Are prayers really unanswered or are they answered according to God's plan and not your own????

Good morning and happy Tuesday, it is a very windy morning, overcast and a bit of humidity in the air. it looks like the remainder of this week will be windy, and rainy, but with warmer temperatures...so no snow...yippee, there is always a rainbow....

In prayer this morning I asked God to bless me today with relaxed muscles in my back, and no headache. I asked him to continue to bless those who are in need of healing with his wonderful comforting hands laid upon them giving them strength and will. I prayed for all that you might feel his calm, comfort and peace in your doings and that you are filled with the knowledge of his great love and compassion for each of you. I ask mercy, blessings and favor for all in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Have you ever sat and wondered why God did not answer your prayers, when you prayed for total healing and the one you prayed for slipped from this earth and passed through to paradise? Have you ever asked God to take your financial woes and allow you peace only to get deeper and deeper in debt? Have you ever asked God to save your dying relationship only to find yourself single and on your own? Have you ever gotten angry and asked why, why, why...only to realize without the outcome he allowed you would not be where you are today? Only to realize that this was the better way? Only to realize that once again he knew better what was best? Only to fall on your knees and thank him for his plan? 

God knows I have prayed and felt that the prayers were falling on deaf ears and then down the road I am saying "thank you Almighty God, for bringing me this way as the other path was going no where" As Garth Brooks' song goes...."some of God's greatest gifts..are unanswered prayers" but were they really unanswered or were they just answered differently thank what you had planned? God is good all of the time and he does have your best interest in his heart! 

The Great Acorn War

The first school I ever attended sat halfway up the side of a hill. Along the ridge right above it were several matronly Oak trees and down at the bottom of the hill was the playground with seesaws and swing sets. Every afternoon at recess most of the boys and girls would make a mad dash down the hill to be the first on the swings and seesaws. A group of us boys, however, found another great toy to play with, the acorns from the Oak trees. Thus began the Great Acorn War. 

For several days we divided into armies, gathered our acorns, and spent recess throwing them at each other. It was great fun until you got hit. One day I found myself trapped behind a tree with the other army all around me. I said a quick prayer to God to please not let me get hit and then made a break for it. Dozens of expertly thrown acorns stung into my face, head, arms, and back. I ran as fast as I could all the way back into the school. The next day I decided the swings might be more fun and left the warfare to others. Soon after that one of the teachers saw the acorn fighters in action and put a stop to the Great Acorn War once and for all. 

That was one of the first times I remember asking God for something and it was also one of the first times I remember Him saying No! It took me many years to finally see that sometimes what we think is best for us really isn’t and that God’s wisdom is far greater than ours. 

Since then I have had a lot of my prayers answered and the answer hasn’t always been yes. I asked God to cure my boys of their Autism but God showed me instead how to look beyond their handicaps and see their loving souls shining through. I asked God for an easy life, but God gave me a challenging one to grow my character and learn the importance of love. I asked God for the ability to help others and heard Him say in my heart, "You are finally getting it!" May God then always give you what you need even if it isn’t always what you want.

Who are heros in your life and why?

Good morning my friends, I pray this day is off to a good start and that whatever race you may be running today... that you are victorious in crossing the finish line! 

In prayer this morning I lifted each of you asking Father God to bless you abundantly. I prayed for the ones who are going through procedures medically today, who are battling the wars of disease, and illness, those who are struggling financially, those struggling in relationships, battling with unruly children. I asked God to bless each of you with what is needed to carry you through the storm, to carry you over the hurdles and up the mountain so that you might always feel his love and know that as long as he is in your heart there is hope. I asked for mercy, grace, and compassion for all, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. 

Do You Know A Hero?

Not every Marine is a hero. During field training exercises at Parris Island, South Carolina, one drill instructor threw a pine cone among the recruits and yelled, "Grenade!" The trainees immediately turned away and hit the ground. "Just as I suspected," chided the drill instructor. "Not a hero among you! Didn't anyone want to jump on that grenade to save the others?" 

A little later the instructor tossed another pine cone and yelled, "Grenade!" This time, all the recruits but one jumped on the "explosive." 

"Why are you still standing there?" the DI demanded. 

"Sir," the recruit replied, "someone had to live to tell about it." 

Not everyone is a hero. But then, not every hero jumps on grenades, pulls terrified children from burning buildings, or wears an impressive uniform. 

Do you know a hero? I am not asking you to simply name a favorite celebrity. There is a difference. 

Do you know a hero? I think perhaps you do. Heroes, you see, can be found in some of the most unexpected places. I knew a young mother who was slowly dying of cancer, yet she put aside her pain long enough every day to smile and laugh with her children. She tried hard every day to bring sunshine into the gloomy hospital room when her family was present. And I watched her husband fill the roles of single parent and financial provider, and still spend every remaining moment sitting at his mate's bedside, valiantly encouraging and offering whatever hope he could muster. 

I knew a talented teacher who could have worked at a far more lucrative profession, yet was determined to stay in a disadvantaged school in the hope that she could make a difference in a difficult situation. She did it for her students. 

I've known other heroes, too. 

You may have noticed - many of the world's true heroes will never be confused with action figures. Most have never been to battle, competed athletically nor sung in a pop band. But they have faced nearly impossible challenges with unimaginable determination and courage. They found what it takes to bear the unbearable, forgive the unforgivable, love the unlovable, outlast the unendurable or defeat the undefeatable. And often they do it for the sake of others. 

