over and over again. We've been back to this animal shelter at least five times. It has been weeks now since we started all of this," the mother told the volunteer.

"What is it she keeps asking for?" the volunteer asked.

"Puppy size!" replied the mother.

"Well, we have plenty of puppies if that's what she's looking for."

"I know. We have seen most of them," the mom said in frustration.

Just then, Danielle came walking into the office

"Well, did you find one?" asked her mom.

"No, not this time," Danielle said with sadness in her voice. "Can we come back on the weekend?"

The two women looked at each other, shook their heads and laughed

"You never know when we will get more dogs. Unfortunately, there's always a supply," the volunteer said.

Danielle took her mother by the hand and headed to the door. "Don't worry. I'll find one this weekend," she said.

Over the next few days, both her mom and dad had long conversations with Danielle.

They both felt she was being too particular. "It's this weekend or we're not looking anymore," her dad finally said in frustration.

"We don't want to hear anything more about puppy size either," her mom added.

Sure enough, they were the first ones in the shelter on Saturday morning. By now, Danielle knew her way around, so she ran right for the section that housed the smaller dogs.

Tired of the routine, her mom sat in the small waiting room at the end of the first row of cages. There was an observation window there, so you could see the animals during times when visitors weren't permitted.

Danielle walked slowly from cage to cage, kneeling periodically to take a closer look. One by one, the dogs were brought out and she held each one.

One by one, she said, "Sorry, but you're not the one."

It was the last cage on this last day in search of the perfect puppy.

The volunteer opened the cage door and the child carefully picked up the dog and held it closely. This time, she took a little longer.

"Mom, that's it! I found the right puppy. He's the one. I know it!" she screamed with joy. "It's the puppy size!"

"But it's the same size as all the other puppies you held over the last few weeks," her mom said.

"No, not size. The sighs. When I held him in my arms, he sighed," she said.

"Don't you remember? When I asked you one day what love is, you told me love depends on the sighs of your heart. The more you love, the bigger the sigh!"

The two women looked at each other for a moment. Danielle's mom didn't know whether to laugh or cry. As she stooped down to hug her child, she did a little of both.

"Mom, every time you hold me, I sigh. When you and Daddy come home from work and hug each other, you both sigh. I knew I would find the right puppy if it sighed when I held it in my arms," she said.

Then, holding the puppy up close to her face, she said, "Mom, he loves me. I heard the sighs of his heart!"

Author unknown

Found via the Life's adventures newsletter at: http://worldstart.com

Windshield Wipers

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 23:50:00 +0000

One rainy afternoon, I was driving along one of the main streets of town, taking those extra precautions necessary when the roads are wet and slick.

Suddenly, my daughter, Aspen, spoke up from her relaxed position in her seat.

"Dad, I'm thinking of something."

This announcement usually meant she had been pondering some fact for a while, and was now ready to expound all that her six-year-old mind had discovered. I was eager to hear.

"What are you thinking?" I asked.

"The rain;" she began, "is like sin, and the windshield wipers are like God wiping our sins away."

After the chill bumps raced up my arms I was able to respond.
"That's really good, Aspen."

Then my curiosity broke in. How far would this little girl take this revelation? So I asked...
"Do you notice how the rain keeps on coming? What does that tell you?"

Aspen didn't hesitate one moment with her answer:
"We keep on sinning, and God just keeps on forgiving us."

I will always remember this whenever I turn my wipers on.
Author unknown.

God and the spider

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 23:42:00 +0000

During the War, a US marine was separated from his unit. The fighting had been intense, and in the smoke and the crossfire he had lost touch with his
comrades. Alone in the hills, he could hear enemy soldiers coming in his direction. Scrambling for cover, he found his way up a high ridge to several
small caves in the rock. Quickly he crawled inside one of the caves. Although safe for the moment, he realized that once the enemy soldiers looking
for him swept up the ridge, they would quickly search all the caves and he would be killed.

As he waited, he prayed, "Lord, if it be your will, please protect me. Whatever your will though, I love you and trust you. Amen."

After praying, he lay quietly listening to the enemy begin to draw close. He thought, "Well, I guess the Lord isn't going to help me out of this one.."
Then he saw a spider begin to build a web over the front of his cave.

