bestofwords14.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: "At The Cross" by The Gaither Vocal Band

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.

The Foot Of The Cross

Fearing the battle was over,
And I'd already lost the war;
I was tired of trying and failing,
I just couldn't fight anymore.
So dragging my battle scarred body,
I crawled to the foot of the Cross;
And I sobbed "Oh please Father forgive me,
But I tried....I tried.....and I still lost."
Then the air grew silent around me,
I heard His voice just as clear as the dawn;
"Oh, My child though you are weary and tired,
You can't stop, you have to go on."
At the foot of the Cross where I met Him,
At the foot of the Cross where He died;
I felt love as I knelt in His presence,
I felt hope as I looked in His eyes.
Then He gathered me lovingly to Him,
As around us God's light clearly shone;
And together we walked through my lifetime,
To heal every wound I had known.
I found bits of my dreams long forgotten,
And pieces of my life on the floor;
But I watched as He tenderly Blessed them,
And my life was worth living once more.
I knew then why I had been losing,
I knew then why I had not grown;
At the foot of the Cross came the answer,
I'd been fighting the battle alone.
At the foot of the Cross where I met Him,
At the foot of the Cross where He died;
Then I knew I could face any challenge,
Together just My Lord and I

I have been blessed by your page 14. Thank you for using my poem At The Foot Of The Cross. I wrote this many years ago as a song and after finding no one interested in it as a song, I sent it out as a poem and one day to my great delight I put my name in my search engine and found God had used His poem to bless many. If you would like to see more of my work, my URL is as follows. http://forhismercyngrace.com. Come visit.

One afternoon a little boy was playing outdoors. He used his mother's broom as a horse and had a wonderful time until it was getting dark. He left the broom on the back porch. His mother was cleaning up the kitchen when she realized that her broom
was missing. She asked the little boy about the broom and he told her where it was.
She then asked him to please go get it. The little boy informed his mom that he was afraid of the dark and didn't want to go out to get the broom.
His mother smiled and said "The Lord is out there too, don't be afraid." The little boy opened the back door a little and said "Lord if you're out there, please hand me the broom."

I cannot hide my true spirit and intent from the Creator. He created a
system of justice. This system of justice says we will get back whatever
we plant. If I plant good then good returns - if we plant bad, then we
will suffer the consequences. Whatever we think about another person,
the same things are thought about us. Whatever we send out is sent back.
Man cannot alter this system of justice. It doesn't matter what we say
or do. What really matters is what we really, really did.

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

"Love is that condition in which the
happiness of another person is essential
to your own."

"I have spread my dreams under your feet;
Tread softly because you tread on my dreams."

There's a time for us to say "goodbye",
A time for memories to take their start,
A time for tears and certain fears
And longings in the heart
The voices soon may fade away
The names become a blur,
Past plans seem more like shadows now
Of dreams that 'almost' were.
So here's a wish meant just for you,
You're a very special kind,
And wherever you go may Peace and Love
Be following close behind.
Now this path will surely take you
To a future yet far away.
But once there think back to those you've touched
And the memories you made today.
It's true, you see, Time really does fly,
Only very few things stay the same,
Like the thought of one special moment,
An embrace...or a voice...or a name.
So take every day and enjoy it,
Live it sweetly to its very end,
And however the harsh winds torment you,
Like a Willow...you must learn to bend.
My wish now is really quite simple,
A path filled with Joy, Strength and Health,
To touch all of your heart, and light up your soul,
And fill up your mind with true wealth.

From the tiny birds of the air and from the fragile lilies of the
field, we learn the same truth . . . God takes care of His own. . . .
At just the right moment, He steps in and proves Himself
as our faithful heavenly Father.

--Charles Swindoll

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

"Make long range plans as if you are going to live forever,
and live today as if it were your last day on Earth!

(Psalm 59:16-17 niv) But I will sing of Your strength, in the morning I will sing of Your love; for You are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. O my Strength, I sing praise to You; You, O God, are my fortress, my loving God.

