YOU can see GOD!!!!!

Hello to all, I must say I have missed each of you and have so desperately missed blogging. I may have been away from my blog but never away from my spirit or faith....As many of you know we have been through a very bad time, the struggle from day to day has been very taxing, very scary, and at times just down right hard to get through...but we are hanging in there trusting in a miracle from our Father in heaven and knowing he will carry us through this time in our lives. 

In prayer this evening as I sat here in the silence I thanked God for getting us to this point in life, it is not the point I would like to be at but I believe in his promises that he will never leave nor forsake me. Father we are holding fast to our faith and are believing in you, we ask you to help us find a way to secure a place to live and to understand why we had to lose what we had and start again. Father bless us with finances to get into the apartment that we have found so that the two of us and our 4 legged babes can have peace and calm. Father I ask you to bless each of those who have lifted our very names in prayer, who have offered support and uplift. I also ask Father that you lay hands upon those who are struggling with health, especially a man who is very special to me that the blood clots in his legs disappear and that he regain his strength, God you brought him out of the clasp of death and I know his job here on earth is not over, bless him and his sweet wife with strength and comfort. I ask that you bless each of the ones reading this tonight with their needs and that you allow them to feel the love and the joy that they bring to you and I ask these mercies, graces and blessings in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

You Can See God

I sat at my desk staring at the letter for a long time. It was written by a friend of mine who was going through some difficult times. It listed problem after problem and seemed full of despair. It ended with these words: "I would like to have faith, but I have always had a problem in believing in what I can’t see. You can’t see God, you know!" 

After awhile I still hadn’t thought of how to answer my friend’s letter and help him. Hoping a walk would help, I put a lease on one of my dogs and headed out the back door. The warm, golden sunshine of Spring warmed my face as soon as I stepped off the porch. A fresh breeze carried the scent of a thousand budding trees on it. A butterfly danced above a patch of dandelions floating from flower to flower. Robins were flying back and forth to the Maple tree in my backyard carrying fresh grass and twigs to reline their nests. Across the road my new neighbor’s children were playing in her backyard with a big ball. It was such a delight seeing her toddler chasing after it with such joy. 

I felt a nuzzle against my leg and looked down to see my dog cuddling in for a hug. I smiled and scratched his head while the laughter of the children and the sound of crickets in the woods blended together to create a unique and beautiful music. I started to walk back inside and saw my own son grinning at me from the window. Most of the world could only see his mental handicaps, but when I looked at him then his eyes sparkled with a divine light. I waved to him and laughed when his older sister snuck up behind him and wrapped him in a loving hug. 

When I got back inside, I knew what to write. I went to my friend’s letter and wrote of everything I had just seen, smelled, heard, and felt in those brief moments outside. Then I finished by writing this:

"I think we all can see God!  We just need to know where to look!"

Lets give our children a chance....

Happy Thursday evening my friend, I pray your day has been a great one, that you are thrilled that this work week is coming to a rapid end and the weekend is just out of reach. I pray that your day has been filled with grins and giggles and that now you are taking time to rest, relax, and spend some much needed time for YOU and yours. 

In prayer this evening I would like to borrow a prayer:

 LORD

I BELIEVE THAT YOU CAN DO ALL THINGS

I BELIEVE THAT I CANNOT UNDERSTAND YOUR WORKINGS, BUT I TRUST THAT IN ALL THINGS THERE IS MEANING AND PURPOSE

I BELIEVE IN YOUR INFINITE COMPASSION AND LOVE

I BELIEVE THAT YOU CAN HEAL THE SICK AND RAISE THE DEAD

I BELIEVE THAT YOU FILL MY HEART WITH YOUR PURPOSE AND THAT I AM UNWORTHY OF THIS GIFT, BUT I ACCEPT IT GLADLY.

I BELIEVE THAT ALTHOUGH MY LOVED ONE SUFFERS NOW, THAT HE WILL SEE THE LIGHT OF YOUR LOVE AND WHEN HE DOES, I BELIEVE THAT YOU WILL HEAL HIM

I ASK FOR HUMILITY

I ASK FOR THE WISDOM TO SERVE YOU IN ALL THINGS

I BELIEVE IN YOU AND I PRAY THAT MY LOVED ONE WILL SOON FEEL YOUR GRACE

AMEN

Let's all read this, absorb it, and allow it to be a part of all we do with our kiddos...they deserve the best us that we can be....

A Child Learns

If a child lives with criticism,

he learns to condemn.

If a child lives with hostility,

he learns to fight.

If a child lives with ridicule,

he learns to be shy.

If a child lives with shame,

he learns to feel guilty.

If a child lives with tolerance,

he learns to be patient.

If a child lives with encouragement,

he learns confidence.

If a child lives with praise,

he learns to appreciate.

If a child lives with fairness,

he learns justice.

If a child lives with security,

he learns to have faith.

If a child lives with approval,

he learns to like himself.

If a child lives with acceptance, and friendship,

he learns to find love in the world.

Life is God's gift to you...how you live it is your gift to God....

Good evening my friends, I pray your day has been a good one and that you and yours are getting some quality time this evening. I pray that no matter what stress, drama, or worries you may have going in your life that you know you are not alone in your quest for peace. 

In prayer this evening I have a special request for prayer, a man who is very important in my life, even though we have never met, has been struggling with health issues and is just getting out of ICU today, praise God that he is strong enough to get out of ICU and now will be in rehabilitation for two weeks. Please pray with me for strength and total healing. I also ask that you hold one of my friends in prayer will be having knee surgery on Thursday morning that she might have no fear in going in and that she will have a fast and full recovery. I ask for peace, calm, comfort, and love for all of you. Father God I ask for these mercies, blessings, and healings in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

No further words needed...take the time!!!

Take The Time

Rush, rush, rush, hurry, hurry, hurry, check your watch, check your schedule, and worry, worry, worry! Gulp down your coffee, wolf down your breakfast, and head out the door! Think of the thousand things you have to do today and forget about your joy! 

If any of you see yourself in those words then you have my sympathy. That was the way I lived for far too many days in my life. My eyes were always on what I had to do. My thoughts were always on not having enough time to do it. My feelings were always set on stress, fear, and frustration. At the time I thought I was living my life, but in truth there was very little living in all of that activity. 

Finally there came a point one day when I decided that it didn’t matter if I got everything done or not. I realized that most of those things I had been striving to do didn’t add one moment of happiness to my life. Instead they ate up my days and squeezed out moments I could have spent loving others. They left no time for prayer, no time for appreciation, no time for simple pleasures or heartfelt joys. It was then that I ripped up my schedule and tossed it in the trash. 

