Each day I will post a new picture or story that has made a difference in my life. Let me know what you think. Which one is your favorite? Check back with new posts each day.
Every story and song as a very strong message that puts them in one of the life changing stories or songs that have the power to move anyone. Whenever you are feeling down I would suggest reading these stories, or listening to these songs anyday.
THE FILE ROOM
In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index-card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemed endless in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read "Girls I Have Liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match.
A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as i began randomly opening files. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone were watching. A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I Have Betrayed." The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. "Books I have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I Have Given," "Jokes I Have Laughed At." Some were almost hilarious in their exactness:"Things I've Yelled at My Brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in Anger,""Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath At My Parents." I never ceased to be surprised by the contents. Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped.
The sheer volume of the life I had lived overwhelmed me. Could it be possible that I had the time in my 20 years to write each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.
When I pulled out the file marked "Songs I Have Listened To," I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, ashamed, not so much by the quality of music, but more by the vast amount of time I knew that file represented.
When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke over me. One thought dominated my mind: "No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room!"
"I have to destroy them!" In an insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it.
Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning on my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh. And then I saw it. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With." The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handles and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.
And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that the hurt started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key.
But then I pushed away the tears, I saw Him.
No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one?
Finally, He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me. Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card.
"No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to saw was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was written in red so rich, so dark, and so alive. The name of Jesus covered min. It was written in His blood.
He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "it is finished." I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.
If Jesus Came To Your House
If Jesus came to your house to spend a day or two
If He came unexpectedly, I wonder what you'd do
Oh, I know you'd give you nicest to such an honored guest.
And all the food you'd serve to Him would be your very best.
And you'd keep assuring Him you're glad to have Him there.
That serving Him in your own home is joy beyond compare.
But when you saw Him coming would you meet Him at the door?
With your arms outstretched in welcome to your Heavenly Visitor?
Or would you have to change your clothes before you let Him in?
Or hide some magazines and put the Bible where they'd been?
Would you turn off the radio and hope He hadn't heard
And wish you hadn't uttered the last loud hasty word?
Would you hide your worldly music and put some hymn books out?
Could you let Jesus walk right in, or would you rush about?
And I wonder if the Savior spent a day or two with you
Would you go right on doing the things you always do?
Would you keep right on saying the things you always say?
Would life for you continue as it does from day to day?
Would your family conversation keep up its usual pace?
Or would you find it hard each meal to say the table grace?
Would you sing the songs you always sing and read the books you read?
And let Him know the things on which your mind and spirit feed?
Would you take Jesus with you every place you planned to go?
Or would you maybe change your plans for just a day or so?
Would you be glad to have Him meet your very closest friends?
Or would you hope they'd stay away, until His visit ends?
Would you be glad to have Him stay forever on and on?
Or would you sigh with great relief, what He at last was gone?
It might be interesting to know the things that you would do.
If Jesus Christ in person, came to spend some time with you.
Fearless Heart Song by Katherine Nelson
YOU MUST PLAY THIS SONG!!! It is my favorite. Here are the lyrics below.
The war is raging all around me
I'm weary and battle-worn
The forces of the night surround me
Threatening to destroy
And the battlefield is strewn with broken lives
torn and tattered in the struggle to survive
but i will not be a casualty of this war i didn't start
I'll fight it with a fearless heart
The darkness bids me to surrender
My weakness begs me to retreat
The faith sustains it's true defenders,
With the promise of relief
And the battlefield is strewn with broken lives
torn and tattered in the struggle to survive
but i will not be a casualty of this war i didn't start
I'll fight it with a fearless heart
I will not lay my courage down
Until the enemy is bound
I will not die
And the battlefield is strewn with broken lives
torn and tattered in the struggle to survive
but i will not be a casualty of this war i didn't start
I'll fight it with a fearless heart
You Become What You Think
You know sometimes you think yourself into unhappiness and depression. But did you know, you could also think yourself into happiness? By positive thinking, you will be well, you will prosper, and your prayers will be answered. Become the master of your thoughts. Stop thinking about how tough life is, stop thinking about the future and the past, think of God's riches and love, and express these thoughts daily. You will become what you think.
