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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: "The Lighthouse" by Greater Vision

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.

§ § § § § § § § § § § § §

           †
† CONFESSION †

                            I am a ship lost at sea.
                           The fog surrounds me.
                            Seeking a calm harbor
                           Searching for a beacon
                         From the shore of safety
                          Surely there is light house
    signaling to me, guiding the way
              A turbulent is the sea beneath me.
              Furious waves threaten my voyage..
   Tossing me about this vast sea.
                  My sails are tattered and torn
My hull weak and worn.
My anchor long ago lost.
Only tides can carry me.
I can't make my own way.
I am a ship lost at sea.
The fog surrounds me.

Saturday, 31 January, 2004
Poetry by ©Marica

I did not know His love before, the way I know it now.
I could not see my need for Him, my pride would not allow.
I had it all, without a care, the "self-sufficient" lie.
My path was smooth, my sea was still, not a cloud was in my sky.

I thought I knew His love for me, I thought I'd seen His grace,
I thought I did not need to grow, I thought I'd found my place.
But when the way grew rough and dark, the storm clouds quickly rolled;
The waves began to rock my ship, my anchor would not hold.

The ship that I had built myself was made of foolish pride.
It fell apart and left me bare, with nowhere else to hide.
I had no strength or faith to face the trials that lay ahead,
And so I simply prayed to Him and bowed my weary head.

His loving arms enveloped me, and then He helped me stand.
He said, "You still must face this storm, but I will hold your hand."
So through the dark and lonely night He guided me through pain.
I could not see the light of day or when the storm might wane.

Yet through the aches and endless tears, my faith began to grow.
I could not see it at the time, but my light began to glow.
I saw God's love in brand new light, His grace and mercy, too.
For only when all self was gone could Jesus' love shine through.

It was not easy in the storm, I sometimes wondered, "Why?"
At times I thought, "I can't go on." I'd hurt and doubt and cry.
But Jesus never left my side, He guided me each day.
Through pain and strife, through fire and flood,
He helped me all the way.

And now I see as never before how great His love can be.
How in my weakness He is strong, how Jesus cares for me!
He worked it all out for my good, although the way was rough.
He only sent what I could bear, and then He cried, "Enough!"

He raised His hand and said, "Be still!" He made the storm clouds cease.
He opened up the gates of joy and flooded me with peace.
I see His face now clearer still, I felt His presence strong.
I found anew His faithfulness, He never did me wrong.

Now I know more storms will come, but only for my good,
For pain and tears have helped me grow as naught else ever could.
I still have so much more to learn as Jesus works in me;
If in the storm I'll love Him more, that's where I want to be.

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

Like a babe
born to a family,
or a bud
on a stem,
God brought me forth
into His family.

Thank You Lord,
for choosing me,
for drawing me irresistibly,
to be Your child.

Drinking From The Saucer

I've never made a fortune and I'll never make one now.
But it really doesn't matter 'Cause I'm happy anyhow.
As I go along my journey I'm reaping better than I've sowed.
I'm drinking from the saucer 'Cause my cup has overflowed.
I don't have a lot of riches and sometimes the going's tough
But with kids and friends to love me I think I'm rich enough.
I thank God for the blessings that His mercy has bestowed.
I'm drinking from the saucer 'Cause my cup has overflowed.
He gives me strength and courage when the way grows steep and rough.
I'll not ask for other blessings for I'm already blessed enough.
May we never be too busy to help bear another's load.
Then we'll all be drinking from the saucer
When our cups have overflowed.

Believe in me when I doubt myself
The way just isn't clear
Without a friend to stand by me
I may give in to my fears
It seems that everything is fine
Then a day brings other news
That shakes the confidence I have
And leaves me feeling blue
I don't ask you for answers
These problems I must solve
How much it means to have you there
Just to listen, that is all
I know the sun will shine again
A coward I am not
It's just in these darkest moments
Somehow I've just forgot
A kind word from someone who cares
Helps me want to start anew
Believe in me when those times come
And I'll always believe in you

Karen Shaw Matteson.......©2003

Faith isn't anything you can see; It isn't anything you can touch,
but you can feel it in your heart. Faith is what keeps you trying
when others would have given up. It keeps you believing in
the goodness of others and helps you find it.
Faith is trusting in a power greater than yourself
and knowing that whatever happens, this power will carry you through anything.
It's believing in yourself and having courage to stand up for what you believe in.
Faith is:
Peace in the midst of a storm.
Determination in the midst of adversity,
and safety in the midst of trouble.
For nothing can touch a soul
that is protected by faith.

Out In The Fields Of God
The little cares that fretted me, I lost them yesterday
Among the fields above the sea, Among the winds that play,
Among the lowing of the herds, the rustling of the trees,
Among the singing of the birds, the humming of the bees.
The fears of what may come to pass, I cast them all away
Among the clover-scented grass, among the new-mown hay,
Among the rustling of the corn, where drowsy poppies nod,
Where ill thoughts die and good are born,
Out in the fields with God.

