I recognize that you saved me by your grace....




Today's ~~FOOD FOR THOUGHT~~

If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.
~2 Corinthians 11:30~

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

One of Paul's recurring themes throughout 2 Corinthians is that God's strength is made perfect in weakness. In 1 Corinthians, he emphasizes that the strength, wisdom, and power of God are shown in what is normally a sign of weakness and humiliation -- the Cross (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5). Paul wasn't a wimp -- remember all that he endured and kept on serving the Lord (2 Corinthians 11:24-27). He just knew that even with all his training and talent, he wasn't skilled, smart, or strong enough to do all that needed to be done for the Kingdom of God. But he knew that when we recognize our insufficiency, God takes our weakness and uses it powerfully when we offer ourselves to him!

My Prayer...

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for all those times that you have strengthened me when I was under trial, given me wisdom when in a difficult situation, or empowered me when I faced situations and opportunities greater than my ability to handle. I recognize that you saved me by your grace; but each day that I serve you, I am again reminded that your grace continues to propel me through my service to you. Thank you, in Jesus' name. Amen.

my FATHER is the pilot....







Good morning to all, it is a wonderful morning for me as I got a surprise video chat with my babies, Megan always seems to know when I am most in need and viola there she is. I miss her terribly and I cannot express how thankful I am for skype...just knowing I can see her and her interaction with my grandson.....amazing!!!

In prayer this morning I lifted each of you as I sat quietly with only the hum of my refrigerator in the background. I asked our Father in heaven to see each of your needs, to allow you peace in your minds today that no matter what hurdle you are trying to jump...HE will lift you up and allow you to soar over and then land upright and continue moving forward. I ask that he calm your worries as they try to consume you, that he place a staircase at the foot of that mountain you are trying to climb so you will find yourself at the top wondering why it was that you were so filled with dismay...I asked him to place comfort in your bodies so that you can look passed the pain and know that there is a way of getting to where you need to be. God will never forsake us, we might get frustrated, we might be fear filled, we might begin to wonder even if HE is real...that is satan's doings...he wants us to live this way, to have utter and sheer mania in our lives for when we have this we are closer to him....when we begin to doubt our Savior, we are saying, in a sense, that we do not have faith....I am the world's worst at putting myself in harms way, in getting depressed over things....when I allow myself to get down is when satan works his hardest at overcoming, then God steps in and makes a way for me and I feel ashamed for ever doubting!!! Life is a vicious circle..one that we have to really have faith in God to overcome....as hard as it may be...TODAY I am not going to get down, I am not going to let financial fear consume me, I am not going to cry...I am going to take this day that God has made for me, I am going to love fiercely, I am going to be filled with the knowledge that God has a plan for me and that it will all work out!!! God is good all of the time, and I want to show him that I am too.....

don't worry
Author Unknown

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 from one place to another. 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."

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.

Then, I suddenly saw a little girl. Apparently the storm meant nothing to her. She had tucked her feet beneath her as she sat on her seat; she was reading a book and every thing 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 believe his eyes.

It was not surprising therefore, that when the plane finally reached its destination and all the passengers were hurrying to disembark,our pastor 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 child replied, "'Cause my Daddy's the pilot, and he's taking me home."

There are many kinds of storms that buffet us:
• Physical,
• Mental,
• Financial,
• Domestic, and...
Many other storms can easily and quickly darken our skies and throw our plane into apparently uncontrollable movement. We have all known such times, and let us be honest and confess, it is much easier to be at rest when our feet are on the ground than when we are being tossed about a darkened sky.

Let us remember... Our Father is the Pilot. He is in control and taking us home... so Don't Worry.



He Knows My Name (Christian Music Video)

The Lord's Supper is a precious time for Christians...






Today's ~~FOOD FOR THOUGHT~~

For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself.
~1 Corinthians 11:29~

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

The Lord's Supper is a precious time for Christians. We remember the incredible sacrifice Jesus made to save us from our sins. We also realize that when Christians gather together and take the Supper, we are the Body of Christ, his physical presence on this earth (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:17). Whatever happens to one of us matters to the rest of the Body. Every time we take the Supper, let's remember the other members of Christ's Body around us. Let's also give thanks for Jesus, who offered his body and blood at Calvary to save us. At the same time, let's commit to be the presence of Christ in the world and do his work.

My Prayer...

Father, thank you for the first incarnation of Jesus when he became flesh and lived on earth. Thank you for his second incarnation through his Body, the Church. Please help me to value other members of his Body more. Please bless me with wisdom and courage as we seek to truly minister as his presence in our world. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

I wish you ENOUGH.....






Good morning and a happy Thursday to each of you. Boy did God bless us with a sunrise this morning, as many of you know salmon is my most favorite color and the sky was streaked with the most vivid salmon I have seen in a very long time. I can just imagine Thomas Kincaid, Bob Ross and Heavenly Father up their in front of a canvas each adding color here and there and then standing back with big smiles on their faces pleased with the job they have done...May this day you be blessed with visions of all the handiwork of our Father in Heaven, may the "son" smile down on you and may the love in your heart ooze out and touch the hearts of others...You are amazing and I love you!!!!

You know a lot of times I will end a post here with "I wish you enough" I am sure I read it somewhere at one time or another and thought it a wonderful saying....I came across this little writing and finally understand the true meaning behind it....so when I say it from this point on....this is what I am saying to you..."I wish you and yours, ENOUGH" 


At an airport I overheard a mother and daughter in their last moments together. They had announced her plane's departure and standing near the door, she said to her daughter, "I love you, I wish you enough." 
She said, "Mom, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Mom." 