As he watched, listening to the enemy searching for him all the while, the spider layered strand after strand of web across the opening of the cave.
"Ha, he thought. "What I need is a brick wall and what the Lord has sent me is a spider web.
God does have a sense of humor."

As the enemy drew closer he watched from the darkness of his hideout and could see them searching one cave after another. As they came to his, he got
ready to make his last stand. To his amazement, however, after glancing in the direction of his cave, they moved on. Suddenly, he realized that with
the spider web over the entrance, his cave looked as if no one had entered for quite a while. "Lord, forgive me," prayed the young man. "I had forgotten
that in you a spider's web is stronger than a brick wall."

We all face times of great trouble. When we do, it is so easy to forget the victories that God would work in our lives, sometimes in the most surprising
ways. As the great leader, Nehemiah, reminded the people of Israel when they faced the task of rebuilding Jerusalem,

"In God we will have success!" [Nehemiah 2:20] Remember: Whatever is happening in your life, with God, a mere spider's web can become a brick wall
of protection. Believe He is with you always. Just speak His name through Jesus His son, and you will see His great power and love in your life. Author unknown.

Found at: http://promiseofgod.com

A reason, a season, or a lifetime.

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 19:46:00 +0000

People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. When you figure out which one it is, you will know what to do for each person.

When someone is in your life for a reason, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty,
to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like a god-send, and they
are! They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrong doing on your part, or at an inconvenient time, this
person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they
act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, your desire fulfilled, their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered, and now it is time to move on.

When people come into your life for a season, it is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They bring you an experience of peace,
or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe
it! It is real! But, only for a season.

Lifetime relationships teach you lifetime lessons; things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept
the lesson, love the person, and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that
love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant. I was looking for this, and found it at: http://allinspiration.com I often use this to assess why and how people come into my life. Sometimes I can pinpoint it, sometimes I can't.

He took my place, by Mary ann Trott

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 00:23:00 +0000

He took my place upon that tree,
oh the sins He bore for you and me.
The tears I shed were on his back,
He bled, He died, He bought me back.

The trail of Love He left behind
for all to see but they were blind.
The sneers, the crowds, their angry fear
hurt my dear Saviour as they drew near.

They tore his flesh, they beat his brow,
they mocked and cheered, an empty crowd.
Voices rang out as Jesus bowed.
He gave his Life for you and me
as He hung upon the cross at Calvary.

Their empty eyes, their angry stare,
as they watched my Saviour hanging there.
If they had known who was on that tree,
they would have bowed at Calvary.

But He took MY PLACE and willingly,
gave up His life for you and me.
As the sky grew dark and blackness came,
He bore my sin, He bore my shame.

My Saviour died upon that tree
one dark day at Calvary.
He broke the power of sin and shame
never again to bear that pain.

He took My place, He bled and died,
the curtain was torn from side to side.
Oh the Joy that set me free
the day my Saviour died for Me.

Our Risen Lord who took my place,
is now in Heaven as He waits,
the time is near for the trumpet blast,
My Saviour's Shout, we are home at last!

November 11th, 2007
Copyright

serenity72000-at-yahoo.com I found this via the My chicken soup yahoo group.

Not Yet, by Jeff Ricky Cheeks

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 18:55:00 +0000

Sometimes I ask the question,
"My Lord, is this Your will?"
It's then I hear You answer me,
"My Precious child . . . be still."
Sometimes I feel frustrated,
'Cause I think I know what's best.
It's then I hear You say to me,
"My busy child . . . just rest."
Sometimes I feel so lonely
And I think I'd like a mate.
Your still small voice gets oh, so clear
And says, "My child . . . please wait."
"I know the plans I have for you,
The wondrous things you'll see;
If you can just be patient, child,
And put your trust in Me.
I've plans to draw you closer.
I've plans to help you grow.
There's much I do you cannot see
And much you do not know.
But know this, child . . . I love you!
You are precious unto Me.
Before I formed you in the womb,
I planned your destiny.
I've something very special
I hope for you to learn.
The gifts I wish to give to you
Are gifts you cannot earn.
They come without a price tag,
But not without a cost;
At Calvary, I gave My Son,
So you would not be lost.
Rest child, and do not weary
Of doing what is good.
I promise I'll come back for you
Just like I said I would.
Your name is written on My palm,
I never could forget;
Therefore, do not be discouraged when
My answer is . . . "Not Yet"
I found this via the Christian letters by Sue google group.