Three Little Words

Author: Unknown

There are many things that we can do to perk up and strengthen our interpersonal relationships. Yet the most effective involves the saying of just three words. When spoken or conveyed, these statements have the power to forge new friendships, deepen old ones and restore relationships that have cooled. The following three-word phrases can enrich every relationship.

I’LL BE THERE:
If you have ever had to call a friend in the middle of the night, to take a sick child to hospital, or when your car has broken down some miles from home, you will know how good it feels to hear the phrase “I’ll be there.” Being there for another person is the greatest gift we can give. When we are truly present for other people, important things happen to them and us. We are renewed in love and friendship. We are restored emotionally and spiritually. Being there is at the very core of civility.

I MISS YOU:
Perhaps more marriages could be saved and strengthened if couples simply and sincerely said to each other “I miss you.” This powerful affirmation tells partners they are wanted, needed, desired and loved. Consider how ecstatic you would feel, if you received an unexpected phone call from your spouse in the middle of your workday, just to say “I miss you.”

I RESPECT YOU:
Respect is another way of showing love. Respect conveys the feeling that another person is a true equal. If you talk to your children as if they were adults you will strengthen the bonds and become close friends. This applies to all interpersonal relationships.

MAYBE YOU`RE RIGHT:
This phrase is highly effective in diffusing an argument and restoring frayed emotions. The flip side to “maybe your right” is the humility of admitting, “Maybe I’m wrong”. Let’s face it. When you have a heated argument with someone, all you do is cement the other person’s point of view. They, or you, will not change their stance and you run the risk of seriously damaging the relationship between you. Saying “maybe you’re right” can open the door to further explore the subject, in which you may then have the opportunity to get your view across in a more rational manner.

PLEASE FORGIVE ME:
Many broken relationships could be restored and healed if people would admit their mistakes and ask for forgiveness. All of us are vulnerable to faults, foibles and failures. A man should never be ashamed to own up that he has been in the wrong, which is saying, in other words, that he is wiser today than he was yesterday.

I THANK YOU:
Gratitude is an exquisite form of courtesy. People who enjoy the companionship of good, close friends are those who don’t take daily courtesies for granted. They are quick to thank their friends for their many expressions of kindness. On the other hand, people whose circle of friends is severely constricted often do not have the attitude of gratitude.

COUNT ON ME:
A friend is one who walks in when others walk out. Loyalty is an essential ingredient for true friendship; it is the emotional glue that bonds people. Those that are rich in their relationships tend to be steady and true friends. When troubles come, a good friend is there indicating you can “count on me.”

LET ME HELP:
The best of friends see a need and try to fill it. When they spot a hurt they do what they can to heal it. Without being asked, they pitch in and help.

I UNDERSTAND YOU:
People become closer and enjoy each other more if they feel the other person accepts and understands them. Letting your spouse know in so many little ways that you understand them, is one of the most powerful tools for healing your relationship. This applies to any relationship.

I LOVE YOU:
Perhaps the most important three words that you can say. Telling someone that you truly love them satisfies a person’s deepest emotional needs the need to belong, to feel appreciated and to be wanted. Your family, your friends and you, all need to hear those three little words. “I love you.”

GOD BLESS YOU!
(These are 3 words too, right?)

“This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the LORD.” - Psalm 102:18 

LIFE'S MARATHON

Dear loved one,

  

'We are sometimes caught in between life being a sprint or a marathon. Which is better? We need both mentalities but in practice life is largely a marathon. As long as we cross the finish line we eventually won. The marathon analogy is a great lesson on persistence so we can learn stays the course in our life endeavors knowing that we will win only if we keep our consistency. The only way to lose is if we quit deliberately as a result of what life throws at us.