They kissed good-bye and she left.

She walked over toward the window where I was seated. Standing there I could see she wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on his 
privacy, but she welcomed me in by asking, "Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?" "

Yes, I have," I replied. Saying that brought back memories I had of expressing my love and appreciation for all my Mom had done for me.
Recognizing that her days were limited, I took the time to tell her face to face how much she meant to me.

So I knew what this woman was experiencing.
"Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever good-bye?" I asked.

"I am old and she lives much too far away. I have challenges ahead and the reality is, her next trip back will be for my funeral, " she said.

"When you were saying good-bye I heard you say, 'I wish you enough.' May I ask what that means?" She began to smile. "That's a wish that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone."

She paused for a moment and looking up as if trying to remember it in detail, she smiled even more. "When we said 'I wish you enough,' we were 
wanting the other person to have a life filled with enough good things to sustain them," she continued and then turning toward me she shared the following as if she were reciting it from memory.

"I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright. 
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more. 
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive. 
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger. 
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting. 
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess. 
I wish enough "Hello's" to get you through the final "Good-bye.."

When we obey what HE asks of us...




today's ~~FOOD FOR THOUGHT~~

He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."
~Luke 11:28~


Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God gave us his word to bless us. When we obey what he asks of us, we get to walk in that blessing. On the other hand, as Jesus reminded us at the end of the Sermon on the Mount, when we know the will of God and don't obey it, we are foolish. I don't know about you, but I prefer to receive a blessing! Thank God for speaking to us through his word -- the Scriptures -- so we can know his will and walk in his blessing and for speaking to us through his living Word -- his Son -- so we can know his heart as we apply it to our lives.

My Prayer...

Thank you, Father, for revealing your will to me through the Scriptures. Thank you for wanting to bless me and protect me from evil. Please forgive me for the times in the past that I have ignored your will or neglected being obedient to it. Today, I commit to live intentionally in your will and to live obediently to your word. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

he taught me a valuable lesson....






Happy Hump Day...wow it seems like this week just barely began and here we are mid way through it....same as the years...I sit and reflect a lot about my life and it seems that there are big holes, am I really 51 years old, is my child really a mommy? Where did the years go? I only hope that there is at least 1 person in those lost years that can hear my name and say "she is a good person", "she was kind to me in my time of need" "she is a real friend" She helped me when no one else would" I do sit and wonder sometimes if I am doing enough, if I do make a difference in someone's life, if God is pleased with the person I am. 

In prayer this morning I lifted special prayer for my Aunt Gwen who will be flying to Arizona to most probably see her son for the last time, we have talked and she is very positive and upbeat, she is not letting this drag her down, she is a very strong lady, I think I did not realize how strong until this last week. Please think of her in your prayers that she feel God's presence in each step that she takes and that she feel his guiding hand upon her. I also prayed for each of you asking God to feel and see your need and to make provision for you. Father God there are so many wrapped in fear this morning, so many wondering how they will pay that bill, how they will make it until pay day, how they will fee their kids...so many are in relationships that are not good, so many being abused physically, emotionally, and spiritually. So many feeling neglected, lost, and alone. I ask you Father today, in this very hours to comfort them, allow them peace and a flooding sense of "it is going to be alright" allow them to feel your presence right now Father so that they have hope of a new day and a new way. In the name of Jesus Christ I ask for mercy, grace, favor and abundant blessings. Amen

I came across this little writing this morning and thought it went so well with so many of our lives...its the little things in life that matter the most and the little kindnesses make a world of difference.....

A 15 Year Blessing From A Homeless Person

--posted by Blessed66 on Apr 30, 2010

This is a story that happened 15 years ago but it has always stayed with me since then.

On the way back from work every evening, more often than not there would be a homeless man standing at the exit of the freeway.  He looked to be in his late 40's but was probably a lot younger. He had shoulder length straight black hair a short beard, and he was of average stature.

His eyes were what struck me the most about him, they were brown and they had a sparkle. Like an inside light that was beaming out of his eyes.  His eyes, I thought, represented the man in general. People say they can tell a lot from a person’s eyes. It was certainly true in his case.  He always waved at every car, he was always happy and smiling and sometimes almost dancing. 

 Every day after work I would remember to gather any spare change, and put it aside to give to him if I saw him. A feeling of joy would come over me every time I saw him, as I came off the ramp.  He had that effect.

I’d quickly roll down my window and give him the coins. Occasionally the red light would be on for a minute and we would ask each other about our day. His answer would always be the same, “I’m blessed!”.

I knew what his answer was going to be every time, yet I would still ask. It amazed me that even in his situation of being homeless he was so positive, and his answer would remind me of how blessed I was. A single mother of four amazing kids, with a place to call home and with a job to provide for my kids.

Then one day I was called into my boss’s office and was told that I was being laid off due to the economy.  A feeling of worry engulfed me, and for the rest of that day all I could think of was “how am I going to provide for my kids, how am I going to pay rent, what am I going to do?”

Needless to say that on my way home that day I was very sad and upset. I didn’t remember to look for my spare change and keep it ready like I usually did.  I wasn’t feeling the joy as I got off the ramp where the homeless man would be. Yet there he was as always, as I turned the ramp.  He set his eyes on me, while still smiling and waving at others.

