bestofwords06.html

God is the final authority here, and I thank Him for you,
and allowing me to share with you in this way.
Lord, please continue to use me to do Thy Will.
Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others.
Keep me strong that I may help the weak and unsaved.
Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others.
May the Holy Spirit always continue to guide me.
I ask for your continued prayers, and please pray for each other

Bunny's Words © 1999-2004 All rights reserved

Gard61@aol.com

Song Playing is: "Your Not Alone" by The Kingsmen

Music is for evaluation purposes only.
If you like the music, please support the artists by purchasing the CD.

I absolutely do not receive any monetary gain for anything.
Everything I do is freely given, as it was freely received.

You begin your spiritual walk as an unworthy,
wicked lump of clay.
God places you on His potter's wheel,
and begins to form you. You may say,
"I have such rough edges this is very uncomfortable.

God looks at you with His all-knowing eyes and says,
"My child, I have just begun. Bear with Me, for I love you."
When He has formed you into shape,
You may say, "Lord I am in pain and hurting."
Please Lord, be finished with me."
God looks at you with His eyes full of Grace and says,
"My Sweet One, You are not yet done."
God proceeds to put you into the fire to refine you; and you say,
"Lord this is very hot. It's hurting me, Please STOP."
God looks again at you with His ever patient eyes and says,
"My dear child, I'm not yet done."
He removes you from the fire and begins to paint you
with beautiful colors that you cannot see, but can only feel.
You will say, "This is uncomfortable, please STOP.
I don't like this." God looks again at you and says,
"My beloved, but you are not yet done."
God proceeds to place you back in the fire to seal you,
and you scream, "LORD, LORD, I can bear no more.
I have been through so much pain and suffering!"
God looks at you and says, "My child, you're not yet done."

Suddenly the fire goes out and our Awesome, Graceful,
Ever-loving Father; gently reaches in and pulls out
the most beautiful creation, that shines~ with all of
His Glory.
A Creation that will never perish but have Everlasting
Life!
You will Say with tears in your eyes;
Thanksgiving in your heart, "My LORD, while I was an
unworthy, a wicked lump of clay, You reached down and
saved me and formed me, refined me, to be a beautiful
vessel. To show Your Grace and Glory.

To You, My FATHER, goes all the Praise.
To You, My FATHER, goes all the Thanks.

Remember when trials come in Your Life,
It's just another spin on the Potter's Wheel.

A Potter; who Loves you and will never leave you.

You dear Bunny, are one of God's chosen few
Who collect His Word and send it through
You send it out despite personal pain
You send it out so we might gain
We seek each day to see His Face
But you dear Bunny have found a place
Where sitting still is doing His Will
So keep it up sweet child of God
Keep sending out your kindhearted nod

Written by John B Kelleher 2001

I've never made a fortune, and it's probably too late now.
But I don't worry about that much, I'm happy anyhow.
And as I go along life's way, I'm reaping better than I sowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer, 'Cause my cup has overflowed.
Haven't got a lot of riches, and sometimes the goings tough.
But I've got loving ones all around me, and that makes me rich enough.
I thank God for His blessings, and the mercies He's bestowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer, 'Cause my cup has overflowed.
I remember times when things went wrong, my faith wore somewhat thin.
But all at once the dark clouds broke, and the sun peeped through again.
So Lord, help me not to gripe, about the tough rows I have hoed.
I'm drinking from my saucer, 'Cause my cup has overflowed.
If God gives me strength and courage, when the way grows steep and rough.
I'll not ask for other Blessings, I'm already Blessed enough.
And may I never be too busy, to help others bear their loads.
Then I'll keep drinking from my saucer, 'Cause my cup has overflowed.

When I think of how many people in this world
have it worse than I do.
I realize just how lucky most of us really are.

My Greatest Reward

God has claimed me as His own and promised to protect me from atop His Throne
He walks with me quietly all through the day and gives me His lap when it's time to lay
During troubled times if it is He that I seek, He will fill me with strength so I don't become weak
In times of confusion and fright in the night, His light will be strongest to comfort my plight
When I lift my hands skyward, when I turn to Our Lord, His Everlasting Love will be my Greatest Reward

Heaven's Gate

Where was God when I was scared
Where was God when no one cared
Where was God when in my haste
I left a path of total waste
He was with me from high above
Waiting to shower me with His love
All I had to do was pray
To be filled with a love
That would never stray
Once I asked Him into my heart
He removed all the anger and replaced all the hate
With a burning desire to enter HEAVENS GATE

God be in my head, and in my understanding;
God be in my eyes, and in my looking;
God be in my mouth, and in my speaking;
God be in my heart, and in my thinking;
God be at my end, and in my departing.

"Let your light so shine before men,
that they may see your good works
and glorify Your Father in Heaven."
(Matthew 5:16).

A simple question as you start this day:
Is God "showing through" in your life?