My Daily Creed

Let me be a little kinder,
Let me be a little blinder
To the faults of those about me;
Let me praise a little more;
Let me be, when I am weary,
Just a little bit more cheery;
Let me serve a little better
Those that I am striving for.
Let me be a little braver
When temptation bids me waver;
Let me strive a little harder
To be all that I should be;
Let me be a little meeker
With the brother that is weaker;
Let me think more of my neighbor
And a little less of me.

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

Great Spirit, today let me help the needy and allow me the
wisdom to have respect and reverence for Your teachings.

To dig deeper with some, you find a mother-lode, a gold mine hidden within. See the good instead of sin. We find a treasure therein. To look upon each situation as challenges to overcome, all we find is successes, because we see the best in all.

Not Home Yet

An old missionary couple had been working in Africa for years and were returning to New York to retire. They had no pension; their health was broken; they were defeated, discouraged, and afraid. They discovered they were booked on the same ship as President Teddy Roosevelt, who was returning from one of his big-game hunting expeditions.
No one paid any attention to them. They watched the fanfare that accompanied the President's entourage, with passengers trying to catch a glimpse of the great man. As the ship moved across the ocean, the old missionary said to his wife, "Something is wrong."
"Why should we have given our lives in faithful service for God in Africa all these many years and have no one care a thing about us?
Here this man comes back from a hunting trip and everybody makes much over him, but nobody gives two hoots about us."
"Dear, you shouldn't feel that way," his wife said.
He replied "I can't help it; it doesn't seem right."
When the ship docked in New York, a band was waiting to greet the President.
The mayor and other dignitaries were there. The papers were full of the President's arrival. No one noticed this missionary couple.
They slipped off the ship and found a cheap flat on the East Side, hoping the next day to see what they could do to make a living in the city.
That night the man's spirit broke. He said to his wife, "I can't take this; God is not treating us fairly." His wife replied,
"Why don't you go in the bedroom and tell that to the Lord?"
A short time later he came out from the bedroom, but now his face was completely different.
His wife asked, "Dear, what happened?"
"The Lord settled it with me," he said. "I told Him how bitter I was that the President should receive this tremendous homecoming, when no one met us as we returned home. And when I finished, it seemed as though the Lord put His hand on my shoulder and simply said; "But you're not home yet."

Anyone can carry his burden, however hard, until nightfall.
Anyone can do his work, however hard, for one day. Anyone can
live sweetly, patiently, lovingly, purely, till the sun goes down.
And this is all life really means."

Robert Louis Stevenson

We are at our very best, and we are happiest, when we are fully engaged in work we enjoy on the journey toward the goal we've established for ourselves.
It gives meaning to our time off and comfort to our sleep. It makes everything else in life so wonderful, so worthwhile

Earl Nightingale

As the morning light breaks through the frosted windowpane, I am greeted with the vision of a beautiful winter wonderland. The streets are empty and quiet as I watch the countless snowflakes drift silently from the sky above and blanket the landscape. What a marvelous display God has given me to experience this morning.

Like a child, my wonderment of what God can do fills my heart and my soul and I am reminded of the passage..."Be Still, and know that I am God." Sometimes, the excitement of experiencing the Holy Spirit makes it difficult to be still, but knowing that He is God is ever present in my mind.

As I pour myself another cup of coffee and take my place on the sofa in front of the picture window I am thankful that God has spoken to me this morning in such a magnificent way.

My prayer for each of you is that God will find a way to speak to your heart today and that you will take the time to
"Be still and know that He is God".

Have a great day!

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

Sometimes when we pray, we get distracted by all kinds of thoughts. I find that some of them can be quite painful and need more than just a "block-out" in order for me to be still. So I have started laying those thoughts before Jesus for healing. Here's a poem I wrote on this.
Enjoy.

Journey to Stillness
I rest
My body
My intellect
In simple silence
And at once
I hear
The voice of my fear
My worry
My pain no longer hidden by noise.
I could fight it
Or try to bury it
But instead
Heaven bids me offer it up
For healing.
And so
One by one
I release each object of agony
And feel it fade
Into joy.
And then
At last
All
Is perfect peace.

By Ray McAllister (20 January 2003)

"Love and time, those are the only two things in all the world
and all of life, that cannot be bought, but only spent."

I wish to live because life has with it that which is good,
that which is beautiful, and that which is Love."