I remember that first day without it. I enjoyed my breakfast for the first time in months. I actually noticed the birds flying across the sky. I stopped my car, got out, and walked over to a Cherry tree to smell the blossoms on it. Instead of rushing my children home from school I took them to the park and let them run and play. I stayed outside longer than usual when I walked my dogs in the evening. I watched the sunset and let the warm Spring breeze kiss my face. I thanked God for my life, felt love in my heart, and had more joy that day than I could ever remember. And the funny thing was I still got everything done that I needed to do. 

Life isn’t some endless list of chores. Life is instead a chance to learn, grow, and love. Take the time to love then. Take the time to sing, smile, and have joy. Take the time to taste your meals, smell the flowers, and watch the sunrise in the morning. Take the time to hug your children, laugh with your friends, and help others in need. Take the time to do a good deed and share a kind word. Take the time to pray to God, to invite His love into your soul, and to share it with everyone around you. Take the time to become the best possible you, you can be. The wonderful writer and educator Leo Buscaglia once said: "Life is God’s gift to you. How you live it is your gift to God." Take the time to live it well.

Oh I am probably just a "daffodil or maybe even a dandelion" but I sure love living in God's garden.

Good evening my friends, I pray your day has been a beautiful one and that you are now ready to enjoy the weekend, share some love, take some time for YOU and be filled with joy and laughter.

In prayer this evening I thanked God for another beautiful day, for allowing me another day of life here on this earth, for another chance at getting things right that I am doing wrong. I thanked him for your support and for your kindness and ask him to shower blessings upon each of you. I asked him to bless each of us with his love and to continue to bless my friend Star and the little baby who had heart surgery earlier in the week, asking for a complete and today healing.....I asked God for mercy, grace, favor, peace, calm and strength for all in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. 

This story touched my heart and made me cry, I was blessed in my high school years to be able to work one on one with a very special young girl and worked in the field surrounded by special people for many years, I absolutely love the pureness, the unconditional love and the sheer joy of seeing those smiles! 

Blue Rose

Why do I always have to be the one that starts to do laundry and there's no detergent? I guess it was time for me to do my "Dollar Store" run, which included light bulbs, paper towels, trash bags and Clorox. So off I go. 

I scurried around the store, gathered up my goodies, and headed for the checkout counter only to be blocked in the narrow aisle by a young man that appeared to be about sixteen-years-old. I wasn't in a hurry, so I patiently waited for the boy to realize that I was there... 

This was when he waved his hands excitedly in the air and declared in a loud voice, "Mommy, I'm over here." It was obvious now, he was mentally challenged, and Also startled as he turned and saw me standing so Close to him, waiting to squeeze by. His eyes Widened and surprise exploded on his face as I said, "Hey Buddy, what's your name?" "My name is Denny and I'm shopping with my mother," he responded proudly. "Wow," I said, "that's a cool name; I wish my name was Denny, but my name is Hal." "Hal like Halloween?" he asked. "Yes," I answered. "How old are you Denny?" 

"How old am I now Mommy?" he asked his mother as she slowly came over from the next aisle. "You're fifteen-years-old Denny; now be a good boy and let the man pass by." I acknowledged her and continued to talk to Denny for several more minutes about summer, bicycles and school. I watched his brown eyes dance with excitement because he was the center of someone's attention. 

He then abruptly turned and headed toward the toy section. 

Denny's mom had a puzzled look on her face and thanked me for taking the time to talk with her son. 

She told me that most people wouldn't even look at him, much less talk to him... I told her that it was my pleasure and then I said something I have no idea where it came from, other than by the prompting of the Holy Spirit. 

I told her that there are plenty of red, yellow and pink roses in God's garden, however, "Blue Roses" are very rare and should be appreciated for their beauty and distinctiveness. You see, Denny is a "Blue Rose" and if someone doesn't stop and smell that rose with their heart and touch that rose with their kindness, then they've missed a blessing from God. 

She was silent for a second, then with a tear in her eye she asked, "Who are you?" Without thinking I said, "Oh, I'm probably just a "daffodil or maybe even a dandelion," but I sure love living in God's garden.

You can grow in oneness with God’s love each and everyday of your life here.

Hello and happy Wednesday evening, I pray your "hump" day has been a great one, I pray that now you are home, having dinner, spending time with loved ones and ready for some rest, relaxation and YOU time...

In prayer this evening we thanked God once again for answered prayers, the sweet little one who had heart surgery this morning is doing well after surgery, we will continue to pray for his strength and his will to battle and to be made 100% healthy. I have a special prayer request from a very sweet lady and ask you Father to bless her with the job she is seeking, Father if this be the job she is meant to have bless her with employment, if it not be where she is needed allow her this knowledge and continue to guide her according to your plan. Father there is a young lady who will be having a surgical delivery tomorrow, there is much fear in the expectant mommy and daddy, please place a comforting hand upon both of them and provide them the knowledge that you will be there with them, you will guide the deliverers hand and will stand in joy at the birth of yet another of your spirits, bless them with peace, calm and comfort. I also ask you Father to bless the baby who is sickly, be with his family and allow them calm and knowledge that you are right there with that baby as you are right there with each of them. Lay your healing hands upon him and give him strength and will to overcome his illness and to be made strong and healthy. I pray for my daughter and my unborn grandson that they continue to be healthy, please provide my sweet love with comfort and calm in knowing that baby Chalmers will be just fine, that the delivery will be manageable and that you will never step away from either one of the. I ask all of these mercies, graces, and favors in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. 

I am telling you a secret and I want you to share it with everyone you come across. Funny huh, usually secrets are meant to be kept, but go ahead...give this one away!!!

A Few Simple Secrets

There is a story from long ago that I really love. A young novice had entered a monastery run by a wise abbot. One day the abbot told his monks that he was going to share a secret teaching with them that would bring them lasting peace and happiness, but if they shared it with anyone else they would be expelled from the monastery. The next day several of the older monks saw the young novice sharing the secret teaching with everyone in a nearby town. They ran back and told the abbot what they had saw. The abbot just smiled and said, "I can teach this young novice nothing further. He is already an abbot in his own right." 

In the spirit of that young novice then I have a few simple secrets that I would love to share with you today. In truth, they aren’t really secrets. Everyone knows them in their hearts even when they don’t accept them in their minds. Like that young novice, though, once I welcomed them into my soul I couldn’t wait to share them with all of you. Here then are a few simple secrets from a student of life who is still learning. 