************************

Israel (Genesis 32:24-30).....14 February 2001

Rest
As one who has wrestled
With God
And with the world
And overcome.
Be still
Precious heart
As you have won
By surrendering
To that which makes victory impossible.
For you have fought
Against unimagined evils
But you held firm in your faith
And your love for the Lord
So as you seemed to be struggling alone
In truth
You had the greatest Power in the universe
Working beside you
To Bless you
And restore you.
Rest
My friend
With Heaven's perfect might
And as you go forth
Toward new adventures
New difficulties
Let every heart know
That all may overcome in Christ.

Ray McAllister

Life is like a patchwork quilt
And each little patch is a day
Some patches are rosy, happy and bright
And some are dark and gray.
But each little patch as it is fitted in
Are sewn to keep it together
Makes a finished block in this life of ours
Filled with sunshine and rainy weather
So let me work on life's patchwork quilt
Through the rainy days and the sun
Trusting that when I have finished my block
The Master will say "Well done"

************************

1 Corinthians 13: 4-7, 13 (NIV)

Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud, it is not rude,
it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no
record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices
with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes,
always perseveres. Love never fails.

Don't attempt to run from the past, it is always behind you.
Don't be afraid of opposition;
Remember a kite rises against, not with the wind.
Don't be afraid of tomorrow, for God has already been there.
Don't be afraid to learn, knowledge is weightless,
A treasure you can always carry easily.
Don't be angry at a friend who told your secret,
For neither could you keep it to yourself.
Don't be concerned about others not appreciating you.
Be concerned about your not appreciating others.
Don't be irreplaceable --
If you can't be replaced, you won't be promoted.
Don't be so Heavenly minded that you do no earthly good.
Don't control, be in control.
Don't count the days, make the days count.
Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.
Don't ever slam a door, you may want to go back.
Don't fear failure so much that you refuse to try new things.
The saddest summary of a life contains three descriptions:
Could have, might have, and should have.
Don't get good at doing something if you don't like doing it.
Don't get married only because of the money.
You can borrow it cheaper.
Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap,
But by the seeds you plant.
Don't just get something out of church, put something into it.
Don't kill the dream - execute it!
Don't learn the tricks of the trade, learn the trade.
Don't let anybody walk through your mind with dirty feet.
Don't let people drive you crazy when it is within walking distance.
Don't let time take control of your destiny.
Let your destiny take control of your time.
Don't let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.
Don't let your life slip through your fingers
by living in the past or for the future.
Don't limit your challenges - challenge your limits.
Don't listen to what I say; listen to what I mean.
Don't love the things you own, lest they own you.
Don't measure your life by how many breaths you take,
measure it by how many times you get your breath taken away.
Don't pray for easy lives; pray to be stronger people.

Keep Going

There's no skill in easy sailing
when the skies are clear and blue.
There's no joy in merely doing things
that anyone can do.
But there is great satisfaction
that is mighty sweet to take
when you reach a destination
that you thought you couldn't make.

I am a child.
I am yours.
It matters not if I was born or selected by you:
It matters only that I be loved by you.
Protect me, but don't smother me;
guide me, but don't push me;
correct me, but don't criticize me harshly:
free me, but don't abandon me:
shower me with memories fill my eyes with tears
rather than my heart with pain.

Listen to my thoughts as I ramble to your tired ears.
Touch my hand -- meet my eyes -- let me know you are there.
Praise me for the little things I do, for they are great
accomplishments in my eyes.
Read to me, for until I gain my knowledge,
you must train my blind eyes and deaf ears to look and listen.
Encourage me because I believe in you with all my heart.
But most of all, love me.
For as much as you give, it is that much and more
that I promise to return.

Please love me.
It won't cost too much or take too long.
It won't make a mess or be too loud.
I won't break it but I promise to keep it forever with me.
Someday, I will find a person and share this priceless gift,
for it will never grow old or outdated,
but only grow more beautiful with age.

"I Wish You Enough!"

I never really thought that I'd spend as much time
in airports as I do. I don't know why.
I always wanted to be famous and
that would mean lots of travel.
But I'm not famous,
yet I do see more than my share of airports.

I love them and I hate them.
I love them because of the people I get to watch.
But they are also the same reason
why I hate airports.
It all comes down to "hello" and "goodbye."

I must have mentioned this a few times
while writing my stories for you.
I have great difficulties with saying goodbye.
Even as I write this I am experiencing
that pounding sensation in my heart.
If I am watching such a scene in a movie
I am affected so much that I need to sit up
and take a few deep breaths.

So when faced with a challenge in my life
I have been known to go to our local airport
and watch people say goodbye.
I figure nothing that is happening to me at the time
could be as bad as having to say goodbye.
Watching people cling to each other, crying,
and holding each other in that last embrace
makes me appreciate what I have even more.
Seeing them finally pull apart,
extending their arms until the tips
of their fingers are the last to let go,
is an image that stays forefront
in my mind throughout the day.

