Good morning and happy Saturday, I pray your day is off to a good start that you are planning some YOU time this weekend and that you realize how beautiful you are, how much you are loved and how much God loves you!!!

In prayer this morning we continued to thank God for his grace and his love for us, we continue to believe in a miracle of sorts and we hold fast to our faith and stand on the promise that God will not let us fall. I lift in prayer those who are struggling this morning, those who feel they cannot go on, who feel that the situation is hopeless, those who are read to throw in the towel, I ask God to shine his light in your hearts so that you can see he will never leave nor forsake you, I ask him to feel you with knowledge that he does have a plan for you and that there is always a rainbow at the end of the storm. Father we continue to thrash around in the storm, the raging seas threaten to take us under..we see you there on the shore, your light shining bright...we are keeping our eyes focused on you and we know that if we continue to hold on to the sides we will not overturn, we will not lose our way and soon we will meet our goal, we will revel in the goodness of your perfect love. Father provide each of us with your sheer love, you peace, your calm and your comfort. In the name of Jesus Christ I am asking for a miracle this day! Amen.

This is a great little read....there are no hopeless situations....

No Hopeless Situations

There is a wonderful urban legend circulating about a man who is trying to land a job as an assistant professor in a university. His application was rejected and he writes the following response: 

"Herbert A. Millington

Chair - Search Committee

412 A Clarkson Hall, Whitson University

College Hill, MA 34109

Dear Professor Millington, 

Thank you for your letter of March 16. After careful consideration, I regret to inform you that I am unable to accept your refusal to offer me an assistant professor position in your department. 

This year I have been particularly fortunate in receiving an unusually large number of rejection letters. With such a varied and promising field of candidates, it is impossible for me to accept all refusals. 

Despite Whitson's outstanding qualifications and previous experience in rejecting applicants, I find that your rejection does not meet my needs at this time. Therefore, I will assume the position of assistant professor in your department this August. I look forward to seeing you then. 

Best of luck in rejecting future applicants. 

Sincerely, 

Chris L. Jensen"

If it is true that you can tell how big someone is by what it takes to discourage that person, then this is a man who must be massive. I might say the same thing about a boy who, in real life, was not so big. But he was difficult to discourage and so he showed himself to be a giant on the inside. 

Some 40 years ago, when he was only 11 years old, Morgan Rowe lost his left arm and much of the use of his right arm. It happened when he fell off a tractor at his father's fence company in Valdosta, Georgia, and was dragged beneath the machine. Morgan's left arm was destroyed and his right, mangled. 

Young Morgan was released from the hospital after three-and-a-half months. The first thing he set out to do was to help pay the bills -- $30,000 worth. That was a lot of money back then as it is now. For a boy of 11 to accomplish such a task, the situation seemed hopeless. 

For five years Morgan scoured roadsides picking up cans and bottles. He collected thousands of cans and collected and sold newspapers. He never gave up hope. First, he paid off the $455 ambulance bill. Then he put $2,500 down on the hospital bill. 

He was still a long way off though his parents raised another $9,000 toward the debt. 

People began to hear about the injured boy and eventually some 2,000 donations poured in, totaling $25,000. The bill was paid in full! Morgan set aside the additional money for future education. 

What then? Though the bill was paid up, Morgan kept his projects going to collect money for the hospital so he could help others. 

Someone forgot to tell the boy he was too injured for that kind of work. Someone forgot to tell him that the situation was hopeless. Somehow young Morgan didn't realize that an 11-year-old boy could never pay off a hospital bill so large. 

Church reformer Martin Luther once said, "Everything that is done in the world is done by the hopeful." And entertainer Dinah Shore observed, "There are no hopeless situations - only people who are hopeless about them." Morgan Rowe should know. 

I will not always be young and strong. My life circumstances can change in an instant. My health may leave me and I may lose people who are important in my life. But there are no hopeless situations. So I won't easily turn loose of my hopeful outlook, even when things seem bleak. Without hope, I'm lost. But with it, I suspect that any situation can be creatively redeemed.

It's not just another day... it's another chance!

Good morning to each of you, I pray your day is off in the right direction, that you know you have God by your side the whole day long and that nothing or no one can steal your joy unless you allow them to. So stick to your guns, choose to be happy and be that beautiful, wonderful, outstanding, awesome person that we all know you are...share some love today you just might be amazed at how much comes back to you!