God loves you. God loves you even when you don’t love Him back. God loves you with a love so powerful and eternal that nothing can destroy it. And you can love too. You can choose love. You can share love. You can pray for love. You can learn of love. You can grow in oneness with God’s love each and everyday of your life here. And when you love, you will have joy. You will have the lasting peace and happiness we all search for and want. Then no matter what troubles you deal with or tragedies you go through you will know God is with you and you will face them with love. 

The secrets of life are simple but never easy. Do your best then to learn them, live them, and share them with everyone you can. Be the eager student and loving teacher of life always.

It was a special day for my baby and I so love the smile on her face.....

Good Sunday evening to all, I pray your day has been a good one, and that you have had time for YOU and for the ones you love. I had a long conversation with my Megan this afternoon and her shower was a smashing success, I think baby Chalmers will be a love spoiled little man! 

In prayer this evening I thanked God for answering my prayer that my daughter have a nice baby shower and that she feel the love that so many have for her. I have fretted since Thursday when my travel plans got quashed and have been so heavy hearted and quick to cry at the fact that I could not be there with her. I am so thankful and ask special blessings for Derek's mom Lynn and Megan's step mom Cheryl for doing all that they did to make this such a special day for my baby. Thank you Father for allowing my girl and my unborn grandson to feel the love you so graciously give. Father I ask you to bless all of those who come and share in prayer with us, allow them to see the miracles that we see so often that come from the power of prayer, allow them miracles in areas where they feel there is no hope, allow them your light when they only see dark and allow them peace where there has been only chaos. Father I thank you for bringing me through the last few days and again for allowing me to feel and see the love my child has for me, I guess it is true I will learn for a long as I live and to you God I give all praise and glory for this. I ask you to continue to bless the young man who has suffered so with the abscess and fluid on his brain, prayers have been answered and although he still has a long road to healing he is on his way and with your grace he will make a full and total recovery, we praise you Father for bringing the lady with the liver transplant through her storm and allowing her to begin to get stronger and begin to heal, we continue to ask you to lay your hands upon her and allow her body to continue to accept the liver. Father we stand amazed at the wonderful answers to prayers, at your mercy and your love. Father I ask for calm, comfort and peace for all in the name of our Lord and Savoir, Jesus Christ. Amen. 

I came across this cute little picture and this wonderful writing and wanted to share...I shall endure with enough of His love to sustain me. In accepting and believing that the best is yet to come. 

To Endure

I had so many things I wrote down as they popped into my head. Things I wanted to share with you. 

I should know better. 

Not only do I lose the notes, but storing anything in my head is like throwing something down a well. 

I don't even hear the splash. 

So, I just sat down and said, "God. Tell me what to write about." 

I heard "endure." 

That seems to be a theme this week for me and so many others who have responded to my recent messages. 

Endure in the dictionary is defined as, "to hold out against; sustain without impairment or yielding." 

I am smiling as I write this because endure and sustain are so much a part of my life. 

It goes along so well with my idea of "enough." 

To endure pain, loss or suffering, all we need to sustain us is simply "enough." 

So it is with all things in life. 

Over the last two days I happened to see older couples walking hand in hand together. 

A fairly common thing to see, you might say. At that moment though I needed to see it. Perhaps I was thinking about love and getting older. 

II speak of enduring love, enough to sustain me in those last years of the long sunset of my life. 

I always try to comment to people when I see something that touches my heart. Regrettably the first day I didn't. 

Yesterday I made it a point to stop the couple and tell them how wonderful I thought it was. 

"I love seeing couples our age still holding hands," I said. 

He looked up at me with the grin of a Cheshire cat and said, "She has to hold my hand. I tend to wander off!" 

Enduring old age. 

At times in life we sometimes are so overwhelmed that the idea of enduring any of it seems all too lofty an ideal. 

We are sinking in the muck and believe only that we cannot survive it all. 

When I look back at my own life it seems I can count a number of times I felt just like that. 

But look. Here I am. I endured. I survived. I made it this far. 

How? 

With enough hope to sustain me. Enough love to make me believe I am worthy. 

There is nothing in or of this world that can crush hope. There is nothing in or of this world that can stop love. 

Hope and Love are not of this world. 

"He that is in me is greater than he that is in the world." 

I shall endure with enough of His love to sustain me. In accepting and believing that the best is yet to come. 

Matthew 24:13 "But he who stands firm to the end will be saved." 

That means you, too. 

You have His Word on it.

Keep your worries where they belong...in the trash.

happy Saturday evening, another tough day for me here, would give my last breath to be sitting in Kansas visiting my daughter and making ready for her baby shower tomorrow. I hate money, or the lack there of and I hate being in a situation that does not allow me to do these most important things. I miss her so very much, have yet to feel my unborn grandson move within his mommy's tummy, and have let her down by saying I would be there and then facing financial things that detered my plans....UGH, I hate it when my heart is so sad it feels it will break, asking God to take my hurt and sadness and replace it with the fact that the shower goes on and it will be a wonderful day for Megan and baby Chalmers.

In prayer this evening, I asked God to comfort each of us who are battling heartache and pain, I asked him to take the pain we feel and allow us peace and calm. I thanked him for this day even though it was not what I would like for it to be Lord, I am thankful that it was another day to praise you and to get it right. I ask blessings of mercy, grace, and favor, for all. In the name of Jesus Christ I ask for his strength to carry us through the storms of life, his unconditional love and his mercy. Amen.

I can so relate to this little writing...I hope that you can as well. 

A Sore Neck And A Sunbeam

I woke up this morning with a crick in my neck from a worn out pillow and a crick in my spirit from a worried out mind. For the past few days I had regressed into a determined pessimist staring at the single mud hole in a field full of flowers. As we all sometimes do I had foolishly allowed myself to worry about my life instead of trusting in God. I had tried to live in the future instead of enjoying today. I had put off my happiness until all my problems were gone instead of tackling each one of them with faith, hope, and joy. All in all I had literally wasted two days of my life. 

I was still rubbing my sore neck as I walked to the garbage bin with the pillow. As I opened the bin with a snarl, though, I felt a ray of warmth touch my face. The sun had just risen over the trees and God had used its beams to give me a gentle kiss on the cheek. I looked up as the light bathed my face and saw a single bird soaring across the sky and flying into the sunrise. It was a sight so beautiful that it filled me with God’s love. 

In that moment my soul went soaring to the heavens as well and I smiled again. In that second love flowed from my heart and joy touched my spirit. In that instant I felt full of faith and trust. I crumpled up my wasteful worries and tossed them in the trash with that worn out pillow. I looked towards the sky and asked God to forgive my foolishness. Then I dedicated another day to doing His will, sharing His love, and spreading His truth. 