I’d hoped to catch the green light, but I missed it. While I was waiting for the red light to turn, he strolled over to my car.  He had a big smile he looked me straight in the eyes and said “today I will give you a dollar”.  He then reached into his pocket and pulled out a dollar bill.  I was blown away.  I burst into tears. I wanted to jump out of my car and hug him!

You see that day he gave me more than a dollar bill, he taught me a valuable lesson. No matter what material things are taken from you, no one can take away your choice to be joyful. My ride home was smooth sailing, I had lost my job, had no savings, but I knew I was blessed!

Every time I’m faced with challenges, I think of the homeless man’s valuable lesson and remember that I am blessed.

thank you for sending Jesus to fulfill the Law....




Today's ~~FOOD FOR THOUGHT~~

"All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
~Matthew 11:27-28~


Thoughts on Today's Verse...

True rest comes from knowing God. King David reminds us of this in Psalm 23. Jesus makes it clear again. Only Jesus can fully reveal God to us. Only Jesus can take away the burden of seeking to please God without an understanding of grace. Only he can remove the burden of our past sins and enable us to stand holy, blameless, and free from accusation before God Almighty. (cf. Colossians 1:21-22)

My Prayer...

Father in heaven, thank you for sending Jesus to fulfill the Law and to bless me with your grace. May I never take that grace for granted. Dear Father, empower me to serve you with joy and gladness that come from the burdens of my sinfulness and failure lifted by your grace. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

We may feel as though we are worthless...






Good late morning, I just could not seem to get going this morning...hopefully I am on the road to recovery and soon will be back in full swing, these darned kidney infections are really  no a fun time in the old city! :( 

I pray that your day is going well, that you are in full swing with the spirit of the upcoming holiday and that you are continuing to give THANKS were thanks is due! I thank you for all of the healing prayers that were lifted for me yesterday and I am hopeful and filled with faith that I will begin to feel better, that the doctors will find the culprit to all of my illness and that God will direct them as to what is the best course of treatment. Thank you for always standing in the gap for me!
 As many of you know, Wayde and I have really struggled over the last few years financially and have only by the grace of God and him placing empathy on certain people he has placed in our paths, have made it by the skin of our noses. I have had one health problem after the next and anything we had has been lost due to this! I was having a very difficult time in writing this morning and was just going to pass on my blog today until I opened my facebook and came across this writing posted by a very sweet lady I am so blessed to call my friend. Thank you Kathy, God put you in my path this morning to let me know that I am good enough!!!

              A well-known speaker started off his seminar holding up a $20.00 bill. In the room of 200, he asked, "Who would like this $20 bill?" Hands started going up. He said, "I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first, let me do this." He proceeded to crumple up the $20 dollar bill. He then asked, "Who still wants it...?" Still the hands were up in the air. "Well," he replied, "What if I do this?" And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty. "Now, who still wants it?" Still the hands went into the air. "My friends, we have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20. Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We may feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value. Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to those who DO LOVE you. The worth of our lives comes not in what we do or who we know, but by WHO WE ARE. You are special-Don't EVER forget it." If you do not pass this on, you may never know the lives it touches, the hurting hearts it speaks to, or the hope that it may bring. Count your blessings, not your problems.

I do believe that because of Jesus, I will never die...






Today's ~~FOOD FOR THOUGHT~~

"Whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"
~John 11:26~

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Several days ago, we emphasized that Christians who died physically were never really separated from their relationship with God's loving presence. Today, Jesus challenges us to believe a very similar thing. Do you believe that the real, living part of you made by God will never die even though your physical body dies? It's an incredible thought, isn't it? We are eternal, immortal, joined with Jesus and his future is joined with us. (see Colossians 3:1-4)

My Prayer...

Almighty God, I do believe that because of Jesus, I will never die. Please bless me, dear Father, so that I can make every minute count while I am here in this life. At the same time, dear God, I do look forward to seeing you face to face. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

My Greatest Asset.....







Good morning and happy Monday, I know it is hard for some to get in the groove after a long holiday weekend and I pray that the groove is not so bad and that your day is off to a wonderful start...It is much colder here this morning than it has been, frost is everywhere but the sun is coming out and the skies are turning from a mucky gray to a wonderful blue, no clouds and we actually are supposed to be in the high 40's today. 

In my quiet chat time with God this morning I asked special blessings for each of you, I asked him to make provision for you and yours, to see your needs and make a way for them to be met. I prayed for all who are struggling and suffering, for all who are dealing with finances, with relationships, with addictions, with anything that is in the negative side of live...I asked God to make a way for you today to turn all into a positive so that you can see clearly the lighthouse on the shore and know that you will get to it safely through the storm you are fighting. In the name of Jesus Christ I asked for blessings, mercy, favor and never ending love. Amen.
In thought this morning I sat and reflected on the people in my life that have helped me to become who I am, I sat and smiled, I laughed, and I even cried. The one thing I came to realize is that each of them has made such an impact on me and my final decision whether it be from acts of kindness to acts of meanness....
"I’m Better Because of You"

MY GREATEST ASSET

Many people who walk this earth evaluate their self worth based upon how many material things they can ascertain. It is a game where whoever has the most stuff before they die wins. If my house is bigger than your house then, I win. If my car is better than your car, I win. If I have a higher paying job than you do, I win. Luckily, I don’t play by those rules because if I did…

 I lose. 

Many people confuse the value of their net-worth with their self-worth. Well there is a difference, a huge difference. If I valued myself based upon the material things I have then I would be on suicide watch. Luckily, I am rich with experiences, abundant with wisdom, and have an overflow of humility. That alone gives me the strength to stand through some of the storms life throws at me. But, what gives me the power to propel forward against the devastating winds of a hurricane?

