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The Word Of GOD
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Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for
good to those who love God, to those who are the called
according to His purpose.
PRAY BEFORE IT STARTS: A torch has been lit today to be passed
along to your e-mail friends...asking them to pass it
along....and along....and along. We can do something about the
threat of war; both in Iraq and with terrorists. In the Old
Testament, God's armies were always led by the priests. When the
waters parted in the Jordan, it was the priests' feet which
first hit the turbulent river. In the New Testament, Christians
are also referred to as priests...all Christians.
We must, therefore, go in first.
As the possibility of war approaches with Hussein and Iraq, we
are asking the priests to step in first.....ahead of our
military. Let us be setting up camp for our soldiers' entrance
into the conflict. How? By prayer.
Let us be sending in "prayer missiles," "cruise
and scud prayers" to target enemy plans. "Patriot
prayers" to shoot down incoming threats.
We should be praying for two things: (1) that the enemy leaders
become confused, disoriented, and distrustful of each other;
that their entire system of attack fall apart, and (2) that in
God's wildest ways, these enemies would become aware of His deep
love for them and the war Jesus has already fought for them,
personally, on the cross. God had Gideon reduce his army from
32,000 to 300 men. He then equipped them with nothing but
trumpets, pitchers, and torches. What an odd combination to
fight off well-armed soldiers. When Gideon gave the command, the
Bible says the enemy fled crying and turned on each other...all
because God messed with enemy plans.
Prayers were started for this about a month ago. On CNN last
weekend a report came out that although Hussein has nothing to
lose, his generals do.
Is confusion beginning to develop? Please pray for God to set
the stage for defeat of all those who intend to do harm. When
our men and women of uniform arrive on the scene, may they be
surprised at how God had camp set up before they ever got there.
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Dancing With GOD
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When I meditated on the word GUIDANCE, I kept
seeing "dance" at the end of the word. I remember
reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing. When two
people try to lead, nothing feels right. The movement doesn't
flow with the music, and everything is quite uncomfortable and
jerky. When one person realizes and lets the other lead, both
bodies begin to flow with the music. One gives gentle cues,
perhaps with a nudge to the back or by pressing lightly in one
direction or another. It's as if two become one body, moving
beautifully. The dance takes surrender, willingness, and
attentiveness from one person and gentle guidance and skill from
the other. My eyes drew back to the word GUIDANCE. When I saw
"G," I thought of God, followed by "u" and
"I." "God, 'u" and "I"
dance."
God, you, and - I - dance. This statement is what guidance means
to me. As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust that I
would get guidance about my life. Once again, I became willing
to let God lead.
My prayer for you today is that God's blessings and mercies be
upon you and your family on this day and everyday. May you abide
in Him as He abides in you. Dance together with God, trusting
Him to lead and to guide you through each season of your life.
This prayer is powerful and there is nothing attached. If God
has done anything for you in your life please share this message
with someone else, for prayer is one of the best gifts we can
receive. There is no cost but a lot of rewards; so lets continue
to pray for one another. God, I ask you to bless my friends,
relatives and e-mail buddies reading this right now. Show them a
new revelation of your love and power of the Holy Spirit! I ask
You to minister to their spirit at this very moment. Where there
is self-doubt, release a renewed confidence through Your grace.
I Hope You Dance !!!!!!!!!!!!
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How Beautiful The Soul Is
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And they call some of these people "retarded"...
A few years ago, at the Seattle Special Olympics, nine
contestants, all physically or mentally disabled, assembled at
the starting line for the 100-yard dash.
At the gun, they all started out, not exactly in a dash, but
with a relish to run the race to the finish and win.
All, that is, except one little boy who stumbled on the asphalt,
tumbled over a couple of times, and began to cry.
The other eight heard the boy cry. They slowed down and looked
back. Then they all turned around and went back......every one
of them. One girl with Down's Syndrome bent down and kissed him
and said, "This will make it better." Then all nine
linked arms and walked together to the finish line.
Everyone in the stadium stood, and the cheering went on for
several minutes. People who were there are still telling the
story. Why?
Because deep down we know this one thing: What matters in this
life is more than winning for ourselves.
What matters in this life is helping others win, even if it
means slowing down and changing our course.
If you pass this on, we may be able to change our hearts as well
as someone else's.
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Pink Dress
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There was this little girl sitting by herself
in the park.
Everyone passed by her and never stopped to see why she looked
so sad.