Prayer: LORD, I want to sing praise to You every morning, in my home, at work, everywhere, without hesitation or reservation! When difficult times arise, You are my refuge and my defense. Thank You for being my strength and that I am not alone or dependent only upon my own resources.
You are worthy of praise and adoration and I will honor You with the words of my mouth today, acknowledging who You are and what You have done for me.
In Jesus' name. Amen.

We are so busy living in a world that is full of noise and clatter. People are distracted and unable to hear the still, small voice of God as He speaks in creation, in the Scriptures, and in the life and work of Jesus Christ.
So I ask you, as I ask myself, "Are you listening, or are you waiting to be called? Do you hear the Lord when He speaks to you?

When you are feeling lonely,
When you are feeling scared,
When you are suffering with pain,
When you are deep in sadness,
When your heart is filled with anger,
When your head is full with worry,
When all things seem hopeless,
When things seem more than you can bear,
When no one seems to care,
Just give it all to God,
Go down on your knees in prayer.

Lord God Almighty, on this glorious day set a fire
in our hearts to seek and know You:
an intense burning to totally love and serve You.

A burning because of the awful price of the cross
where You suffered to redeem us from sin.
A burning because of the incredible resurrection where You triumphed over death and despair.
You, Lord Jesus, are risen, and we praise You,
And we praise the Spirit for making it happen.
We praise You for comforting those with pain,
for healing those with broken and lonely hearts,
for sustaining those with doubt and uncertainty,
for strengthening those who are weak and frail,
for restoring those disabled by crippling strokes,
for encouraging those losing their sight and sound,
for mending bones that are fragile and broken,
for freeing those enslaved by insidious self-will,
for empowering us to love and bless one another for
calling us into ministry of reconciliation and
for granting us the free gift of eternal life---

As we walk the pathways of life this week,
light a fire of love and kindness in our hearts,
a burning to surrender our wills to You each day,
a hunger for revival in our hearts and midst.
O Christ, reign in our lives this week.
O Holy Spirit, revive and saturate our souls.
Amen

Jesus truly is the joy of life!
May your heart be filled to
overflowing with His perfect love.

Jesus............

Through His incarnation
we came face to face with mercy.....
Through His life
we came to know the heart of God.....
Through His resurrection
we came to experience the joy of salvation.

May the blessings of the Savior rest upon you,
refreshing your heart, renewing your hope,
revealing again His grace and His love.

There is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came
and for whom we live, and there is but one Lord,
Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.
1Corinthians 8:6

Matthew 18:19-20 (niv) Again, I tell you that if two of you
on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by My Father in Heaven. For where two or three come together in My name, there am I with them.

Prayer....Gather two or more of you, gather in His name...
Nothing in the lives you lead will ever be the same.
A power found in numbers, two or three or more,
Your partners at the table, God is at the core.
Miracles are all around, beyond what you can see.
I will see your dreams for you, you see mine for me.
Banish all the limits...stretch instead, and ask.
We will do the footwork, God completes the task.

Quiet Moments

All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful, the Lord God made them all.
Each little flower that opens, each little bird that sings,
He made their glowing colors, he made their tiny wings.
The purple-headed mountain, the river running by,
The sunset, and the morning, that brightens up the sky;
The cold wind in the winter, the pleasant summer sun,
The ripe fruits in the garden, he made them every one.
He gave us eyes to see them, and lips that we might tell,
How great is God Almighty, who has made all things well.

You're already a winner because you are here today, living and
breathing, capable of making decisions, thinking thoughts, taking
action and accomplishing great things. A whole miraculous universe
is available to you here in this moment.

Those people who are able to tap into just a fraction of their
potential enjoy stunning levels of success and achievement. Imagine
what would happen if you were to do the same, right now.

Though you've made mistakes, though others may have hurt you, though
you may be weary and filled with regret, still this life is full
of positive possibilities for you. Step back for a moment and look
at the whole picture. Consider the boundless magnitude of your good
fortune. Live every moment as if it were the most miraculous thing
you could ever imagine, because it is.

I wrote your name in the sand but the waves washed it away,
then I wrote it in the sky but the wind blew it away,
so I wrote it in my heart and that's where it will stay.

My Creator, faith is belief without evidence.
Today, give me the faith.
Let me trust that You are running my life.
Let me know You are in charge of all things.
Let my mind not wonder; let me stand strong on Your path today.