Do you know a hero? Maybe one lives in your home. And perhaps one even looks back at you from the mirror. For it is in everyday battles of the spirit that true wars are fought and won. And it is those real-life heroes who give the rest of us hope and remind us that anything is possible. 

Do you know a hero? I think you do. 

Will you let go of the rope???

Good morning, I apologize for the late hour in getting this posted, time seems to have slipped away from me this morning and I am just now getting it done. I pray your day is going well and that you are listening to the gentle promptings from our Father in heaven.

In prayer this morning I prayed my usual morning prayers asking God to bless each of you with his peace, love, calm and comfort, to give each of you strength to make it through the day and to give you knowledge of right and wrong. I continue to pray  for those struggling with illness and disease, with finances, with relationships, with the hunt for jobs with the "climb" I asked him to allow each of us the blessings of the Holy Ghost so that we realize there is always someone right beside us and if we listen with our hearts we will always find out way. I asked each of these blessings in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

In the story below, I felt such sadness, to actually call upon God for help and then to no listen is sad to me, how many times have you continued to "hold the rope" when he was willing for you to let go? 

the mountain climber

-- Author Unknown

They tell the story of a mountain climber who, desperate to conquer the Aconcagua, initiated his climb after years of preparation. But he wanted the glory to himself, therefore, he went up alone. He started climbing and it was becoming later, and later. He did not prepare for camping, but decided to keep on going.

Soon it got dark. Night fell with heaviness at a very high altitude. Visibility was zero. Everything was black. There was no moon, and the stars were covered by clouds.

As he was climbing a ridge at about 100 meters from the top, he slipped and fell. Falling rapidly he could only see blotches of darkness that passed. He felt a terrible sensation of being sucked in by gravity. He kept falling... and in those anguishing moments good and bad memories passed through his mind. He thought certainly he would die.

But then he felt a jolt that almost tore him in half. Yes! Like any good mountain climber he had staked himself with a long rope tied to his waist. In those moments of stillness, suspended in the air he had no other choice but to shout: "HELP ME GOD. HELP ME!"

All of a sudden he heard a deep voice from heaven... "What do you want me to do?"

"SAVE ME."

"Do you REALLY think that I can save you?"

"OF COURSE, MY GOD."

"Then cut the rope that is holding you up."

There was another moment of silence and stillness. The man just held tighter to the rope. The rescue team says that the next day they found a frozen mountain climber hanging strongly to a rope... 

TWO FEET OFF THE GROUND.

------------

How about you? How trusting are you in that rope? Why don't you let it go? I tell you, God has great and marvelous things planned for you.

CUT THE ROPE AND SIMPLY TRUST IN HIM.

I've learned that I still have a lot to learn!!!

         

    

      Good morning sweet friends, I pray your morning is filled with sunshine and that the day will be one  that allows you to feel loved, appreciated and filled with the spirit of our Lord and Savior.

In prayer this morning as I sat out in the wonderful, glorious, sunshine, watching the snow quickly melt away, I thought how amazing change is, yesterday the roadways were horrible, the downpour of rain turned into a winter snow storm, the winds howled, highways were shut down, several avalanches around us, and it was bitter cold...this morning the snow is quickly disappearing, the wind has laid down and the sunshine is amazing. What a blessing that there is change each day in our lives. I thanked God for all of the blessings in my life to include you and your friendship, to include the support you give me in reading my writings each day and letting me know that they touch your heart from time to time. I prayed fervently for all of the babies who are in the hospital struggling to gain strength and be able to come home to their families, for my friends daughter battling with the left effects of being struck by a vehicle so many month ago, for those who are suffering disease and for the elderly. I asked God to bless each of us with peace in our hearts, calm in our minds, and comfort in our bodies today that we might get up, get out and make a difference to someone in need! Thank you Father for loving me, for willing me to be the best that I can be and for allowing me to see where there is need and giving me guidance as to how I can be the most effective. In the name of Jesus Christ I lift these prayers for special delivery. Amen. 

Ever since my daughter was a young child she has always had such a love and gentle heart with the elderly, she always said she wanted to be an "old people doctor" when she grew up, that she wanted to make them all better when they were sick, she did not go on to be a doctor but she did become a recreational therapist and spent a very long time bringing much joy to many. I am so blessed to know that when I am old, "wearing my  purple hat" and "away from my faculties" that I will have someone who has nothing but kindness and compassion in my life. Today's writing is a beautiful one and one that really made me think. I hope you enjoy it!!!

   

    

 The  Wooden Bowl 

A  frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and  four-year-old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered.

The  family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor.

When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.

The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess.

'We must do something about father,' said the son.

'I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.'

So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner.

There,  Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner.

Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl.

When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction,  sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone.

Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp  admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.

The four-year-old watched it all in silence.

One  evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor.

He  asked the child sweetly, 'What are you making?'  Just as sweetly, the boy responded,

'Oh,  I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up.

The  four-year-old smiled and went back to work.

The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.

That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table.

For  the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason,

neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.

On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.

I've learned that  you can tell a lot about a person by the way  he/she handles four things:

a  rainy day, the elderly, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.

I've  learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as making a 'life.'

I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back sometimes.

I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you.