In prayer this morning we have some pretty hefty prayers to lift, for my sweet friend who's husband is struggling with high, high blood pressure and now diabetes...Father God we ask you to lay a healing hand upon him and take from him all the negative in his body, allow his blood pressure to be in measure and his diabetes to be stilled by your loving touch and care. I ask special blessings for a sweet lady who has struggled with cancer for so long Lord, she is such a good lady, always kind to others and doing for others, Father take her pain, take her suffering, lay your hands upon her and if it be your will stop the cancer from destroying her. Father we know that through you all things are possible and we are standing on your promises and believing in a miracle. Father comfort both of them with the knowledge that you are right there by their side, that you will never allow them to go one second without holding them in your comforting arms. We know your will be done and we know that you have a plan for them. Father bless those families that stand by in fear of the unknown, comfort them, calm them and allow them to feel the peace that only you can provide. No matter the outcome God allow them to know how much they are loved, and how many prayer are being lifted for them in their names. God bless all who are reading this blog, bless them with a still in their minds that validates your presence with them. I thank you God for all of the prayers being said in my name and am asking that you provide a way for Wayde and I to have housing and peace in our hearts. I thank you father for my sweet sister in Christ, G, please bless her this day for giving of herself to provide us with the special comfort that we were so in need of. We know you have a plan for us and we are clinging to our love for you and our faith that you will not allow us to fall. Father for all we ask the blessings of mercy, grace and an abundance of love in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen. 

As I was reading this I had no idea who the party was for, but as the story progressed I though "how ingenious" many days I host surprise parties such as this and am every day amazed at how much the party benefits me with the increased closeness I feel to Father God. Go ahead be the host of said party and see how your day goes after....

I Threw a Surprise Party for a Friend

I wasn't really planning to do it. I decided the very last minute, but everything worked out perfectly. 

It kind of hit me very early today that I haven't seen her in a long time. She's always been there for me even when I didn't want to see her. 

So, when I awoke today I decided to do it. 

It wasn't a big deal. I mean I didn't go through a lot of trouble. It would have been great if I had invited more people to join me. 

Maybe you. I don't know how really busy you are and if you'd even care to be there, but it would have been great. 

The surprise party was held in my back yard. 

Just before her arrival I sat alone and listened to the birds. The chimes that I got from Marianne could be heard in the distance as the air began to stir. It reminded me of church bells I used to hear back when I was a child. 

There was no particular song played on the chimes but I read on the enclosed pamphlet that the notes each chime was created to ring are the exact same notes in the song Ave Maria. 

How perfect! 

A little tired from the day before, I thought about what I would say when she arrived. My thinking wasn't clear, perhaps I should have written everything down, but I was confident that when the moment came I could express myself well enough to make her feel important. 

That was my intention anyway. I mean I wanted this to be a big thing. I wanted to make her feel as important as she has always made me feel. 

I love looking at the sky, I get lost in puffy white clouds and I wave at airplanes as they pass overhead on the way to places I long to be. 

Suddenly, from behind me a small gathering of sparrows and starlings flew overhead. 

I thought how majestic and awesome that would be for her to see upon her arrival. Not fancy doves released from a cage at a specified time, but a moment unexpected and breathtakingly planned by God. 

It was about to all come together. Everyone was there. The butterflies, birds, squirrels, chipmunks and even our hummingbirds. 

I could see her off in the distance, 

"Wait, I forgot my camera!" I thought. But there was no time. She was about to arrive and I didn't want to spoil it. 

There she was. All the perfectly wonderful things I thought about saying suddenly left me. 

All I could think to say was "Wow!" Followed by "Thanks, God!" 

She was awesome. As if on cue, another group of birds flew toward her. The chimes responded to a gentle breeze and I stood there in awe. 

"surprise" I whispered as she continued her approach. 

"Right on time, as always" I said more clearly. 

"I should be here for you every day. You are always there for me." 

Yes, it was a new day and I surprised her by being there at sunrise, arms open wide, and mind set on making it mine. All too often I waste moments like this. Too many times I have wasted entire days moaning and complaining about how my days are going. 

But who controls that? Me. 

You see, every day arrives the same way all fresh and new. What we choose to do in that day, how we choose to see it is up to us. 

Time is a like money. We get to choose how we spend it. 

I wish you could have been there. Perhaps tomorrow. Let's throw another surprise party together. Me here and you there wherever you are. 

Check the exact time for the sunrise where you live and throw a surprise party.

It's not just another day... it's another chance! 

"I wish you enough!"

may your only competition be with yourself: to be the best possible you that you can be.

Good morning my friends, I pray your night was a peace filled one and that this morning has started off in a great way..I pray that your focus is on the prize today and that you and yours are filled with smiles and with joy.

In prayer this morning as I sat in the silence, I thanked God for all that is going on in my life, I do not like what is going on, I do not agree with the events that have taken place but I do believe and trust in God so I am accepting all that is taking place and I am making the best of a really bad situation. I have to keep thinking of Job who suffered much more than I am and continued to hold fast to his faith. I will march humbly Father, I will march in the direction I have been marching in regardless of what I step in, regardless of my fear of falling, regardless of my fear of the darkness. I will march with my head held high, with  my  eye on the prize and my focus on pleasing you...I might be beaten down but I am not broken and I refuse to be. Father thank you for loving me and allowing me the few things I do have, thank you for all of the prayers that are being lifted for us and thank you for loving us. I ask for a bounty of blessings for all of those who take time daily to join us in prayer, I ask that you continue to bless all of those in need, all of those who come to you with faith and with hope. Father I ask for peace, calm, comfort and mercy for all in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

A Little More Kindness

I was running a few errands in my car the other day. The sun was out, the radio was playing, and I was singing along. The song was a joyful one and even my weak voice sounded good singing it. Then it happened, however. The sweet sound of the music ended and was replaced with the dreaded news break. I drove on while the announcer droned on. Gas prices were going higher again because of the competitive speculation on Wall Street. The race for the Presidency was getting nastier and nastier, Rioting had broken out when fans of a sports team had gone wild, celebrating their team’s championship. 