By: Don Coyhis

A Revealing (And Motivational) Illustration

"They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles." (Isaiah 40:31)
Fact: Every morning, eagles take approximately one hour to do what is known as "preening".
Fact: For one hour, the eagle sits high upon a rock, ledge or tree and pulls every feather on both wings through its mouth.
There are 1,200 feathers on each wing. This process is like a "steam cleaning".

(Why The Preening?)
#1. To clean and restore the feathers from yesterday's activities (and)
#2. To secrete an oil from its mouth that glazes over the feathers.
(why, so that the feathers won't get water soaked in the rain, mist, dew, fog and snow) or the eagle would get weighted down and fall to the ground.

What An Awesome Lesson On Prayer

(Each Morning With The Lord)
#1. To restore us and cleanse us from all the other "activities and debris" we've dealt with recently in the journey. (and)
#2. To glaze us over with the oil of the Holy Spirit
(which is our only source of help and strength and protection).
Remember a Prayer is not to twist God's arm to do God's will; it is God's way for me to align my heart to do His will on earth.
Prayer is humility
(it says, "God, I can't do anything without Your help")
Prayerlessness is pride
(It says, "God, I can do it without You")

And Remember These Three:
#1. If we wrestle with God in secret, we will never have to lower ourselves to wrestle with men in public.
#2. If we prostrate ourselves before the Lord, we will never be prostrated before the enemy.
#3. If we find our security in God through prayer, the intimidation and manipulation of others will not detour us as we do the will of God.

"Oh God, Teach Us To Pray"
Prayer is the breath of the soul: when I breathe I live, when I cease to breathe I die!!

We Are All The Same

Are we not all the same? Are we not all children of the same Creator?
Does He not look upon us all the same? Would we, who are parents, look at one of our children as favoring one over another?
No, we wouldn't.
People are different, in color, belief, and ways, but it's that difference that makes us special. But God does not look upon us and favor one over the other.....
There is too much hatred. Too much prejudice, and too much false pride in people today.
Do you not know, how you judge, you are judged? We are not one above another.
Sure.....some people have everything, and others have very little, but God looks at us all the same. If you had two children, one wealthy, one poor....would you favor one over the other??
If you do, you put yourself above the Creator.
Look at all people as for what they are. Your relatives, your family, love all people for what they are.
Help all people that need help. Pray for their needs as you would pray for yours.
We all have the right to exist and voice our opinions, so don't judge another by their opinion when both yours and theirs could be wrong.
Live close to Earth Mother and let her know you appreciate all He gives you.
Thank the Creator for all you have and pray for those who may have less.
Have you held a baby lately?
If you can today, do so, and feel the power of the Creator going up your arm. Look at the light the little one emits. This light is sacred and to hold and love a child is like holding a piece of Heaven in your arms. Pray that this child will have a good life. Pray it will always have enough milk and food to keep it healthy. Thank God for the baby, and thank the baby for being there...
We are all the same, so today start treating people, even the ones you don't know, with love and respect. For all are surely your relation, your people, your family. Thank you for your time, and I pray blessings to you and your people

Tommy Crowhawk

My mystery will go on until the end of days, as I had planned. "I am with you always, even unto the ends of the earth". If this is not so ... then why are you here ... and looking upon My face? It is not as important that you believe or accept My image evidence, but rather that you believe in Me.
For, it still applies that "Blessed are they that have not seen and yet have believed" (John 20:29).
"I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me". (John 14:6)
Do not be anxious that My cloth image may fade, for I shall never fade or go away. "I Am the light of the world: He that follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12)

Be assured that the day will come when My arms shall enfold you with all the Love of My Father and Your Father. Look around at your world ... which deeply grieves Me. The pangs of pain and approaching change are everywhere. Be vigilant in your faith, my child, for I shall soon return to you ... and only then will My image and mystery be truly understood ... and believed.

Love and Peace be unto you.

God IS Love
And all He asks is that you accept what Jesus has done for you..
Accept Jesus as Lord of your life. Accept Him as your Lord and Savior. Believe in your heart that He died for you, and you shall be saved.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God........And the Word was made flesh.....and dwelt among us.
Jesus loves you....When you feel nobody else does...Jesus loves you..