Live Your Religion
One good man-one man who does not put on his religion once a week with his Sunday coat, but wears it for his working dress, and lets the thought of God grow in him, until everything he says and does becomes religious-that man is worth a thousand sermons. He is a living gospel-he is the image of God. And men see his good works, and admire them in spite of themselves, and see that they are Godlike, and that God's grace is no dream, but that the Holy Spirit is still among men. They get a glimpse of God, and glorify their Father who is in heaven.
Footprints
One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that at times of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that these were the lowest and saddest times in his life. This bothered him, and he asked the Lord, "You said that once I decided to follow You, You'd walk with me all the way. But during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. Why, when I needed You most, did You leave me?" The Lord replied, "My son, I love you and would never leave you. During those times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that i was carrying you."
A Living House
Imagine yourself (as) a house that God comes in to rebuild. At first, perhaps, you can understand what he is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof; you knew those jobs needed to be done and so you are not surprised.
But soon He starts knocking you about in a way that hurts abominable, and does not seem to make sense. What on earth is He up to?
He is building a different house than you had planned; throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, and making courtyards.
You thought you were going to be a little cottage; but He is building a palace.
The Starfish
An old man was walking along the beach. In the distance he saw someone who seemed to be dancing along the waves. As he got closer, he saw a young man picking up starfish and tossing them back into the ocean. "What are you doing?" The old man asked.
"The sun is coming up and the tide is going out. If i don't throw them in they will die."
"But young man, there are miles and miles of beach with starfish all along it. You can't possibly make a difference."
The young man bent down, picked up a starfish and threw it back past the breaking waves. "It made a difference to that one."
The young man's actions represent something in each of us. We are all gifted with the ability to make a difference. Each of us can shape our own future, and each of us can help others reach their potential.
The Birdcage
There once was a man named George Thomas, a pastor in a small New England town. One Easter Sunday morning he came to church carrying a rusty, bent old bird cage, and set in on the pulpit. Several eyebrows were raised, and Pastor Thomas began to speak.
"I was walking through town yesterday when I saw a young boy coming towards me, swinging this bird cage. On the bottom of the cage were three little wild birds, shivering with cold and fright. I stopped the lad and asked, "What have you got there son?"
"Just some old birds," came the reply.
"What are you going to do with them?" I asked.
"Pull out their feathers to make 'em fight. I'm gonna have a real good time."
"But you'll get tired of these birds sooner or later-what will you do then?"
"Oh, I got some cats-they like birds. I'll give 'em to them."
The pastor was silent for a moment.
"How much do you want for those birds, son?"
"Huh? Why, you don't want these birds mister. They're just plain old dumb field birds. They don't sing-and they ain't even pretty!"
"How much?"
The boy sized up the pastor as if he were crazy, and said, "Ten dollars?"
The pastor reached in his pocket and took out a ten-dollar bill. He placed it in the boy's hand. In a flash, the boy was gone. The pastor picked up the cage and gently carried it to the end of the alley, where there was a tree and a grassy spot. Setting the cage down he opened the door, and by softly tapping the bars he persuaded the birds out, setting them free.
Then the pastor began to tell the second part of his story.
One day Satan and Jesus were having a conversation. Satan had just come from the Garden of Eden, and he was gloating and boasting.
"Yes sir, I just caught a world full of people down there. Set me a trap, used bait I knew they couldn't resist. Got em' all!"
"What are you going to do with them?" Jesus asked.
"Oh, I'm going to have fun! I'm gonna teach them how to marry and divorce each other, how to hate and abuse each other, how to invent guns and bombs and kill each other. I'm really gonna have fun!"
"And what will you do with them when you grow tired of that?"
"Oh, kill 'em. Damn 'em."
"How much for these people?" Jesus asked.
"Oh, you don't want these people. They ain't no good. Why, you take them, and they'll just hate you. They'll spit on you, and curse you, and kill you-you of all wouldn't want these people.
"How much?"
Satan looked at Jesus and answered, "All your tears and blood."
Jesus paid the price, picked up the cage, and opened the door.
12 Points to Perpetual Happiness
1. Understand that being happy is an emotional decision, just as anger, pride, and repentance are emotional decisions. Decide now that you will work at being happy more often. You are either the master of your destiny or a slave to your fate. Only you can choose how you'll react to a situation. Choose well.