Marathon Tips

1. 1.     Stay on the course - Why run miles if you don't have to? Stop chasing shiny objects or every great new idea that is not on your course. Keep distractions at bay daily.
2. 2.     Take walk breaks - Walking in between runs allow you to catch your breath and rest to have enough physical energy to finish. Try 5 minutes mental breaks every hour keep your focus high.
3. 3.     Build up for long haul - Start where you are at the moment and build up your endurance. Doing too much too early can lead to burnout.
4. 4.     Stay hydrated and properly fuelled - If you want outstanding performance in your life, you need great fuel. Don't waste your energy on unproductive activities.
5. 5.     Visualize yourself celebrating the finish line - All achievement is created in the mind first, then created physically. See yourself finishing strong as against doubts and fear.
6. 6.     Never quit - Keep walking and eventually you will cross the finish line that less than 1% of the population will ever do. Lots of people give shortly before the finish line,

Life may be full of challenges but we must learn never to give. With God on our side, we can run through any troop and leap over the walls. We must see H.O.P.E. in all that we do this week which simply means Having Only Positive Expectations!

Have a great week!

Shalom!

Are You On The Right Path?

I spent yesterday at the Cleveland Clinic.  As I walked the campus going from the clinic area to the hospital area for a test, I was walking and thanking God for every step I took.  I could remember walking that path 17 years ago, when I went there to get a second opinion for the diagnosis of sarcoidosis.  I did not have enough energy or strength to walk it, without sitting down a couple of times along the way.  I got to my area without any distress yesterday. THANK YOU LORD!  As I got to the radiology area, I was instructed to follow the blue line to CAT scan.  As I looked down, it was 5 lines to follow, all different colors.  If I turned off on the wrong line I would end up in an area that could not help me.  As I turned off into the right area, it made me think of my Christian Walk.  I had a chance to ask myself a few questions, am I following my orders (doing what God would have me to do), am I being obedient to the Word of God?  I was reminded that there are consequences to every thing we do.

There are many paths for us to follow in life, but there is one path that will lead us to eternal life.  Our God gives us a free will.  Many turn off along the way to their destination. It only delays where you are really going. Thank God that we daily get a chance to repent from our sins and turn from our wicked ways and get back on the right path.  We all can make this personal. None of us are perfect.  ARE YOU ON THE RIGHT PATH?  

After a day at the clinic, it makes me see how important God's people are to me.  It lets me see many that walk in shoes that are much sicker than me.  It makes me see that I have to share the good news at all cost each and every day to someone!  I have decided I will not let anything or anyone stand in my way.  My focus is on Jesus.  My life is about Kingdom Work.  I will not turn around; I have come to far from where I started from.  There is nothing in my past I want now. All I want is to be what God wants me to be.  So I ask each of you, ARE YOU ON THE RIGHT PATH? ONLY YOU CAN ANSWER THAT!

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the LORD.  Acts 3:19 He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."

HAVE A VERY BLESSED DAY!
A SERVANT

                                           

“Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.” - Psalm 119:35 

EMBRACE YOUR FUTURE!

Dear loved one,    'Sometimes, in order to embrace your future, you have to be willing to make some changes in your life. You have to be willing to examine where you are and what you need to do in order to move forward. This may mean that you need to change some friends that you're spending time with. Maybe they were just fine for a season in your life, but now you've outgrown them. This is a new season, and in order for you to rise higher, you have to break away from relationships that doesn't add to you. Make conscious effort to develop relationships with people who are going to inspire you to greater heights in life. This doesn't just mean separating yourself from people who are holding you back emotionally, financially, spiritually but also investing in yourself to become a better person. If you happen to be the smartest one in your group at the moment, you may need to reconsider your position because your group may be too small. Find people who are smarter than you, keep in pace with those who will challenge you to stretch to the new possibilities of your life'. Life is in chapters and seasons. We must be discerning enough to know when to let go of relationships that has never and will probably not add any value to our lives. We must not be sentimental about parasitic relationships. King Solomon admonished 'whoever walks with the wise will eventually become wise'. When you company with the wise, you will drink from their wisdom, avoid their mistakes and chart a laudable path for your future. We can only pass through here once, so from today, learn to choose your friends wisely and don't be deceived by the facade of wrong association. Choose your friends to walk and live out the roadmap God has in store for you in your career, business, academics and family.   Have a great week! Shalom!

No Dry Eyes

Author: Unknown

There was a school with a class of students no teacher had been able to handle.  Two or three teachers had been run off from this school in one year by the unruly students.  A young man, just out of college, heard about the class and he applied to the school.

The principal asked the young man, "Do you not know what you are asking for? No one has been able to handle these students.  You are just asking for a terrible beating."