I only wish I hadn’t wasted those 48 hours before I awoke again. Worry is an insidious habit that sneaks back into our brains every chance it gets. It eats away at our lives and drains us of our love. Sometimes God even needs a sore neck and a sunbeam to awaken us from the nightmare that it brings to our days. Keep your worry where it belongs then, in the trash.

find a coin pick it up....what do you think of when you do this????

Good evening and happy Tuesday evening...I pray your day has been a great one and that you are having some YOU time. 

In prayer this evening I am whooping and hollering and praising the Lord..I am thanking him from the rooftops and saying thank you, thank you, thank you...My friend Star who we have prayed for all of these weeks, who literally knocked on death's door more thank once is coming home from the hospital, she is being released and is getting to come home and be with her family. Thank you Father for this beautiful miracle and thank you for answering our fervent prayers. Another miracle and grand blessing today, my friend's cancer tests came back good! Thank you Father for your healing hands that have been laid upon him and for taking the cancer and leaving him healthy. Tonight I come to you Father asking that you bless the man who suffered a stroke, bless him with a full recovery and your love and compassion during his rehabilitation period, bless my friend who suffered the accident and is rehabbing a broken back and leg, allow her patience and perseverance as she goes through this long and painful process. Father we love you and give so much thanks to you for the beautiful way you love us. I ask that you offer strength, peace, calm, comfort and understanding to all in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. 

I have never really thought of this when I have picked up coins, what a wonderful thought that each time we pick one up we deem it as a message from God reminding us we are loved...I will see this in a new light from this point on. 

3 Dimes

When I was a young girl I used to love to find a stray penny on the sidewalk. I would save them in a jar in my room and then use them to buy candy or gum when I had found enough. Later as an adult I read a story about how a minister still loved to find pennies on the sidewalk because on each one was written the words: "In God we trust." He said that each penny was a message from Heaven that reminded him of just how much God loved him. 

Today I was headed to the store to buy a week’s worth of groceries for my family. I didn’t really feel up to it, though. My stomach was nauseous and I felt weak. I wondered if I was coming down with a virus. Still, our cupboards were bare and it couldn’t be put off. I stopped first to fill my car with gas before heading to the store. As I walked in to pay I saw a dime laying on the asphalt. I picked it up and remembered the minister’s story. I felt blessed 10 times over. I read the words, "In God we trust" written on it and realized that sick or not God loved me and was with me today and always. 

Later as I was heading into the store I saw a local club doing a Christmas fund drive to buy toys for the needy children in our area. I pulled out a few dollars and handed them to the people. They thanked me and wished me a "Merry Christmas" as I turned to go into the store. Then I saw it. A second dime laying right in front of the door. This time I felt so good that my stomach stopped feeling queasy. I pocketed the dime, looked to the sky, and smiled. 

I took my time shopping since I was still feeling a little weak. Finally before heading home I stopped to pick up a take out pizza for dinner. I didn’t really feel up to cooking. When I got my change I dropped it along with my first two dimes into the charity box on the counter. I enjoyed the idea of passing them and the love that went with them on to others. I walked out with a happy heart. I took one step toward my car and saw a third dime gleaming in the sunshine on the sidewalk. I laughed with delight. I knew that Heaven was watching over me and God was encouraging me to keep loving, caring, and sharing all that I could in this life. I felt loved not 30 times over, but 30,000 times over. When I got home too every bit of sickness and weakness had disappeared from my body. I felt healthy, alive and full of joy. 

As you go through this life with all of its struggles, sickness, and problems know that you are loved. You are loved with a love more powerful than you can ever imagine. You are loved by God, Our Heavenly Father, the creator of us all! And the proof of it is all around you. It is in every sunrise and every flower. It is in every smile you see and every hug you get. It is in every good thing, miraculous message, or curious coincidence that happens upon you in this life. It is even in every penny or dime you find on the ground. Rejoice in that love, cherish it, welcome it into your heart and soul, and make your whole life a celebration and sharing of it.

Are you allowing the devil to leave his bags?

Good evening, wow another Monday is coming to an end, I pray it has been a fruitful one for you and that now you are finding some YOU time and relaxing with your loved ones. I have been hit with muscled spasms in my back and a massive headache today and am praying they will leave this old body of mine soon so I can relax...

In prayer this evening I prayed my normal, usual prayer, giving thanks to our Father in heaven for all that he does for us. I do not pretend to understand Lord all that is going on in our world Lord, I pray You would give me Your wisdom and understanding in all things. I know wisdom is better than gold and understanding better than silver (Proverbs 16:16), so make me rich in wisdom and wealthy in understanding. Thank You that You give wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding (Daniel 2:21). Increase my wisdom and knowledge so I can see Your truth in every situation. Give me discernment for each decision I must make. Please help me to always seek godly counsel and not look to the world and ungodly people for answers. Thank You, Lord, that You will give me the counsel and instruction I need, even as I sleep. Father I ask that you continue to bless my friends in need of healing and that you provide for them relief and peace. I ask that you continue to bless those who have overcome disease that you continue to allow them tests that confirm their victory and that you continue to bless each of us with peace, calm, comfort, and strength. In the name of Jesus Christ I ask these favors and blessings. Amen.

I am always confessing to you the errors in my life and this one hits the nail on the head...I am guilty of each of these points at least once in my life...take those bags devil, I no longer wish them to be in my life!!!!

Make Sure The Devil Takes His Bags

You got out of a bad relationship because it was bad, but you are still resentful, and angry.

(you let the devil leave his bags) 

You got out of financial debt, but you still can't control the desire to spend on frivolous things.

(you let the devil leave his bags) 

You got out of a bad habit or addiction, but you still long to try it just one more time.

(you let the devil leave his bags) 

You said, I forgive you, but you can't seem to let it go and have peace with that person.

(you let the devil leave his bags) 

You got out of that horribly oppressive job, but you're still trying to sabotage the company after you've left.

(you let the devil leave his bags) 

You cut off the affair with that married man/woman, but you still lust after him/her.

(you let the devil leave his bags) 

You broke off your relationship with that hurtful, abusive person, but you are suspicious and distrusting of every new person you meet.

(you let the devil leave his bags) 

You decided to let go of the past hurts from growing up in an unstable family environment, yet you believe you are unworthy of love from others and you refuse to get attached to anyone.

(you let the devil leave his bags)

WHEN YOU PUT THE DEVIL OUT, MAKE SURE HE TAKES HIS BAGS, TOO!!

Would you do it?????

Good evening my sweet friends! I pray your day has been a wonderful one and that you have been able to take some time for YOU. 

In prayer this evening I thanked God for this beautiful day, for the warmth of the "son" in my heart and for each of you who come and pray with us and share in great messages. Father God,  You know my imperfections and you know my struggles.