A Broken Heart

Today I saw so much pain in the eyes of my best friend....What is to gain of destruction to others, this always comes to a bitter end....One who lives for self at other's life cost....Look back too late to see what they have destroyed and lost....For life is too sweet to withstand so much pain and sorrow....You could be here today and gone tomorrow....Like my friend, this path I have walked....Buried my sorrow inside me and I paid the cost....For I have loved with all my heart and soul....Sometimes when all is given, it's not enough, they still will go....One can only be thankful for what you once had....And when memories come around, maybe the good will outweigh the bad....And a broken heart can withdraw and turn cold....Some never recover and their story never told.

The Circle Of Life

Oh Great Spirit
Of the Indian People
Hear my words
For they are words that come
From the heart, soul and mind.

Oh Great Spirit
Be my mind,
Be my eyes,
Be my ears,
Be my heart,
Be my soul,
So that I may walk
With dignity and pride.

Oh Great Spirit
Of the Indian people
Know of me.
For I am of your people.
I am Indian,
An Indian of the Circle of Life
A prisoner of war
In my own land!

Oh Great Spirit,
Of the Indian people,
Hear my words
For they are for you.
They are of you.
You are my way of life
In the Circle of Life.

What Is Life?

It is the flash of a firefly in the night.
It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime.
It is the little shadow which runs across the grass
and loses itself in the sunset.

Crowfoot, Blackfoot Warrior and Orator

Cause me to hear Your loving kindness in the morning, for in You do I trust;
Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You.
Deliver me, O Lord; from my enemies. In You I take shelter.
Teach me to do Your will for You are my God, Your Spirit is good.
Lead me in the land of uprightness.
Prayer:
Lord; I thank You that I can always trust You, and that by Your Spirit You lead me in the best decisions for my life. Help me to understand Your will and pray for my life today, for in You I find shelter, protection, and direction for all areas of my life.
In Jesus' name. Amen.

You are beautiful! Your family, your hearts, your spirits. You are as I am. Everyday is important in some way getting closer to our destinies that we have not reached yet.

I watch as the last rays of the sunset glimmer across the waters.
I think to myself the sun is as I. To rest on this world in solitude.
As the morning sun greets each day, no other can touch this. Such beauty, life, solitude, to see all in its fresh, clear mind.

By W. Brownie

The Old Testament speaks often of "flowing with milk and honey." I presume the milk spoke of sustenance and the honey of sweet enjoyment.
We need both in our spiritual lives -- the basics of spiritual
sustenance from God's Word and the sweetness of music and fellowship in our worship.

In Proverbs 16:24 (nlt) we read, "Kind words are like honey -- sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." Healthy for the body? Yes, unkind words can bring stress that can lead to health problems.
So, go for kind words -- the honey that binds fellowship like honey and bread. Maybe some friend is on the verge of discouragement and could perk up with a kind word from us.

Mark 1: 9-13
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as He was coming up out of the water, He saw the Heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on Him. And a voice came from Heaven, "You are My Son, the Beloved; With You I am well pleased."

When I am lonely, I praise Him and He is here
When I am hurt, I praise Him and He soothes my soul
When I am sad, I praise Him and He comforts me
When I am sick, I praise Him and He heals me
When I have no funds, I praise Him and He provides my need
When I am weak, I praise Him and He gives me strength
When I am anxious, I praise Him and He gives me peace
When I am down, I praise Him and He lifts me up
When I have a heavy burden, I praise Him and He adorns me with His Garment of Praise.
There is a lot of power in praising and worshiping God.

From Fasting To Feasting

Fast from judging others; feast on seeing the best in people.
Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on the unity of life.
Fast from despair; feast on hope.
Fast from thoughts of illness; feast on the healing power of God.
Fast from words that destroy; feast on phrases that are encouraging.
Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.
Fast from anger; feast on patience.
Fast from being negative; feast on being positive.
Fast from worry; feast on trust.
Fast from complaining; feast on appreciation.
Fast from hostility; feast on peacemaking.
Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness.
Fast from constant activity; feast on slowing down.
Fast from disrespect; feast on recognizing the sacred in all life.
Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others.

A Glow of Comfort

When darkness grows long
On life's weary way
God gives me a song
To dazzle my day.
It rings with the call
Of melody bright
And shadows fast fall
Confounded by light.
So as I would cry
From terror below
Love's chords lift me high
With comfort aglow.
And storms that destroy
Won't leave me distressed
For clouds of clear joy
Sing rainbows of rest.

Ray McAllister.........(1 February 2002)

The Answer

In the darkness and despair
The answer is waiting there
Don't walk through with closed eyes
Don't shut out the light for only then will you realize
What is here and now will one day be just a memory
And will someday be replaced with better times you'll see
Though all will be different the next time and place
Though the memories will never be erased
Take each as a gift from above
And hold each precious memory in your heart as love

Louise Riveiro - Mitchell aka Chyenne Autumn Sky

Path of Life

Along this path of life I roam
In a quest for a place to call my own
To find a space that's wild and free
A place in this time where I can truly be me
To stand beneath a clear blue sky
To look upon all the beauty the good Lord created
And stand back and sigh
To touch a spirit who feels like me
Who will look past all that others see
Somehow if by chance our paths cross
We will find that never again will we be lost
Peace and love will fill our days
And nevermore will we need to stray

Louise Riveiro - Mitchell aka Cheyenne Autumn Sky

Don't Ever Forget...