But, if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can,

happiness will find you.

I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.

I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.

I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone.

People love that human touch -- holding  hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.

I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.

It's okay, sometimes you just have to cry!"

Good morning, it is a rainy, rainy day here in Utah, I am singing praises for the 41 degrees that it is or we would be buried under snow. The wind howled like a rabid dog last night, or I should say way into the night...a 4 this morning I felt that my roof was going to take off to parts unknown. There appears to be no damage and now there is only rain, no wind at all.

I pray that this morning is being good to you...that you have or will have time for YOU today and that that time includes a quiet little chat with our Father in Heaven. As I sat in meditation this morning I prayed my normal, usual prayers and in doing so the thought of many of you crossed my heart, and I began to cry. Sitting there I thought to myself, "I am such a boob" Father I cry to easily, I cry for people I don't even know, I feel week for when I feel their sadness or stress " I cry" As I sat there under the eave of the porch to avoid the rain a sudden and unexpected wind blew in and the rain that I was sheltered from splattered my face...I then began to laugh...I take it that our Heavenly Father was letting me know that he cries to. I began to feel such warmth and love in my heart. I asked God to bless you with the knowledge today that sometimes you just have to cry. I asked him to bless you with calm, comfort and peace, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

It's okay, sometimes you just have to cry!

There are a lot of things about parenthood that could make one cry: 

The cost of formula, sleepless nights, or diaper messes just to name a few. However, for me the absolute worst had to be - immunization shots.

At about two months into parenthood, I learned the true meaning of the word “heartbreak”. There could not have been anything worse than watching helplessly as you receive your first round of immunization shots. I would have rather been run over by a truck than have to sit there and watch you go through that. While listening to your screams, I kept thinking that surely medical science could have come up with a better way of doing this by now. As far as any solace from the doctor, all he could say was, “Ah, look at those healthy tears.” As we left the office, I whispered into your ear,

"It's okay, sometimes you just have to cry!"

In a way I guess it was only a matter of time before you were introduced to pain in your life. I remembered losing my father to a sudden car accident a number of years ago. I tried to remain strong through it all. One day, when a song came on the radio that reminded me of your grandpa, I completely lost it. It was the first time since the funeral that I just let go and cried. It felt good to not hold back anymore. 

The earliest memory I have of my father is one of me as a young boy holding his hand by his two last fingers as we walked together. His hands seemed so large that his fingers were all I could actually grip. He always took me with him to ball games even at my young age. I will never forget that. As I grew older I remember dad and I listening to high school basketball games together on an old transistor radio. I would make a list of players names on a piece of paper and keep track of how many points each would score as the game went on. Too small to stay awake for the whole game, I always fell asleep before the game ended. When I would wake up in the morning I would find the score sheet lying next to me. The score sheet would be filled out with the final score on it completed by my father before he carried me to bed. I’ll always remember that. 

I remember the times when my father would stop by the house in the early morning on those cold days when I was home from school over Christmas break. I used to ride on the floor of that bread truck as he delivered the bread to the stores. I don’t know if those old trucks even had heaters but it didn’t matter. The smell and warmth from the bread that had just come from the bakery ovens would make my mouth water and keep me warm both at the same time. I’ll never forget that. In high school I became very interested in athletics. My father would attend all my games. My senior year our football team qualified to play in the state championship game. It was the first time in the history of our school that any team had advanced that far. The night before the game my father came to me and sadly announced that he would not be able to attend. He had to deliver the bread to the stores and the site of the games was a three hour drive from his route. He vowed to listen to every play on the transistor radio. 

Consumed with the anticipation of the game I acknowledged his comments without fully noticing his regret. The next day as game time approached I couldn’t help thinking about my dad. For some reason as I lined up for the second half kickoff I happened to look across the field into the parking lot. There I saw his blue and white bread truck pulling into the stadium. He has delivered the bread and made the long drive in time to at least see part of the game in which we won the state championship. I’ll never forget that. 

Years later I had become a teacher and coach. Early one morning I was awakened by the sound of the telephone ringing at 5:30 A.M. As I struggled to answer the phone I’ll never forget the sound of the sheriff’s voice on the other end telling me that my dad had just been killed in an automobile accident on his way to work. Cattle from a nearby farm had broken through a fence and wandered onto the highway. Being a dark, rainy morning my father never saw them as he came over a ridge. The impact spun the car sideways in the highway before a semi-trailer collided with it. He was killed instantly. As I listened to the story I could hear my heart beat in my ears. I hung up the phone devastated. For a long time after that things really didn’t matter to me. I went about my life but I really didn’t care. It felt as if my heart had been torn away and in a sense it had. I went to work. I still taught school but I was just going through the motions.

One day I was on the school playground supervising a first grade recess when a little boy walked up to me. As I looked down at him he reached up and grabbed my hand by my last two fingers. Just as I use to do to my dad. In that moment my father came back to me. In that instant it hit me that even though my father was gone he had left me something behind. He had left me his smile. He had left me his compassion. He had left me his heart. When that little boy touched my hand I realized that all these wonderful gifts that I had loved so much about my father could be passed on to others.

 In that moment I understood the meaning of the word heritage. I’ll always remember that, like his father, there will be times in my son’s life when he will feel pain. When that happens, I hope I am there for him. If I am not, I hope he remembers the words I whispered in his ear that day as we left the doctor’s office. 