All I ask is that you continue to reveal to me all the good you have placed in me

So that I can use it to my best ability for your purpose.

Help me to dust myself off when I fall,

And help me to dust others off when they fall into that same ditch.

Only you see my in & out, and only you can save me from myself

So thank you for loving me through it all

And I am humbled that you chose me to do your work.

I asked You to bless those in need of healing with your hands laid upon them, to bring them through their storms. I asked You to allow us your strength in the coming week, your patience with those who bedraggle us, for your calm when we are anxious and for your comfort when we feel pain. I asked all of these blessings and favors in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

I came across this great little story and was amazed at how things worked out in each instance. I had to stop and ask myself would I have humbled myself and been like Booker T. Washington or would I have been haughty and denied the service asked of me??? What would you have done? 

A Humble Spirit

In his own eyes, Mike was the most popular guy around. "A lot of women are gonna be totally miserable when I marry," he boasted to his date. 

"Really?" she said. "And just how many women are you intending to marry?" (Maybe you knew that guy.) 

But I like the story of a young woman who wanted to go to college. Her heart sank, however, when she read the question on the admission form that asked, "Are you a leader?" Being both honest and conscientious, she wrote, "No," and returned the application, expecting the worst. 

To her surprise, she received this letter from the college: "Dear applicant: A study of the admission forms reveals that this year our school will enroll 1,452 new leaders. We would like to accept you because we feel it is imperative that they have at least one follower." 

Sometimes a little bit of humble pie goes well with a rich meal. 

Actually, what passes for conceit in many people is often just a plea for attention. A poor sense of self may cause one to want to be the prominent star in every constellation. Humility, on the other hand, does not require that one shine less brightly than others, simply that all be given opportunity to shine. 

That great 19th Century African American educator Booker T. Washington exemplified the power of a simple and modest spirit. A story is told of a day when Washington, then a professor at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, happened to pass the mansion of a wealthy woman as he walked to work. 

The woman did not recognize him and called out, "Hey you! Come here! I need some wood chopped!" She was a product of her southern post-Civil War culture and simply perceived him as a black man who was there to do her bidding. 

Without a word, Dr. Washington peeled off his jacket, picked up the ax and went to work. He not only cut a large pile of wood, he also carried the firewood into the house and arranged it neatly by the fireplace. 

He had scarcely left when a servant said to the woman, "I guess you didn't recognize him, ma'am, but that was Professor Washington!" 

Embarrassed and ashamed, the woman hurried over to Tuskegee Institute to apologize. The great educator respectfully replied: "There's no need to apologize, madam. I'm delighted to do favors for my friends." 

The professor may have taught one of his greatest lessons that day. It was a lesson about astronomy: he taught that every star can shine without one out-shining all the others. It was a lesson about peace: he taught how self-interest must often be set aside for the good of the whole. And it was a lesson about spirituality: he taught about the power of a meek and humble spirit in a world where aggression is too-often confused with strength. 

It is a lesson we are still learning. 

Be very careful, then, how you live..not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity because days are evil.

Happy Friday evening everyone, I pray your day has been filled with good things and that the weekend is filled with even more. It was a beautifully sunny day here with warmer temperatures.

In prayer this evening I asked God to continue to bless each of us with his love and grace, we continue to pray for the 14 year old runaway that her heart be softened in whatever it is that caused her to runaway and that she contact her family for return. We ask God to wrap a shield of protection around her to ensure that she is safe while away from her home. I asked God to lay healing hands upon all those in need and to favor each of us with his strength, his peace, his calm and his comfort. God we love you so much and are clinging tight to our faith. In the name of Jesus Christ we ask for favor and mercy. Amen.

I love the following writing, time is so important and when written this way is validation to all of the times we take it for granted. Love to all of you and have a happy weekend....think about precious time and use it wisely! 

The Value of Time

To realize the value of ten years:

Ask a newly divorced couple. 

To realize the value of four years:

Ask a graduate. 

To realize the value of one year:

Ask a student who has failed a final exam. 

To realize the value of nine months:

Ask a mother who gave birth to a still born. 

To realize the value of one month:

Ask a mother who has given birth to a premature baby. 

To realize the value of one week:

Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper. 

To realize the value of one hour:

Ask lovers who are waiting to meet. 

To realize the value of one minute:

Ask a person who has missed the train, bus or plane. 

To realize the value of one second:

Ask a person who has survived an accident. 

To realize the value of one millisecond:

Ask the person who has won a silver medal in the Olympics. 

To realize the value of a friend:

Lose one.

Time waits for no one.  Treasure every moment you have.

"Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."   Ephesians 5:15-20 (NIV)

God gives us these bodies for a limited time....

Good evening my friends, I pray your day has been an awesome one....it has been clear and sunny here today but so, so, so cold. 

In prayer this evening I prayed my normal, usual prayers asking God for love, and mercy for all. I asked God to bless those who are suffering will health problems, to watch over them, to lay healing hands upon them and bring them back to 100%. I asked God to bless each of us with all of our needs, to take us into his loving arms and to comfort us when we feel like we are alone, to calm us when we feel there is not other way, and to give us peace when we feel there is only chaos. Father we love you so much, we place our trust in you and we know that your plan is formatted individually for us, we ask you to help us to be patient and understanding and most of all to hold fast to our faith. In the name of Jesus Christ we ask for mercy, grace, and compassion. Amen

Boy oh boy, I can relate to the story I am including below...as my years begin to pass by and older age sets in, I can so relate...LOL

While It Lasts

I found myself shoveling snow yet again the other day. It was the wet, heavy kind too. As I was cleaning off my driveway I had to stop more often than ever before to stretch out my aching back. Later as I laid down on my bed to rest it and read I found myself facing another problem. Should I leave my glasses on and hold the book at arm’s length or should I put the glasses on top of my head and hold the book just a few inches from my face? 

These two things made me realize that this 44 year old body of mine is starting to wear down a little. They made me more determined than ever, though, to make the most of it while it lasts. My brain may be a bit more forgetful, but I am going to keep using it to remember just how much God loves me and to think of all the good I can do for others today. My eyes may be weaker, but I am going to use them to take in all the beauty of this world and welcome it into my soul. My ears may not be as acute, but I can still listen to the birds sing, the laughter of children, and the glorious music that uplifts my spirit and warms my heart. My nose may no longer be as sensitive, but I can still smell the flowers in the Spring and the homemade spaghetti sauce simmering on the stove. My teeth may be a bit worn, but they can still share smiles with friends and strangers alike. My lips are a little thinner now, but they can still say kind words and share loving thoughts. My arms aren’t as strong as they once were, but they can still lend others a helping hand and share a caring hug. My aging fingers too will keep writing these words of love that God blesses me with and my tired legs will keep carrying me where I need to go, to do what I need to do, to help make this world a better place. 