MY TRUE STRENGTH

My greatest asset, other than my faith in God, is my family rather immediate or extended. So I am thankful for them in all of their glorious imperfections. I love my husband and his brutal honesty that keeps me humble. I love my daughter whose personality is so similar to my own that we clash like water and oil at times. I love my siblings who even far away keep me on my toes and make me realize that even different from each of them we can still in our own way love one another.

Family and friends are what I am thankful for. No matter where I am in life there is someone there to understand and accept me. No matter what trials I am going through there is someone who has faced similar and is willing to enlighten me as to how to overcome. I am so very blessed because of this. 

YOUR CHALLENGE

I dare each and every one of you to take some time and share with the people you love why you are thankful they are a part of your life. I promise that the joy it will bring them will change your life.

Who are you thankful for?


Please empower me to forgive as Jesus did...



Today's ~~FOOD FOR THOUGHT~~

"And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."
~Mark 11:25~

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

To me, this is one of the most challenging reminders of God's will in Scripture. I must forgive others! When I refuse, it cuts me off the stream of forgiveness that God so longs to give to me. While forgiving others is never easy, God has not only commanded us to do it, he has also given us his Son as an example of forgiveness. In addition, he has promised to empower us to be able to do his will by the power of the Holy Spirit. The real issue: Will we let go of our bitterness toward those who have wounded us?

My Prayer...

Dear God, I want to forgive ____ of the sin committed against me. Please block cynicism and bitterness from my heart. Please empower me to forgive as Jesus did. In addition, dear Father, please teach me what my commitment to forgive actually means in terms of the life changes I need to make. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

If this doesn’t light your fire… your wood is wet!!!!





Good morning and happy "tank filling day" if you now me you know what that means, if not...I refer to Sunday as "tank filling day" with the meaning of spirituality....it is the day to fill up with the Holy Spirit, with you Love of Christ and of God so that you have enough spiritual fuel to get you through the week....If our tanks are not full we might run out and leave ourselves vulnerable to satan! 

In prayer this morning I was sitting here thinking about my life and the "why's" and the "how's" It seems every time Wayde and I seem to be getting on top of things...POW something hits us and drags us back down...now we need at least two tires for our van, one is looking like it will blow any time, this worries me as he travels about 60 miles round trip each day to work. Please keep us in your prayers that God will provide a way for us to get what we are in need of to keep us safe. 

I have had so many prayer request as of late and am so honored to be given the opportunity to pray with/for each of you. I believe whole heartedly in the power of prayer, I have stood witness personally, time and time again at miracles and blessings that come when fervent prayer is lifted. Please join me today in praying for all who are in need, for those who cannot seem to see a light at the end of the proverbial tunnel, for those who are in so deep that they feel they will never be able to climb out, for those who are grieving over the loss of a loved one, for my Aunt as she make her travel to Arizona to say goodbye to her son, my cousin, who is battling cancer, for my cousin who is suffering so with the pain of this "beastly" disease, might he feel the prayers and the love going out to him and might his pain be reduced down to nothing by our Father's hands,  for my cousins as they feel the heartache of losing another sibling. Also join me in praying for the sweet baby who is in need of strength and growth so that he can be put on the liver transplant list, he is fighting so hard, pray for his family as they stand each day lifting hands to God for this miracle. Please pray with me for those who are riddled with financial woes, me included, that somehow...someway....there be a way out, that there be a blessing that will calm the fear. Please join with me in praying for those who are having relationship problems, for those needing special specific prayers answered so that they can continue forward in their quest. 
Father God we come to you this morning on bended knees asking that you hold each of us in your loving and gentle hands, that you see our needs and that you know what battles we are fighting, Father provide for each of us a way today to overcome, shine a light in the very direction you would have us go and lead us by the hand so that we not get lost along the way. Father there are so many struggling with "life" we are clinging to our faith in you, we are hanging on to the promises that you have made if we do our part. Protect us from the sharp claws of satan in our weak times, protect us from ourselves when our faith begins to waiver. Father we love you and know that you have a plan for each and every one of us, help us Lord to fulfill what you have placed in us, help us to fight fervently. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray for blessings, favor, mercy, grace, abundant love, and answered prayers. Amen

I came across this story last evening and found myself crying at the end, it touched me in such a way, it gave me hope for the human race and filled my heart with joy that there is still empathy, there is still compassion and there is so much goodness in what seems to be a lost world. I pray you will read this to its entirety and allow the sense of giving where there is need, to consume your heart! I love each of you and give thanks each and every day that you are in my life, that you support my writing and that you come and pray with us! 

A Truckers Story
Dan Anderson

If this doesn’t light your fire… your wood is wet!

I try not to be biased, but I had my doubts about hiring Stevie. His placement counselor assured me that he would be a good, reliable busboy. But I had never had a mentally handicapped employee and wasn’t sure I wanted one. I wasn’t sure how my customers would react to Stevie.

He was short, a little dumpy with the smooth facial features and thick-tongued speech of Downs Syndrome. I wasn’t worried about most of my trucker customers because truckers don’t generally care who buses tables as long as the meatloaf platter is good and the pies are homemade. The four-wheeler drivers were the ones who concerned me; the mouthy college kids traveling to school; the yuppie snobs who secretly polish their silverware with their napkins for fear of catching some dreaded “truck stop germ” the pairs of white-shirted business men on expense accounts who think every truck stop waitress wants to be flirted with. I knew those people would be uncomfortable around Stevie so I closely watched him for the first few weeks.