"It's okay, sometimes you just have to cry!"

You Choose, it is up to you!!!!

Good morning and happy Friday, today is a beautiful day, the clouds are beginning to break a bit and the sun is forcing its way through. I pray your day is the best of the best!

In prayer this morning, I asked God to continue to bless you with his love, his peace, his calm and his comfort. I ask that you pray with me for those who have lost loved ones this week and for those who are standing by as their failing, frail, loved ones watching as they pass through the veil. 

Father hold us in your arms and keep us safe from harm, keep us on the right track and help us to always see the light of Christ. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

It's Up to You 

Author: Unknown

I gave you life, but I cannot live it for you.

I can teach you things, but I cannot make you learn.

I can give you directions, but I cannot always be there to lead you.

I can allow you freedom, but I cannot account for it.

I can take you to church, but I cannot make you believe.

I can teach you right from wrong, but I cannot decide for you.

I can give you love, but I cannot force it upon you.

I can teach you to be a friend, but I cannot make you one.

I can teach you to share, but I cannot make you unselfish.

I can teach you respect, but I cannot force you to show honor.

I can grieve about your report card but I canot make you study,

I can advise you about friends, but I cannot choose them for you.

I can teach you about sex and the facts of life, but I cannot decide for you.

I can tell you about drinking, but I cannot say “no” for you.

I can warn you about drugs, but I cannot prevent you from using them.

I can teach you about goals and dreams, but I cannot achieve them for you.

I can teach you kindness, but I cannot force you to be kind.

I can warn you about sin, but I cannot make your morals.

I can love you as a [daughter] son, but I cannot place you in God’s family

I can pray for you and your future, but I cannot make you walk with God.

I can tell you how to live, but I cannot give you eternal life.

You Decide????

Good morning and happy Thursday, I pray your morning is going well and that you have love in your heart and a smile on your face. Our weather did nothing compared to what was forecast, we had some snow last evening but more rain than snow, other than causing us to lose signal several time with our dish getting a little iced over....we have nothing this morning but wet ground. I must admit I was not looking forward to inches of snow that would have to be removed....

In prayer this morning I sat outside in the dampness and thanked our Father in Heaven for all of the blessings in my life, for the love that I have through family and friends and for the joy of living each and every day. I asked him to provide for each of you love and joy, peace and calm, comfort and knowledge, but most of all faith! I asked for mercy, grace and favor for all, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

It is all up to you....attitude and will! What is your choice, to hope for something or the decide that you WILL have something? 

DON’T HOPE,…DECIDE!  

While waiting to pick up a friend at the airport in Portland, Oregon, I had one of those life-changing experiences that you hear other people talk about — the kind that sneaks up on you unexpectedly. This one occurred a mere two feet away from me.

Straining to locate my friend among the passengers deplaning through the jet way, I noticed a man coming toward me carrying two light bags. He stopped right next to me to greet his family.

First he motioned to his youngest son (maybe six years old) as he laid down his bags. They gave each other a long, loving hug. As they separated enough to look in each other’s face, I heard the father say, “It’s so good to see you, son. I missed you so much!” His son smiled somewhat shyly, averted his eyes and replied softly, “Me, too, Dad!”

Then the man stood up, gazed in the eyes of his oldest son (maybe nine or ten) and while cupping his son’s face in his hands said, “You’re already quite the young man. I love you very much, Zach!” They too hugged a most loving, tender hug.

While this was happening, a baby girl (perhaps one or one-and-a-half) was squirming excitedly in her mother’s arms, never once taking her little eyes off the wonderful sight of her returning father. The man said, “Hi, baby girl!” as he gently took the child from her mother. He quickly kissed her face all over and then held her close to his chest while rocking her from side to side. The little girl instantly relaxed and simply laid her head on his shoulder, motionless in pure contentment.

After several moments, he handed his daughter to his oldest son and declared, “I’ve saved the best for last!” and proceeded to give his wife the longest, most passionate kiss I ever remember seeing. He gazed into her eyes for several seconds and then silently mouthed. “I love you so much!” They stared at each other’s eyes, beaming big smiles at one another, while holding both hands.

For an instant they reminded me of newlyweds, but I knew by the age of their kids that they couldn’t possibly be. I puzzled about it for a moment then realized how totally engrossed I was in the wonderful display of unconditional love not more than an arm’s length away from me. I suddenly felt uncomfortable, as if I was invading something sacred, but was amazed to hear my own voice nervously ask, “Wow! How long have you two been married?

“Been together fourteen years total, married twelve of those.” he replied, without breaking his gaze from his lovely wife’s face. “Well then, how long have you been away?” I asked. The man finally turned and looked at me, still beaming his joyous smile. “Two whole days!”

Two days? I was stunned. By the intensity of the greeting, I had assumed he’d been gone for at least several weeks – if not months. I know my expression betrayed me.

I said almost offhandedly, hoping to end my intrusion with some semblance of grace (and to get back to searching for my friend), “I hope my marriage is still that passionate after twelve years!”

The man suddenly stopped smiling.

He looked me straight in the eye, and with forcefulness that burned right into my soul, he told me something that left me a different person. He told me, “Don’t hope, friend… decide!” Then he flashed me his wonderful smile again, shook my hand and said, “God bless!”

- By Michael D. Hargrove and Bottom Line Underwriters, Inc.