2. Always associate with people who lift you up. There are people everywhere who will tell you how bad things are and how you'll never amount to anything. These people are really talking about themselves. You should find better company.
3. Meet everybody on friendly terms. Each new person could be your next best friend, or the person who will pull you out of a ditch in half an hour. Treat them as such.
4. You become what you think about and tell yourself all day. Safeguard your thoughts, and when you talk to yourself, say positive things.
5. Keep yourself too busy to mope around. Sitting around with I, Me, Mine and Myself (your four worst friends) and bemoaning your existence will get you nowhere. Keep your day full of people and projects and family and correspondence. Advance everyday in the direction of your goals.
6. Be involved in big projects to help you organize yourself, and your time. I'm continually amazed at how much more I can get done (in my spare time) when I work 75 hours a week than when I work 20.
7. Cultivate humor always, but cynicism never. Laughing at yourself and chuckling at the humor in your situation keeps you from taking yourself too seriously and wanting to strangle somebody. Picking on other people doesn't lift them up, and it doesn't help you up either.
8. Read 15 minutes' worth of inspirational material before noon every day. This not only lifts your spirit and marks the path before you but also gives you something good to talk about.
9. Memorize words of upbeat songs and inspirational quotes. Keep these on hand when you have nothing else to think about.
10. Opinions change-facts remain the same. Learn to separate opinion from fact, and don't get caught up in anybody's opinion, even your own. Especially, don't live your life based on what other people might think about you.
11. Don't worry about things you have no control over. Learn to solve problems quickly. Learn to anticipate, work through, or avoid the things (problems) you can't solve. Plan ahead, and don't forget to make a "Plan B."
12. Keep your faith in God and in the Big Picture. Even though you can't see all the curves in the road ahead, be confident that things will straighten themselves out (with your help) eventually. If you are doing your part you can have every expectation that God will do his part.
ANYWAY
People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centered;
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and your God;
It was never between you and them anyway.
-Mother Teresa
No Time to Pray?
We may say that our work drives us and that we have no time to pray, hardly time to eat our breakfast. Let the breakfast go, and pray; get down upon your knees and pray until you are filled with the spirit of peace. It matters not whether you or I feel like praying; when the time comes to pray, pray. If we do not feel like it, we should pray until we do.
You will find that those who will wait till the Spirit bids them pray, will never pray much on this earth. My doctrine is, it is your duty to pray. If I could not master my mouth, I would my knees and make them bend until my mouth would speak. If the Devil says you cannot pray when you are angry, tell him it's none of his business, and pray until serenity is restored to the mind.
Let no person give up prayer because he has not the spirit of prayer, neither let any earthly circumstance hurry you while in the performance of this important duty.
The Back Fence
There was a little boy with a bad temper. His father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, to hammer a nail in the back fence.
By the end of the first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence.
Over time, the boy decided it was easier to hold his temper than to drive nails into fence posts.
Finally, a day came when the boy didn't lose his temper. When he told his father, he congratulated him, and told the boy to pull out one nail each day he didn't lose his temper. Weeks passed and one day the young boy told his father that all the nails were gone. The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence.
"You have done well, my son, but look at the holes. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave scars just like these. A verbal wound is bad as a physical one."
Child of Light Song by Mindy Gledhill
Here are the lyrics....
Did you ever wonder who you are
Do you ever wonder as you stare into the stars
Where you began
And how you got this far..
From home?
Have you ever walked along the shore
Have you ever seen the waters dancing back and forth
Did you look inside
To see if there was more...
To life?