God gives us these bodies for a limited time. While yours lasts then use it well to do all the good you can, share all the love you can, and bring all the Heaven you can down here to Earth.

Now this is my kind of exercise and with guaranteed results... why wouldn't I do it???

Good evening all, I pray your day has been one of goodness, joy, and laughter. I pray that you took opportunity to fill your spiritual tank and that now you are ready to jump any hurdles that might come your way. I had a wonderful day today, got to see my friend Star at the hospital, she looks amazing and her will is so inspiring. What an uplift to see her beautiful smiling face. I also visited with my friend who was in the wreck on Thursday night, she was sitting up a bit today, her road will be a long one and I am praying for a full recovery. 

In prayer this evening, I gave my thanks for all the goodness there is in my life, for all the blessings that God allows me and for all the chances he affords me to get things right. I continued to lift prayers for all of those suffering illness and disease, I asked God to take their pain away and to allow them time to heal. I lifted my two friends who are in the hospital right now that they continue to heal and to hold fast to their faith with knowledge that God will bring them through the storm. I prayed for all those who have suffered loss of possessions and those who have suffered loss of loved ones at the hand of mother nature's tornado's I prayed fervently for little Angel Babcock that she feel all the prayers and love that are being spread in her name and that if it be God's will she will turn the corner and begin to overcome her injuries. I ask God to provide for for all calm and peace. I prayed for each of you asking God to bless and keep you in his loving arms. I ask for mercy, grace, favor and love for all in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

I love, love, love this....will you come exercise with me????

A Heavenly Exercise Program

GUARANTEED RESULTS! This is an intense exercise program. You can do a little at first and work up to the next level. The great part is you do not need a check up from a doctor to perform most of the exercises. The results vary from person to person, but the more you invest, the greater you will feel! What do you say we get started?

~ Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. ~ 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 NLT

CHIN-UPS:  Lift your chin up and hold it there as long as possible. You are feeling so wonderful about your relationship with Jesus that you can't let it down. Rest. Repeat. Don't worry, just keep working at it, you'll get better at this one. 

LIFTS:  Go to the area where you keep your Bible. Do not be concerned about it's weight, you can do this! Open it up and read a chapter. Rest. Repeat. Lift it over and over! You'll be amazed how strong you will become! 

KNEE BENDS:  Find a nice private place for this exercise. Start by going from a standing position to a kneeling position. Well, you might as well speak with God while your there. Rest. Repeat. This exercise will take some practice, but you can do it! He is glad to hear from you! 

SQUATS:  Start by finding your small children or grandchildren. Squat down to there eye level and tell them how much Jesus loves them. They might even be interested in knowing how much you love them, too! Rest. Repeat. Very good! How are you feeling at this point? 

SHADOWBOXING:  You might want to shut the blinds for this one. Dance around a little bit, avoiding your enemies strikes. Deliver a cross, uppercut, jab, jab, cross and a knock-out punch! Great job! Rest. Repeat. Now, I must warn you. Be careful! This is only intended for exercise purposes, but if you are to mentally produce an opponent, we recommend Satan! Be careful with this exercise because he does hit back! Work on your ducking and blocking! 

OVERHEAD RAISES:  This exercise is most effective done with music that praises the Lord. So, to get the ultimate stretch, extend both hands out and up to the sky. Really put them up there, stretch them high in the air! Rest. Repeat. How did that feel? Maybe a little uncomfortable at first, but your really getting the hang of it! 

PUSH-UPS:  We've got work to do! This exercise can be performed anywhere and anytime, but our research shows that it is rarely done. The sad part is Jesus asks us very specifically to do it. I don't know about you, but based on that, I'm ready to get busy! So try these performing the exercise here: Push up your neighbor's trash to the curb, push up an elderly widow's snow to the street, push up a stranded person's car to a safe parking lot, push up a fallen fence for the disabled. You got the idea now and look at you! Finding all kinds of things to push up for Jesus Christ! Oh, and try this if you really want to get results: Give Him the credit! 

SIT-UPS:  Sit-up and take notice of where you are after this program. Do you feel stronger? Do you feel closer to Him? Now, sit-up and know how much He loves you! We can exercise a lot of muscles in our body, but to grow closer to Jesus; we have to exercise our heart! So, what is the real key to this program?

Rest.   Repeat.   Rest.   Repeat. 

" I can live two months off a good compliment" Mark Twain

Good evening my sweet friends, it continues to snow here I am just so thankful that it is not sticking to the roadways.  

In prayer this evening I prayed my normal usual prayer giving thanks to my Father in heaven for all he does for me each day, for both the good and the bad for I know that when I make it through the bad, I am stronger and wiser...I have found that I appreciate the good so much more when I have attained it by clinging to my faith during the bad. I asked God to bless a friend who is trying to make a very big decision that would affect her life in a great way, Father please speak to her heart and allow her the knowledge to know if this be the direction she need to go to continue on the path for your plans. The sweet lady we asked prayer for having surgery this morning came through with no problems and we continue to pray for the results of the test to be in her favor tomorrow, I continue to pray for my friend Star who is healing each day and who has shown us that miracles really do happen. I prayed for you and yours that you might feel the love of Christ in all that you do and that you know there is nothing that cannot be overcome with compassion, understanding and love. In the name of Jesus Christ I as for mercy, grace, peace, calm and comfort for all. Amen.

I came across the following writing and thought it very interesting...and I know it to be very true, we all do feel better when we are VALIDATED...

Giving Validation

In a northwestern US city, a woman from out of town parked her car in an attended lot and walked across the street to shop. Hoping to get a discount on the cost of parking, and not familiar with local idioms, she asked, "Do you give validation?" 

"Certainly," replied the store's manager. "You are an excellent person and I love your hair." 

That might have been worth the cost of parking. I mean, who wouldn't pay a couple of dollars for the kind of validation that she got? 

Mark Twain said, "I can live two months off a good compliment." But then he also said, "If you can't get a compliment any other way, pay yourself one." I suppose sometimes that is the only way we can get one. 

I'm a strong believer in the power of affirming other people. One time I facetiously told an audience that I have never in my life received a standing ovation. They gave me one -- and I'm here to tell you it isn't nearly so satisfying when you have to ask for it. Nevertheless, I never underestimate the importance of positive encouragement in a life. 

Author Alan Loy McGinnis cites an interesting study about the power of positive encouragement (http://tinyurl.com/6xg9mba). He tells of a second-grade teacher who complained that her children were spending too much time standing up and roaming around the room rather than working. 