Copyright 1997

Oh Lord, help me to always remember from where I came.....

Good Monday morning my friends, I pray this holiday has gotten off in a good way and that you are filled with joy and with love. Many will sit in quiet reflection today in the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr's life and rightly so, he was responsible for so many changes in our lives, he took a stand that ultimately took his life, but he believed and he wanted better for man kind. Thank you Mr. King for standing firm in your belief, for showing others what they should and could achieve and for sacrificing your life for the good of others. 

In prayer this morning I sat outside watching it snow, not a heavy snow just a mist only enough to cover the ground like a thin blanket against a mild chill. I sat and thought about how our lives would be without change and about how our lives would be without the courageous ones who stand and show us a better way. I thanked God for the strength in these people and for their perseverance and fortitude. I asked God to continue to bless us with change for the better, to give us the gift of knowing what is good and what is not and to keep us always questing for better. I asked him to bless each of us with open minds and open hearts and to always guide us. I prayed for peace in your hearts, calm in your minds and comfort in your bodies and asked that he bless each of us with our needs this day. I asked these things in the name of our beautiful savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

I came across this story and literally cried...it is a story of such sacrifice and such heartbreak, and such love...I invite you to come and share it with me and would love to hear how it leaves you feeling? God bless each of you this beautiful new day. 

The Blind Girl

  There was a blind girl who hated herself just because she was blind. She hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend. He was always there for her. She said that if one day she could see the world, she would marry her boyfriend.

One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her and she could see everything, including her boyfriend.

Her boyfriend asked her, "Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?"

The girl was shocked when she saw that her boyfriend was blind too and refused to marry him.

Her boyfriend walked away in tears, and wrote a letter to her saying...

"Just take care of my eyes dear. I'll always love you forever…”

This is how human brain changes when the status changed.

Only few remember what life was before, and who's always been there even in the most painful situations.

Life is a Gift

Today before you think of saying an unkind word 

- Think of someone who can't speak.

Before you complain about the taste of your food 

- Think of someone who has nothing to eat.

Before you complain about your husband or wife 

- Think of someone who's crying out to God for a companion.

Today before you complain about life

- Think of someone who went too early to heaven.

Before you complain about your children

- Think of someone who desires children but they're barren.

Before you argue about who cleans up your dirty house

- Think of the people who are living in the streets.

Before whining about the distance you drive

- Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.

And when you are tired and complain about your job

- Think of the unemployed, the disabled and those who wished they had your job.

But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another

- Remember that nobody is perfect are without faults.

And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down

- Put a smile on your face and be thankful you're alive and still around.

Life is a gift, 

Live it, 

Enjoy it,

Celebrate it, 

And fulfill it.

God please make me small....

Good morning and happy Sunday, I pray your day is off to a great start and that you get your tank good and full today so that you have enough spirit to last the entire new week. 

In prayer this morning I sat outside and let the cold wind blow over me, there is no sunshine as a storm is moving in, the sky a drab gray with a random patch of blue here and there. I chatted with our Father in heaven about a host of subjects and then asked him to bless us with his continued love, with his strength, with his peace, his calm and his comfort. I asked him to continue to bless those who are struggling this day and to provide us with answers. I asked him to give us knowledge and understanding in forgiveness. I asked all of these blessings in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

When I read this story I thought WOW...when I pray I am more like the first two men, just solve the problem and lets move on...how funny for me to think that we will just be given what  we desire...

When Fruits are Not Enough

There were once a group of three lost men in the mountain and they only had a fruit to feed all of three, who were almost fainting from starvation. Then God appeared to them and told them he would test their wisdom and depending on what they would show would save them. So God asked them what may they ask Him to fix that problem and get everybody fed.

The first one said: "Then make appear more food", God answered that it was an answer with no wisdom, since you should not ask God that magically make appear the solution to problems without working with what we have.

The second one said then: "So make the fruit grow to make it enough", to which God answered no, since the solution is not to ask always the multiplication of what we have to fix the problem, since the human being can never be satisfied and therefore it would never be enough.

The third one then said: "My good God, even though we are hungry and we are proud, make us small ourselves so the fruit would be enough". God said: "You have answered right, since when man makes himself humble and small before my eyes, he will see prosperity".

Know that it is always taught that somebody else fix the problems or to look for the easy way out, always asking God to fix everything without us changing or sacrificing anything. That is why so many times it seems God does not listen to us since we ask without letting anything be left aside and always wanting to win. Many times we are selfish and want always everything for us.

We will be happy the day when we learn that the way to ask God is by seeing ourselves as weak, and by being humble leaving our pride aside. And we will see that by making us small in luxuries and by being tame at heart we will see prosperity from God and see the way how He does listen.

Ask God to makes you small... Try it!

Perfect PEACE?????

Good morning and happy Saturday, I pray your morning has started out filled with calm and peace and that the entire day is one of happiness and joy. I have to give a shout out for my New Orleans Saints today....WHO DAT!!!

In prayer this morning as I sat outside in the sunshine, enjoying the warmth on my skin, the sound of the world waking up and the beautiful blue skies, I thanked God for the wonder that he supplies us with on a daily basis, I thanked him for the gift of you in my life and for the freedom and opportunity to share my blog with you each day, for the knowledge in prayer that he gives to me in finding a message to share daily and the honor of those who come to me for special specific prayer. I love so much the fact that he uses me as a tool to give hope to those who feel lost, to give understanding to those who are confused and to pray for each of you on a daily basis. Father I come to you on bended knees and pray that I am always able to see the rainbow instead of the storm. I ask that you bless each of us with peace in the noise, calm in the chaos, and comfort in the pain. I ask these mercies and graces in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.