There's a dream taking wing
There's a voice that wants to sing
Even in the deepest, darkest night
The torch is raised to the sky
There are hands that hold it high
You were born to keep burning bright
You were made to fly
You were meant to shine
Child of Light
You will never ever stand alone
You were never called to bare the burden's on your own
And where there is fear
Love will take control
And lead you on
Cause there's a dream taking wing
There's a voice that wants to sing
Even in the deepest, darkest night
The torch is raised to the sky
There are hands that hold it high
You were born to keep burning bright
You were made to fly
You were meant to shine
Child of Light
There's a dream taking wing
There's a voice that wants to sing
Even in the deepest, darkest night
The torch is raised to the sky
There are hands that hold it high
You were born to keep burning bright
You were made to fly
You were meant to shine
Child of Light
Just As I Am
This is a great video. It always makes me cry
Ten Rules for Being Human
by Cherie Carter-Scott
1. You will receive a body. You may like it or hate it, but it's yours to keep for the entire period.
2. You will learn lessons. You are enrolled in a full-time informal school called, "life."
3. There are no mistakes, only lessons. Growth is a process of trial, error, and experimentation. The "failed" experiments are as much a part of the process as the experiments that ultimately "work."
4. Lessons are repeated until they are learned. A lesson will be presented to you in various forms until you have learned it. When you have learned it, you can go on to the next lesson.
5. Learning lessons does not end. There's no part of life that doesn't contain its lessons. If you're alive, that means there are still lessons to be learned.
6. "There" is no better a place than "here." When your "there" has become a "here", you will simply obtain another "there" that will again look better than "here."
7. Other people are merely mirrors of you. You cannot love or hate something about another person unless it reflects to you something you love or hate about yourself.
8. What you make of your life is up to you. You have all the tools and resources you need. What you do with them is up to you. The choice is yours.
9. Your answers lie within you. The answers to life's questions lie within you. All you need to do is look, listen, and trust.
10. You will forget all this.
I am thankful for... | by Nancie J. Carmody |
...the mess to clean up after a party
because it means I have been surrounded by friends.
...the taxes I pay
- because it means that I'm employed.
- ...the clothes that fit a little too snug
- because it means I have enough to eat.
- ...my shadow who watches me work
- because it means I am out in the sunshine.
- ...the spot I find at the far end of the parking lot
- because it means I am capable of walking.
- ...all the complaining I hear about our government
- because it means we have freedom of speech.
- ...that lady behind me in church who sings off key
- because it means that I can hear.
- ...lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning and gutters that need fixing
- because it means I have a home.
- ...my huge heating bill
- because it means that I am warm.
- ...weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day
- because it means that I have been productive.
- ...the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours
- because it means that I am alive.
- Good days,
- Great days, and
- Outstanding days.
Christ Has No Hands but Our Hands
Christ has no hands but our hands
To do His work today.
He has no feet but our feet
To lead men in his way.
He has no tongue but our tongue
To tell men how He died.
He has no help but our help
To lead men to His side.
What if our hands are busy
With other work than His?
What if our feet are walking
Where sin's allurement is?
What if our tongues are speaking
Of things His lips would spurn?
How can we hope to help him
Or hasten His return?
The Stonecutter
Long ago there lived a stonecutter who every morning took his tools to the mountainside where he cut and polished slabs of rock for wealthy homes. He was very good at his work, and he was happy. But one day, as he carried a finely polished block of stone of the house of a rich man, he saw many beautiful things that he never had seen before.
"Oh!" he cried. "I wish I were rich. I wish I might sleep in a bed as soft as down." Then he picked up his tools and started home, but the spirit of the mountain had heard his wish. Instead of the poor little hut he had left in the morning, there stood a wonderful palace full of beautiful furniture. The stonecutter slept that night on a bed as soft as down. When he awoke, he looked out his new window to enjoy the beautiful morning. As he stood there, a fine carriage rolled past drawn by snow-white horses. The prince's servants were running in front and behind the carriage and the prince was sitting inside with a golden canopy over his head. The stonecutter again was disappointed and discontented.
"Oh!" he said. "I wish I were a prince with a carriage and a golden canopy."
No sooner had he wished that it came to pass. He was a prince; he had servants dressed in purple and gold and he drove through the streets in his carriage. For a while he was happy, but one day he noticed that the sun was drying and wilting his grass and flowers even though he had watered those only hours before.
"The sun is mightier than I am. I wish to be the sun."
The spirit heard him and the stonecutter was changed to the sun.
He felt proud and mighty being so great and yellow in the sky. He burned the fields of rich and poor alike. But one day a cloud covered his face; again he was filled with discontent.
"The cloud is mightier than I. I would be the cloud." He cried.