Dressed in a worn pink dress, barefoot and dirty, the girl just
sat and watched the people go by. She never tried to speak. She
never said a word. Many people passed by her, but no one would
stop. The next day I decided to go back to the park in curiosity
to see if the little girl would still be there. Yes, she was
there, right in the very spot where she was yesterday, and still
with the same sad look in her eyes. Today I was to make my own
move and walk over to the little girl. For as we all know, a
park full of strange people is not a place for young children to
play alone. As I got closer I could see the back of the little
girl's dress. It was grotesquely shaped. I figured that was the
reason people just passed by and made no effort to speak to her.
Deformities are a low blow to our society and, heaven forbid if
you make a step toward assisting someone who is different. As I
got closer, the little girl lowered her eyes slightly to avoid
my intent stare. As I approached her, I could see the shape of
her back more clearly. She was grotesquely shaped in a humped
over form. I smiled to let her know it was OK; I was there to
help, to talk. I sat down beside her and opened with a simple,
"Hello"; The little girl acted shocked, and stammered
a "hi"; after a long stare into my eyes. I smiled and
she shyly smiled back. We talked until darkness fell and the
park was completely empty. I asked the girl why she was so sad.
The little girl looked at me with a sad face said,
"Because, I'm different"; I immediately said,
"That you are!"; and smiled. The little girl acted
even sadder and said, "I know." "Little
girl," I said, "you remind me of an angel, sweet and
innocent." She looked at me and smiled, then slowly she got
to her feet and said, Really?" "Yes, you're like a
little Guardian Angel sent to watch over all people walking
by." She nodded her head yes, and smiled. With that she
opened the back of her pink dress and allowed her wings to
spread, then she said "I am." I'm your Guardian
Angel," with a twinkle in her eye. I was speechless sure I
was seeing things. She said, "For once you thought of
someone other than yourself. My job here is done"; I got to
my feet and said, "Wait, why did no one stop to help an
angel?" She looked at me, smiled, an d said, "Your the
only one that could see me," and then she was gone. And
with that, my life was changed dramatically. So, when you think
you're all you have, remember, your angel is always watching
over you. Pass this to everyone that means anything at all to
you. . make sure you send it back to the person who sent it to
you, to let them know you're glad they care about you.
Like the story says, we all need someone...
And, every one of your friends is an Angel in their own way.
The value of a friend is measured in the heart.
I hope your Guardian Angel watches over you always.
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Hello GOD, I Called Tonight
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To talk a little while...
I need a friend who'll listen To my anxiety and trial. You see,
I can't quite make it Through day just on my own. I need your
love to guide me, So I'll never feel alone. I want to ask you
please to keep My family safe and sound. Come and fill their
lives with confidence For whatever fate they're bound. Give me
faith, Dear God, to face Each hour throughout the day, And not
to worry over things I can't change in any way. I thank you,
God, for being home And listening to my call; For giving me such
good advice When I stumble and fall. Your number, God, is the
only one That answers every time. I never get a busy signal,
Never had to pay a dime. So thank-you, God, for listening To my
troubles and my sorrow. Good-night, God. I love You, too. And
I'll call again tomorrow!
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The Green Dog
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"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by
the moments that take our breath away."
Green Dog
Read Each One Carefully and Think About It a Second or Two
1. I love you not because of who you are, but because of who I am
when I am with you.
3. Just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to,
doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.
4. A true friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches
your heart.
5. The worst way to miss someone is to be sitting right beside them
knowing you can't have them.
6. Never frown, even when you are sad, because you never know who is
falling in love with your smile.
7. To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be
the world.
8. Don't waste your time on a man/woman, who isn't willing to waste
their time on you.
9. Maybe God wants us to meet a few wrong people before meeting the
right one, so that when we finally meet that person, we will know
how to be grateful.
10. Don't cry because it is over, smile because it happened.
11. There's always going to be people that hurt you so what you have
to do is keep on trusting and just be more careful about who you
trust next time around
12. Make yourself a better person and know who you are before you
try and know someone else and expect them to know you.
13. Don't try so hard, the best things come when you least expect
them to.
REMEMBER: WHATEVER HAPPENS, HAPPENS FOR A REASON.
