Gratitude as a Pause, and Prayer

I read this in a book: Living Life as a Thank You and think it's a wonderful idea.

A woman witnessed her father practicing this. She noticed that each morning after he went outside to get the newspaper, he stood for a few minutes quietly looking up at the sky and reflecting. When she asked him what he was thinking, he said that he starts his mornings by appreciating God's beautiful creation and thinking, This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

The woman says now when she locks the door as she's leaving her house, she pauses for a moment to thank God for her home, family and then looks up at the beautiful sky and thanks Him for a wonderful day. She says it puts her in the right frame of mind to start each day.

What a beautiful way to remember how fortunate we are and to start our day with God.

Prayers and God

I am amazed at how amazing God is! Kyle (my brother) went to the ER on Sunday night for a pain and learned he had a kidney stone. Fortunately on the island he works on there is a urologist, Dr. C. Kyle got in with Dr. C yesterday and had surgery this morning. His stone is 8 mm! This morning during his surgery he had an asthma attack while they were trying to put a tube down his throat. We almost LOST him! Lucky for us there was two anesthesiologist there and were able to save him by giving him a muscle relaxer.

I have no doubt from the very beginning God has had His hand in this. From Kyle going to the ER and catching this stone, to us knowing Dr. C and getting in with him quickly, to there being two anesthesiologist. God had a plan the whole time and took care of my brother. I am so thankful for all the prayers that were said for Kyle and for God's blessings. Kyle is back on the island recovering but he has more surgery in the next couple weeks. However I know God will be holding Kyle in His hands and protecting him.

Time Changes

My best friend and I had a falling out in high school and didn't talk for 5-6 years (maybe longer). Back then I liked being right and didn't want to be the bigger person or the one who gave in first. So we went our separate ways and then one day I just wanted to say hello and see how she was doing. Lots of time had passed and really I couldn't even remember what had exactly happened and I didn't really care.

I emailed her and we talked and when I was in her area I visited. We weren't best friends again but we kept in touch. Between the time we stopped being friends and the time we started talking again, I grew and changed. I was a better person, more accepting and forgiving (not that I needed to forgive her for anything). We had both grown and found more of who we are. This is something we all should remember. As time moves on we all learn new things and these things change us and shape us. Some of it makes us better people and some of it doesn't. So that person you held a grudge with or maybe you just never liked, she could be a totally different person. She could be someone that you could be friends with now. The time between high school and after college I definitely changed but I would have to say these last 2-3 years have changed me the most. It's such a difference from when I look back at myself as a teen. Of course there are still things about me that are the same but just more refined and buffed. I would hope that people who knew me 2-10 years ago wouldn't think that I was the same, at least in a bad way (I'd hope they'd remember the good).

So my point of the story.........remember time and life changes everyone and to let go of past grudges, arguments, and fights. People can change for the better.

Smokey Mountains

This is a picture of the Smokey Mountain National Park. We were driving through and it was clear and then all of the sudden the fog came rolling in. It was so beautiful and amazing to see.

Kindness Anyway

When I was younger and working, I would let people's attitude toward me get to me. I took it personally, like I was the one doing something wrong. I'm a people pleaser (can't seem to break it) so this is one reason I took it this way. Through the years though I've learned that people will act in ways that have nothing to do with you. Someone may be struggling with family, work, bills, illness and he takes it out on you. When you work in customer service you come across many people with many different personalities. The best advice I have and what I try to do myself; kill them with kindness. Be the bigger person. Some people are just mean or grumpy and it has absolutely nothing to do with you. The thing I try to remember is that this person is also human and just because he acts in a bad way it doesn't mean you can act in the same way. Two wrongs never make a right. Evil for evil is just more wrong and never makes things right.

I wrote something very similar to this. I said that you never know what someone is going through and we should really try to give the person the benefit of the doubt. For all we know they have a sick child in the hospital or just got laid off. What I want to point out here though is that we need to treat people kindly even when we want to be mean or rude back. There has been many times that I'd like to do this but it never ends well. As I've gotten older I've learned not to let other people's attitudes affect mine. I'm not perfect at this but I'm getting better. When I'm serving a customer and she isn't friendly I just let it roll off my back. My friendly and happy attitude will remain in place no matter what and my fantastic night will continue to be fantastic. Who knows my attitude may help those that I'm serving?