So the mountain spirit changed him into a cloud and he lay content for a while between the sun and the earth. He caught the sunbeams and would not let them go. He sent rain to the earth and the flowers bloomed, but this was not enough. He began pouring down rain until the rivers overflowed and the crops were ruined. He washed away whole towns; but try as he would, the one thing he could not move was the mountain.
"The mountain is stronger than I. I will be the mountain."
At once the mountain spirit changed him into rock. For years he stood, proudly raising his head above the other cliffs, and he did not feel the sun or the rain. But one day he heard a sharp tap tapping and he saw a stonecutter working with his sharp tools, cutting into his side.
"Who can cut into me? I would be that man."
So once again, the man became a stonecutter. He lived in a hut and worked from morning to night. Yet he was happy for he had learned that a steady tap tapping moves mountains.
The Secret of Achievement
It took Michelangelo twelve years- one brush stroke at a time- to paint his Biblical scenes in the Sistine Chapel. It took Brahms twenty years - one note at a time - to compose is his First Symphony. It took Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay eighty days - one step at a time - to climb the 29,000 feet of Mount Everest.
Word by word, brush stroke by brush stroke, note by note, step by step, problem by problem, prayer by prayer - this is the secret of achievement.
Beautiful to Him Song by Rachel Thibodeau
So much noise
So much peace destroyed
I can hardly hear the voice
Leading me through the void
So much noise
The world's little lies
Destruction in diguise
Opportunities to compromise
To make me beautiful in their eyes
But I'm not going to buy
The world's little lies
Cause i define myself and find my beauty in
The light he gives
I'm refined by his divine intentions every day i live
It doesn't matter what the world believes
Or what they say that beauty means
It comes from within...
I wanna be beautiful to Him.
He's given me his trust
So i'll be strong enough
To run from a dangerous touch
I don't need THAT kind of "love"
I don't need that crutch
He's given me his trust.
Cause i define myself and find my beauty in
The light he gives
I'm refined by his divine intentions every day i live
It doesn't matter what the world believes
Or what they say that beauty means
It comes from within...
I wanna be beautiful to Him.
I know how to shine
My life's not really mine
It's not about a worldly climb
It's all about HIS design
So in his eyes...
I wanna shine.
Cause i define myself and find my beauty in
The light he gives
I'm refined by his divine intentions every day i live
It doesn't matter what the world believes
Or what they say that beauty means
It comes from within...
I wanna be beautiful to Him.
I want to live to have his peace
And feel the holiness he sees
It comes from within.....
I wanna be beautiful
To Him.
The Christmas Orange
Jake was nine years old with tousled brown hair with blue eyes as bright as a heavenly angel. For as long as Jake could remember he had lived within the walls of a poor orphanage. He was just one of ten children supported by what meager contributions the orphan home could obtain in a continuous struggle seeking donations from townsfolk.
There was very little to eat, but at Christmas time there always seemed to be a little more than usual to eat, the orphanage seemed a little warmer, and it was time for a little holiday enjoyment. But more than this, there was the Christmas orange!
Christmas was the only time of year that such a rare treat was provided and it was treasured by each child like no other food admiring it, feeling it, prizing it and slowly enjoying each juicy section. Truly, it was the light of each orphan’s Christmas and their best gift of the season. How joyful would be the moment when Jake received his orange!
Unknown to him, Jake had somehow managed to track a small amount of mud on his shoes through the front door of the orphanage, muddying the new carpet. He hadn’t even noticed. Now it was too late and there was nothing he could do to avoid punishment. The punishment was swift and unrelenting. Jake would not be allowed his Christmas orange! It was the only gift he would receive from the harsh world he lived in, yet after a year of waiting for his Christmas orange, is was to be denied him.
Tearfully, Jake pleaded that he be forgiven and promised never to track mud into the orphanage again, but to no avail. He felt hopeless and totally rejected. Jake cried into his pillow all that night and spent Christmas Day feeling empty and alone. He felt that the other children didn’t want to be with a boy who had been punished with such a cruel punishment. Perhaps they feared he would ruin their only day of happiness. Maybe, he reasoned, the gulf between him and his friends existed because they feared he would ask for a little of their oranges. Jake spent the day upstairs, alone, in the unheated dormitory. Huddled under his only blanket, he read about a family marooned on an island. Jake wouldn’t mind spending the rest of his life on an isolated island, if he could only have a real family that cared about him.