Your presence is a gift to the world,
You're unique and one of a kind.
Your life can be what you want it to be
Take it one day at a time.
Count your blessings, not your troubles,
And you'll make it through what comes along.
Within you are so many answers,
Understand, have courage, be strong.
Don't put limits on yourself,
Your dreams are waiting to be realized.
Don't leave your important decisions to chance
Reach for your peak, your goal, and your prize.
Nothing wastes more energy than worrying
The longer a problem is carried, the heavier it gets.
Don't take things too seriously
Live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets.
Remember that a little love goes a long way
Remember that a lot goes forever.
Remember that friendship is a wise investment,
Life's treasures are people... together.
Have health and hope and happiness,
Take the time to wish on a star.
And don't ever forget for even a day
How very special you are!

God...Are You There?

I'm way down here! You're way up there!
Are You sure you can hear my faint, faltering prayer?
For I'm so unsure, of just how to pray,
To tell You the truth, God, I don't know what to say...
I just know I am lonely, and vaguely disturbed,
Bewildered and restless, confused and perturbed!
And they tell me that prayer helps to quiet the mind,
And to unburden the heart! for in the stillness we find
A newborn assurance, that Someone Does Care
And Someone Does Answer each small sincere prayer!

God Is Always Near

One thing can always cheer me, when I'm feeling sad and low;
When I tire of daily trials, that I have to undergo;
When those who should seem closest, seem like people I don't even know;
One thing can always cheer me, I know that God is near me.
One thing can always cheer me, when I don't understand;
How pain and sadness in our lives, can get so out of hand;
When the best of human efforts, doesn't meet the days demands,
One thing can always cheer me, I know that God is near me;
One thing can always cheer me, more than anything I've known;
And show me I will never, have to struggle on my own.
For no matter what might ever happen, I know I will never be alone,
The thing that always cheers me is just knowing God is near me.

Picture your body as a structure, with four rooms;
a physical, a mental, an emotional, and a spiritual room.
Do not live in just one room at a time, but go into every room every day; even if it is to only open a window and let in fresh air.

Every spiritual person should carry a vision of God's will in every area of their life. One day at a time, each morning at sunrise, we should spend time praying to the Creator. We should say something like, My Creator, this morning I ask You to show me, in terms I can understand, what You would have me do. By doing this daily, over time, we will develop an unquestionable vision. Each person is responsible for taking the time to do this. It will bring great joy and peace of mind to those warriors who do.

My Creator, give me the vision, today, of what You want me to do.

Everything in the world cannot be judged by one mistake. When we have fallen short or someone seems to have failed us, we can leave it there where it happened. There is no use in stirring old trouble into every new thing we do. There are things that seem to break our hearts; pain that goes on and on. But we can work through. If we are strong and don't let our hands grow weak and slack, our work will be rewarded. We grieve for the loss of things, or persons, ache for what we cannot do, but there is a day when the sun finally shines.
We can make it. Time heals more quickly when we decide to let it. It is written that any man can make a mistake, but none but a fool will continue in it.
This is a new day; live it fully.

Joyce Sequichie Hifler

"The manner with which we walk through life is each mans most important responsibility, and we should remember this with every new sunrise."

Do Angels Dream?

If one were to live in a place where life itself is perfect, and there were no needs or desires ... Would there be a need to dream?
Dreams are made up of things we wish, and hope for. If all of our wishes were granted, all of our hopes fulfilled ... Would there be a need for dreams?
For us, dreams are something to strive for. Emotional pacifiers to suckle our inabilities to live up to what we believe our lives should be.
The most common denominator of dreams is a line, "If only..."
If only I had done this or not done that ... Would I be living my dream now?
If only I were able to take the pain of loved ones upon myself.
If only life would be given to those who are more deserving than I.
If only I had lived up to the expectation of others.
I feel as though I have denied loved ones of the comfort of knowing that they have accomplished the task set before them at the time of my birth.
I have denied others of the security of a life lived without the pressures of doubt, or disbelief. Once again "If only..."
Dreams raise more questions than they answer. Infuse more doubt than they belie. Dreams sometimes shatter dreams.
So, with all the doubt and confusion surrounding dreams, would they have a place in a perfect world?
A place where pain is done away with.
A place where doubt is put aside in lieu of assurance?
A place where dreams are lived instead of imagined? ...
I don't believe so.

I've learned...
That one should keep his words both soft and tender,
because tomorrow he may have to eat them.