When the work presses, and the battle thickens, and the day seems long in coming, it is good for the heart to remember that the present conflict is with defeated foes, and that there is no room for question as to the final issue, for the Man of Nazareth is not only seated in the place of authority, He carries forward the work of active administration.

In the providence of God we are, no doubt, spared and
protected from much that would hurt, harm, and destroy us. But we also know that we are not exempted or isolated from all of life's pain, else we would not have felt so much of it along the way.
In the providence of God we are spared from some suffering. In the course of life, we are not spared from all suffering. When suffering comes, though, God is with us; and God is on the side of strength and healing and joy and life.

Sometimes you may feel like you have been “through the mill,” and you don’t see how you can take anymore. You have “trouble, trouble, trouble right here in River City.” You feel like you’ve reached your limit and want to just quit and give up. Maybe that feeling is about church work you are doing -- that no one appreciates your efforts.

Suppose Paul had quit long before he wrote the great books that we have in the Bible. Just suppose, and think how much smaller our New Testament would be. But, thankfully, he didn’t quit. In his book of 2 Cor. 4:8 & 9 (nlt), he wrote these encouraging words: “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed and broken. We are perplexed, but we don’t give up and quit. We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going.” Maybe you need to get up again and keep going. Our attitude needs to be -- “Hang tough.” Remember, you and God make quite a
team. He’s depending on you, so don’t give up!

Pipe Dream

I had the strangest dream the other night. It was one of those dreams which haunts you because you know that on some level it was real. I was just drifting through time and space when I came to a place beyond all my experiences. There was a being there who was mind bogglingly complex and yet absolutely serene and breathtakingly beautiful. I could see that it was
blowing soap bubbles and intently examining each bubble until it burst.
I sensed that this being was totally aware of whatever was happening inside the bubble. There was simply no event within the bubble that this entity did not also experience. It amazed me that it could fathom and keep track of so much even though the bubble had such a short life span. As I drew nearer, I realized what was in the bubble, and my mind almost stopped functioning
for in a heartbeat I knew it was our universe. Everything that we were, are, or ever would be was nothing but a pipe dream to this entity. To say that I was staggered and bewildered would have been a monumental understatement.
I was reeling out of control until I realized something else. For as my gaze looked up and away from the entity, I saw that its universe was also a soap bubble.
Then I wondered as I began to awaken, how many levels are there to a pipe dream.

dennis j hopkins

The Flow of Liberty (Lev 25:8-13:)

Let now Your Holiness, flow through my soul and proclaim liberty for me
From fear
From pride
From sin.
May Heaven's glory wash through me like a river
And cleanse from my core all that is impure
Or that holds me a slave to destruction.
Then may Your Spirit move within me
That this rush of deliverance, renewal and love
Would reach forth with jubilance from within my humble heart
To all Your children round about me
That I and they and Your world might soon stand free to be holy.

Ray McAllister.....18 November 2002

Forgiveness is a funny thing. It warms the heart and cools the sting.
Those who cannot forgive others break the bridge over which they themselves must pass.

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

It is far too easy for us to look at the exploits of man and
refer to them as "wonders"
while we overlook all God has done,
regarding them as merely "ordinary."

May you be reminded today of those things which are truly wondrous.

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

Native Blessing

May you have the strength of eagles' wings,
The faith and courage to fly to new heights,
And the wisdom of the universe to carry you there.

Life is short and we have not too much time for gladdening the
hearts of those who are traveling the dark way with us ~
Be Swift to Love! Make Haste to be Kind!

Great Spirit, God, Creator of All
I welcome You into my heart, mind, body and soul. There is always room for You here.
Grant me the wisdom to heed my inner voice, and the strength to stay grounded while I sing my sacred song.
Guide me down my chosen path and give me the courage to pursue what is available to me. I am thankful for the lessons and grateful for my struggles;
I have not forgotten what has brought me to where I am today.
Open my heart to the healing wholeness of nature;
We are all related, and through this I will find serenity.
Great Spirit, God, Creator of All.......Cleanse my spirit and wash my soul.
There is always room for You here.