Bedtime came, and worst of all, Jake couldn’t sleep. How could he say his prayers? How could there be a God in Heaven that would allow a little soul such as his, to suffer so much all by himself? Silently, he sobbed for the future of mankind that God might end the suffering in the world, both for himself and all others like him.
As he climbed back into bed from the cold, hard floor, a soft hand touched Jake’s shoulder, startling him momentarily and an object was silently placed in his hands. The giver disappeared into the darkness, leaving Jake with what, he did not immediately know!
Looking closely at it in the dim light, he saw that it looked like an orange! Not a regular orange, smooth and shiny, but a special orange, very special. Inside a patched together peal were the segments of nine other oranges, making one whole orange for Jake! The nine other children in the orphanage had each donated one segment of their own precious oranges to make a whole orange as a gift for Jake.
Sharing what we truly value is the true spirit of Christmas. Our Heavenly Father gave us His beloved Son. May we, like the children in the orphanage, find ways to share His love with others less blessed.
What Heaven Sees in You Song by Doug Walker
Sent to this earth
You were saved through the ages for this day and time
Child of great worth
Child of promise, daughter of the Divine
Pure and holy in a little, white dress
You were held in a circle and you were blessed
(Chorus)
And the Father looked down
And the angels surrounded that place
They knew the truth, all that you could do
And you will, too, if you have eyes to see
What heaven sees in you
Dressed in white once more
Making promises to follow in God’s way
So much lies in store
For the little girl who enters at the gate
Pure and holy in a little, white dress
You were led into the water and you were blessed
Repeat Chorus
Do you understand who you are
Part of the Father lives in you
If you continue on this path
Every promise God has given will come true
Heaven on earth
In the house of God, so much fills your heart and mind
Woman of great worth
Woman of promise, daughter of the Divine
Pure and holy in a long, white dress
You promise forever and you are blessed
And the Father looks down
And the angels surround that place
They know the truth, all that you can do
And you do, too, ‘cause you have eyes to see
What heaven sees in you
Will you have eyes to see
What heaven sees in you
You were saved through the ages for this day and time
Child of great worth
Child of promise, daughter of the Divine
Pure and holy in a little, white dress
You were held in a circle and you were blessed
(Chorus)
And the Father looked down
And the angels surrounded that place
They knew the truth, all that you could do
And you will, too, if you have eyes to see
What heaven sees in you
Dressed in white once more
Making promises to follow in God’s way
So much lies in store
For the little girl who enters at the gate
Pure and holy in a little, white dress
You were led into the water and you were blessed
Repeat Chorus
Do you understand who you are
Part of the Father lives in you
If you continue on this path
Every promise God has given will come true
Heaven on earth
In the house of God, so much fills your heart and mind
Woman of great worth
Woman of promise, daughter of the Divine
Pure and holy in a long, white dress
You promise forever and you are blessed
And the Father looks down
And the angels surround that place
They know the truth, all that you can do
And you do, too, ‘cause you have eyes to see
What heaven sees in you
Will you have eyes to see
What heaven sees in you
Live Like You Believe Song by Jenny Phillips
You have felt the warmth of the fire
You have seen a glimmer of light
Its something that you have been missing inside
Something that you have been longing to find
Hold on to the yearning
And wherever you are on your journey
Chorus
Live like you believe
Live like you know
It's one sure way
Your faith will grow
Listen to your heart
Search in your soul
And you'll find
The strength that you need
His light, the gift of His peace
When you live like you believe
There are things you'll have to let go
And you might feel, you're just hanging on
When you find yourself alone and afraid
Questioning all the choices you've made
Hold on the burning
He's leading you through the journey
Repeat Chorus
Hold on to the yearning
And wherever you are on the journey
Repeat Chorus
Two Hands
While walking in the sand one day
I tripped and fell and while I lay
Two hands reached out to lift me high,
One hand moist, the other hand dry.
One hand was tattered, worn, and abused.