On one of my recent business trips,
when I arrived at the counter to check in,
the woman said, "How are you today?"
I replied, "I am missing my wife already
and I haven't even said goodbye."
She then looked at my ticket and began to ask,
"How long will you...Oh, my God.
You will only be gone three days!"

We all laughed.

My problem was I still had to say goodbye.

But I learn from goodbye moments, too.

Recently I overheard a father and daughter
in their last moments together.
They had announced her departure
and standing near the security gate,
they hugged and he said,
"I love you. I wish you enough."
She in turn said, "Daddy,
our life together has been more than enough.
Your love is all I ever needed.
I wish you enough, too, Daddy."

They kissed and she left.
He walked over toward the window where I was seated.
Standing there I could see he wanted and needed to cry.
I tried not to intrude on his privacy,
but he welcomed me in by asking,
"Did you ever say goodbye to someone
knowing it would be forever?"

"Yes, I have," I replied.
Saying that brought back memories
I had of expressing my love and appreciation
for all my Dad had done for me.
Recognizing that his days were limited,
I took the time to tell him face to face
how much he meant to me.
So I knew what this man experiencing.

"Forgive me for asking,
but why is this a forever goodbye?" I asked.

"I am old and she lives much too far away.
I have challenges ahead and the reality is,
the next trip back would be for my funeral," he said.

"When you were saying goodbye I heard you say,
"I wish you enough." May I ask what that means?"

He began to smile.
"That's a wish that has been
handed down from other generations.
My parents used to say it to everyone."
He paused for a moment and looking up
as if trying to remember it in detail,
he smiled even more.

"When we said I wish you enough,
we were wanting the other person
to have a life filled with just enough
good things to sustain them," he continued
and then turning toward me he shared the following
as if he were reciting it from memory.

"I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys
in life appear much bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish enough Hello's to get you through the final "Goodbye."

He then began to sob and walked away.

My friends, I wish you enough!

"I believe in You!"
Bob Perks.........Bo-@bobperks.com
All stories are copyrighted 2001 Bob Perks.
You are free to forward this message to anyone
as long as the ENTIRE message is sent.
No portion of this message maybe copied.

I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge.
That myth is more potent than history.
That dreams are more powerful than facts.
That hope always triumphs over experience.
That laughter is the only cure for grief.
And I believe that love is stronger than death.

Storyteller's Creed from Robert Fulghum

"Whose Flowers Are These?"

Whose flowers are these growing wild along the path not taken?
Whose unseen hand has sown the seeds that made these hills awaken?
Who sends the rains in summer to make the poppies grow,
Then keeps their birth a secret from the villagers below?
Whose flowers are these within the woods where few have dared to trod,
Unseen throughout the ages known only unto God?
With such beauty all around us, I wonder what I'll see
In God's celestial gardens when angels come for me?

What Disease And Pain Cannot Do

Cancer, pain, and disease, is so limited
It cannot cripple love. It cannot shatter hope
It cannot corrode faith. It cannot eat away peace
It cannot destroy confidence. It cannot kill friendship
It cannot shut out memories. It cannot silence courage
It cannot invade the soul. It cannot reduce eternal life
It cannot quench the Spirit.
Our greatest enemy is not pain, cancer or disease

But Despair

Please Take Me God

I was driving to the grocery store just thinking of
everything on my list to do today. Taking the kids to
soccer practice, cleaning the house, getting groceries,
getting the oil changed in the car, the list went on and
on. I was feeling overwhelmed and was already tired
before I had even gotten started.

On my way to the store I saw something horrible happen,
a train had run into a car that was crossing the tracks.
I thought "Oh no! This is horrible, there is no way the
driver of that car could have lived!!"

I was the closest car to the tracks so I put my car in park and got out.
I ran over to the car and looked in and could not
believe what I was seeing. Tears came to my eyes and I
just couldn't take it. Inside the car was a woman who was
driving that was obviously dead. In the back-seat was a
baby in its car seat bleeding everywhere and next to
the baby was a little girl who I guessed to be about 4
years old and she was bleeding also.

Just then the little girl spoke. She said, "Is my mommy
and baby sister okay?"
I just looked at her and said, "Honey I don't know.
There is a doctor on his way right now."
Just then the little girl started crying saying,
"Don't take my mommy and my baby sister.
Take me with you too!! Please!!"
She was pleading at who knows what, to take her -- but
take her where??? I asked the little girl who she was
talking to and she said, "Don't you see? That Angel is
taking my mommy and my baby sister! I want to go with
them, too! My mommy is waving good-bye to me and she is
holding my baby sister and she is smiling!" The little
girl started to cry because she did not want to stay,
she wanted to go with her mommy and her baby sister.

I felt so sorry for her. I didn't believe in God and I
thought to myself, where did an angel come from? What
kind of God would take a mommy and a baby but not the little sister?

At that moment I saw the little girl start to smile so
big as she held her arms out to something, someone to
pick her up. I thought to myself that she must be
delirious and maybe she is hurt worse than I thought.
Just then the little girl closed her eyes and slumped
over in her seat. She was dead!