I came across this little bit of reading this morning and although it is a very short read it packs a huge message. Peace can be found in the strangest of places!!!

The Perfect Peace

Once upon a time there was a king who offered a great prize to that artist who could capture in a picture the perfect peace.

Many artists tried. The king observed and admired all the pictures, but only there were two that he really liked and he had to choose one of them.

The first one was a very peaceful lake. This lake was a perfect mirror where some placid mountains that surrounded it were reflected. Above them was found a sky of pure blue with tenuous white clouds. All who saw this painting thought that this one reflected the perfect peace.

The second painting also had mountains. But these ones were open and rugged. On them there was a furious sky from which fell a impetuous downpour with thunder and bolts. Downhill seemed to resound a foamy torrent of water. All of this did not reveal in the least the peacefulness. But when the king observed carefully, he saw through the cascade a delicate bush growing in a rock crevice. In this bush was found a nest. There, in the midst of the roaring of the violent water fall, was placidly sat a little bird in the middle of its nest... perfect peace.

The king chose the second one. Do you know why? The king explained, "Peace does not mean to be in a place without noise, without problems, without hard work and without pain. Peace means that despite of being in the midst of all these things we remain calm within our heart. This is the true meaning of peace."

Is physical beauty or inner beauty marked on your face?????

Good morning and Happy Friday 13th, I was reading about the meaning of Friday 13th since I am not a superstitious and have never had anything bad happen on this day, I was amazed at how many people do have a fear of it. I allow only positive so today is no different than an other Friday, it marks...for me...the beginning of the weekend and that is always a good, good thing. So happy FRIDAY ya'll.

In prayer this morning as I sat in the total quiet, I chatted with God, about a host of things, it seems the past few days I have not taken time to really sit and share with him all that is going on in my life, even though he knows what is going on I like to share with him anyway. I prayed for each of you as I always do and I prayed that today would be positive and good. I asked God to continue to bless us with his love and his mercy. Lord hold us in your arms and allow us comfort from hurt, calm from chaos and peace from disharmony. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

I came across the following story and was shocked by the ending, I invite you to come and share in this with me and would love to hear any feedback you might have. I know each of us has known someone in our lives who has fallen on hard times and when we see them we are shocked about the changes in them. I find it amazing that when we give in...we physically change...

THE LAST SUPPER

There is an anecdote of the great painter, sculptor and inventor, Leonardo Da Vinci, about his painting "The Last Supper", one of his works presently most copied and sold.

It took 20 years to make it due to the fact that he was very strict at choosing people who would pose as models. He had problems to initiate the painting because did not find a model to represent Jesus, who should reflect in his face purity, nobility and the most beautiful feelings. He also should posses an extraordinary virile beauty. At last he found a young man with these characteristics, he was the first he painted. Then he was finding the eleven apostles, whom he painted together, leaving Judas Iscariote pending, since he did not find the adequate model. This should be a person of mature age and showing in his face the marks of treason and avarice. Thus the painting was unfinished for a long time, until they told him of a terrible criminal they had jailed. He went to see him, and he was exactly the Judas he wanted for finishing his work, for what he asked the mayor if he would allow the defendant to pose for him. The mayor, knowing the fame of the master Da Vinci, gladly accepted and the accused was taken to the painter's studio, guarded by 2 guards and chained.

During all the time that the defendant posed he did not show any emotion for being selected as model, showing himself too quiet and distant. At the end, Da Vinci, satisfied with the result, called the accused and showed him the work; when the accused saw it, extremely impressed, fell on his knees, crying.

Da Vinci, surprised, asked him the reason of his attitude, to what the prisoner answered,

"Master Da Vinci, don't you remember me by chance?"

Da Vinci observing him fixedly answered, "No, never before I have seen you."

Crying and asking forgiveness to God, the accused told him, "Master, I was that youth who 19 years ago you chose to represent Jesus in this same painting."

The moral of this story is that no matter how much physical beauty you posses, it is the inner beauty what in time finally comes out to shine on us and thusly inevitably is marked in our face.

Paying it forward is the best payment one can make!!!

Good morning, well in just a few moments it will be afternoon...what a long night, spent at the ER once again, the gall bladder has decided it will not wait the 2 weeks like the doctor's thought that it would. My friend has just now been taken back for removal and hopefully after a  very long night in the ER with no sleep and lots of pain, she will be feeling like a new person in a few hours. I am running on about 3 hours sleep but would not do anything differently. My Wayde is tending the G~babes on about the same 3 hours of sleep, I pray they are being good little cherubs for him. 

In prayer this morning, in the vehicle in transit from the house back to the hospital, I gave thanks to God for being my life force, for giving me the strength to tend my friend and for the wonderful blessing of each of you.  I asked God to continue to bless you with his love, with his peace, with his calm and with his comfort, I asked him to hold you in his arms, to keep you shielded from accident and to keep you aware of positive and to let negative go. I asked him to bless my sweet friend through the surgery and to bless her with a skilled surgeon and no incident while under. I asked God to bless my friends son who is in need of knee surgery, that the funds might line out and the right surgeon for the job to be on task so that he can begin to heal. I asked God to bless my daughter and my unborn grandson with health and with strength. I asked all of these mercies and blessings in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. 