Two psychologists spent several days at the back of the room with stopwatches observing the behavior of the children and the teacher. Every ten seconds they noted how many children were out of their seats. They counted 360 unseated children throughout each 20-minute period. They also noted that the teacher said "Sit down!" seven times during the same period. 

The psychologists tried an experiment. The asked the teacher to tell the children to sit down more often. Then they sat back to see what would happen. This time they noted that she commanded her students to sit down 27.5 times in an average 20-minute period, and now 540 were noted to be out of their seats during the same average period. Her increased scolding actually made the problem worse. (Interestingly, when she later backed off to her normal number of reprimands, the roaming also declined to the exact same number recorded previously in just two days.) 

Then the experimenters tried a different tack. They asked the teacher to refrain from commanding the children to sit down altogether, and to instead quietly compliment those children who were seated and working. The result? Children's roaming decreased by 33%. They exhibited their best behavior when they were complimented more and reprimanded less. 

There is immense power in affirming others. Leaders who get results know this. People who draw others to themselves and who motivate others to great action are almost always those who encourage more than criticize; who compliment more and reprimand less. 

Perhaps the woman's question is the correct one after all. "Do you give validation?" I hope I can always answer YES. 

You can never grow old unless you let yourself.....

Good evening and happy almost end to this last day of February, not another 29th of February for 4 years. I pray your leap day has been a good one! It is beginning to snow a bit more out and the temperatures are dropping here in beautiful Utah.

In prayer this evening I asked God to protect all of those who are on the roadways this evening, I asked for a shield of protection for those who are still being battered by the negative weather all over the country and for a blanket of calm for those who are digging out and have suffered great loss. I also asked special blessings of comfort for those who have lost loved ones at the hand of mother nature. I continued to pray for my friend Star who is getting stronger each and every day, I prayed for several who have come in request for family members who are battling with health issues and for the sweet little boy who is battling fluid on his brain, asking God to lay hands upon each of them, bringing them back to 100% health if it be his will. Father comfort each of them in your loving arms and allow them to feel all of the love that is flowing to them. I prayed for each of you for God's strength, his peace, his calm and his comfort and for blessings for all of your needs. In the name of Jesus Christ I asked humbly. Amen.

I love, love, love the story below....sometimes I get caught up in my aches and pains, in my grey and wrinkles, in the I can't do the things I used to be able to...bla,bla,bla...but when I look in the mirror...the youthful spirit is still there, shining brightly, I think from this point on I will take out the full length mirror and opt to just look into my eyes...LOL

A Young Spirit

It was my daughter’s 21st birthday. Dinner was finished and cake and ice cream were about to be served. As I looked out on my three grown children I was amazed at how quickly the years had gone by. My youngest was now 18 years old. My daughter was a college graduate. My oldest boy was 23 and getting older every minute. Just thinking about it I could feel my hair getting thinner and grayer and my wrinkles getting deeper. 

I dragged my aching, aging body into the bathroom and looked at myself in the mirror. Yes, the hair was thin and gray. The face and forehead were wrinkled a bit. The few extra pounds of middle-age were showing in places. Then I gazed into the eyes staring back at me from the mirror and I saw her: a young spirit shining out of them from deep within me. She was the spirit that still delighted in the twinkling lights of the fireflies every Summer. She was the spirit that still soared along with the birds in the morning sky. She was the spirit that still thought the laughter of a child was the most beautiful music in the world. She was the spirit that had always known that bodies are temporary but that life is eternal. She was the spirit that had always tried to keep one foot in the wonder of childhood and one foot in the love of Heaven. 

I smiled back at that shining spirit and took my youthful soul back out to the kitchen table to join my forever young children in some red velvet cake and vanilla ice cream. I thanked God too for reminding me that I will always be young no matter how old I get. 

Always remember who you really are. You are a beautiful, shining, loving soul. You are blessed by Heaven and loved by God. You are both eternal and forever young. You can never grow old unless you let yourself. May all your days be blessed with youth, laughter, and joy then. May all your years be full of loving God, yourself, and others.

A good sense of humor is one tool you can't live without....

Good Sunday evening, I apologize for being later than usual, I took the leisure of taking a long nap and it turned out longer than I had intended...I pray your day has been a wonderful one and that you have taken much needed time for YOU and done something that has made you smile.

In prayer this evening I prayed my normal, usual prayers, I continued to pray for my friend Star and her family as her healing prognosis becomes stronger and stronger, thanking God for the miracle of her life. I prayed for you and yours asking for peace in your hearts, calm in your minds, comfort in your bodies and humor in you senses...I prayed for these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Always remember that we are here for you in at any time, if you have need for prayer please place the request in the comment section and allow us this honor. God bless each of you..

I love the following story, after reading it I sat and reflected on how often I laugh, how often do I really, really, LAUGH? I think there is room for a bit more, how about you???

Serious Humor

I've known several morticians over the years. Without exception, they've each had a rich sense of humor. The ability to laugh is probably necessary in some professions, and those who work with corpses likely head the list. Otherwise, how could they stand the grief and pain felt by every family that walks through the door? 

I once heard of mortician who liked to sign all his correspondence: "Eventually yours." That gets right to the point. 

Humor is something I can get serious about. It is nothing less than an extravagant gift - to be frequently used and shared. It was the late evangelist Billy Graham who said that "a keen sense of humor helps us to overlook the unbecoming, understand the unconventional, tolerate the unpleasant, overcome the unexpected and outlast the unbearable." That's serious stuff. 

In the summertime, I like to ride my 150cc scooter instead of driving the car. I enjoy the breeze in my face and sometimes find myself smiling for the pure joy of it as I zip along. 

But my scooter has a major flaw. It was not made for uneven surfaces. Its single, mushy shock absorber is almost useless as the bike grinds and scrapes at every unexpected bump and hole in the road. 

A life without humor is no better at getting through life's bumps and jolts than my scooter. It groans and complains at any unanticipated obstacle thrown in the path. And there is plenty of debris along the way. There will be obstacles in life's road at every turn. 

The problem is not that there are problems. There will always be rocks in the way. And where there are no rocks, watch out for a pothole. No one ever promised a smooth ride. As Katharine Hepburn said, "Life is hard. After all, it kills you." Problems are not the problem. It's that when we think the way should always be smooth, every stone we hit feels like a personal assault. 

We need resources to absorb life's shocks. And a good sense of humor is one tool we can't live without. The ability to lighten up is invaluable when we encounter teeth-rattling jolts. It helps us "overlook the unbecoming, understand the unconventional, tolerate the unpleasant, overcome the unexpected, and outlast the unbearable." And it's just plain fun to carry along on the ride. 