I shouldn’t have worried. After the first week, Stevie had my staff wrapped around his stubby little finger, and within a month my truck regulars had adopted him as their official truck stop mascot.

After that, I really didn’t care what the rest of the customers thought of him. He was like a 21-year-old in blue jeans and Nikes, eager to laugh and eager to please, but fierce in his attention to his duties. Every salt and pepper shaker was exactly in its place, not a bread crumb or coffee spill was visible when Stevie got done with the table. Our only problem was persuading him to wait to clean a table until after the customers were finished. He would hover in the background, shifting his weight from one foot to the other, scanning the dining room until a table was empty. Then he would scurry to the empty table and carefully bus dishes and glasses onto his cart and meticulously wipe the table up with a practiced flourish of his rag.

If he thought a customer was watching, his brow would pucker with added concentration. He took pride in doing his job exactly right, and you had to love how hard he tried to please each and every person he met.

Over time, we learned that he lived with his mother, a widow who was disabled after repeated surgeries for cancer. They lived on their Social Security benefits in public housing two miles from the truck stop. Their social worker, who stopped to check on him every so often, admitted they had fallen between the cracks. Money was tight, and what I paid him was probably the difference between them being able to live together and Stevie being sent to a group home. That’s why the restaurant was a gloomy place that morning last August, the first morning in three years that Stevie missed work.

He was at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester getting a new valve or something put in his heart. His social worker said that people with Downs Syndrome often have heart problems at an early age so this wasn’t unexpected, and there was a good chance he would come through the surgery in good shape and be back at work in a few months.

A ripple of excitement ran through the staff later that morning when word came that he was out of surgery, in recovery, and doing fine.

Frannie, the head waitress, let out a war hoop and did a little dance in the aisle when she heard the good news.

Belle Ringer, one of our regular trucker customers, stared at the sight of this 50-year-old grandmother of four doing a victory shimmy beside his table.

Frannie blushed, smoothed her apron and shot Belle Ringer a withering look.

He grinned. “OK, Frannie, what was that all about?” he asked.

“We just got word that Stevie is out of surgery and going to be okay.”

“I was wondering where he was. I had a new joke to tell him. What was the surgery about?”

Frannie quickly told Belle Ringer and the other two drivers sitting at his booth about Stevie’s surgery, then sighed: “Yeah, I’m glad he is going to be OK,” she said.. “But I don’t know how he and his Mom are going to handle all the bills. From what I hear, they’re barely getting by as it is.” Belle Ringer nodded thoughtfully, and Frannie hurried off to wait on the rest of her tables. Since I hadn’t had time to round up a busboy to replace Stevie and really didn’t want to replace him, the girls were busing their own tables that day until we decided what to do.

After the morning rush, Frannie walked into my office. She had a couple of paper napkins in her hand and a funny look on her face.

“What’s up?” I asked.

“I didn’t get that table where Belle Ringer and his friends were sitting cleared off after they left, and Pony Pete and Tony Tipper were sitting there when I got back to clean it off,” she said. “This was folded and tucked under a coffee cup.”

She handed the napkin to me, and three $20 bills fell onto my desk when I opened it. On the outside, in big, bold letters, was printed “Something For Stevie”.

“Pony Pete asked me what that was all about,” she said, “so I told him about Stevie and his Mom and everything, and Pete looked at Tony and Tony looked at Pete, and they ended up giving me this.” She handed me another paper napkin that had “Something For Stevie” scrawled on its outside. Two $50 bills were tucked within its folds. Frannie looked at me with wet, shiny eyes, shook her head and said simply: “truckers.”

That was three months ago. Today is Thanksgiving, the first day Stevie is supposed to be back to work.

His placement worker said he’s been counting the days until the doctor said he could work, and it didn’t matter at all that it was a holiday. He called 10 times in the past week, making sure we knew he was coming, fearful that we had forgotten him or that his job was in jeopardy. I arranged to have his mother bring him to work. I then met them in the parking lot and invited them both to celebrate his day back.

Stevie was thinner and paler, but couldn’t stop grinning as he pushed through the doors and headed for the back room where his apron and busing cart were waiting.

“Hold up there, Stevie, not so fast,” I said. I took him and his mother by their arms.. “Work can wait for a minute. To celebrate you coming back, breakfast for you and your mother is on me!” I led them toward a large corner booth at the rear of the room.

I could feel and hear the rest of the staff following behind as we marched through the dining room. Glancing over my shoulder, I saw booth after booth of grinning truckers empty and join the procession. We stopped in front of the big table. Its surface was covered with coffee cups, saucers and dinner plates, all sitting slightly crooked on dozens of folded paper napkins. “First thing you have to do, Stevie, is clean up this mess,” I said. I tried to sound stern..

Stevie looked at me, and then at his mother, then pulled out one of the napkins. It had “Something for Stevie” printed on the outside. As he picked it up, two $10 bills fell onto the table.

Stevie stared at the money, then at all the napkins peeking from beneath the tableware, each with his name printed or scrawled on it. I turned to his mother. “There’s more than $10,000 in cash and checks on that table, all from truckers and trucking companies that heard about your problems. “Happy Thanksgiving,”.

Well, it got real noisy about that time, with everybody hollering and shouting, and there were a few tears, as well.

But you know what’s funny? While everybody else was busy shaking hands and hugging each other, Stevie, with a big, big smile on his face, was busy clearing all the cups and dishes from the table.