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Slow Down
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A young and successful executive was traveling down a
neighborhood street, going a bit too fast in his new Jaguar. He
was watching for kids darting out from between parked cars and
slowed down when he thought he saw something. As his car passed,
no children appeared. Instead, a brick smashed into the Jag's
side door! He slammed on the brakes and drove the Jag back to
the spot where the brick had been thrown. The angry driver then
jumped out of the car, grabbed the only kid he saw and pushed
him up against a parked car shouting, "What was that all
about and who are you? Just what the heck are you doing? That's
a new car and that brick you threw is going to cost a lot of
money. What were you thinking?" The young boy was
apologetic. "Please, mister...please, I'm sorry...I didn't
know what else to do," He pleaded. "I threw the brick
because no one would stop..."
With tears dripping down his face and off his chin, the youth
pointed to a spot just around a parked car. "It's him
up." Now sobbing, the boy asked the stunned executive,
"Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair?
He's hurt and he's too heavy for me." Moved beyond words,
the driver tried to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his
throat. He hurriedly lifted the handicapped boy back into the
wheelchair, then took out his handkerchief and dabbed at the
fresh scrapes and cuts. A quick look told him everything was
going to be okay. "Thank you and may GOD bless you,"
the grateful child told the stranger. Too shook up for words,
the man simply watched the boy push his wheelchair-bound brother
down the sidewalk toward their home. It was a long, slow walk
back to the Jaguar. The damage was very noticeable, but the
driver never bothered to repair the dented side door. He kept
the dent there to remind him of this message: "Don't go
through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to
get your attention!" GOD whispers in our souls and speaks
to our hearts. Sometimes when we don't have time to listen, He
has to throw a brick at us. It's our choice. GOD didn't promise
days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain,
but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears,
and light for the way. Send this to every "beautiful
person" you wish to bless, and return it to the person who
sent it to you.
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An Irish Friendship Wish
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May there always be work for your hands to do;
May your purse always hold a coin or two;
May the sun always shine on your windowpane;
May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain;
May the hand of a friend always be near you;
May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.
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To My Child
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This was sent to me by a 29 y\o father whose child has brain
cancer.
Just for this morning, I am going to smile
when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.
Just for this morning, I will let you choose
what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.
Just for this morning, I am going to step
over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to
play.
Just for this morning, I will leave the
dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle
of yours together.
Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the
telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the
backyard and blow bubbles.
Just for this afternoon, I will not yell
once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the
ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.
Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about
what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every
decision I have made where you are concerned.
Just for his afternoon, I will let you help
me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.
Just for this afternoon, I will take us to
McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both
toys.
Just for this evening, I will hold you in my
arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I
love you.
Just for this evening, I will let you splash
in the tub and not get angry.
Just for this evening, I will let you stay up
late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.
Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside
you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.
Just for this evening when I run my finger
through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that
GOD has given me the greatest gift ever given. I will think
about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their
missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their
children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and
fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer
senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it
anymore. And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little
tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank GOD for
you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............
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A Brother's Love - You Are My Sunshine
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"You are My Sunshine, My only Sunshine"
Like any good mother, when Karen found out that another baby was
on the way, she did what she could to help her 3-year-old son,
Michael, prepare for a new sibling. They found out that the new
baby was going to be a girl, and day after day, night after
night, Michael sang to his sister in mommy's tummy. He was
building a bond of love with his little sister before he even
met her.
The pregnancy progressed normally for Karen, an active member of
the Panther Creek United Methodist Church in Morristown,
Tennessee. In time, the labor pains came. Soon it was every five
minutes, every three, every minute.
But serious complications arose during delivery and Karen found
herself in hours of labor. Would a C-section be required?
Finally, after a long struggle, Michael's little sister was
born. But she was in very serious condition. With a siren
howling in the night, the ambulance rushed the infant to the
neonatal intensive care unit at St. Mary's Hospital, Knoxville,
Tennessee.
The days inched by. The little girl got worse. The pediatrician
had to tell the parents there is very little hope. Be prepared
for the worst.
Karen and her husband contacted a local cemetery about a burial
plot. They had fixed up a special room in their house for their
new baby but now they found themselves having to plan for a
funeral.
Michael, however, kept begging his parents to let him see his
sister. I want to sing to her, he kept saying.
Week two in intensive care looked as if a funeral would come
before the week was over. Michael kept nagging about singing to
his sister, but kids are never allowed in Intensive Care.
Karen decided to take Michael whether they liked it or not. If
he didn't see his sister right then, he may never see her alive.
She dressed him in an oversized scrub suit and marched him into
ICU. He looked like a walking laundry basket.
The head nurse recognized him as a child and bellowed, "Get
that kid out of here now. No children are allowed."