I couldn't be sad even though this was a 4-year-old
little girl that had just died. You wouldn't be sad
either if you could see that beautiful smile on her face!
I guess her mommy and baby sister came back to get her.
That was also the day that God came to get me --
as that was the day that I became a believer
and turned my life over to The Living God.

Do you ever reflect on what a marvelous gift
God has given us with the facility of memory?
If you think the human existence came about by pure chance,
explain the human brain and the miracle of memory.
If we came about by chance,
we would have a nose in place of our belly button
and one eye in the middle of our forehead,
but God in His wisdom gave us two eyes for depth perception
and two ears for distance and location perception.
By giving us two ears and only one mouth,
He was also probably giving us a subtle hint.

I constantly marvel at the beauty
and complexity of all of God's creation.
When you consider the vast expanse
of our world and the planets beyond,
and then realize that you and I are,
in size, like a speck of dust by comparison,
it should make us very humble,
especially when we consider His love for each of us.

In Psa. 8:3 & 4, (nlt) David says,
"When I look at the night sky
and see the work of Your fingers --
the moon and the stars You have set in place --
what are mortals that You should think of us,
mere humans that You should care for us?"

************************

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 wake up softly all rumpled in your sheets
and I will hold you until you are ready for the day.
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 back yard 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 this 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 you to McDonalds
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 show.
Just for this evening,
when I run my fingers 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 who
are searching for their missing children,
the mothers who are visiting their children's graves
instead of their bedrooms, and mothers 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 goodnight,
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.

************************

I Said, God Said

I looked in the mirror and said, "I'm fat."
God answered and said, "You're beautiful."
I looked within and said, "I'm sinful."
The Father answered and said, "You're forgiven."
I looked for friendship and said, "I'm lonely."
Jesus answered and said, "You are mine."
I looked for satisfaction and love and I said, "I'm empty."
The Holy Spirit answered and said, "You're filled."
I looked for love and said, "I'm undesirable."
God answered and said, "You're precious."
I looked to God and said, "I need You."
He answered and said, "I'm here."

Weavings

My life is but a weaving between my God and me.
I may not choose the colors but He knows what they should be.
For He can view the pattern upon the upper side
While I see it.....only on the underside.
Sometimes He weaveth sorrow which seemeth strange to me
But I will trust His judgment and work on faithfully.
Tis He who fills the shuttle for He knows what is best
And I shall weave in earnest and leave with Him the rest.
At last when life has ended, with Him I shall abide
Then I may view the pattern upon the other side.
Then I shall know the reason why pain with joy entwined
Was woven in the fabric of life......that GOD designed.

based on Mark 11:22-24: 28

I gaze through the window of faith
And see God's worlds of distant hope
So close and clear and real.
I watch each treasure
Move about in perfect order
As if through a telescope.
And whatever I need
Or desire
Dances before me
Teasing my anxious grasp .
O Lord
Give me the simple
Childlike trust
To reach through this porthole
Farther and farther
And take for myself
Grander and grander
As I grow in faith
To claim all boundless beauties
That shine now ever near.

Ray McAllister. August 2000

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not to your own understanding.
In all ways, acknowledge Him
and He will direct your paths."
Proverbs 3:5-6

************************

Quiet Time With God

I love to spend quiet time with You. You are my closest friend.
I share with You my innermost thoughts, and with You, I never pretend.
I am always open and honest with You, for You perceive what I'm going through.
You are near and ready to minister to me, if I give all my burdens to You.

When I feel I'm on a merry-go-round, my world spinning out of control.
You hear my cries as I call to You. Your Spirit flows and soothes my soul.
You remind me You're walking beside me, during the times I'm tossed and blown.
You admonish me “walk by faith not sight,” for You're with me, I'm never alone.

Because I'm one of Your children, and You're my Father whom I wish to obey.
I'll remember Your promise You give me. You won't forsake or cast me away.
When life's problems come my way, my response will glorify You.
I will be joyful and give You praise, no matter what I have to go through.

After spending this quiet time with You, just the two of us together.
I can then go out and face the world, for there's nothing "we" can't weather.

God has woven threads of gold throughout your life.
Don't hesitate to remind yourself and others of the good things
God has done for you in the past.
It gives you reason to hope.
Explore the good of days gone by ...
enjoy your heritage and share it with others.