Jesus truly is the joy of life! May your heart be filled to overflowing with His perfect love.

Psalms (nlt) 5:3, "Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to You and wait expectantly;" 27:14, "Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord."

I know you are lonely and God knows it too,
And He'll provide a way for you to get through.
You see Jesus was often lonely and therefore understands;
You are more than safe in His holy hands.
Trust Him to lead you each step of the way,
And know only what's best will He bring you today.
There's no greater love than God's love for you,
And nothing's more sure than His promises true.
God hasn't forgotten you, He knows where you are;
He knows every sore place, He sees every scar.
He sees when you laugh and hears when you cry,
He knows when you're thinking that life's passing you by.
Take time now to praise Him and remember He's here,
Wherever you go you'll find He is near.
Your faith He will strengthen and comfort He'll bring,
He'll supply all your needs--He's our Heavenly King.
When you think this world is treating you wrong,
Take comfort in knowing we won't be here long.
We're heading for Heaven where everything's great,
God won't take us too soon and won't take us too late.
So today if you're lonely, downhearted or sad,
Look upward to Jesus and He'll make your heart glad.
He died to redeem you so He's suffered too,
You can reject or receive Him, it's now up to you.

We shall come one day to a Heaven where we shall gratefully know that God's great refusals were sometimes the true answers to our truest prayer.

The Be-Attitudes

Be understanding to your enemies.
Be loyal to your friends.
Be strong enough to face the world each day.
Be weak enough to know you cannot do everything alone.
Be generous to those who need your help.
Be frugal with what you need yourself.
Be wise enough to know that you do not know everything.
Be foolish enough to believe in miracles.
Be willing to share your joys.
Be willing to share the sorrows of others.
Be a leader when you see a path others have missed.
Be a follower when you are shrouded by the mists of uncertainty.
Be first to congratulate an opponent who succeeds.
Be last to criticize a colleague who fails.
Be sure where your next step will fall, so that you will not stumble.
Be sure of your final destination, in case you are going the wrong way.
Be loving to those who love you.
Be loving to those who do not love you; they may change.

Above all, be yourself.

1John 1: 6, 7~ If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not tell the truth;
But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His
Son cleanseth us from all sin.

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

Do not say, "It is morning," and dismiss it with a name of
yesterday. See it for the first time as a newborn child that has no name.

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

If you're afraid, DO something about it:
"The most drastic, and usually the most effective remedy for fear is direct action."

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

"Many of our fears are tissue paper-thin, and a single
courageous step would carry us through them."

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

"One had to take some action against fear when once it laid hold of one."

Yesterday I met a stranger . . .
Today this stranger is my friend.
Had I not taken the time to say "hello,"
Return a smile, shake a hand, or listen,
I would not have known this person.
Yesterday would have turned into today
And our chance meeting would be gone.

Yesterday I hugged someone very dear to me.
Today they are gone . . .and tomorrow will not bring them back.
Wouldn't it be nice if we all knew tomorrow would be here? But this is not to be. So take the time today to give a hug, a smile, or to say "I love you."

Two verses come to mind -- Rom 6:14 (nlt), "Sin is no longer your master, for you are no longer subject to the law, which enslaves you to sin. Instead you are free by God's grace." and Heb. 4:16, "So let us come boldly to the throne of Our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it." O child of God, don't ever take His grace for granted.

There has to be
I wake this morn
There has to be
I see, I hear, I think
There has to be
He came, I saw, He conquered
There has to be
When what you desire most
Seems just out of reach
There has to be
Tonight
When you wake, from your wake
You will know, what I know
There has to be
And there is!

James Warren St. Pierre

The Stone Cutter

There was once a stone cutter who was dissatisfied with himself and with his position in life.
One day he passed a wealthy merchant's house. Through the open gateway, he saw many fine possessions and important visitors. "How powerful that merchant must be!" thought the stone cutter. He became very envious and wished that he could be like the merchant.

To his great surprise, he suddenly became the merchant, enjoying more luxuries and power than he had ever imagined, but envied and detested by those less wealthy than himself. Soon a high official passed by, carried in a sedan chair, accompanied by attendants and escorted by soldiers beating gongs. Everyone,
no matter how wealthy, had to bow low before the procession. "How powerful that official is!" he thought. "I wish that I could be a high official!"