After a few moments of silent prayer, the young man looked at the principal and said, "Sir, with your consent I accept the challenge.  Just give me a trial basis."

The next morning the young man stood before the class.  He said to the class, "Young people, I came here today to conduct school.  But I realize I can't do it by myself.  I must have your help." One big boy, they called Big Tom, in the back of the room whispered to his buddies, "I'll not need any help.  I can lick that little bird all by myself."

The young teacher told the class that if they were to have school, there will have to be some rules to go by.  But he also added that he will allow the students to make up the rules, that he would list them on the blackboard.  This was certainly different, the students thought!

One young man suggested "NO STEALING." Another one shouted "BE ON TIME FOR CLASS." Pretty soon they had 10 rules listed on the board.

The teacher had then asked the class what the punishment should be for breaking these rules.  "Rules are no good unless they are enforced," he said.

Someone in the class suggested that if the rules were broken, they should receive 10 licks with a rod across their back with their coat off.  The teacher thought that was pretty harsh, so he asked the class if they would stand by this punishment.  The class agreed.

Everything went pretty good for two or three days.  Then Big Tom came in one day very upset.  He declared that someone had stolen his lunch.  After talking with the students, they came to the conclusion that little Timmy had stolen Big Tom's lunch.  Someone had seen little Timmy with Big Tom's lunch!

The teacher called little Timmy up to the front of the room.  Little Timmy admitted he had taken Big Tom's lunch.  So the teacher asked him, "Do you know the punishment?  Little Timmy nodded that he did.

"You must remove your coat, then," the teacher instructed.  The little fellow had come with a great big coat on.

Little Timmy said to the teacher, "I am guilty and I am willing to take my punishment, but please don't make me take off my coat."

The teacher reminded little Timmy of the rules and punishments and again told him he must remove his coat and take his punishment like a man. The little fellow started to unbutton that old coat.  As he did so, the teacher saw he did not have a shirt on under the coat.  And even worse, he saw a frail and bony frame hidden beneath that coat.  The teacher asked little Timmy why he had come to school without a shirt on.

Little Timmy replied, "My daddy's dead and my Mother is very poor.  I don't have but one shirt, and my mother is washing it today.  I wore big brother's coat so' to keep warm."

That young teacher stood and looked at the frail back the ribs sticking out, the spine protruding against the skin.  He wondered how he could lay a rod on that little back and without even a shirt on.  Still, he knew he must enforce the punishment or the children would not obey the rules.  So he drew back to strike little Timmy.  Just then Big Tom stood up and came down the aisle.

He asked, "Is there anything that says I can't take little Timmy's whipping for him?"

The teacher thought about it and agreed.  With that Big Tom ripped his coat off and stooped and stood over little Timmy at the desk.  Hesitatingly the teacher began to lay the rod on that big back.  But for some strange reason, after only five licks that old rod just broke in half.  The young teacher buried his face in his hands and began to sob.

He heard a commotion and looked up to find not even one dry eye in the room. Little Timmy had turned and grabbed Big Tom around the neck, apologizing to him for stealing his lunch, begging his forgiveness.  Little Timmy begged Big Tom to forgive him.  He told Big Tom that he would love him till the day he died for taking his whipping for him.

Aren't you glad that Jesus took our whipping for us, that He shed His precious blood on Calvary so that you and I can have eternal life in Glory with Him?  We are unworthy of the price He paid for us, but aren't you glad He loves us that much? God bless you and keep you safe.  Most people's troubles come from too much time on their hands and not enough on their knees PRAISE GOD!

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” -Revelation 21:4 

He’s My Brother

Max Lucado

Eric Hill had everything you'd need for a bright future. He was twenty-eight years old and a recent college grad with an athletic frame and a soft smile. His family loved him, girls took notice of him, and companies had contacted him about working for them. Although Eric appeared composed without, he was tormented within. Tormented by voices he could not still. Bothered by images he could not avoid. So, hoping to get away from them all, he got away from it all. On a gray rainy day in February 1982, Eric Hill walked out the back door of his Florida home and never came back

His sister Debbie remembers seeing him leave, his tall frame ambling down the interstate. She assumed he would return. He didn't. She hoped he would call. He didn't. She thought she could find him. She couldn't. Where Eric journeyed, only God and Eric know, and neither of them has chosen to tell. What we do know is Enc heard a voice. And in that voice was an "assignment." And that assignment was to pick up garbage along a roadside in San Antonio , Texas .