New Hire

For any of us who have started a new job, we know how exciting it is but also how nerve-wracking it is. You want to make a good impression and you want everyone to like you. For me when I start somewhere new, I'm quiet and a little shy until I get to know everyone and my job. I'm sure there's many people out there like me.

I got into a debate with a friend about a new guy at work. He said that he could tell this guy wasn't going to work out. This frustrated me because it was maybe his second day? In my opinion when people are trying to get acclimated to a job and the people around them, they may not be themselves at first. They have to be comfortable in their surroundings to show their true personality. I'm like this. Because someone may feel this way you need to give that person time and not judge them. My friend was judging instead of giving this person time. He was also judging because he had heard from another person that this guy could be trouble. I have no idea if this is true. The thing we have to remember is that what happens outside of work may not happen inside of work. Also we don't know the true "story." Some people exaggerate when they tell stories (I know a couple people who do this) or they see things differently than another person would.

I don't know anything about this kid and maybe what was said is true? But one thing I've learned from experience is that you shouldn't judge people right away. I've done this many times and I've been wrong many times. One of the reasons I did so well when I started by new job was because everyone was so nice and helpful. I felt comfortable. Again this is my opinion but I think when people aren't comfortable or feel not welcomed they may feel threatened or put on a defensive look or act as protection. I think it's hard to be yourself when the people around you aren't friendly.

You never know where someone is coming from or their history. You don't know if they've had a rough childhood or have been struggling to pay bills. This is why it is so important to be nice to new people and help them and to encourage them. Sometimes what someone needs is just someone showing he cares.

1 Cor 13:4-13

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Sunrise on Useppa

Something Better

To get something you've never had, you have to do something you never did. When God takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better. Concentrate on this sentence "The will of God will never take you where the grace of God will not protect you."

What do we need?

What do we really need in this life to be happy? To be content? Lots of money, huge house, four cars, three vacation homes, private jet, personal tennis court, expensive jewelry, vacations all over the world, all the latest fashions........

Can we be happy with a supportive family, trustworthy friends, working at a job you're passionate about, having a roof over our head, clothes to wear, food to eat, clean drinking water, heat in the winter, air conditioning in the summer, volunteering, giving our time, energy and money, a bed to sleep in with pillows and blankets.

It seems like today in this age we need more "things" to be happy. We sacrifice our family, sleep and energy to work at a job we don't like to make the "good money," we feel the need to keep up with our friends, coworkers and neighbors even if we don't necessarily want what they have. It's like we feel it necessary to be like everyone else. If we don't have what everyone else has then somehow we are lesser.

I used to want all these "things" until I realized it was just clutter. What do I really need to be happy? Do I really need a million different things to decorate my home? Do I really need the newest tv out? Do I really need a new car every two years? When I started giving away "stuff" it felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders.

I'm starting to learn that the things that make me happy aren't things. It's spending the afternoon with my nephew, watching anime with my husband, going to church and bible study, walking my dogs, spending Sunday's with my family, keeping in touch with friends, and giving of my time and money. I sponsor a child in Malawi through World Vision and when I think of his situation compared to mine, I am so thankful for ALL that I have. I don't live in a dirt hut and I don't have to walk to get clean drinking water and I don't have to surround my bed with a mosquito net and I don't have to worry about my parents dying from AIDS and I was able to go to school and I have healthly food to eat.

So what do we really need in this life to be happy?

Struggling?

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)

For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. (Isaiah 41:13)

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6)

For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7)

The Lord is my light and my salvation--whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)

So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can Man do to me?" (Hebrews 13:6)

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)

Can you give it up?

Why do we hold on so tightly to what we have? Why is it so hard for us to give? Why do we always think about ourselves first? Why do we look at those who have less as lazy? Why is it so easy to forget those in impoverished countries or say it's not our problem? Aren't they human? Don't they deserve healthly food and clean water? Is it their fault they were born there? What if your kids were starving and had rags to wear and no shoes? Would you want someone to help you?

In Luke 12:33, Jesus says "Sell your possessions and give to the poor." Can you imagine someone telling you that today? What would you think? What would you say? Would you laugh and say "Are you crazy!"? In Francis Chan's book Crazy Love, he says that the concept of downsizing so that others might upgrade is biblical, beautiful...and nearly unheard of. Do you agree?

I know that there are a lot of free loaders in this world and they shouldn't live off others BUT does that mean we shouldn't help anyone? I would much rather help 100 people where 10 of them are just lazy then not help anyone. Those other 90 people still needed someone.