Then he became the high official, carried everywhere in his embroidered sedan chair, feared and hated by the people all around. It was a hot summer day, so the official felt very uncomfortable in the sticky sedan chair. He looked up at the sun. It shone proudly in the sky, unaffected by his presence. "How powerful the sun is!" he thought. "I wish that I could be the sun!"

Then he became the sun, shining fiercely down on everyone, scorching the fields, cursed by the farmers and laborers. But a huge black cloud moved between him and the earth, so that his light could no longer shine on everything below. "How powerful that storm cloud is!" he thought. "I wish that I could be a cloud!"

Then he became the cloud, flooding the fields and villages, shouted at by everyone. But soon he found that he was being pushed away by some great force, and realized that it was the wind. "How powerful it is!" he thought. "I wish that I could be the wind!"

Then he became the wind, blowing tiles off the roofs of houses, uprooting trees, feared and hated by all below him. But after a while, he ran up against something that would not move, no matter how forcefully he blew against it - a huge, towering rock. "How powerful that rock is!" he thought. "I wish that I could be a rock!"

Then he became the rock, more powerful than anything else on earth. But as he stood there, he heard the sound of a hammer pounding a chisel into the hard surface, and felt himself being changed. "What could be more powerful than I, the rock?" he thought. He looked down and saw far below him the figure of a stone cutter.

Gal 5:22 (nlt), "When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will produce in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."

God sees the sorrows of life are very good for us; for as the seeds that are deepest covered with snow in winter flourish most in spring; or as the wind by beating down the flame raises it hotter and hotter; even so, when the Lord would increase our joy and thankfulness, He allays it with the tears of affliction.

God keeps me functioning each and every day. Without Him, I am nothing, but with Him I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
(Phil 4:13)

One day, one friend asked another, "How is it that you are always so happy? You have so much energy, and you never seem to get down."
With her eyes smiling, she said, "I know the Secret!" "What secret is that?" To which she replied, "I'll tell you all about it, but you have to promise to share the Secret with others.
The Secret is this: I have learned there is little I can do in my life
that will make me truly happy. I must depend on God to make me happy and to meet my needs. When a need arises in my life, I have to trust God to supply according to His riches. I have learned most of the time I don't need half of what I think I do. He has never let me down. Since I learned that Secret, I am happy."

The questioner's first thought was, That's too simple! But upon
reflecting over her own life she recalled how she thought a bigger house would make her happy, but it didn't! She thought a better paying job would make her happy, but it hadn't. When did she realize her greatest happiness? Sitting on the floor with her grandchildren, playing games, eating pizza or reading a story, a simple gift from God.
Now you know it too! We can't depend on people to make us happy. Only GOD in His infinite wisdom can do that. Trust Him! And now I pass the Secret on to you! So once you get it, what will you do?
You have to tell someone the Secret, too! That GOD in His wisdom will take care of YOU!

Never Be Discouraged

There is really nothing we need to know
or even try to understand.
If we refuse to be discouraged
and trust God's guiding hand.
So take heart and meet each minute
with faith in God's great love,
Aware that everyday of life
is controlled by God above...
And never dread tomorrow
or what the future brings,
Just pray for strength and courage
and trust God in all things.
And never grow discouraged
be patient and just wait
for "God never comes too early
and He never comes too late!"

The highest pinnacle of the spiritual life is not joy in unbroken sunshine but absolute and undoubting trust in the love of God.

Joshua 1:9 (nlt)
"I command you, be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord Your God is with you wherever you go."

Different Drums and Different Drummers

"If I do not want what you want, please try not to tell me that my want is wrong. Or if I believe other than you, at least pause before you correct my view.
Or if my emotion is less than yours, or more, given the same circumstances, try not to ask me to feel more strongly or weakly.
Or yet if I act, or fail to act, in the manner of your design for action, let me be.
I do not, for the moment at least, ask you to understand me.
That will come only when you are willing to give up changing me into a copy of you.
I may be your spouse, your parent, your offspring,
your friend, or your colleague.
If you allow me any of my own wants, or beliefs, or actions, then you open yourself, so that someday these wants of mine might not seem so wrong, and might finally appear to you as right for me.
To put up with me is the first step in understanding me.
Not that you embrace my ways as right for you, but that you are no longer irritated or disappointed with me for my seeming waywardness.
And in understanding me you might come to prize
my differences from you, and far from seeking to change me, preserve and even nurture those differences."