Fix it, Daddy, she lisps at 2,
showing this god in her life her scraped knee.
Fix it, Daddy, she says at 4,
tearfully producing her broken balloon
purchased from the vendor at the parade.
Fix it, Daddy, she says at 6,
struggling with her jacket zipper
on her rush out the door to school.
Fix it, Daddy, she says at 8,
confidently wheeling her dented and lopsided bike
toward him as he gets out of his car after work.
Fix it, Daddy, she intones righteously at 10,
after coming out loser in a knockdown, drag-out battle
with her stupid, tyrannical and absolutely impossible brother.
Fix it, Daddy, she pleads at 12
in the first of many struggles with her mother
over whether she's old enough to wear eye shadow.
Fix it, Daddy, she sobs at 14,
when her image hits rock bottom
because she didn't make the cheerleading squad.
Fix it, Daddy, she asks at 16,
exposing her first broken heart over a lost love.
Fix it, Dad, she says at 18,
when the college she wants, doesn't want her.
Fix it, Dad, she implores at 22,
sending along her mangled checkbook stubs and a 1040 form.
Fix it, Dad, she begs at 24,
when she witnesses a rare conflict between him and her mother.
Fix it, Dad, she writes at 26,
explaining that she wants a quiet wedding
officiated by a priest and a rabbi.
Fix it, Dad, she prays at 30,
when her baby is in the hospital and her husband is overseas.
Fix it, Grandpa, she insists at 40,
as she turns her contrary 12 year old son
over to him for the weekend.
Fix it, Dad, she begs at 45,
when he tells her his heart is faltering and needs repair.
Fix it, Father, she prays at 55,
as she kneels at her dad's funeral,
praying that he will find peace and realizing
that from now on he will be fixing things for her
in a way he never could before.

It's Your Move...To My Child:

I gave you life but cannot live it for you.
I can teach you things but I cannot make you learn.
I can give you directions but I cannot always be there to lead you.
I can allow you freedom but cannot account for it.
I can take you to church but I cannot make you believe.
I can teach you right from wrong but I cannot always decide for you.
I can buy you beautiful clothes but I cannot make you lovely inside.
I can offer you advice but I cannot accept it for you.
I can give you love but I cannot force it upon you.
I can teach you to be a friend but I cannot make you one.
I can teach you to share but I cannot make you unselfish.
I can teach you respect but I cannot force you to show honor.
I can grieve about your report card but I cannot doubt your teachers.
I can advise you about friends but I cannot choose them for you.
I can teach you about sex but I cannot keep you pure.
I can tell you the facts of life but I cannot build your reputation.
I can tell you about drinking but I cannot say no for you.
I can warn you about drugs but I cannot prevent you from using them.
I can tell you about lofty goals but I cannot achieve them for you.
I can let you baby-sit but I cannot be responsible for your actions.
I can teach you kindness but I cannot force you to be gracious.
I can warn you about sin but I cannot make you moral.
I can love you as a son/daughter but I cannot place you in God's family.
I can pray for you but I cannot make you walk with God.
I can teach you about Jesus but I cannot make Him your Savior.
I can teach you to obey but I cannot make Jesus your Lord.
I can tell you how to live but I cannot give you Eternal Life.
You see, I can only do so much. Now it's your move.

************************

The most difficult thing at times is to
find enough strength to believe in yourself.
Don't be surprised every now and then
to find yourself with no one other than yourself
to defend your beliefs.
The most difficult time to have faith in your abilities
is when you are the only one,
but that doesn't make your potential any less,
or decrease your desire to achieve everything you want.

You have been blessed with so many gifts;
all that is needed is that you find the courage
to continue doing whatever you believe in.

Have you ever been so far down that you
don't see how you can ever get out of it?
Do you have problems that seem to overwhelm you?
How do you come back from something like that?
How do you move forward with your life?
Just remember this:
No matter what has happened in the past,
you always have something to contribute to life.
As long as you are breathing, you can make a difference.
It doesn't matter who you are or what you have been
or even what you have done.
That is all in the past, and you cannot change it,
but you can change the present and the future.
You can resolve to make a positive contribution to life,
to your own life, to the lives of others, to your community,
to the world, to the future.
Nothing can pull you down far enough when you are
resolved to make a difference, when you are committed
to making a contribution.
Go forward.
Find what you can contribute to life, and you will find
Fulfillment, Joy and Peace.

"The first peace, which is the most important,
is that which comes within the souls of people
when they realize their relationship, their
oneness with the universe and all its powers,
and when they realize that at the center of the
universe dwells the Great Spirit, and that this
center is really everywhere, it is within each of us.

~Black Elk~

His praise brought lightening from the sky
Prayers and offering was accepted
He knew by the thundering roar
his prayer was heard
There would be restitution for what he did
Repentant . . . bravely he stood on ledge of a cliff
At last he felt the load lifted off his shoulders
He had been forgiven
Now he became one with Heaven's love
He would resolve to keep his word
Loving life and protecting earth and all its inhabitants.

A Rose Within

A certain man planted a rose and watered it faithfully,
and before it blossomed, he examined it.
He saw the bud that would soon blossom and also the thorns.
And he thought,
"How can any beautiful flower come from a plant
burdened with so many sharp thorns?"
Saddened by this thought, he neglected to water the rose,
and before it was ready to bloom, it died.
So it is with many people.
Within every soul there is a rose.