The following is a prayer that was given to me by a nun here at Carney - Sister Paul

It Is From "Come Walk Among The Stars"

My gift of life is a thing of transient beauty --
a thing of mystery -- and above all else a miracle --
it is a thing of beauty because of the soul --
a mystery because it stretches between the invisible yesterday and the unknown tomorrow --
a miracle because it is a composite of countless other lives --
And as my life has been gently touched by other lives --
it follows that I have touched theirs too --
one cannot always know the time of greatest need --
perhaps this is as it should be --
perhaps it is only for me to light one darkened corner of the path --
to place a hand upon your shoulder as a
symbol of my kinship and my love --
perhaps I came this way -- as did you -- to fill some special need --
but this is not always given to us to know --
Sometimes a single word will lift the spirit --
sometimes words are so inadequate ---
and sometimes it is destined that one must only listen --
sometimes a smile will bridge the empty darkness --
sometimes just the nearness is the answer --
From many lives I have gathered courage and strength --
I have learned humility and gentleness -- I am grateful --
And so you must understand that your life is not of your own --
it has become a part of mine --
and so it follows that my life does not belong to me
-- it is yours --

If I Knew

If I knew it would be the last time I'd see you fall asleep, I would tuck you in more tightly and pray the Lord your soul to keep.
If I knew it would be the last time I'd see you walk out of the door, I would give you a hug and kiss and call you back for more.
If I knew it would be the last time I would hear your voice lifted up in praise, I would video tape each word so I could play them for many days.
If I knew it would be the last time I could spare a minute or two, I'd stop and say "I love you" instead of assuming you knew.
If I knew it would be the last time I would be there to share your day, I wouldn't let this one ever slip away.
We think there will always be a tomorrow to make up for an oversight, and we will always have another chance to make everything right.
We think there will always be another day to say "I love you" and another chance to say "Is there anything I can do"
Tomorrow is not promised to anyone young or old alike, and today may be the last chance to hold your loved one tight.
So if you are waiting for tomorrow, why not do it today? For if tomorrow never comes, you'll
surely regret the day that you didn't take that extra time for a smile, a hug, or a kiss, and you were too busy to grant someone their one last wish.
So hold your loved one's close today, whisper in their ear, tell them how much you love them, and you'll always hold them dear.
Take time to say "I'm sorry" and "Please forgive me", "Thank you" or "It's ok", and if tomorrow never comes, you'll have no regrets today.

From “Come Walk Among the Stars”

"For years I never knew whether the twilight was the ending of the day or the beginning of the night and then, suddenly one day,
I understood that this did not matter at all,
for time is but a circle, and so there can be no beginning
and no ending, and this is how I came to know
that birth and death are one, and it is neither the coming or the going that is of consequence.
What is of consequence is the beauty that one gathers
in this interlude called life."

by Winston Abbott

You are not separate from creation anymore than
Your thoughts are separate from you.
You are not the reality that is behind the world;
But the reality that is in it.
And I am in the world with you.
In all your life
Wherever you are
Wherever you go
Wherever you look:
You can see Me in the moon and in the stars that bring light out of the darkness.
You can feel Me in the breeze that kisses your cheek.
You can hear Me in the flowing waters that refresh. ...and renew.
I am with you now the ever challenging present that is true eternity.
Closer than the heartbeat
Closer than the thought that springs to mind:
So find Me now
Touch Me now
Feel me now and love Me now.
Wherever you are
And we will walk the earth in beauty

Garden of My Heart...

In my heart, there is a garden ... as glorious as the one that grows outside my window overlooking the river...
This is a place I often retreat to ... and in this place...
I find all the memories that I have known ...
times of long ago that still bring a smile to my face and at
times a tear to my eye...
There is a garden in my heart ...
one that is filled with sweet fragrances ...
of all those moments when I am so thankful I chose to
stay when at times I wanted to run ...
moments when I chose to stand up for what I believed in ...
moments when I knew that the only choice I had was to let go ...
and in all the times there is the fragrance of love...
This garden in my heart has known its share of weeds at times ...
of brambles ... and of the pain of pulling those weeds ... of doubt... of fear ... and even of wondering at times if it was worth it all...
I now know ... and have learned during those times of dealing with the thorns of life ... that it was all worth it.
I have learned that just as the rose grows more when it is cut back... that at times in our life ... we have to go through those dormant times ... and then comes the new growth ... more beautiful than before ...stronger and able to withstand the winds of times...
This garden in my heart must be tended just as the one beside the riverbank...
I must fertilize this garden with the hope of a new
tomorrow and the knowledge that all I really have is TODAY
to make a difference in someone's life...
Gardens... I like to think God knew we would need such beauty to help us catch a glimpse of how truly magnificent Heaven must be ... and to show us that if we care for this planting called "Love" ... and "Life" ... that if we nourish it ... protect it ... and cherish it ... that long after the garden is gone...
the memory of its splendor will always keep it in our heart...
Forever and a day...
Many blessings to you,

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

May the years ahead give you a peaceful ride, with the wind...May the sun light your way as gentle waters carry you to places of undiscovered joys.
From sunrise to sunset... May your day be a journey of the imagination and spirit.
May love and joy rush through your day like a cool mountain stream...
May the path be smooth beneath your feet...
May your heart be as free as the wind!
For the strength of your spirit, the gentleness of your heart, the courage of your dreams...you are greatly admired.