What do we really need to live on? What do we really need to be happy? A humongous house and four Jags and three vacation homes plus much more? For those that work hard they should be rewarded but does that mean they can't give? Does that mean they have to stress their budget? Does it mean that they are better than others?

It's more than just money though. It's our time, energy, and resources also. We have grown to be such selfish individuals and have been taught to look out for "us." I'm not saying people don't give but a lot give when it's convenient and doesn't disrupt their lifestyle. What if we put others first? What if we looked at everyone the way Jesus did? What if we showed compassion and love and kindness? How would you be affected? How would those around you be affected? How would the world change?

What would happen

Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone?

What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?

What if we flipped through it several time a day?

What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?

What if we used it to receive messages from the text?

What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?

What if we gave it to Kids as gifts?

What if we used it when we traveled?

What if we used it in case of emergency?

This is something to make you go....hmm...where is my Bible?

Oh, and one more thing.

Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill.

Makes you stop and think 'where are my priorities' ? And no dropped calls!

When Jesus died for us, he was thinking of you!

Our Deepest Fear

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Nelson Mandela

Settlin'

I have always believed that you shouldn't settle in life. So I absolutely love this song. Hope it speaks to you too!

Fifteen minutes left to throw me together
For mister right now, not mister forever
Don't know why I even try when I know how it ends
Looking like another "maybe we could be friends"
I've been leaving it up to fate
It's my life so it's mine to make

I ain't settling for just getting by
I've had enough so so for the rest of my life
Tired of shooting too low, so raise the bar high
Just enough ain't enough this time
I ain't settling for anything less than everything, yeah

With some good red wine and my brand new shoes
Gonna dance a blue streak around my living room
Take a chance on love and try how it feels
With my heart wide open now you know I will
Find what it means to be the girl
Who changed her mind and changed her world

I ain't settling for just getting by
I've had enough so so for the rest of my life
Tired of shooting too low, so raise the bar high
Just enough ain't enough this time
I ain't settling for anything less than everything

I ain't settling for just getting by
I've had enough so so for the rest of my life
Tired of shooting too low, so raise the bar high
Just enough ain't enough this time

I ain't settling for just getting by
I've had enough so so for the rest of my life
Tired of shooting too low, so raise the bar high
I ain't settling no, no, no, no, no, no

So raise the bar high

-Sugarland

Handling Stress

A lecturer, when explaining stress management to an audience, raised a glass of water and asked, "how heavy is this glass of water?" Answers called out ranged from 20g to 500g.

The lecturer replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long you try to hold it. "If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance. In each case, it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes."

He continued, "And that's the way it is with stress management.

If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on." "As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again. When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden. "

So, before you return home tonight, put the burden of work down. Don't carry it home. You can pick it up tomorrow. Whatever burdens you're carrying now, let them down for a moment if you can. Relax; pick them up later after you've rested.

You can apply this positive tip to both your personal and professional life.

Yay for Work

Today is my first day of work after being on "vacation" for four months! I have never been unemployed this long, ever. I have been working since I was 15. It feels really good to be making money again since we've been depending on Nathan's salary. I have always believed that it is important to go after your dreams and passions and not to settle but today in our society, I also believe it's very important we all say thank you for the jobs we have. I know many people aren't happy with what they're doing but at least it's paying the bills and putting a roof over their head and food on the table. One of the reasons we left Useppa was to move forward in our lives and I'm doing the same thing now that I did on the island, serving. I wanted to be challenged and have responsibility but no luck. As frustrated as I am though, I'm thankful because things could be so much worse. I have a roof over my head, a car to drive, food in my belly, clothes to wear and hot showers. One day I will attain what I'm looking for but for today I'll just be thankful for what I already have.

It's Work

I look around and I see people rushing to grow up. Wanting to get married and have kids and settle down. I don't understand this especially when these are such big decisions. Marriage is for life (in my opinion) and so are kids. Growing up I never saw my parents fight, ever. So when people said marriage is work, I was "whatever." I didn't see or understand what was being said. As I have gotten older and now married myself, I get it.

In my early twenties I was about myself. I knew what I wanted and I wasn't going to compromise. It wasn't that the guy I was dating was wrong, I just wasn't going to settle for less than what I wanted. Compromising and sacrificing are two big things in a marriage. It's no longer "me" and "I" but "us" and "we." You have to think about the other person and their happiness and dreams. This is why it is so important to know upfront what you want and know what your partner wants. It can be very hard to have a good marriage when the two of you differ on where to live, how to raise kids, money, religion and household chores. I'm not saying that differences are bad but you have to know how to work with them and meet in the middle.