The Godlike qualities planted in us at birth
grow amid the thorns of our faults.
Many of us look at ourselves and see
only the thorns, the defects.
We despair, thinking that nothing good
can possibly come from us.
We neglect to water the good
within us, and eventually it dies.
We never realize our potential.
Some people do not see the rose within themselves;
someone else must show it to them.
One of the greatest gifts a person can possess
is to be able to reach past the thorns
and find the rose within others.
This is the characteristic of love,
to look at a person, and knowing his faults,
recognize the nobility in his soul,
and help him realize that he can overcome his faults.
If we show him the rose,
he will conquer the thorns.
Then will he blossom, blooming forth thirty, sixty,
a hundred-fold as it is given to him.
Our duty in this world is to help others by
showing them their roses and not their thorns.
Only then can we achieve the love we
should feel for each other;
only then can we bloom in our own garden.

The way David is calling on the Lord sounds like he is saying,
You are the ultimate in love. Your mercy can't be matched.
The sin I have committed calls for all that a forgiving God stands for."
I have been praying a real dangerous prayer....
"God show me my real self."
What a shock it is when He points out something
that I have long buried and refused to let surface.
I hope it isn't all revealed at once,
my heart couldn't take it.
"You correct me Lord." Jeremiah 10:23-24
David has had his eyes opened to what he really is ...
then his plea is..."Wash me thoroughly... cleanse me from my sin."
He wants to be rid of this heavy hanging over his head. (PS. 51:2).
To cleanse is to get all the impurities out........
Confession is the first ingredient for a healing heart. I John 1:9
" If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,
and cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness."

Dare to Pray.... "Lord make me willing to let You do the necessary deep cleaning."

Jesus' own words in John 3:3 (niv),
I tell you the truth, unless a man is born again,
he cannot see the Kingdom of God."
Heaven is the eternal home for God's children.
To become a child of God,
you need to be born into His family.
That is not only the right way, it's the only way.

Where Am I?

In hopes of finding something to cling to in times of need,
I find myself trying too hard to be what everybody else wants,
and slowly, the real me is slipping away.
Sometimes, so far that I am just beyond my own reach,
that unexplainable tears come to my eyes
Tears of frustration.
Tears of fear.
And even when surrounded by others,
a feeling of loneliness suddenly overtakes me,
and I have to reach for myself.
In which direction do I reach?
For bitter truth.......or happy lies.

I've got a God who understands; Who holds me daily in His hands.
My God controls the sun and rain, yet He knows my private pain.
He cares when I ask "why?" He comforts when I cry.
He answers, "My child, peace, be still. Learn to rest in My will.
Bring your need to Me in prayer. I will comfort and heal you there.
Learn to see with eyes like Mine, that look beyond both space and time,
Where you will rest on Heaven's shore, and live with Me forever more.

In the Beatitudes (Matt. 5) Jesus said,
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled."

I Was Lifted Up On Angels Wings

I was lifted up on angel's wings, and through the Heavens soared,
When I came upon a brilliant light, I found it was my Lord,
With hair like snow and eyes of fire, I bowed before His feet,
In His presence it was hard to stand, my sins felt like concrete,
Head hung in sorrow, tears filled my eyes, my mouth, it could not speak,
My sins were overpowering me, my soul, it just felt weak,
A gentle hand reached out to touch me, a voice like thunder spoke.
The love He gave enveloped my soul, my heart no longer broke,
He put His loving arms around me, such peace that I felt then,
I was quite sure in knowing that He'd do it all again,
Our righteous acts are like filthy rags, the Lord reminded me,
Come in unto me My precious child, for I can set you free,
I was lifted up on angels wings, and through the Heavens soared,
I had been forgiven my sin and, my soul has been restored.

Author White Dove

1 Thessalonians 5:9-10
For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath
but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.
He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep,
we may live together with Him.

************************

The Most Glorious Art Of All

In all His wisdom, did He know how incredibly beautiful
He would paint the skies?

Dear Lord, let me never be too busy that
I forget to look upon Your canvas in the sky.
Whether it be in the sunrise hours,
or those few precious moments as the day wanes.
So many have tried to capture Your beauty for centuries
with paints and other means of colors,
but no person has been able to capture the true beauty
You have put here for all of us to look to.
Allow me the wisdom to gaze upon the pinks, purples,
golds, yellows, and all the wondrous colors You have put
in this world for our sunrises and sunsets.
Let me remember to teach the children to look up..
To wonder in Your paintings...
To appreciate the truest beauty of it all.
And when Your skies become dark and stormy,
let me find the beauty in that also.
For I know You have a reason and a purpose for the darkness.
When I look upon the beautiful trees and flowers,
I will see the colors of the sky again.
Teach me to help others keep this Earth
as beautiful as You planned it.
And I will be reminded time after time...
that once Your stormy skies have done their work,
The Heavens again will be painted in colors
I cannot possibly imagine.
Allow others to see in their hearts,
the beauty I see in Your skies.
And when Your skies grow dark with nightfall,
thank You Lord for putting the stars there for me to wish upon.
Let me always remember to look up.