To the commuters on Interstate 10, his lanky form and bearded face became a familiar sight. He made a home out of a hole in a vacant lot. He made a wardrobe out of split trousers and a torn sweatshirt. An old hat deferred the summer sun. A plastic bag on his shoulders softened the winter chill. His weathered skin and stooped shoulders made him look twice his forty-four years. But then, sixteen years on the side of the road would do that to you.

That's how long it had been since Debbie had seen her brother. She might never have seen him again had it not been for two events. The first was the construction of a car dealership on Eric's vacant lot. The second was a severe pain in his abdomen. The dealership took his home. The pain nearly took his life.

EMS found him curled in a ball on the side of the road, clutching his stomach. The hospital ran some tests and found that Eric had cancer. Terminal cancer. Another few months and he would be dead. And with no known family or relatives, he would die alone.

His court-appointed attorney couldn't handle this thought. "Surely someone is looking for Eric," he reasoned. So the lawyer scoured the Internet for anyone in search of a brown-haired, adult male with the last name Hill. That's how he met Debbie.

His description seemed to match her memory, but she had to know for sure.

So Debbie came to Texas . She and her husband and two children rented a hotel room and set out to find Eric. By now he'd been released from the hospital, but the chaplain knew where he was. They found him sitting against a building not far from the interstate. As they approached, he stood. They offered fruit; he refused. They offered juice; he declined. He was polite but unimpressed with this family who claimed to be his own.

His interest perked, however, when Debbie offered him a pinto wear, an angel pin. He said yes. Her first time to touch her brother in sixteen years was the moment he allowed her to pin the angel on his shirt.

Debbie intended to spend a week. But a week passed, and she stayed. Her husband returned home, and she stayed. Spring became summer, and Eric improved, and still she stayed. Debbie rented an apartment and began home schooling her kids and reaching out to her brother.

It wasn't easy. He didn't recognize her. He didn't know her. One day he cursed her. He didn't want to sleep in her apartment. He didn't want her food. He didn't want to talk. He wanted his vacant lot. He wanted his "job." Who was this woman anyway?

But Debbie didn't give up on Eric. She understood that he didn't understand. So she stayed.

I met her one Sunday when she visited our congregation. When she shared her story, I asked what you might want to ask. "How do you keep from giving up?"

"Simple," she said. "He's my brother."

I told her that her pursuit reminded me of another pursuit-that her heart reminded me of another heart. Another kind heart who left home in search of the confused. Another compassionate soul who couldn't bear the thought of a brother or sister in pain. So, like Debbie, he left home. Like Debbie, he found his sibling.

And when Jesus found us, we acted like Eric. Our limitations kept us from recognizing the One who came to save us. We even doubted his presence-and sometimes we still do.

How does he deal with our doubts? He follows us. As Debbie followed Eric, God follows us. He pursues us until we finally see him as our Father, even if it takes all the days of our lives.

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever" (Ps. 23:6 NKJV)…

By the way, the last chapter in Eric Hill's life is the best one. Days before he died he recognized Debbie as his sister. And, in doing so, he discovered his home.

We will as well. Like Eric, we have doubted our Helper. But like Debbie, God has followed us. Like Eric, we are quick to turn away. But like Debbie, God is slow to anger and determined to stay. Like Eric, we don't accept God's gifts. But like Debbie, God still gives them. He gives us his angels, not just pinned on a lapel, but placed on our path.

And most of all, God gives us himself. Even when we choose our hovel over his house and our trash over his grace, still he follows. Never forcing us. Never leaving us. Patiently persistent. Faithfully present. Using all of his power to convince us that he is who he is and that he can be trusted to lead us home.

His goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives.


”If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?” -1 John 4:20 

YOUR LIFE'S ASSIGNMENT!

 

Dear loved one,

  

People everywhere often ask, how do I know my life's assignment? No one in real sense can give you a vision for your life, but here are tips that can simply help find yours.

1)     Look within you. What moves you? What are you excited about? What drives you?