Communication is HUGE. I'm a natural communicator so this comes easy to me but it doesn't for everyone. You can't be in a relationship and not talk. It doesn't work. You have to talk out your problems, talk about the future, talk about your jobs, talk about the kids, everything. The person you married is your partner and he/she deserves to know what you think and feel. Your spouse can't be there for you if you don't let him in. Another side of the communication is complimenting your spouse and telling him you love him. Nonverbal communication is just as valuable; hugs, kisses and holding hands.

I think we all grow as we get older. Our changing environment (work, new friends) helps us learn new things about ourselves. This can be hard for your spouse who knows the "old" you. We have to be willing to allow our other half to grow and change and accept it. We all get caught up in the "old" days and get comfortable. A lot of people don't like change but being open and receptive to growth and change is the only way for us to be true to the best version of ourselves and is the way we embrace our true freedom.

I've been married eight months now and I see how important it is to work at your marriage. It's not easy. It is a lot of give and take. I just want to caution anyone reading this who isn't married to think about these things. Can you sacrifice your happiness for your spouse? Can you compromise on how to save and spend money? Can you talk about your problems? Can you agree on how many children? Can you accept that your spouse will change and grow with him? If you go into it with the mindset of this is forever, you may be more cautious. Love is more than a feeling, it's acts.

Mighty to Save

Everyone needs compassion,
Love that's never failing;
Let mercy fall on me.

Everyone needs forgiveness,
The kindness of a Saviour;
The Hope of nations.

Saviour, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.

Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.

So take me as You find me,
All my fears and failures,
Fill my life again.

I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in,
Now I surrender.

My Saviour, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.

Shine your light and let the whole world see,
We're singing for the glory of the risen King...Jesus (x2)

My Saviour, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.

My Saviour, you can move the mountains,
You are mighty to save,
You are mighty to save.
Forever, Author of Salvation,
You rose and conquered the grave,
Yes you conquered the grave

It Couldn't be Done

Somebody said that it couldn't be done,
But, he with a chuckle replied
That "maybe it couldn't" but he would be one
Who wouldn't say so till he'd tried.

So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin
On his face. If he worried he hid it.
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn't be done, as he did it.

Somebody scoffed: "Oh, you'll never do that;
At least no one we know has done it";
But he took off his coat and he took off his hat,
And the first thing we knew he'd begun it.

With a lift of his chin and a bit of a grin,
Without any doubting or quiddit,
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn't be done, and he did it.

There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done,
There are thousands to prophesy failure;
There are thousands to point out to you, one by one,
The dangers that wait to assail you.

But just buckle right in with a bit of a grin,
Just take off your coat and go to it;
Just start to sing as you tackle the thing
That cannot be done, and you'll do it

-Edgar Guest

Phenomenal Woman

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies. I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size But when I start to tell them, They think I'm telling lies. I say, It's in the reach of my arms The span of my hips, The stride of my step, The curl of my lips. I'm a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That's me. I walk into a room Just as cool as you please, And to a man, The fellows stand or Fall down on their knees. Then they swarm around me, A hive of honey bees. I say, It's the fire in my eyes, And the flash of my teeth, The swing in my waist, And the joy in my feet. I'm a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That's me. Men themselves have wondered What they see in me. They try so much But they can't touch My inner mystery. When I try to show them They say they still can't see. I say, It's in the arch of my back, The sun of my smile, The ride of my breasts, The grace of my style. I'm a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That's me. Now you understand Just why my head's not bowed. I don't shout or jump about Or have to talk real loud. When you see me passing It ought to make you proud. I say, It's in the click of my heels, The bend of my hair, the palm of my hand, The need of my care, 'Cause I'm a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That's me. Maya Angelou

Expand your Horizons

I have been so fortunate to have traveled around the east side of the U.S. The fantastic places I've visited, the wonderful people I've met, has been so rewarding. I was just looking at recent pictures of Useppa Island Club posted on their Facebook page. Looking at those brought back so many wonderful memories and seeing all the people that brought such joy to my life, made me miss them so much. It's always hard to start the next chapter of your life because you're leaving behind something. I guess it's not always hard, sometimes the change is more than welcomed but this change was hard for me. To leave behind an island of people that I adored was really hard. It was never the job or the location that made me stay, it was the people.