The other hand soft, smooth, and unused.
I knew not which hand to take in mine,
To lift me up and guide me through time.
For one hand would lead me back home to God,
The other away from the iron rod.
Cautiously I picked the tattered, warn hand
It lifted me up and again I could stand.
I knew I'd picked the Lord's helping hand,
For Satan would've left me there in the sand.
I wondered why His hand was so worn and abused,
And then I remembered how much it was used.
The Pearl Necklace Story
The cheerful girl with bouncy golden curls was almost five. Waiting with her mother at the checkout stand, she saw them: a circle of glistening white pearls in a pink foil box.
"Oh please, Mommy. Can I have them? Please, Mommy, please!"
Quickly the mother checked the back of the little foil box and then looked back into the pleading blue eyes of her little girl's upturned face.
"A dollar ninety-five. That's almost $2.00. If you really want them, I'll think of some extra chores for you and in no time you can save enough money to buy them for yourself. Your birthday's only a week away and you might get another crisp dollar bill from Grandma."
As soon as Jenny got home, she emptied her penny bank and counted out 17 pennies. After dinner, she did more than her share of chores and she went to the neighbor and asked Mrs. McJames if she could pick dandelions for ten cents.
On her birthday, Grandma did give her another new dollar bill and at last she had enough money to buy the necklace.
Jenny loved her pearls. They made her feel dressed up and grown up. She wore them everywhere--Sunday school, kindergarten, even to bed. The only time she took them off was when she went swimming or had a bubble bath. Mother said if they got wet, they might turn her neck green.
Jenny had a very loving daddy and every night when she was ready for bed, he would stop whatever he was doing and come upstairs to read her a story. One night when he finished the story, he asked Jenny, "Do you love me?"
"Oh yes, Daddy. You know that I love you."
"Then give me your pearls."
"Oh, Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have Princess--the white horse from my collection. The one with the pink tail. Remember, Daddy? The one you gave me. She's my favorite."
"That's okay, Honey. Daddy loves you. Good night." And he brushed her cheek with a kiss.
About a week later, after the story time, Jenny's daddy asked again, "Do you love me?"
"Daddy, you know I love you."
"Then give me your pearls."
"Oh Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have my babydoll. The brand new one I got for my birthday. She is so beautiful and you can have the yellow blanket that matches her sleeper."
"That's okay. Sleep well. God bless you, little one. Daddy loves you." And as always, he brushed her cheek with a gentle kiss.
A few nights later when her daddy came in, Jenny was sitting on her bed with her legs crossed Indian-style. As he came close, he noticed her chin was trembling and one silent tear rolled down her cheek.
"What is it, Jenny? What's the matter?"
Jenny didn't say anything but lifted her little hand up to her daddy. And when she opened it, there was her little pearl necklace. With a little quiver,she finally said, "Here, Daddy. It's for you."
With tears gathering in his own eyes, Jenny's kind daddy reached out with one hand to take the dime-store necklace, and with the other hand he reached into his pocket and pulled out a blue velvet case with a strand of genuine pearls and gave them to Jenny.
He had them all the time. He was just waiting for her to give up the dime-store stuff so he could give her genuine treasure.
What are you hanging on to?
--- Author Unknown
Connect with God
Talk to God about your "pearls". Are you hanging onto some things in your life that are keeping you from getting the "genuine pearls" your Heavenly Father wants to give you? Are you living for this life or are you willing to give up everything now in order to get the Kindgdom of Heaven later? Do you realize the great value there is in Heaven...no more tears, complete fulfillment, anything you enjoy here on earth 100x better?
Heaven is not just about angels with harps sitting on clouds. It is about eternity...forever. Are you willing to settle for the temporary highs of today and give up the eternal highs of forever?
Ten Steps to a Joyful and Enthusiastic Life
First: Stop putting yourself down. There is a lot that is good in you. Empty your mind of thoughts of failure and start seeing yourself as a competent person.
Second: Eliminate self-pity. Think of what you have, instead of dwelling on what you may have lost.
Third: Quit thinking about yourself. Think of others. Go out and look for someone who needs the help you can give, and give it freely.
Fourth: Remember the words of Goethe: "He who has a firm will molds the world to himself." God gave humans something called will. Use it.