2)     Look behind you. What has life taught you? Experience provides us with the wisdom needed to fulfil our assignment. What does your past tell you about your future?

3)     Look around you. God never calls us alone. Moses needed the 70 elders. Jesus picked 12 disciples. Paul spoke about those who worked with him at every opportunity. Your assignment requires taking the right people on, in your life.

4)     Look ahead of you. 'The only thing that is worse than being visually impaired is having a sight without a vision.' What can you see through the eye of faith? 'Faith is to believe what we do not see, and the reward of faith is to see what we believe.'

5)     Look beside you. What resources are available to you in books, C.Ds, conferences, seminars and mentors? If your assignment is not big enough to outlast you, it may be just your personal ambition that requires only your strength and resources to accomplish.

6)     Look above you. Jeremiah wrote '... they speak a vision of their own heart, not from the mouth of the Lord. Look up to God who will supply strength as you go through your life assignment. The discovery of who God is always leads anyone to greater discoveries of their lives.

We are here on an assignment whether we have thought about this or not. Life is a gift which must not be taken for granted. Packaged in the assignment in career, business and other life endeavours are gifts, talents and resources which when allow to thrive brings fulfilment. You need to be mindful of your treasure and reprioritize. Ensure that your life pursuit matches these 6 qualities.  

Have a great week!

Shalom!

My Reality Is Virtual!

By

Steve Goodier

Someone once quipped, "A lot of my reality is virtual!" Whether or not you can say the same thing, I find it is true that a lot of my reality is the way I perceive it. Let me explain what I mean with a true story.

In the "Journal of the American Medical Association," Dr. Paul Ruskin demonstrated how our perception of reality (not actually what is going on, but how we perceive it) determines how we feel about it. While teaching a class on the psychological aspects of aging, he read the following case to his students:

The patient neither speaks nor comprehends the spoken word. Sometimes she babbles incoherently for hours on end. She is disoriented about person, place, and time. She does, however, respond to her name. I have worked with her for the past six months, but she still shows complete disregard for her physical appearance and makes no effort to assist her own care. She must be fed, bathed, and clothed by others. Because she has no teeth, her food must be pureed. Her shirt is usually soiled from almost incessant drooling. She does not walk. Her sleep pattern is erratic. Often she wakes in the middle of the night, and her screaming awakens others. Most of the time she is friendly and happy, but several times a day she gets quite agitated without apparent cause. Then she wails until someone comes to comfort her.

After presenting the case, Dr. Ruskin asked his students (the majority of whom had no interest at the present time to enter a care-giving profession) how they would like caring for this person. Most of them said they would not like it at all. He then said that he believed he would especially enjoy it and thought that they might, also. He passed a picture of the patient around for his puzzled students to see. It was his six-month-old daughter!

Most of the students had already made up their minds that they would not like caring for such a patient. But the age of the patient, rather than the actual duties, made the task seem fun and enjoyable! When they thought the task might be fun, they were positive about it, though their reaction just moments before was quite negative. In other words, they made up their minds not to like something they might actually enjoy very much.

You and I have numerous tasks ahead. How will you look at them today? As pleasant or unpleasant? As chores or as fun? When you think you may actually enjoy them -- you probably will!

“And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.” - Isaiah 6:9

Fruits Of The Spirit Author: Max Lucado

It's quiet. It's early. My coffee is hot. The sky is still black. The world is still asleep. The day is coming.

In a few moments the day will arrive. It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. The calm of the solitude will be replaced by the pounding pace of the human race. The refuge of the early morning will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met.

For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day's demands. It is now that I must make a choice. Because of Calvary , I'm free to choose. And so I choose.

I choose love... No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness, I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves.

I choose joy... I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical...the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.

I choose peace... I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.

I choose patience... I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I'll invite him to do so. Rather than complaining that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.

I choose kindness... I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.

I choose goodness... I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.

I choose faithfulness... Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife will not question my love. And my children will never fear that their father will not come home.

I choose gentleness... Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself. I choose self-control... I am a spiritual being.

After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ. I choose self-control.

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek His grace. And then when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.

 

“As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” - John 9:5

Do You Know Bailey's Jesus?