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

Jesus Understands

I sat upon the edge one day to cast my gaze below,
Observing what was said and done by men I did not know.

Thus caught my eye a horrid sight I all but understood
And jumping up, my head amiss, flew quickly as I would.

Before My King I humbly came, cast on my knees in prayer;
With quiet voice and aching heart I questioned all men's ways.

He picked me up with gentle hands and searched me with His eyes;
He set me there before His throne and turned to part the skies.

He told me then of man, He loved, who breathed His very breath;
He told me how He gave them all, by suffering in His death.

"And yet," cried I, "they love You not, but few do seek Your name;
There seems no thought of Heaven or hell; for them, life's just a game."

He turned His head - I saw the tears - as He watched the world below;
Then breathed to me a painful sigh, "I know, my child, I know."

There Are Times

There are times when I cannot feel His presence, when the clouds of doubt obscure the Master's smile.
But when I'm still enough to hear His whisper,
I know My Lord has been there all the while.

Someone's Praying

Somewhere someone's praying down upon their knees
Lifting you before the throne with love and gentle pleas
Asking God to give you strength to face another day
And when the night is darkest, shine light upon your way

Somewhere someone's kneeling to whisper your name in prayer
Knowing that you need to feel God's love and tender care
They intercede on your behalf because they love you so
Knowing that you have a need to their Father they will go

They pray when you're not able to speak a single word
What peace there is in knowing their prayers will be heard
They lay you on the altar as they kneel there at His feet
Giving all your cares to Him there at the mercy seat

Our God is always listening to every earnest prayer
When we look to Him for help the answer is always there
It's such a comfort to know that someone prays for you
Placed within His loving hands those prayers will see you through
As you kneel before the Father thank Him for those who care
When you bow before the mercy seat whisper their name in prayer

We must comprehend in each of our hearts and minds the two ways we human beings are free to follow, as we choose—the good way, the spiritual way, or the unnatural way, the material way. It’s our personal choice, our personal decision--each of ours and all of ours.
You yourself are the one who must decide. You alone can choose. Whatever you decide is what you’ll be, good or bad. You cannot escape the consequences of your own decision. On your decision—yes, on your own personal decision—depends the fate of the world. You can’t avoid it. You must decide. You personally, each of us personally, is put here in this time and this place to personally decide the future of humankind. Did you think you were put here for something less?
Did you think the Creator would create unnecessary people in a time of such terrible danger? Know that you are essential to this world. Believe that. Understand that. You yourself are desperately needed.

Love In a Paper Bag

It was Molly's job to hand her father his brown paper lunch bag each morning
before he headed off to work. One morning, in addition to his usual lunch bag,
Molly handed him a second paper bag. This one was worn and held together
with duct tape, staples, and paper clips.
"Why two bags?" her father asked.
"The other is something else," Molly answered.
"What's in it?"
"Just some stuff. Take it with you."

Not wanting to hold court over the matter, he stuffed both sacks into his briefcase, kissed Molly and rushed off. At midday, while hurriedly scarfing down his real lunch, he tore open Molly's bag and shook out the contents: two hair ribbons, three small stones, a plastic dinosaur, a pencil stub, a tiny sea shell, two animal crackers, a marble, a used lipstick, a small doll, two chocolate kisses, and 13 pennies.
The busy father smiled, finished eating, and swept the desk clean
into the wastebasket- leftover lunch, Molly's junk and all.

That evening, Molly ran up behind him as he read the paper.
"Where's my bag?"
"What bag?"
"You know, the one I gave you this morning."
"I left it at the office. Why?"

"I forgot to put this note in it," she said. "And, besides, those are my things in the sack, Daddy, the ones I really like- I thought you might like to play with them, but now I want them back. You didn't lose the bag, did you, Daddy?"
"Oh, no," he said, lying. "I just forgot to bring it home. I'll bring it tomorrow."
While Molly hugged her father's neck, he unfolded the note that
had not made it into the sack: "I love you, Daddy."

Molly had given him her treasures. All that a 7-year-old held dear. Love in a paper bag, and he missed it - not only missed it, but had thrown it in the wastebasket. So back he went to the office. Just ahead of the night janitor, he picked up the wastebasket and poured the contents on his desk.