Best worker I ever hired.

Plant a seed and watch it grow.

If you shed a tear, hug yourself, because you are a compassionate person.

AMEN!!!!!!!

I looked this up on snopes to see if it was a real event or a work of fiction, unfortunately it is a work of fiction, but it is something that we hear of from time to time in the news and something I would personally like to hear a lot more of in the news rather than the usual daily fare! 

I offer myself to you as a living sacrifice....





Today's ~~ FOOD FOR THOUGHT ~~

He [Barnabas] was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.
~Acts 11:24~

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Barnabas was a good man! Why? For many reasons. But, the key reason was that he was full of faith and the Holy Spirit. This shouldn't surprise us. When the Holy Spirit lives in us, he is at work producing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and conforming us to the character of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). No wonder Barnabas' influence was so great on the lives of those who lived in Antioch; his life was under the influence of God's Spirit!

My Prayer...

Dear Heavenly Father, I want my life to be influential for the good of the Gospel and the growth of your Kingdom. I offer myself to you as a living sacrifice, asking that you conform me to the nature of your Son Jesus and bring forth in me the fruit of your Spirit. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

the gift of service...better than anything store bought....



Good morning my blog buddies:) I pray the day is off to a good start and that something or someone touches your heart today giving you a reason to smile and feel warm and fuzzy inside. It is a bit colder here this morning, the sun is out and if you are on the inside looking out it is so inviting, looks like a shorts and flip flop kind of day but when you step out it does not take long to realize it is a coat and boot kind of day. Funny how things appear one way but in reality it is totally something different.

In prayer this morning as I sat in the quiet dark of my home, the glow of the Christmas tree lights setting the mood for a nice cozy chat with my Father in Heaven, I prayed for each of you asking God to feel your needs and to provide accordingly. I know so many who are depressed because there is no money in the budget for gifts this year...I being one of them. The depression I feel really has nothing to do with the gift giving though, it has to do with the lack of ability to give service to those in need. When my health began to decline I could no longer go and do as I always have been used to, I could not clean that friends house who was overwhelmed and depressed, I could not just run and jump in the car to drive to a friend who is in need of a shoulder to cry on, I can not run to the market and pick up that gallon of mild someone is needing for their kiddos...I am basically unable to do anything but feel the needs of others and pray that their is someone who will intercede and help out. I pray that during the next few weeks that you will relax with the gift shopping and look at the needs of others, is there someone you know that could use a little help in getting their yard tidied up and maybe decorated for the holidays, is there someone you know that needs a little hand with organizing their kitchen, bedroom, bathroom etc....is there a friend who is behind on laundry and feeling as if they will never catch up that you could assist, is there someone you know that can't get out much that you could take time and take for a ride, is there someone who would just love for you to take an hour of your time to sit down and chat over a cup of coffee or a cold drink, is there a new mommy that just needs a little time away that you could go and sit with her baby, is there a couple that would like to go out on a date without taking their kids? Look around folks there is need everywhere, so many are struggling, so many just need a friend, so many are lost and alone....don't you think your service to them would be worth more than that little gift you have in mind of spending money on? This season, give the gift of love and of yourself, I promise it will be much more memorable and you will feel so good when the deed is done, it will be talked about for years to come and the goodness with never be forgotten. Call someone today and see if there is anything they are in need of, many will let pride get in the way and say "no" but look a little deeper, there is always something that someone is in need of, be that forceful person that "takes the bull by the horns" and does it anyway. 

Love to you and yours today, and it is never to early to allow your kids to join in service giving, it will mold them and make them more aware of the needs around them. There is scripture throughout the bible that speaks to the heart about giving, scripture upon scripture, if this was not a priority from our Father in Heaven I do not think the bible would be filled with it. Think about what is important, read these verses and let your heart be led by them. 


 44 Bible Verses about
Helping Those In Need
  
Acts 20:35 ESV

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Proverbs 19:17 ESV

Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.

Matthew 25:35-40 ESV

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ ...

Galatians 6:2 ESV

Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Deuteronomy 15:11 ESV

For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’

Matthew 5:42 ESV 

Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.

Luke 6:38 ESV 

Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

Proverbs 14:31 ESV

Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.

Luke 12:33-34 ESV

Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Proverbs 22:9 ESV 

Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.

Proverbs 28:27 ESV

Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.

Isaiah 25:4 ESV 

For you have been a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat; for the breath of the ruthless is like a storm against a wall,

Acts 20:35-38 ESV

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they accompanied him to the ship.

1 John 4:7-8 ESV 

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

Matthew 10:8 ESV 

Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay.

Matthew 6:24 ESV 

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

James 1:27 ESV

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

Mark 10:21 ESV

And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”

Acts 9:32-43 ESV

Now as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, bedridden for eight years, who was paralyzed. And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed.” And immediately he rose. And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord. Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. ...

Mark 12:31 ESV


The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Matthew 5:1-48 ESV

Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. ...

Galatians 2:10 ESV 

Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.

Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Psalm 82:4 ESV

Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”

2 Corinthians 8:9 ESV 

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.

John 3:16-17 ESV

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

1 Peter 1:22 ESV

Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart,

Job 30:25 ESV

Did not I weep for him whose day was hard? Was not my soul grieved for the needy?

James 1:1-27 ESV 

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings. Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. ...

Galatians 6:7-9 ESV

Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Jeremiah 18:1-7 ESV 

The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: “Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will let you hear my words.” So I went down to the potter's house, and there he was working at his wheel. And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter's hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do. Then the word of the Lord came to me: ...