© 2002 Ginger Tucker

God recently allowed me to see Jesus through the eyes of someone seeing Him for the first time. Having the advantage of knowing how the story ends, we can easily forget the cost of our redemption and the love of our Savior.

Every year we attend a local church pageant at Christmas time, which tells the story of Jesus from His birth through His resurrection. It is a spectacular event, with live animals and hundreds of cast members in realistic costumes. The magi enter the huge auditorium on llamas from the rear, descending the steps in pomp and majesty. Roman soldiers look huge and menacing in their costumes and makeup.

Of all the years we have attended, one stands out indelibly in my heart… It was the year we took our then three-year-old granddaughter, Bailey, who loves Jesus. She was mesmerized throughout the entire play, not just watching, but involved as if she were a player. She watches as Joseph and Mary travel to the Inn and is thrilled when she sees the baby Jesus in His mother's arms. When Jesus, on a young donkey, descends the steps from the back of the auditorium, depicting His triumphal entry into Jerusalem , Bailey was ecstatic. As he neared our aisle, Bailey began jumping up and down, screaming, "Jesus, Jesus! There's Jesus!" Not just saying the words but exclaiming them with every fiber of her being. She alternated between screaming his name and hugging us. "It's Jesus. Look!" I thought she might actually pass out. Tears filled my eyes as I looked at Jesus through the eyes of a child in love with Him, seeing Him for the first time. How like the blind beggar screaming out in reckless abandon, "Jesus, Jesus!” afraid he might miss Him, not caring what others thought. (Mark 10:46-52) This was so much fun.

Then came the arrest scene. On stage, the soldiers shoved and slapped Jesus as they moved Him from the Garden of Gethsemane to Pilate. Bailey responded as if she were in the crowd of women, with terror and anger. "Stop it!" she screamed. "Bad soldiers, stop it!" As I watched her reaction, I wished we had talked to her before the play. "Bailey it's OK. They are just pretending."
"They are hurting Jesus! Stop it!"

She stood in her seat reacting to each and every move. People around us at first smiled at her reaction, thinking "How cute!” Then they quit smiling and began watching her watch Him. In a most powerful scene, the soldiers lead Jesus carrying the cross down the steps of the auditorium from the back… They were yelling, whipping, and cursing at Jesus, who was bloodied and beaten. Bailey was now hysterical. "Stop it! Soldiers! Stop it," she screamed. She must have been wondering why all these people did nothing. She then began to cry instead of scream. "Jesus, Oh, Jesus!" People all around us began to weep as we all watch this devoted little disciple see her Jesus beaten and killed as those first century disciples had.

Going back and forth between her mother's lap and mine for comfort, she was distraught. I kept saying, "Bailey, it's OK. Jesus is going to be OK. These are just people pretending to be soldiers. She looked at me like I was crazy. In my lap, we talked through the cross and burial. "Watch, Bailey, watch for Jesus!"

The tomb began to tremble and lightening flashed as the stone rolled away. A super bowl touchdown cheer couldn't come close to matching this little one's reaction to the resurrection. "Jesus! He's OK. Mommy, it's Jesus!" I prayed that she wasn't going to be traumatized by this event, but that she would remember it. I shall never forget it. I shall never forget seeing Jesus’ suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection through the eyes of an innocent child.

Following the pageant the actors all assembled in the foyer to be greeted by the audience. As we passed by some of the soldiers Bailey screamed out, "Bad soldier, don't you hurt Jesus." The actor who portrayed Jesus was some distance away surrounded by well-wishers and friends. Bailey broke away from us and ran toward him, wrapping herself around his legs, holding on for dear life. He hugged her and said, "Jesus loves you." He patted her to go away. She wouldn't let go. She kept clinging to Him, laughing and calling His name. She wasn't about to let go of her Jesus.

I think God in heaven stopped what ever was going on that day and made all the angels watch Bailey. "Now, look there! You see what I meant when I said, ’Of such is the kingdom of heaven?'"

“But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God .” - Luke 18:16

Developing Great Minds!