Nathan and I chose to leave the island to move forward with life. I think we all know when it's time to move on but most people don't like change. It's scary and nerve wracking. We could have easily stayed there because it was comfortable but what kind of life is that?

I encourage everyone to travel, to see different places and meet different people. You learn so much about yourself and grow in ways you never expected. Get out of your box and experience life. Build relationships with people because they make life so much more enjoyable and fulfilling. Life isn't about acquiring things and being rich. Those things won't make you happy all the time or keep you company. One of the worst things that you can be in this life is lonely. We were not created to be by ourselves. Don't be afraid of change and moving on. You can never improve and better your life if you stay where you are forever.

Helping Hand

We all lead busy lives; work, children, running errands, cooking dinner, cleaning and so on. I don't have any children yet, thankfully but I do have an adorable nephew who can drive my sister nuts at times. When we were having lunch today I knew she needed some time to herself so Cameron came home with me so Kristen could spend some time by herself doing whatever she wanted.

I did this for many reasons, one being I love Kristen and hate seeing her so stressed. We all need time to ourselves and it's hard when you have children. I don't know how stay at home moms do it. Kudos to them. Such patience and tolerance. I encourage everyone to help out in these little ways to make a difference in someones life. We reap what we sow. If you help someone in need the favor will be returned.

Starting Points

I am reading the book The Reason for God by Timothy Keller and find it very interesting and is helping me see things differently. In one chapter he talks about how people view the church and what can put people off about Christianity. One of the things he talks about is character flaws in Christians. How many of us know someone who isn't a believer and is a better and more moral person than a believer you know? You've been to churches where there is pettiness and lying and people aren't gracious and welcoming. The thing we all have to remember is that just because someone goes to church doesn't mean he's perfect. We go to church to better ourselves and learn. We aren't all in the same place when we become Christians.

We reach out to God when we're struggling and in need of help. Who's more likely to reach for God: the person who was raised in a loving, safe family and social environment and never had anything bad happen to her or the person who was raised by a single mother and turned to drugs and alcohol because that's what her mom did? Who's more likely to see their need for a God? One of the girls is well adjusted, confident, smart and the other is burdened with deep insecurities, lack of self-confidence, addition and uncontrolled anger. The girl that has deep issues has accepted Christ but she is starting her walk with God in a very dark place. She has a lot of growing and learning to do. You end up meeting both girls and the one is doing great in life without God and the other one who has God is struggling. Do you think some people would think "What's the point of becoming a Christian? The one girl has a great life without God while the other one is struggling and has anger issues." The thing you have to understand though is how far has that girl come since she accepted Christ. She may not be perfect but her life is slowly getting better. You can't judge someone when you don't know where there journey started.

The rule of Christianity isn't that you come to God when you have your life cleaned up in order to merit God's presence. You come to God just as you are and He will transform you and make you into the person you can and will be. Since this is the case then, the church will be filled with people who are broken and immature and still have a long way to go emotionally, morally and spiritually. There's a saying, "The church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints.

God used many not perfect people in the Bible to accomplish his goals; Moses, David, Rahab and Jonah are just a few. You don't have to be perfect for God to work in your life, you just have to be willing and have an open heart.

I know God has worked in my heart since I accepted Christ. I am a much more loving person and I try my best not to judge. I know we all need love and acceptance to grow and learn. I give people the benefit of the doubt and I forgive easier. I accept people for who they are. I am truly a much better person. If you saw where I started and where I am now you'd see what effect God can have on you and your heart.

Footprints in the Sand One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky. In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there were one set of footprints. This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints. So I said to the Lord, "You promised me Lord, that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there have only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most, you have not been there for me?" The Lord replied, "The times when you have seen only one set of footprints, is when I carried you."