2 Corinthians 9:12 ESV


For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.

Luke 16:1-31 ESV

He also said to the disciples, “There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was wasting his possessions. And he called him and said to him, ‘What is this that I hear about you? Turn in the account of your management, for you can no longer be manager.’ And the manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do, since my master is taking the management away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg. I have decided what to do, so that when I am removed from management, people may receive me into their houses.’ So, summoning his master's debtors one by one, he said to the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ ...

Isaiah 1:1-31 ESV

The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth; for the Lord has spoken: “Children have I reared and brought up, but they have rebelled against me. The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master's crib, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand.” Ah, sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, offspring of evildoers, children who deal corruptly! They have forsaken the Lord, they have despised the Holy One of Israel, they are utterly estranged. Why will you still be struck down? Why will you continue to rebel? The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. ...

Ephesians 2:1-22 ESV

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— ...

Ephesians 5:20 ESV

Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Luke 10:25-37 ESV

And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.” But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” ...

Ezekiel 23:20 ESV

And lusted after her paramours there, whose members were like those of donkeys, and whose issue was like that of horses.

Matthew 19:24 ESV

Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”

Matthew 26:11 ESV

For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me.

Psalm 118:7 ESV

The Lord is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.

Leviticus 19:9-10 ESV 

“When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, neither shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. And you shall not strip your vineyard bare, neither shall you gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the Lord your God.

John 3:16 ESV 

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

2 Corinthians 8:9-11 ESV

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. And in this matter I give my judgment: this benefits you, who a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it. So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have.



Remember Jesus!








Today's ~~FOOD FOR THOUGHT~~

For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me."
~1 Corinthians 11:23-24~

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Remember Jesus! Remember his great sacrifice. Remember his incomparable love for you! Remember him through his Supper! Remember Jesus!

My Prayer...

O Father, thank you so much for Jesus! Thank you for blessing me with a spiritual meal which reminds me and proclaims again that Jesus died, offering his body and blood as the atoning sacrifice for my sins. Thank you for giving me the day of his resurrection as the day I can powerfully remember this great sacrifice and anticipate the great day of reunion that his resurrection has secured for your children. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Please give me a renewed sense of purpose.....






today's ~~FOOD FOR THOUGHT~~

Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.
~Proverbs 11:22~

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

To take what is physically beautiful and then profane it with sin is to waste a great gift to bless someone who doesn't even have a clue why God gave it to her or him. No matter what gifts we have been given, whether physical beauty, athletic talent, keen intellect, a charming personality, or anything else, we must remember that God blessed us with these things so we could bless others and honor him!

My Prayer...

Dear God, please forgive me for the times that I have not used my gifts and abilities to bless others and honor you. Please give me a renewed sense of purpose as I seek to live for your glory and to bless others with your grace. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

This is what Thanksgiving is all about!!!!!




HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY THANKSGIVING....

I just wish to share with you a heart felt story I love. this is what it is all about my friends...I give thanks to you today!!! I pray you are surrounded by people you love and those who love you and that you take time today to remember those who are unable to be with you! God bless and keep you safe and happy this THANKSGIVING day! 

A Thanksgiving Story 
Author: Andrea Nannette Mejia


It was the day before Thanksgiving ­ the first one my three children and I would be spending without their father, who had left several months before. Now the two older children were very sick with the flu, and the eldest had just been prescribed bed rest for a week.

It was a cool, gray day outside, and a light rain was falling. I grew wearier as I scurried around, trying to care for each child: thermometers, juice, diapers. And I was fast running out of liquids for the children. But when I checked my purse, all I found was about $2.50 ­ and this was supposed to last me until the end of the month. That's when I heard the phone ring.

It was the secretary from our former church, and she told me that they had been thinking about us and had something to give us from the congregation. I told her that I was going out to pick up some more juice and soup for the children, and I would drop by the church on my way to the market.

I arrived at the church just before lunch. The church secretary met me at the door and handed me a special gift envelope. "We think of you and the kids often," she said, "and you are in our hearts and prayers. We love you." When I opened the envelope, I found two grocery certificates inside. Each was worth $20. I was so touched and moved, I broke down and cried.

"Thank you very much," I said, as we hugged each other. "Please give our love and thanks to the church." Then I drove to a store near our home and purchased some much-needed items for the children.

At the check-out counter I had a little over $14.00 worth of groceries, and I handed the cashier one of the gift certificates. She took it, then turned her back for what seemed like a very long time. I thought something might be wrong. Finally I said, "This gift certificate is a real blessing. Our former church gave it to our family, knowing I'm a single patent trying to make ends meet."

The cashier then turned around, with tears in her loving eyes, and replied, "Honey, that's wonderful! Do you have a turkey?"

"No. It's okay because my children are sick anyway."

She then asked, "Do you have anything else for Thanksgiving dinner?"

Again I replied, "No."

After handing me the change from the certificate, she looked at my face and said, "Honey, I can't tell you exactly why right now, but I want you to go back into the store and buy a turkey, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie or anything else you need for a Thanksgiving dinner."

I was shocked, and humbled to tears. "Are you sure?" I asked.

"Yes! Get whatever you want. And get some Gatorade for the kids."

I felt awkward as I went back to do more shopping, but I selected a fresh turkey, a few yams and potatoes, and some juices for the children. Then I wheeled the shopping cart up to the same cashier as before. As I placed my groceries on the counter, she looked at me once more with giant tears in her kind eyes and began to speak.