I came across this story and don't know it to be verified truth but found it very interesting in any case, paying it forward is a must in our lives...what goes around comes around...

WHAT GOES AROUND...COMES AROUND

Someone once said:

"What goes around comes around."

Work like you don't need the money.

Love like you've never been hurt.

Dance like nobody's watching.

Sing like nobody's listening.

Live like it's Heaven on Earth.

His name was Fleming, and he was a poor Scottish farmer.

One day, while trying to make a living for his family, he heard a cry for help coming from a nearby bog. He dropped his tools and ran to the bog. There, mired to his waist in black muck, was a terrified boy, screaming and struggling to free himself. Farmer Fleming saved the lad from what could have been a slow and terrifying death.

The next day, a fancy carriage pulled up to the Scotsman's sparse surroundings. An elegantly dressed nobleman stepped out and introduced himself as the father of the boy Farmer Fleming had saved.

"I want to repay you," said the nobleman. "You saved my son's life."

"No, I can't accept payment for what I did," the Scottish farmer replied, waving off the offer.

At that moment, the farmer's own son came to the door of the family hovel. "Is that your son?" the nobleman asked.

"Yes," the farmer replied proudly.

"I'll make you a deal. Let me provide him with the level of education my own son will enjoy. If the lad is anything like his father, he'll no doubt grow to be a man we both will be proud of."

And that he did.

Farmer Fleming's son attended the very best schools and in time, he graduated from St. Mary's Hospital Medical School in London, and went on to become known throughout the world as the noted Sir Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of Penicillin.

Years afterward, the same nobleman's son who was saved from the bog was stricken with pneumonia. What saved his life this time?

Penicillin.

The name of the nobleman? Lord Randolph Churchill.

His son's name? Sir Winston Churchill.

HE left all and gathered you and me in Calvary!!!!

Good morning and happy Wednesday, boy it is hard to believe it is already mid week, this year is zoom, zoom, zooming right on by! I pray your morning has gotten off to a good start and that the entire day is filled with only good things for you and yours!

In prayer this morning as I laid my head back and sat in my quiet place. I sat and thanked him for the gift of another day, for the beauty of blue skies and for the friendship of you. I asked him to bless each of you this day with your needs being met, I prayed that he might answer a prayer with special favor for you and that he would allow you to feel his love. I had a beautiful prayer request last night that I would like to share with you and ask that you pray it with me...

"Would you please add my cousin's friend who is in high school. He is searching for God and has a agreed to participate in a prayer challenge. I just want to pray that God touches his heart and that he is led to Christ."

I so appreciate prayer request such as this, it opens my eyes each and every time to the fact that there are "seekers" there are young people who are crying out for knowledge and who are trying so hard to find their spiritual way. Father God bless this young man today, as he participates in this prayer quest, bless him with the answers he is seeking and touch his heart so that he knows you really are there, allow him to feel the sheer love you have for him and forever change his life. One of my favorite prayers is for truth, when I am unsure about something I always ask God to reveal truth for me and never has he neglected to allow me to see what it is I am searching for. Father I ask that you provide each of us with truth of your love this day, with peace in our hearts, with calm in our minds and with comfort in our bodies. I ask these things humbly in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.  

In searching for a story this morning I came across this one and love it, I have read it before and have used it many times in giving examples of being Christ-like. I pray that today you are afforded an opportunity to make a difference. God bless you and yours with his unconditional love. Stop and pick up the apples, you never know who's heart you will be touching. 

Are you Jesus?

A group of salesmen went to a sales convention. All had promised their wives they would arrive at time for dinner Friday night. However, the convention ended a little late, and they came tardy to the airport. They all came in with their tickets and portfolios, running through the ails. Suddenly, and unintentionally, one of the salesmen stumbled on a table that had an apple basket. 

The apples went flying everywhere. Without stopping, nor turning back, the salesmen continued running, and barely were able to get on the plane. All but one. This one stopped, took a deep breath, and experienced a feeling of compassion for the owner of the apple booth. He said to his friends that continue without him and asked one of them that when he arrived call his wife and explain to her that he was coming in a later flight. Then he returned to the terminal and found all the apples thrown on the floor. 

His surprise was great, when realizing that the owner of the booth was a blind girl. He found her crying, with big tears running down her cheeks. She groped on the floor, trying, in vain, to collect the apples, while the multitude passed by, vertiginous, non stopping, without caring for her misfortune. The man knelt down with her, he gathered the apples, put them in the basket and helped her to setup her booth again. While he did it, he realized that many apples had been beaten and they were bruised. He took them out of the basket and put them in another basket. 

When he finished, he pulled out his purse and told the girl,"Please, take these one hundred pesos for the damaged we did to you. Are you OK?". She, crying, nodded positively. He continued telling her: "I hope I have not ruined your day." As the salesman was going away, the girl cried loud at him, "Sir..." He stopped and turned around to see those blind eyes. She continued: "Are you Jesus...?" 

He stopped abruptly and swirled several times, before heading to board another flight, with that question burning and vibrating in his soul, "Are you Jesus?" 