Just Checking In

A minister passing through his church In the middle of the day, Decided to pause by the altar And see who had come to pray. Just then the back door opened, A man came down the aisle, The minister frowned as he saw The man hadn't shaved in a while. His shirt was kinda shabby And his coat was worn and frayed, The man knelt, he bowed his head, Then rose and walked away. In the days that followed, Each noon time came this chap, Each time he knelt just for a moment, A lunch pail in his lap. Well, the minister's suspicions grew, With robbery a main fear, He decided to stop the man and ask him, 'What are you doing here?' The old man said, he worked down the road. Lunch was half an hour. Lunchtime was his prayer time, For finding strength and power. 'I stay only moments, see, Because the factory is so far away; As I kneel here talking to the Lord, This is kinda what I say: 'I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, LORD, HOW HAPPY I'VE BEEN, SINCE WE FOUND EACH OTHERS FRIENDSHIP AND YOU TOOK AWAY MY SIN. DON'T KNOW MUCH OF HOW TO PRAY, BUT I THINK ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY. SO, JESUS, THIS IS JIM CHECKING IN TODAY.' The minister feeling foolish, Told Jim, that was fine. He told the man he was welcome To come and pray just anytime Time to go, Jim smiled, said 'Thanks.' He hurried to the door. The minister knelt at the altar, He'd never done it before. His cold heart melted, warmed with love, And met with Jesus there. As the tears flowed, in his heart, He repeated old Jim's prayer: 'I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, LORD, HOW HAPPY I'VE BEEN, SINCE WE FOUND EACH OTHERS FRIENDSHIP AND YOU TOOK AWAY MY SIN. I DON'T KNOW MUCH OF HOW TO PRAY, BUT I THINK ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY. SO, JESUS, THIS IS ME CHECKING IN TODAY.' Past noon one day, the minister noticed That old Jim hadn't come. As more days passed without Jim, He began to worry some. At the factory, he asked about him, Learning he was ill. The hospital staff was worried, But he'd given them a thrill. The week that Jim was with them, Brought changes in the ward. His smiles, a joy contagious. Changed people, were his reward. The head nurse couldn't understand Why Jim was so glad, When no flowers, calls or cards came, Not a visitor he had. The minister stayed by his bed, He voiced the nurse's concern: No friends came to show they cared. He had nowhere to turn. Looking surprised, old Jim spoke Up and with a winsome smile; 'the nurse is wrong, she couldn't know, That he's in here all the while Everyday at noon He's here, A dear friend of mine, you see, He sits right down, takes my hand, Leans over and says to me: 'I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, JIM, HOW HAPPY I HAVE BEEN, SINCE WE FOUND THIS FRIENDSHIP, AND I TOOK AWAY YOUR SIN. ALWAYS LOVE TO HEAR YOU PRAY, I THINK ABOUT YOU EACH DAY, AND SO JIM, THIS IS JESUS CHECKING IN TODAY.' Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart May God hold you in the palm of His hand And Angels watch over you.

Summer

Summertime brings about so many wonderful things! BBQ's, swimming, Fourth of July, Cedar Point and Kings Island, family vacations, hammocks, camps, boating, tubing, sunny days, water parks, my birthday (can't forget that one, LoL), weddings, family reunions, lazy days, air conditioning, and much more. Summer is total enjoyment.

Fourth of July

Since today is July 4th I think I'll give THANKS that I live in this fabulous country. It's not perfect but we, Americans have a lot to be thankful for. Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of press. We have opportunities and can have more than one child (although some don't know when to stop). We get to vote for our government leaders and all people get to vote; women, men, blacks, whites. We're a developed nation with running water, restaurants, doctors and hospitals. We don't have to walk miles to get clean drinking water and have plenty of food to eat. The list can go on and on but point is, we're lucky and have a lot to be thankful for. Happy 234th Birthday USA

Burned Biscuits

When I was a kid, my mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. And I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work. On that evening so long ago, my mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage and extremely burned biscuits in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed! Yet all my dad did was reach for his biscuit, smile at my mom and ask me how my day was at school. I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that biscuit and eat every bite! When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. And I'll never forget what he said: "Honey, I love burned biscuits." Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, "Your Momma put in a hard day at work today and she's real tired. And besides - a little burnt biscuit never hurt anyone!" You know, life is full of imperfect things.....and imperfect people. I'm not the best at hardly anything, and I forget birthdays and anniversaries just like everyone else.What I've learned over the years is that learning to accept each others' faults - and choosing to celebrate each others' differences - is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship. And that's my prayer for you today. That you will learn to take the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of your life and lay them at the feet of God. Because in the end, He's the only One who will be able to give you a relationship where a burnt biscuit isn't a deal- breaker! We could extend this to any relationship. In fact, understanding is the basis of any relationship, be it a husband-wife or parent-child or friendship! "Don't put the key to your happiness in someone else's pocket - keep it in your own." Life is short, break the rules, forgive sooner, love with true love, laugh without control and always keep smiling. Maybe life is not the party we were expecting, but in the mean time we are still here and we can dance...... **not a personal story**