Cracked Pot

A water bearer in India had two large pots,
one hung on each end of a pole which he carried across his neck.
One of the pots had a crack in it, and while the other pot
was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water
at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master's house,
the cracked pot arrived only half full.
For a full two years this went on daily,
with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water
in his master's house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its
accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made.
But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection,
and miserable that it was able to accomplish
only half of what it had been made to do.

After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure,
it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream.
"I am ashamed of myself, and for these past two years,
to deliver only half of my load,
because this crack in my side causes water
to leak out all the way back to your master's house.
Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work,
and you don't get full value from your efforts," the pot said.
The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot,
and in his compassion he said,
"As we return to the master's house,
I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path."
Indeed, as they went up the hill,
the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming
the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path,
and this cheered it some.
But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because
it had leaked out half its load,
and so again it apologized to the bearer for its failure.
The bearer said to the pot,
"Did you notice that there were flowers only on
your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side?
That's because I have always known about your flaw,
and I took advantage of it.
I planted flower seeds on your side of the path,
and everyday while we walk back from the stream,
you've watered them.
For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers
to decorate my master's table.
Without you being just the way you are,
he would not have this beauty to grace his house."

Moral: Each of us has our own unique flaws.
We're all cracked pots.
But it's the cracks and flaws we each have
that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding.
You've just got to take each person for what they are,
and look for the good in them.
There is a lot of good out there.
There is a lot of good in you!
Blessed are the flexible,
for they shall not be bent out of shape.
Remember to appreciate all the different people in your life!

Take delight in the Lord,
and He will give you the desires of your heart.

************************

Why

Why must we struggle have regrets and feel despair
Why must we be lonely wishing today someone will care
Why does the road we journey down have so many rocks and stones
Why in this world we live in do people still feel all alone
"Why" such a tiny word without definition to be found
Why can drive you insane if you allow it to stick around
Sometimes searching for a reason could consume your whole life
So turn to the one true answer which is our Savior Jesus Christ
He won't define the undefinable, yet He will show you how to find peace
Through faith and trust in Him you will obtain sweet release
For the Lord knows why we suffer, why hard times must come our way
For no true joy or happiness can be found if we have not walked through cloudy days
When you are engulfed in bad you are blinded to the good within
But patience, endurance, and faith are the real victories that you win
God's love is the carrying factor that we seem to lose sight of
That unconditional grace and mercy that is given through His love
So when the whys overwhelm you and the world comes crashing in
Remember He is there with you and you can start all over again

Peace with God through faith in Jesus Christ.

Why should faith in Christ bring peace?
It restores a relationship to God that was broken by our innate sin.
Faith in Christ involves repentance for and forgiveness from our sin.
That alone brings inner peace,
but it is accompanied by a personal reservation in Heaven,
that adds to our inner peace.
A further advantage is having a pipeline to and from God
for handling our daily life's problems.
Faith in Christ is a win win situation.
I hope you are experiencing that inner peace.

Jesus said in John 14:27 (nlt), "I am leaving you with a gift,
peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't like the
world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid," A gift isn't a
gift until it is accepted. Have you accepted the gift of God's
forgiveness through faith in Christ?

Walk a little plainer, Daddy, said a little boy so frail
I'm following in your footsteps and I don't want to fail
Sometimes your steps are very plain, sometimes they are hard to see
So walk a little plainer daddy, for you are leading me.
I know that once you walked this way many years ago
And what you did along the way I'd really like to know
For sometimes when I am tempted I don't know what to do
So walk a little plainer Daddy for I must follow you.
Someday when I'm grown up you are like I want to be
Then I will have a little boy who will want to follow me
And I would want to lead him right and help him to be true
So walk a little plainer daddy for we must follow you.

And we know that in all things
God works for the good of those who love Him,
who have been called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28

The Lord gives His people strength.
The Lord Blesses them with peace.
Psalm 29:11 (nlt)

A World of Dreams

Lean against a tree and dream your world of dreams.
Work hard at what you like to do and try to overcome all obstacles.
Laugh at your mistakes and praise yourself for learning from them.
Pick some flowers and appreciate the beauty of nature.
Say hello to strangers and enjoy the people you know.
Don't be afraid to show your emotions.
Laughing and crying makes you feel better.
Love your friends and family with your entire being,
They are the most important part of your life.
Feel the calmness on a quiet sunny day.
Find a rainbow and live your world of dreams.
Always remember life is better than it seems.

Good-byes aren't forever.

It just means a temporary departure from this world into a better one.
There is no certain time or certain date you will be taken out of this world.
You may be taken today, tomorrow, or two years from now.
No one knows, only God knows.
There is no certain age you will be taken out of this world either.
You may be taken at 2, 16, 18, 21, or even 40 .
No one knows, only God knows.
But there will come a day when you will be taken from this
world and put into a better one.
One where there is no sickness, pain, or sorrow.
But until that day, always remember

Good-bye doesn't mean forever.