 

Dear loved one,

  

For everyone who ever succeeded in problem solving aptitude, the state of their minds plays a very significant role. No one is born with a great mind; people only learn to develop theirs through formal and informal education in life lessons. Your mind plays a significant role in determining either your success or defeat in life. Successful people chose not to be discouraged or overwhelmed by the problems they face. So there is need for you to continually guard your mind against the various workplace distractions. If by choice you complain, nag or be constantly threatened, the result will be sadness, quitting and failure. Your mind needs to be sound for you to overcome the daily challenges we face in life. Worry and sadness only worsen things, even though it might look like the natural thing to do but for you to win in life, you need to develop an encouraged and joyful mind. 

We can draw up two equations from the above:
Sadness + worry + nagging + complaining = Failure in Life.
Joy + encouragement + wise counsel + God's wisdom + sound thinking = Overcoming Life.

How we individually process our experiences determines our outcome. God's Word gives us perfect peace in tough times. No matter how long a problem has lingered this Monday morning, make wise choices now and you are on your way to having the last laugh. Rise up to apply your mind to joy, strength and courage so you can overcome doubts, unbelief, desperation and compromise that has become the norm today. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead fix your attention on God. You will be changed from the inside out, readily recognize what he wants from and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity. Enjoy your week in the marketplace.

Have a great week!

Shalom!

Remove Your Mask

Author: Unknown

A 91-year-old woman died after living a very long dignified life. When she met God, she asked Him something that had really bothered her for a very long time. "If Man was created in God's image, and if all men are created equal, why do people treat each other so badly?"

God replied that each person who enters our life has a unique lesson to teach us. It is only through these lessons that we learn about life, people and our relationships with God.

This confused the woman, so God began to explain "When someone lies to you, it teaches you that things are not always what they seem. The truth is often far beneath the surface. Look beyond the masks people wear if you want to know what is in their hearts. Remove your own masks to let people know who you really are.

When someone steals from you it teaches you that nothing is forever. Always appreciate what you have. You never know when you might lose it. Never take your friends or family for granted, because today and sometimes only this very moment is the only guarantee you may have.

When someone inflicts injury upon you, it teaches you that the human state is a very fragile one. Protect and take care of your body as best as you can, it's the one thing that you are sure to have forever.

When someone mocks you, it teaches you that no two people are alike. When you encounter people who are different from you, do not judge them by how they look or act, instead base it on the contents of what is in their hearts.

When someone breaks your heart, it teaches you that loving someone does not always mean that the person will love you back. But don't turn your back on love, because when you find the right person, the joy that one person brings you will make up for all of your past hurts times a thousand fold.

When someone holds a grudge against you, it teaches you that everyone makes mistakes. When you are wronged, the most virtuous thing you can do is forgive the offender without pretense. Forgiving those who have hurt us is often the most difficult and painful of life's experiences, but it is also the most courageous thing a person can do.

When a loved one is unfaithful to you, it teaches you that resisting temptation is Man's greatest challenge. Be vigilant in your resistance against all temptations. By doing so, you will be rewarded with an enduring sense of satisfaction far greater than the temporary pleasure by which you were tempted.

When someone cheats you, it teaches you that greed is the root of all evil. Aspire to make your dreams come true, no matter how lofty they may be. Do not feel guilty about your success, but never let an obsession with achieving your goals lead you to engage in malevolent activities.

When someone ridicules you, it teaches you that nobody is perfect. Accept people for their merits and be tolerant of their flaws. Do not ever reject someone for imperfections over which they have no control."

Upon hearing the Lord's wisdom, the old woman became concerned that there are no lessons to be learned from man's good deeds. God replied that Man's capacity to love is the greatest gift He has. At the root of kindness and love, and each act of love also teaches us a lesson.

The woman's curiosity deepened.

God, once again began to explain "When someone loves us, it teaches us love, kindness, charity, honesty, humility, forgiveness, acceptance, and all of these can counteract all the evil in the world. For every good deed, there is one evil deed. Man alone has the power to control the balance between good and evil, but because the lessons of love are not taught often enough, the power is too often abused.

When you enter someone's life, whether by plan, chance or coincidence, consider what your lesson will be. Will you teach love or a harsh lesson of reality? When you die, will your life have resulted in more loving or more hurting? More comfort or more pain? More joy or more sadness? Each one of us has the power over the balance of the love in the world. Use it wisely!"

Don't miss an opportunity to nudge the world's scale in the right direction!

“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” -2 Timothy 2:24-26