After washing the mustard off the dinosaurs and spraying the whole thing with breath freshener to kill the smell of onions, he carefully smoothed out the wadded ball of brown paper, put the treasures inside and carried it home gingerly, like an injured kitten. The bag didn't look so good, but the stuff was all there and that's what
counted. After dinner, he asked Molly to tell him about the stuff in the sack.
It took a long time to tell. Everything had a story or a memory or was attached to dreams and imaginary friends. Fairies had brought some of the things.
He'd given her the chocolate kisses; she'd kept them for when she needed them. "Sometimes I think of all the times in this sweet life," he mused, "when I must have missed the affection I was being given. A friend calls this 'standing knee deep in the river and dying of thirst."
We should all remember that it's not the destination that counts in life, but the JOURNEY. That journey with the people we love is all that really matters. Such a simple truth so easily forgotten.

Sure, the task looks daunting.
Sure, there are hurdles to be overcome.
Yet that's what you're so good at doing.
You've already made it this far, and you can make it
anywhere you want to go.

"...you have to believe it first. Not wait until you see it first, then touch it, then believe it...You have to say it from the heart."

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

We are designed to function from faith. First we pray. Then we use our imagination to create a vision or picture in our mind. We surround this mental picture with our emotions or feelings. These feelings are available when we ask or say it from the heart. The combination of the mental picture and asking from the heart to create the emotions will cause us to believe it. Then we just need to wait. We need to believe as though it is already done.

Great Spirit, remove from me any doubt that comes up today.

By: Don Coyhis

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

"Two of the greatest gifts we can give our children are roots and wings."

Hodding Carter

Slow Me Down, Lord

Ease the pounding of my heart by the quieting of my mind.
Steady my hurried pace. Give me, amidst the day's
confusion, the calmness of the everlasting hills.
Break the tensions of my nerves and muscles with the soothing music of singing streams that live in my memory.
Help me to know the magical, restoring power of sleep.
Teach me the art of taking "minute vacations"...slowing
down to look at a flower, to chat with a friend,
to read a few lines from a good book.
Remind me of the fable of the hare and the tortoise...that the race is not always to the swift; that there is more to life than measuring its speed.
Let me look up at the branches of the
towering oak and know that it grew slowly and well.
Inspire me to send my own roots
down deep into the soil of life's endearing values...
that I may grow toward the stars of my greater destiny.

Slow me down, Lord!

God guides us, despite our uncertainties and our vagueness, even through our failings and mistakes. . . . He leads us step by step,
from event to event.
Only afterwards do we experience the feeling of having been led without knowing it, the feeling that God has mysteriously guided us.

He Walks Beside

I walked a sunlit mountain path
My Savior walked along;
And there 'mid heaven's blue and gold
HE filled my heart with song.
I walked a rugged valley trail, afraid.
The way grew dim;
Then Jesus reached and took my hand,
I found new strength in HIM,
In every circumstance of life
Be skies bright blue or gray;
HE walks beside me and HIS GRACE
Sustains me all the way.

by Beverly J. Anderson

Weep not for me though I am gone into that gentle night
Grieve if you will, but not for long, upon my soul's sweet flight.
I am at peace, my soul's at rest there is no need for tears.
For with your love I was so blessed for all those many years.
There is no pain, I suffer not, the fear now all is gone.
Put now these things out of your thoughts, in your memory I live on.
Remember not my fight for breath remember not the strife
Please do not dwell upon my death, but celebrate my life!

Vision Quest

He set upon the mountain on a dark and moonless night.
He set alone in darkness waiting for the light.
He doesn't know how long he set there waiting for the day.
Waiting for the Sun to come and chase the night away.
He doesn't know how long he set there, he had lost all sense of time.
He doesn't know how long he set there resting from the climb.
He doesn't know how long he set there his mind filled with confusion and with doubt.
There was so much going on that he couldn't figure out.
But as he set and listened he begin to hear.
He heard a voice old and wise tell him exactly why he had been brought there.
"My son, it said, you have been brought here to learn.
That those things worth having most are things that you must earn.
To learn that what has come into your life comes not without a price.
The question is, my son, what are you willing to sacrifice?
You questioned why the long, hard way you were led to get to where you are and was
chosen when it seemed not very far from your struggle and your pain. were easier paths by which your goal you could gain.
But, you see, my son, the easy path is not the better way.
For it is in the struggle of life that we find victory every day.
A path that will be double hard to walk is set before you today.
And if you choose to follow it we will help you find your way.
Often you will feel lonely, and often misunderstood,
but remember, my son, the path you walk is for the greater good.
So, when you are feeling heartache, when you are feeling pain.
Remember it is from the greatest struggle that the greatest victory we gain."