************************

The Dogwood Tree

When Christ was on earth, the dogwood grew
To a towering size with a lovely hue.
Its branches were strong and interwoven
And for Christ's cross its timbers were chosen.
Being distressed at the use of the wood
Christ made a promise which still holds good
"Not ever again shall the dogwood grow
To be large enough for a tree, and so
Slender and twisted it shall always be
With cross-shaped blossoms for all to see.
The petals shall have bloodstains marked brown
And in the blossom's center a thorny crown.
All who see it will think of Me,
Nailed to a cross from a dogwood tree.
Protected and cherished this tree shall be.
A reflection to all of My agony."

There's a place within our hearts
Where we keep our favorite memories,
The ones that never fail to make us smile...
And when life becomes too hectic
It's such a special feeling
To close your eyes and reminisce awhile...
And out of all the memories
Of family and friendships,
The ones that are most touching to recall
Are joy-filled, love-filled moments
That we shared together...
Those are the dearest memories of all.

by Amada Bradley

Begin Again

One of the best things we can do in our lives is this:
begin again.
Begin to see yourself
as you were when you were the happiest
and strongest you've ever been.
Begin to remember what worked for you
(and what worked against you),
and try to capture the magic again.
Begin to remember
how natural it was when you were a child
to live a lifetime each day.
Begin to forget
the baggage you have carried with you for years:
the problems that don't matter anymore,
the tears that cried themselves away,
and the worries that are going to wash away
on the shore of tomorrow's new beginning.
Tomorrow tells us it will be here
every new day of our lives;
and if we will be wise,
we will turn away from the problems of the past
and give the future - and ourselves -
a chance to become the best of friends.
Sometimes all it takes is a wish in the heart
to let yourself ... begin again.

Collin McCarty

Hold a torch to light another's path and brighten your own.

************************

"The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to get
angry, full of unfailing love. The Lord is good to everyone.
He showers compassion on all His creation."
Psalm 145:8 & 9

Lord You did not promise us that we would be free
of terrible events in our lives.
You promised that You would be with us always
and help us bear our burdens.
You told us that You will renew our strength
and lift us up on wings like an eagle
and renew our strength so that we wouldn't grow
weary, faint nor fall (Isaiah 40:31).

So Lord I pray that everyone will find peace
in the midst of this storm in getting to know You.
Lord I pray that if there are any among them
who have not accepted Your gift of salvation,
that they would accept this gift now.

************************

I surrender my life and possessions to you.
I refuse to fear, worry, or be discouraged
in the name of Jesus Christ. I will not hate,
envy, or show any type of bitterness toward
my brothers, sisters, or my enemies, but
I will love them with the love of God shed
abroad in my heart by the Holy Ghost
Romans 5:5

"Today is the day the Lord hath made;
let us rejoice & be glad in it"
Psalms 118:24

Remember, God doesn't call the equipped,
He equips the called.
Your worst days are never so bad that you
are beyond the reach of God's grace.
And your best days are never so good that you
are beyond the need of God's grace.

Last night, as I sat there, I started to cry.
My wings were all broken, and I just couldn't fly.
All the others were flying, around and around.
But for me, I couldn't, I remained on the ground.
My wings were so bad, all rusted and torn.
From anger and hate, to arrogance and scorn.
They wouldn't even flap, being so out of repair.
But the thing that hurt most, no one seemed to care.
I sat there alone, watching all others fly.
Not even getting up, or attempting to try.
But then in one moment, God was gracious to me.
He sent me a friend, as I prayed on my knees.
Her wings were pure white, and her features aglow.
She was very strong, which I soon came to know.
She picked me right up, and flew to the highest mountaintop.
I was really nervous 'cause there, she did stop.
She told me, "now fly," but "I can't" I said back.
"It's not your wings that are broken, it's just confidence you lack."
I turned around and looked, to check out my wings.
They looked so torn, those pitiful things.
"I'll catch you" she said, "If you start to fall,
Just yell out my name, I'll hear your call."
So I took a running start, attempting to soar.
Exhilaration went through me, like never before.
I'm" flying!" I exclaimed, "Higher than kings."
"I'm flying!" "flying with broken wings."

For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 niv

Index	Ten	Twenty	Thirty
One	Eleven	Twenty-One	Remembering One
Two	Twelve	Twenty-Two	Remembering Two
Three	Thirteen	Twenty-Three	Remembering Three
Four	Fourteen	Twenty-Four	Animals One
Five	Fifteen	Twenty-Five	Animals Two
Six	Sixteen	Twenty-Six	Animals Three
Seven	Seventeen	Twenty-Seven	Heroes
Eight	Eighteen	Twenty-Eight	Holidays
Nine	Nineteen	Twenty-Nine

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	The Christians with Chronic Illness/Pain Site Ring
	This site is owned and maintained by Bunny