Today, may our thanks be to God, for we have been deeply and richly blessed....
Tomorrow, may our actions reflect His peace, for we have been filled with His spirit....
Always, may we follow close to Him, for we have been promised His lasting love.

Pat Mitchell

Yes, life is loaded with discouragements. So what do we do -- give up? No, not as long as we have two brain cells to rub together. We do not give up. We may have to step back, take a deep breath and dig our heels in for a new start, but we do not give up.

These words from Joshua 1:9 (nlt) were written for another time and place, but you can claim them for your own from a never changing God: "I command you -- be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." He is -- He really is. Count on it.

Dave George

We have ample evidence that the Lord is able to guide.
The promises cover every imaginable situation.
All we need to do is to take the hand He stretches out.

The first star in the evening sky shines with a special brightness, because it is the first. We see it as a signal; the first sign that afternoon has turned to evening. The first of anything is touched with special glamour; first love, a baby's first words or steps, first day of school, first job. They're signals of change, profound and irreversible. When day turns to evening, that day will never come again. Tomorrow is a new day, unique and never to be repeated. If we could meet each new day, each new person, each new experience, as though it were the first, our lives could be touched by the excitement and discovery of adventure. We're not the same as we were yesterday. Each moment we change; each new event in our lives can be a cusp between two different states. Today, let's give ourselves that special gift. Believe in Yourself! Set your standards high, you deserve the best. Try for what you want, and never settle for less. Believe in yourself, no matter what you choose. Keep a winning attitude, and you can never lose. Think about your destination but don't worry if you stray because the most important thing is what you've learned along the way. Take all that you've become, to be all that you can be. Soar above the clouds, and let your dreams set you free.

Psalms 55:22 "Cast your cares on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall."

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble, it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it's as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

1 Cor, 16:13 (nlt), "Be on guard. Stand true to what you believe. Be courageous. Be strong. And everything you do must be done with love."

The question why, is the oldest question in the bible, why is this happening to me? You believe God when He says He heals, but you aren't healed. Then you think, perhaps there is sin in your life, perhaps God is punishing you for it, or you don't have enough faith to be healed. What does the Bible have to say about illness?

Yes, there is such a thing as demons, but that isn't always the cause.

God is a God of love, and only when you turn God away, when you harden your heart against God, are you in real trouble!

If you read some of the stories where Jesus healed, some were healed because of the faith in Jesus, others where He had compassion on the person. Jesus knew they were going to doctors, and it is stated that the well don't need doctors, only the sick. So if you need a doctor, it is biblical!!! The point is, to know where God's will is. Is it that you are not healed, but are being used to lead others to Christ? Is it that your illness is bringing you closer to Christ? Are you giving up on praying for wholeness again?

Of course, examine to see if there is any sin that could be between you and God, if there is, seek His forgiveness, if not, pray continually for His guidance.
I have read the story of Joni Erickson Tada, who has been paralyzed from the neck down since a diving accident in her teens. Bitter, for a while, God has used her to His glory, by her story and leading the way for the handicapped, who have a place in this world also. The never ending therapy is painful but necessary to keep what strength she has, but remember she was asked, "Have you asked God to be healed?" "Everyday." is her answer, "But God had other plans."
Prayer groups, intercessory prayer by others, have sought God for healing of others and we should pray for others also.
Another point, Job, although he was put through a mighty painful trial, God permitted it, and Job sought God for his why.

Don't give up praying for your healing, but when the answer comes, it is in God's plan to use you for His glory. If you are not healed, He will sustain you to His glory also.