Fifth: Have a goal and set an achievable timetable to achieve it.
Sixth: Stop wasting your mental energy on the past, and start thinking about what to do now. Amazing things happen when you think constructively.
Seventh: Every morning and every evening say these words aloud: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Eighth: Every day say three times: "This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it." (adapted from Psalms 118:24)
Nineth: Think and practice joy everyday.
Tenth: Get enthusiasm; think enthusiasm; live enthusiastically.
Press On!
Follow your dream.
Take one step at a time.
And don't settle for less,
Just continue the climb.
Follow your dream.
If you stumble don't stop.
And if you lose sight of your goal,
Press on to the top.
For only on top
Can we see the whole view-
Can we see what we've done
And what we can do-
Can we then have the vision
To see something new,
Press on,
And follow your dream.
Seven Steps in Making a Decision
1. Be clear on the principle involved.
2. Take a long look ahead.
3. Think objectively.
4. Learn from the experience, successes, and failures of others.
5. Counsel with others.
6. Pray for guidance.
7. Decide.
Then pray for a confirmation and help to carry your decision through.
The Road Is Rough
poem taken from Harold B. Lee's talk
The road is rough I said, dear Lord,
There's stones that hurt me so;
And he said, dear child I understand,
I walked it long ago...
But there is a cool green path I said,
Let me walk three for a time;
No child He gently answered me,
The green road does not climb.
My burden I said is far too great,
How can I bear it so?
My child said he, I remember it's weight,
I carried my cross you know.
But I said I wish there were friends
who would make my way their own,
Ah yes, he said, Gethsemene was hard to face alone.
So I walked that stoney path
Content at last to know,
That where my master had not gone,
I would not have to go...
Strangely then I did find friends,
My burdens grew less sore,
As I remembered long ago,
He had walked that way before.....
The Difference
I got up early one morning
and rushed right into the day;
I had so much to accomplish,
I didn't have time to pray.
Problems just tumbled about me,
and heavier came each task.
Why doesn't God help me? I wondered,
He answered, "You didn't ask."
I wanted to see joy and beauty,
but the day toiled on, gray and bleak.
I wondered why God didn't show me,
He said, "But you didn't seek."
I tried to come into God's presence,
I used all my keys at the lock.
God gently and lovingly chided,
"My child, you didn't knock."
I woke up early this morning,
and paused before entering the day.
I had so much to accomplish
That I had to take time to pray.
and rushed right into the day;
I had so much to accomplish,
I didn't have time to pray.
Problems just tumbled about me,
and heavier came each task.
Why doesn't God help me? I wondered,
He answered, "You didn't ask."
I wanted to see joy and beauty,
but the day toiled on, gray and bleak.
I wondered why God didn't show me,
He said, "But you didn't seek."
I tried to come into God's presence,
I used all my keys at the lock.
God gently and lovingly chided,
"My child, you didn't knock."
I woke up early this morning,
and paused before entering the day.
I had so much to accomplish
That I had to take time to pray.
Whatever It Takes Song w/ lyrics
He's Been There Song
The Son of God, with His charity unfeigned,
Declared to men who mocked their Lord, forgiveness unrestrained.
His gentle words, spoken with authority,
Were doubted still by those who did not have the eyes to see.
He suffered grief and trembled beyond the watch of heaven,
Alone he drank the bitter cup, to save the souls of men.
Now even with demands of justice satisfied,
His boundless mercy reaches all who in His love abide.
Chorus:
He is with you always, watching over you; He knows all your pain.
Perfect people do not need a Savior; hope is not in vain.
He's been there. He is there.
At times I ask, in my own Gethsemane,
If my own prideful blindness would impede His love for me.
His sacrifice fills my heart with the belief
That though I've strayed, I'm not beyond His grasp of sweet relief.
Chorus & Bridge
When Christ shall come and in His mighty glory reign,
At last I'll see Him face to face -- this ransomed child to claim.
I know I will, after all is said and done,
Kneel at His feet; cry tears of joy -- the victory finally won.
He is with you always, watching over you; He knows all your pain.
Perfect people do not need a Savior; hope is not in vain.
Chorus