"Now I can tell you. This morning I prayed that I could help someone today, and you walked through my line." She reached under the counter for her purse and took out a $20 bill. She paid for my groceries and then handed me the change. Once more I was moved to tears.

The sweet cashier then said, "I am a Christian. Here is my phone number if you ever need anything." She then took my head in her hands, kissed my cheek and said, "God bless you, honey."

As I walked to my car, I was overwhelmed by this stranger's love and by the realization that God loves my family too, and shows us his love through this stranger's and my church's kind deeds.

The children were supposed to have spent Thanksgiving with their father that year, but because of the flu they were home with me, for a very special Thanksgiving Day. They were feeling better, and we all ate the goodness of the Lord's bounty ­ and our community's love. Our hearts were truly filled with thanks.

If you have ever stood at the grave side of a loved one...




Today's ~~FOOD FOR THOUGHT~~

"Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died."
~John 11:21~

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

If you have ever stood at the grave side of a loved one, this thought probably crossed your mind, too -- if you had only been here, Lord! Where is Jesus when we hurt? Why couldn't he be here to help us? There are a couple of crucial answers to remember. First, Jesus is with us in our moments of loss and grief. The Church is Jesus' Body and every act of kindness, support, comfort, and help is Jesus working to alleviate our grief. Second, while he may not have kept our loved one from passing from this life to the next, he has been the abiding and unbroken presence for each Christian who has died physically. Paul reminds us that when a Christian dies, he or she goes to be with Christ (2 Cor. 5:6-7; Phil. 1:21-23) and God's loving presence is never lost to him or her (Rom. 8:35-39)!

My Prayer...

Holy Father, please help me see Jesus' ministering presence in my times of loss and grief. Help me see him in the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit who abides in me. Help me see him in the acts of love and kindness your people do to help me. In addition, dear Father, please help me see ways that I can serve as Jesus' presence to someone else who is experiencing grief. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Randy Travis - Angels

" Are you Jesus?" Do people mistake you for Jesus???



Good morning and happy Thanksgiving Eve, we will be having our Thanksgiving meal this evening in order to celebrate with our two sons....it is strange to say "our two sons" as Wayde and I were together for so many years and I referred to them as Wayde's sons but now that we are married they have become mine as well. I have always loved them and given thanks daily for them being in my life, they are kind and gentle souls with deep convictions and great faith. I am elated to have them come for dinner and games! 

I came across this in my e~mail today and had to share...thanks to mama Jean for sending this to me! I think many times in life we neglect the promptings of the Holy Ghost because they do not fit into the scheme of things at the instant we are prompted. When we neglect to follow his guidance in things that we should be doing.....we neglect to do God's will, we in a sense tell him that we know better and that our lives are more important than the things he wishes for us to do...what a slap in the face!!!!



Apples...    This is as good as it gets!!!

A few years ago a group of salesmen went to a regional sales convention in Chicago .. They had assured their wives that they would be home in plenty of time for Friday night's dinner. In their rush, with tickets and briefcases, one of these salesmen inadvertently kicked over a table which held a display of apples. Apples flew everywhere. Without stopping or looking back, they all managed to reach the plane in time for their nearly-missed boarding...

ALL BUT ONE!!! He paused, took a deep breath, got in touch with his feelings and experienced a twinge of compassion for the girl whose apple stand had been overturned.

He told his buddies to go on without him, waved good-bye, told one of them to call his wife when they arrived at their home destination and explain his taking a later flight. Then he returned to the terminal where the apples were all over the terminal floor.

He was glad he did. The 16-year-old girl was totally blind! She was softly crying, tears running down her cheeks in frustration, and at the same time helplessly groping for her spilled produce as the crowd swirled about her; no one stopping and no one to care for her plight.

The salesman knelt on the floor with her, gathered up the apples, put them back on the table and helped organize her display. As he did this, he noticed that many of them had become battered and bruised; these he set aside in another basket.

When he had finished, he pulled out his wallet and said to the girl, "Here, please take this $40 for the damage we did. Are you okay?"She nodded through her tears. He continued on with, "I hope we didn't spoil your day too badly."

As the salesman started to walk away, the bewildered blind girl called out to him, "Mister...." He paused and turned to look back into those blind eyes. She continued, "Are you Jesus?"

He stopped in mid-stride .... and he wondered. He gently went back and said, "No, I am nothing like Jesus - He is good, kind, caring, loving, and would never have bumped into your display in the first place.

"The girl gently nodded: "I only asked because I prayed for Jesus to help me gather the apples. He sent you to help me, so you are like Him - only He knows who will do His will. Thank you for hearing His call, Mister."

Then slowly he made his way to catch the later flight with that question burning and bouncing about in his soul: "Are you Jesus?"

Do people mistake you for Jesus?

That's our destiny, is it not?To be so much like Jesus that people cannot tell the difference as we live and interact with a world that is blind to His love, life and grace.

If we claim to know Him, we should live, walk and act as He would. Knowing Him is more than simply quoting Scripture and going to church. It's actually living the Word as life unfolds day to day .

You are the apple of His eye even though you, too, have been bruised by a fall. He stopped what He was doing and picked up you and me on a hill called Calvary and paid in full for our damaged fruit.

Sometimes we just take things for granted, when we really need to be sharing what we know....Thanks.

"Being happy doesn't mean everything is perfect.
It means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections."

The nicest place to be is in someone's thoughts,
the safest place to be is in someone's prayers,
and the very best place to be is ........
in the hands of God