Be Careful What You Say

In speaking of a person's faults pray don't forget your own;
Remember those with homes of glass should seldom throw a stone.
If we have nothing else to do but talk of those who sin,
'Tis better we commence at home and from that point begin.
We have no right to judge a man until he's fairly tried;
Should we not like his company we know the world is wide;
Some may have faults, and who has none?
Perhaps we may for aught we know, have fifty to their one.
I tell you of a better plan and find it works full well;
To try my own defects to cure before of others tell;
And though I sometimes hope to be no worse than some I know;
My own shortcomings bid me let the faults of others go.;
Then let us all when we commence to slander friend or foe;
Think of the harm one word may do to those we little know;
Remember, curses sometimes like our chickens, "Roost at home."
Don't speak of other's faults until we have none of our own.

Joseph Kronthal

Sometimes Lord our prayers lead us to be greedy. We must be grateful and consider Thy will. Only You know what is best for us. When we gave our life to You, we said we would trust You in everything.
We must not complain like little children when we can't get our way. Sometimes we take the smallest things for granted.
When we awake in the morning and we are whole in body and spirit, it is a blessing we should be thankful for. If our eyes are open to see, and our ears are open to hear, and our hearts are focused on Your will, may we pray this prayer to You.
Oh Lord Your will.....Nothing more
Nothing less.......
Nothing less.......

The Visitor

When I was 18, as I was preparing to serve a mission, my bishop called me to teach the Sunbeams. I had never before learned to love others more than myself until I had served those children in such a simple assignment. With time and patience I learned how to keep those seven children in their seats and listening to a simple lesson.
One day I invited Mike, to come to church and sit in my class.
Mike was my age but had stopped attending church completely by the time he was 12. We had remained friends over the years as I had served as the deacons quorum president, the teachers quorum president, and the first assistant to the bishop in the priests quorum. He had been the topic of many fellowship discussions and was often part of my prayers as the years passed. Once in a while Mike would accept my invitations to come to an activity, It always surprised me when he did, so I kept inviting him. At the time, Mike had long, black hair and a beard. His complexion was dark and pleasant. I don't remember when I invited him to my primary class, but one day he showed up.

"Class, I would like to introduce you to my friend Mike," is how I began my lesson. "He is visiting us today." Mike sat next to me in front. The children sat in a semicircle with their eyes fixed on him.
They were much quieter than usual. I was about five or six minutes into the lesson when one little boy got up from his chair and walked across the room and stood directly in front of my friend. The boy paused for a moment and then climbed onto his lap. I continued with the lesson as I watched the two of them from the corner of my eye.
The boy sat looking into Mike's face. Mike was quite uncomfortable but did not interrupt the lesson or turn the boy away. The other children watched the two of them for a few minutes.
Then one of the girls climbed off her seat and approached Mike.
I was intently interested in seeing how Mike would react and did not want to instruct the two children back to their seats. The girl stood with her hand on Mike's knee looking into his face.
Then it happened. The boy on Mike's lap reached up with both hands and turned Mike's face directly to his. I stopped my lesson to see what was about to unfold. With the innocence of a child, he said to Mike, "Are you Jesus?"

The look on Mike's face was total surprise. It seemed, as I glanced at the children's faces, they all had the same question on their minds. Mike looked at me as if to say, Help, What do I say?
I stepped in. "No, this is not Jesus. This is his brother."
Mike looked at me as if in shock. Then without hesitation the boy in Mike's lap reached up and wrapped his arms around Mike's neck.
"I can tell," the boy said as he hugged Mike.
The rest of the children smiled and nodded in agreement as their simple question was answered. Mike blinked back the tears in response to the love he felt from this small Sunbeam. The lesson went on, but that day the teacher who taught the most was a three-year-old child.
Mike spent more than a year getting ready to serve a mission.
It thrilled me to learn that he left for the mission field a few months before I returned. I still think of the scripture in Matthew 18:5: "And whosoever shall receive one such little child in my name receives me."

Our Father which art in Heaven,
Hallowed be Thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth,
as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For Thine is the Kingdom,
and the power, and the glory, forever.

Amen.

My Commitment As A Christian

I'm part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I'm a disciple of Jesus Christ.

I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power. My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven, my road is narrow, my way rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear.

I cannot be bought, deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won't give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ.

I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me, my banner will be clear!

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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