The mother rose up strong in Karen, and the usually mild-
mannered lady glared steel-eyed right into the head nurse's
face, her lips a firm line. "He is not leaving until he
sings to his sister" she stated. Then Karen towed Michael
to his sister's bedside.
He gazed at the tiny infant losing the battle to live. After a
moment, he began to sing. In the pure-hearted voice of a
3-year-old, Michael sang: "You are my sunshine, my only
sunshine, you make me happy when skies are gray." Instantly
the baby girl seemed to respond. The pulse rate began to calm
down and become steady.
"Keep on singing, Michael," encouraged Karen with
tears in her eyes.
"You never know, dear, how much I love you, please don't
take my sunshine away." As Michael sang to his sister, the
baby's ragged, strained breathing became as smooth as a kitten's
purr.
"Keep on singing, sweetheart." Karen begged.
"The other night, dear, as I lay sleeping, I dreamed I held
you in my arms". Michael's little sister began to relax as
rest, healing rest, seemed to sweep over her.
"Keep on singing, Michael."
Tears had now conquered the face of the bossy head nurse. Karen
glowed.
"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. Please don't take
my sunshine away..."
The next, day...the very next day...the little girl was well
enough to go home. Woman's Day Magazine called it The Miracle of
a Brother's Song. The medical staff just called it a miracle.
Karen called it a miracle of GOD's love.
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Whoever Came Up With This Must Have
Divine Guidance - Impressive
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Although things are not perfect
Because of trial or pain
Continue in thanksgiving
Do not begin to blame
Even when the times are hard
Fierce winds are bound to blow
GOD is forever able
Hold on to what you know
Imagine life without His love
Joy would cease to be
Keep thanking Him for all the things
Love imparts to thee
Move out of "Camp Complaining"
No weapon that is known
On earth can yield the power
Praise can do alone
Quit looking at the future
Redeem the time at hand
Start every day with worship
To "thank" is a command
Until we see Him coming
Victorious in the sky
We'll run the race with gratitude
exalting God most high
Yes, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but...
Zion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!
"I AM Too blessed to be stressed!" The shortest
distance between a problem and a solution is the distance
between your knees and the floor.
The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up
to anything. Love and peace be with you forever, Amen.
PS: GOD LOVES YOU...PASS THE WORD ON TO MORE
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Rules Of Life
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Sometimes we need to remember WHAT the Rules of life really are.
1. Never give yourself a haircut after three alcoholic beverages
of any kind.
2. You need only two tools: WD-40 and duct tape. If it doesn't
move and it should, WD-40. If it moves and shouldn't, use the
tape.
3. The five most essential words for a healthy, vital
relationship are "I apologize" and "You are
right."
4. Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.
5. When you make a mistake, make amends immediately. It's easier
to eat crow while it's still warm.
6. The only really good advice that your mother ever gave you
was: "Go! You might meet somebody!"
7. If he/she says that you are too good for him/her - believe
them.
8. Learn to pick your battles. Ask yourself, 'Will this matter
one year from now? How about one month? One week? One day?'
9. Never pass up an opportunity to pee.
10. If you woke up breathing, congratulations! You have another
chance!
11. Living well really is the best revenge. Being miserable
because of a bad or former relationship just might mean that the
other person was right about you.
12. Work is good, but it's not that important.
13. And finally; Be really nice to your friends and family. You
never know when you are going to need them to empty your bedpan.
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Inviting Success
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A woman came out of her house and saw 3 old
men with long white beards sitting in her front yard. She did
not recognize them. She said "I don't think I know you, but
you must be hungry. Please come in and have something to
eat."
"Is the man of the house home?", they asked.
"No", she replied. "He's out."
"Then we cannot come in", they replied.
In the evening when her husband came home, she told him what had
happened.
"Go tell them I am home and invite them in!"
The woman went out and invited the men in"
"We do not go into a House together," they replied.
"Why is that?" she asked.
One of the old men explained: "His name is Wealth," he
said pointing to one of his friends, and said pointing to
another one, "He is Success, and I am Love." Then he
added, "Now go in and discuss with your husband which one
of us you want in your home."
The woman went in and told her husband what was said. Her
husband was overjoyed. "How nice!!", he said.
"Since that is the case, let us invite Wealth. Let him come
and fill our home with wealth!"
His wife disagreed. "My dear, why don't we invite
Success?"
Their daughter-in-law was listening from the other corner of the
house. She jumped in with her own suggestion: "Would it not
be better to invite Love? Our home will then be filled with
love!"
"Let us heed our daughter-in-law's advice," said the
husband to his wife.