Maybe musician Corky Siegel got it right when he said, "Life is too important to take seriously." 

Who do you love and admire, what draws you to them????

Happy Friday evening my friends, I pray your day has been a great one, that you are now done with work for a few days and are ready for some rest and relaxation. It has been a beautiful day here I guess you could say the calm before the storm as we are expecting another bit of weather this weekend.

In prayer this evening as I sat here in the quiet of my home, thanking God for this day, for this wonderful, beautiful day. I thanked him for each of you, for your friendship and support that I get on a daily basis. I asked him to bless you and yours with peace, calm, comfort and great love....Father please be with everyone as they go about their tasks this weekend, wrap a shield of protection around them keeping them safe from harm or danger. Father bless all of those suffering with pain and disease this evening, allow them a pain free time so that spirits can be renewed. In the name of Jesus Christ I ask for mercy and and healing favor. Amen.

I came across this story and love, love, loved it...funny how learning the meaning of phrases can awake something new within us. The next time I hear this phrase I will smile in understanding! God bless each of you!!

A Spittin' Image

The doctor said to a new father, "You have a cute baby." 

"I bet you say that to all the new parents," smiled the proud daddy. 

"No," he replied, "just to those whose babies really are good-looking." 

"So what do you say to the others?" 

I say, "He's the spittin' image of you." 

Do you suppose they teach that in medical school? 

I'm told that a young mother enlisted the help of a friend in taking her infant identical twins to the doctor. Since the waiting area was full, the two women, each with a twin, were seated on opposite sides of the room. After a few minutes someone commented, "It's amazing how much those two babies look alike!" 

The friend was quick to reply, "Well, they should. They have the same father." I haven't heard whether the misunderstanding was ever straightened out. 

With identical twins, it's easy to see that they are the "spittin' image" of each other. Actually, that term "spittin' image" stems from an old misunderstanding itself. Joel Chandler Harris, author of the Uncle Remus stories, explained that when an American slave seemed to be saying, "spittin' image," he or she was actually saying, "spirit and image," as: "'He's the spi'it 'n' image of his daddy." It meant more than they merely looked alike. Spirit and image - alike, inside and out. 

And what makes it even more interesting is the ancient truth from the monk Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153), who said, "What we love we shall grow to resemble." Or put another way, we become the spi'it 'n' image of that which we hold dear. We are shaped by that which we admire most, and by the people we love most. 

It works like this: Those who admire success may become "the image of success." Those who admire ambition will, to even a casual observer, look ambitious, perhaps even driven. Those who admire and love the gentle saints of their faith will, more than likely, remind others of those same saints in their attitudes, words and actions. Day by day, we become the spi'it 'n' image of the people we befriend, admire and love. 

An unknown writer tells a story about her grandmother and a person she deeply admired. The story goes like this: 

"My grandmother was born in a small west Texas farming town on August 26, 1929, two months and three days before Black Tuesday, the stock market crash that started the Great Depression. As the youngest daughter of sharecroppers, who earned their living by picking cotton, she knew the meaning of barely getting by. Times were tough and she learned to never waste anything. 

Her Uncle Jess was a compassionate man who always treated her with kindness. Each time she would visit him, she always left with the same feeling: I am special. After all, she was the only person who was allowed to drink from his special pink drinking glass. One day, she took the pink glass out to the water cooler, a special room that stored and cooled the water generated from the windmill. Out in the water cooler, she dropped the glass. Looking down at the hundreds of glass fragments, she began to cry. She had been entrusted with this special glass and now it was broken. 

Her crying was interrupted when she heard Uncle Jess call out, 'Ruby Nell, I was thinking. I'm tired of that silly old pink glass. Would you please break it for me?' 

She ran back to him calling out, with the enthusiasm that only a six-year-old can summon, 'I did it, Uncle Jess! I did it!'" 

How many times did Ruby pass that story along out of admiration for her uncle? How often did she remember his kindness and compassion and show the same to others? Over the years of a long life, how many times would she choose to believe in herself because of the way Uncle Jess always made her feel: that she was special? And when life was cruel and people let her down, how many times did she find enough strength to set aside anger and respond in kindness, because that is what Uncle Jess would have done? 

As little Ruby Nell grew up, she could do worse than to grow into the spi'it 'n' image of Uncle Jess. 

We are shaped by that which we admire most, and by the people we love most.

Who do you love and admire? What qualities draw you to them? And how can you bring more people like that into your life? 

If you could write a letter to a younger you...what would you tell yourself?

Good evening, I pray your day has been a wonderful one and that the choices you made worked out good for you and yours. 

In prayer this evening I bowed my head humbly and asked that God hold each and every one of you in his loving arms, that he provide you with peace in your heart, calm in your minds and comfort in your bodies. I asked God to bless each of you with knowledge that you are never alone, that you are loved beyond measure and that you have his promises as long as you hold fast to your faith in him..Father I thank you for all that you afford me each day and for the fortitude to cling to you in all situations. In the name of Jesus Christ I ask for mercy and healing favor for all. Amen

Oh if only I could go back and write a letter for a young me to read...

Advice to a Younger Me

All of us at some point in our lives have wished that we could write a letter to our younger selves. We have wished we could pass on the wisdom we have learned and help them to avoid some of the pain and struggles that we have gone through. I think that my own advice to the younger me would be quite simple. This is what I would say. 

Wake up earlier more often and take the time to watch the sun rising over the hills. Bend down to smell the flowers in the Spring. Swim more in the Summer. Play in the Fall leaves. Make snow angels every Winter. Turn the TV off in the afternoon and go play with your dogs instead. Don’t rush through those Sunday family dinners. Savor every bite of food and joy in them. Tell your Mom and Grandma you love them everyday and hug them every chance you can. . Don’t complain about chopping wood with your Dad. Enjoy every moment you have with him. And don’t argue so much with your brothers. Life is too short to spend being miserable. 

Stop being so shy. Other people are just like you inside. Smile more. Laugh a lot. Sing often. They are joy creators. Share a kind word every chance you get. Give your inner goodness to everyone. Don’t worry about the future. Instead enjoy this day God has given you. Make the time to play with your young children. One day you will blink and they will be as big as you are. Quit wishing you were rich in money. Yet. rejoice at being rich in heart. Realize that happiness is simple. It is we who are complicated. Know in your heart that God loves you just as you are. Know in your heart that you can love too. Then go out and share your love with the world. When you do you will have the joy you have always longed for. 

How I wish I could give this advice to the younger me, but I can’t. He probably wouldn’t have listened anyway. Still, it isn’t too late to follow this advice today and that is all that matters.