Written By Marty Soaring Eagle

God Open My Eyes

God, open my eyes so I may see
And feel Your presence close to me...
Give me strength for my stumbling feet
As I battle the crowd on life's busy street.
And widen the vision of my unseeing eyes
So in passing faces I'll recognize
Not just a stranger, unloved and unknown
But a friend with a heart that is much like my own...
Give me perception to make me aware
That scattered profusely on life's thoroughfare
Are the best gifts of God that we daily pass by
As we look at the world with an unseeing eye

Between The Acts

There are intervals in life. The show can't run nonstop.
In between the acts there comes a pause. The curtain's drop.

Circumstances take a hand and something unforeseen comes along and breaks the pattern of the old routine. Illness,
upheavals, or a cruel turn of fate.
Call a halt and there is nothing you can do but wait.
While you're waiting learn the grace of faith and fortitude.
As your life is being changed and problems are reviewed,
intervals there have to be; accept them, face them, wisely use the quiet times that come between the acts.

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

Find rest, O my soul
in God alone
my hope comes from Him
He alone is my rock and my salvation
He is my fortress
I will not be shaken.....

I love you, Jesus

"The Duck"
(Don't be a Slave)

In his book, "Will Daylight Come?" Robert Heffler pens
this moving illustration.

There was a little boy visiting his grandparents on their
farm. And he was given a slingshot to play with out in
the woods. He practiced in the woods, but he could never
hit the target. And getting a little discouraged; he headed
back to dinner. As he was walking back he saw Grandma's pet
duck. Just on impulse, he let the slingshot fly, hit the
duck square in the head, and killed it. He was shocked
and grieved. In a panic, he hid the dead duck in the
woodpile, only to see his sister watching. Sally had seen
it all, but she said nothing.

After lunch that day Grandma said, "Sally, let's wash the
dishes." But Sally said, "Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted
to help in the kitchen." Then she whispered to him to
remember the duck.

So Johnny did the dishes. Later that day, Grandpa asked if
the children wanted to go fishing and Grandma said, "I'm
sorry but I need Sally to help make supper." But Sally just
smiled and said, "Well that's all right because Johnny told
me he wanted to help." She whispered again, "Remember the duck?"

So Sally went fishing and Johnny stayed to help.

After several days of Johnny doing both his chores and
Sally's he finally couldn't stand it any longer. He came
to Grandma and confessed that he had killed the duck.
Grandma knelt down, gave him a hug, and said, "Sweetheart,
I know. You see I was standing at the window and I saw the
whole thing. But because I love you, I forgave you. I was
just wondering how long you would let Sally make a slave of you."

Thought for the day: Whatever is in your past, whatever
you have done and the enemy keeps throwing it up in your
face (lying, debt, fear, hatred, anger, unforgiveness,
bitterness, etc.) whatever it is you need to know
that Jesus Christ was standing at the window and He saw
the whole thing. He wants you to know that He loves you
and that you are forgiven. He's just wondering how long
you will let the enemy make a slave of you.

The great thing about God is that He not only forgives you,
but He forgets. Go ahead and make the difference in someone's
life today. Share this with a family member or friend.
Remember, that Jesus is at the window.

"Legend Of The Raindrop"

The legend of the raindrop has a lesson for us all
As it trembled in the Heavens questioning if it should fall
For the glistening raindrop argued by the genie of the sky
I am beautiful and lovely as a sparkle here on high
And hanging here I will become part of the rainbow's hue
And I'll shimmer like a diamond for all the world to view
But the genie told the raindrop "Why do you hesitate to go?"
For you will be more beautiful if you fall to earth below
For you will sink in the soil and be lost awhile from sight
But when you reappear on earth you will be looked upon with delight
For you will be the raindrop that quenched the thirsty ground
And helped the lovely flowers to blossom all around
And in your resurrection you'll appear in queenly clothes
With the beauty of the sky and the fragrance of the rose
For there is nothing lost or eternally neglected
For everything God ever made is always resurrected
So trust God's all wise wisdom and doubt the Father never
For in His Heavenly Kingdom there is nothing lost forever

"I want my life to matter." I want to make more of a difference to people now.... Life is too short. I may not live a long life, but I do want to live a meaningful one. I don't want to die before I ever truly LIVE!
And I somehow know that the best answers will be spiritual
ones; for I'm finally unlocked when my heart has been opened.
It's a key...to peace."

Daily Wish

My daily wish is that we may see good in those who pass our way;
Find in each a worthy trait that we shall gladly cultivate;
See in each one passing by the better things that beautify
A softly spoken word of cheer, a kindly face, a smile sincere.
I pray each day that we may view the things that warm one's heart anew;
The kindly deed that can't be bought that only from good are wrought,
A burden lightened here and there, a brother lifted from despair,
The aged ones freed from distress; the lame, the sick, brought happiness.
Grant that before each sun has set we'll witness deeds we can't forget;
A soothing hand to one in pain, a sacrifice for love - not gain;
A word to ease the troubled mind of one whom fate has dealt unkind.
So, friend, my wish is that we may see good in all who pass our way.

Phil Perkins

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