And to you, have people mistaken you for Jesus? Because that is our destiny, isn't it? To resemble ourselves so much to Jesus that people cannot see the difference. To look so much like Jesus, as we live in a world that is blind to His Love, His Life and His Grace. If we say we know Jesus, we should live and act as he would. To know him is much more than to cite the Gospels and to go to church. It is, really, to live His word each day. You are the apple of His eyes, even though you have been bruised by the falls. He left all and gathered you and me in Calvary; He paid for our spoilt fruit. Let's start to live as though we were worthy of the price He paid!

Do you have any ROCKS that need to be removed?????

Good morning and happy Tuesday, I pray your morning is going well and that the entire day will be one filled with only good things for you and yours.

In prayer this morning, I thanked God for the many blessings in my life and I asked him to bless each of us this day with calm, comfort, peace and always his unconditional love. I asked him to bless one of my sweet friends, one who is as close as a daughter to me, who is having terrible gall bladder issues and will soon be on schedule for surgery, Father I ask you to hold her pain  and to allow the surgeons' skill in removing the bladder and in waxing her healthy and strong. I ask you to continue to be my light Father, to be my strength and to continue to guide me in the right direction. I ask all of this in the name of our savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. 

In reading this morning I came across this story and felt the spirit move in me while reading, wow...what a way to put in words what we need to see in our lives......awesomeness:)

Moving Rocks

A little boy was spending his Saturday morning playing in his sandbox. He had with him his box of cars and trucks, his plastic pail, and a shiny, red plastic shovel. In the process of creating roads and tunnels in the soft sand, he discovered a large rock in the middle of the sandbox.

The boy dug around the rock, managing to dislodge it from the dirt. With a little bit of struggle, he pushed and nudged the rock across the sandbox by using his feet. (He was a very small boy, and the rock was very large.) When the boy got the rock to the edge of the sandbox however, he found that he couldn't roll it up and over the little wall.

Determined, the little boy shoved, pushed, and pried, but every time he thought he had made some progress, the rock tipped and then fell back into the sandbox. The little boy grunted, struggled, pushed, & shoved; but his only reward was to have the rock roll back, smashing his chubby fingers.

Finally he burst into tears of frustration. All this time the boy's father watched from his living room window as the drama unfolded. At the moment the tears fell, a large shadow fell across the boy and the sandbox. It was the boy's father. Gently but firmly he said,

"Son, why didn't you use all the strength that you had available?"

Defeated, the boy sobbed back,

"But I did, Daddy, I did! I used all the strength that I had!"

"No, son," corrected the father kindly.

"You didn't use all the strength you had. You didn't ask me."

With that the father reached down, picked up the rock and removed it from the sandbox.

Do you have "rocks" in your life that need to be removed? Are you discovering that you don't have what it takes to lift them? There is One who is always available to us and willing to give us the strength we need. Isn't it funny how we try so hard to do things ourselves.

Do you have time to share a cup?

Good morning and happy, happy Monday! I pray your morning has started off in a positive way and that you let nothing negative take you down today! 

In prayer this morning I bowed my head humbly and asked God to bless each of us in your needs today, to literally hold us in His arms when we run upon things that are difficult, that His loving touch will comfort us, will guide us and will help us to cross over the hurdle and keep on moving forward. I asked God to continue to comfort us when there is sadness and fear, to calm us when anxiety runs high and to comfort us when there is hurt both physically and mentally. I continue to pray for all that come to me with requests and am so very honored to see the miracles that are manifest through our prayers. God is so good my friends. I love you Father with all of my being and I pray that I will be given a task today to allow You to see that I am on the right path. In the name of Jesus Christ I ask mercy, grace and hope for all. Amen. 

The story below is a great story on how we should all fill our jars (lives),

 we must prioritize and fashion our lives in a way that we are not filling our jar in the wrong sequence! As long as we have our priorities right everything will fit! Lets share a cup and think about this! 

The Mayonnaise Jar

and 2 Cups of Coffee

We hope as you read this inspirational email about the mayonnaise jar

and coffee, that you will be inspired to make use of

the time you are given to share that time with the ones you love.

Too often, we forget the important things in our lives and this email

comes as a reminder to all of us to put things back in perspective. May

you be blessed and inspired as you read this email we received

from a person we love dearly.

Sent: Wednesday, June 18, 2008 8:55 AM

Subject: FW: This is so true

When things in your lives seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a

day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him.

When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty

mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students

if the mayonnaise  jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the mayonnaise jar. He

shook the mayonnaise jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.

He then asked the students again if the mayonnaise jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the mayonnaise jar. Of course,

the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the mayonnaise jar was full. The

students responded with an unanimous ‘yes.’

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured

the entire contents into the mayonnaise jar effectively filling the empty space between the

sand. The students laughed.

‘Now,’ said the professor as the laughter subsided, ‘I want you to recognize that

this mayonnaise jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things–your family,

your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions–and

if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your

car.

The sand is everything else–the small stuff. ‘If you put the sand into the mayonnaise jar first,’

he continued, ‘there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes

for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never

have room for the things that are important to you.

‘Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your

children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play

another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take

care of the golf balls first–the things that really matter. Set your

priorities. The rest is just sand.’

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.

The professor smiled. ‘I’m glad you asked.’

‘It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s

always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.’

Please share this with someone you care about.