"Go out and invite Love to be our guest."
The woman went out and asked the 3 old men, "Which one of
you is Love? Please come in and be our guest."
Love got up and started walking toward the house. The other 2
also got up and followed him. Surprised, the lady asked Wealth
and Success: "I only invited Love, Why are you coming
in?"
The old men replied together: "If you had invited Wealth or
Success, the other two of us would've stayed out, but since you
invited Love, wherever He goes, we go with him. Wherever there
is Love, there is also Wealth and Success!!!!!!"
MY WISH FOR YOU...
Where there is pain, I wish you peace and mercy.
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Where there is self-doubting, I wish you
a renewed confidence in your ability to work through it.
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Where there is tiredness, or exhaustion,
I wish you understanding, patience, and renewed strength.
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Where there is fear, I wish you love, and
courage.
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Rain
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A little girl had been shopping with her Mom in Wal-Mart. She must
have been 6 years old, this beautiful red haired, freckle-faced
image of innocence. It was pouring outside. The kind of rain that
gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the
earth it has no time to flow down the spout. We all stood there
under the awning and just inside the door of the Wal-Mart.
We waited, some patiently, others irritated because nature messed up
their hurried day. I am always mesmerized by rainfall. I got lost in
the sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of
the world. Memories of running, splashing so carefree as a child
come pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day.
The little voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were
all caught in "Mom, let's run through the rain," she said.
"What?" Mom asked.
"Let's run through the rain," she repeated.
"No, honey. We'll wait until it slows down a bit," Mom replied.
This young child waited about another minute and repeated: "Mom, let's run through the rain!"
"We'll get soaked if we do," Mom said.
"No, we won't, Mom. That's not what you said this morning," the young girl
said as she tugged at her Mom's arm.
This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet?
"Don't you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, 'If God can
get us through this, he can get us through anything!"
The entire crowd stopped dead silent. I swear you couldn't hear anything
but the rain. We all stood silently. No one came or left in the next few
minutes.
Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say. Now some would laugh it off
and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child's' life. A time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faithS
"Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through the rain. If GOD let's
us get wet, well maybe we just needed washing," Mom said.
Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they
darted past the cars and yes, through the puddles. They held their shopping bags
over their heads just in case. They got soaked. But they were followed by a few
who screamed and laughed like children all the way to their cars. And yes, I did.
I ran. I got wet. I needed washing.
Circumstances or people can take away your material possessions, they can take away
your money, and they can take away your health. But no one can ever take away your
precious memories... So, don't forget to make time and take the opportunities to
make memories everyday. To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose
under heaven.
A friend sent this to me to remind me of life. Hope you enjoy it.
I HOPE YOU STILL TAKE THE TIME TO RUN THROUGH THE RAIN.
They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate
them, a day! to love them, but then an entire life to forget them.
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The Road Of Life
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At first, I saw God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of
the things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited heaven
or hell when I die. He was out there sort of like a president. I
recognized His picture when I saw it, but I really didn't know
Him. But later on when I met Christ, it seemed as though life
were rather like a bike ride, but it was a tandem bike, and I
noticed that Christ was in the back helping me pedal. I don't
know just when it was that He suggested we change places, but
life has not been the same since.
When I had control, I knew the way. It was rather boring, but
predictable it was the shortest distance between two points. But
when He took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts, up
mountains, and through rocky places at breakneck speeds. It was
all I could do to hang on!
Even though it looked like madness, He said, "Pedal!"
I worried and was anxious and asked, "Where are you taking
me?" He laughed and didn't answer, and I started to learn
to trust. I forgot my boring life and entered into the
adventure, and when I'd say, "I'm scared," He'd lean
back and touch my hand. I gained love, peace, acceptance and
joy; gifts to take on my journey, My Lord's and mine. And we
were off again.
He said, "Give the gifts away. They're extra baggage, too
much weight." So I did, to the people we met, and I found
that in giving I received, and still our burden was light.
I did not trust Him, at first, in control of my life. I thought
He'd wreck it; but he knows bike secrets, knows how to make it
bend to take sharp corners, knows how to jump to clear high
rocks, knows how to fly to shorten, scary passages. And I am
learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places, and I'm
beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face with
my delightful constant companion, Jesus Christ.
And when I'm sure I just can't do it anymore, He just smiles and
says... "Pedal."
Inspirational
Continued
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If you would like a personal reply to a question or problem email me!
Please be patient, however, as I get many emails every day.
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