Finally, I could take no more and turned off the radio. Silence seemed preferable to listening to anything else about the crazy, competitive society we live in. I slowed down as I entered a local town and watched the people as I drove by. A tall muscular man was helping an elderly lady out of a car and helping her position her walker so she could go into a local store. A smiling woman was tossing birdseed into her backyard while a dozen Robins flew down to enjoy the feast being laid out before them. A young man was walking along, carrying his two year old daughter safely in his arms. He tickled her gently when she pulled the hat off his head and they both laughed. I laughed too as I looked at all of this kindness. It felt like a glimpse of Heaven. The radio may have been off in my car, but in my heart I was still singing. 

In truth, this world could use a little more kindness and a lot less competition. Kindness makes us all winners in this life. Kindness reminds us that we are all God’s Children. Kindness shows us that we don’t have to beat others in this world. We just have to love them. May all of your moments here then be full of kindness, love, and joy. And may your only competition be with yourself: to be the best possible you that you can be.

"In a moment of decision, the worst thing you can do is nothing."

Good morning my friends, I pray your day is going well...we are under cloud filled skies and the cleansing beautiful smell of rain is upon us. Yesterday 60 degrees, today 40 and rain...I am ready for a summer constant with blue skies, sunshine and warmth. 

In prayer this morning I thanked God for all of the prayers that are being lifted for us, I thanked God for favoring us with a job and for loving us through all of the hard times. I continue to pray for us to be afforded a way to get a place to live and for strength and perseverance to get us through until we do. I asked God to continue to bless each of us with peace in our hearts, calm in our minds, comfort in our bodies and most of all continued faith that he has a plan for us and that the end will justify the means. I love you Father God and trust your words and your promises. I ask favor, mercy, grace and an abundance of blessings in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Broken Valves And Flooded Basements

It's just one little valve. 

By my own personal calculations – in other words, I'm just guessing here – it takes a grand total of about 42 seconds to walk from my couch to where the valve is in our front yard, uncover it, turn it off, cover it up again and return to the couch. In fact, it probably took longer for me to type that last sentence about doing it than it would take to actually do it. 

And yet I didn't. 

Not that I wasn't reminded to do so. The city sent out a notice, reminding us that plagues, pestilence and all manner of apocalyptic trauma could follow our failure to turn off that valve. Well, OK – their warnings actually had more to do with the possibility of creeks flowing through our yards and geysers erupting through holes in broken water pipes. But I don't know – having Old Faithful explode in my front yard sounds pretty apocalyptic to me. 

My wife, Anita, also reminded me – several times, as I recall. Each of those conversations went something like this: 

"Joe, have you turned off the valve to the sprinkler system?" she would ask sweetly even though I'm confident she already knew the answer to the question. 

"Oh, that's right," I would say in between handfuls of popcorn. "I need to do that." 

"It would be great if you could do it before the ground freezes," she would add, hopefully. 

"I know," I would say, only with my mouth full of popcorn it sounded more like, "Ah mkpfh." Then I would swallow and add sincerely: "I'll do it tomorrow – I promise." 

Only I didn't. 

In my mind, there was no great rush because we were having such a mild fall, followed by an even more mild winter. And on those rare occasions when I actually thought about doing it, I felt no great rush to complete the project because there seemed to be no really compelling need. I kept telling myself that if it got really cold, or if a heavy snow started to fall I would rush out and turn that valve off. 

After all, it would only take about 42 seconds to do it. 

And it was such a simple thing; even I couldn't screw it up. 

Only I did – by not doing it. 

And now we're paying for it, with a couple of cracked sprinkler valves, a flooded basement floor and probably some damage to the wall through which the water traveled on its way from our broken valves to the basement floor. By the time we're finished with the repairs to our sprinkling system and to the flood-damaged room in our basement, my inaction will have cost us several hundred dollars, not to mention significant inconvenience to the family and the wear and tear on Anita's tongue, upon which she has to keep biting down to keep herself from saying a much-deserved "I told you so." 

One of the great lessons life teaches us all eventually is that procrastination is not simply putting off an action or a decision. Doing nothing is, in fact, doing something. If there is a job to be done or a decision to be made, choosing to procrastinate is choosing a course of action that will have its own consequences, results and impacts. 

"In a moment of decision," said former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, "the worst thing you can do is nothing." 

Or, in the immortal words of Mae West: "He who hesitates is last." 

And ends up paying for broken valves and flooded basements.