Hold My Heart

by Tenth Avenue North

~ Death ~

A sick man turned to his doctor as he was preparing to leave the examination room and said, "Doctor, I am afraid to die. Tell me what lies on the other side."

Very quietly, the doctor said, "I don't know."

"You don't know? You, a Christian man, do not know what is on the other side?"

The doctor was holding the handle of the door;
on the other side came a sound of scratching and whining, and as he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room and leaped on him with an eager show of gladness.

Turning to the patient, the doctor said, "Did you notice my dog? He's never been in this room before. He didn't know what was inside. He knew nothing except that his master was here, and when the door opened, he sprang in without fear. I know little of what is on the other side of death, but I do know one thing...

I know my Master is there and that is enough."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; - John 11:25 (NIV)


2 Corinthians 5:1-10 (NIV)
Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 2Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, 3because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. 4For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

6Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 7We live by faith, not by sight. 8We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. 10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.


Philippians 3:20-21 (NIV)
20But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

God In Me

by Mary Mary

35 Cents of Time

There I am Sunday afternoon after church thinking about the laundry.
"I have to wash clothes today."

Today came and went and the laundry didn’t get done.

There I am Monday after VBS thinking about the laundry.
"I have to wash clothes tonight."

Tonight came and went and the laundry didn’t get done.

So Tuesday rolls around and after VBS I thought about the laundry.
"I have to wash clothes tonight."

Again, tonight came and went and the laundry didn’t get done.

Wednesday. Wednesday it will definitely get done!
"I have to wash clothes tonight."

And still the laundry didn’t get done.

So now it’s Thursday. One day before the ‘end of the week.’ The day before payday. With the laundry (already) in the car, I say "I have to wash clothes tonight." After days of procrastination, this day was different... this time I actually made it to the laundry mat after VBS!

It’s almost 10pm; we are all exhausted from our busy day. My daughter fell asleep while our (now) 3 big loads wash. Time to dry finally!

1st load, 32 minutes. 2nd load, 16 minutes… I’ve used all my money. How am I supposed to dry the rest of my clothes?? I send my son to scramble for change in the car where he finds $1 hidden in a compartment. My 3rd load, 27 minutes. But I still have to figure out what to do with my 2nd load because it won’t be dry after a mere 16 minutes.

With 10 minutes to spare on my 1st load, I decide to take the clothes out and put the 2nd load in for the remaining time and practically burn my hands while removing the 1st load from the dryer.

The 1st load was burning hot. And the remaining 10 minutes completely dried the 2nd load.

Now this sounds like a simple story of utilizing a really good dryer and juggling around to get the laundry done. But there’s one detail in the story that stuck out to me.

How did a typical 30 minutes of drying become sufficient to completely dry TWO full loads of laundry? Only by God’s provision!

In all the times I’ve been to that laundry mat. In all the times I’ve used the dryers, I’ve never had my clothes come out in such little time and so scorching hot.

I went there with limited means to clean the clothes. And I left with more than I could physically supply. Thank you Jesus!

There are times where God intercedes in our lives in a grand way and we praise Him for the "big" things. But more times than none, God provides in the most obscure ways, in the tiniest of details. Do you take notice of these subtleties? Do you thank Him for ALL He has provided?

* The gas tank that’s on "E" but somehow got you back and forth to your destination.


* The laundry mat dryer that dried 2 loads of clothes with the time needed for just one load.


* The kind gesture or words from someone during a private personal battle that help you get through it.


God is present in our everyday lives (Acts 17:27-28; Colossians 1:17). He provides for His children so we can flourish. It is through our Almighty Father, Jehovah Jireh – God our Provider (spiritually, emotionally and physically) that we are able to press forward in abundance.

Philippians 4:19
19And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Matthew 6:28-33
28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

So what started out to be an extremely long day... work, volunteering, and late night laundry... ended with a subtle reminder of how wondrous our Lord is. His provision was a gentle embrace; a touch from loving hands. Yet another praise before my day ends.

It is good to give thanks to the LORD,
to sing praises to your name, O Most High; (Psalm 92:1)

Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. (Hebrews 13:15)

With Him there are no limitations!

A Decision Changes Everything

Sometimes I sit and ponder
How our lives would be today
If old Adam had not fallen
And sweet Eve had walked away

Everything would be perfection
With no sickness, sin or pain
With no death or resurrection
Nothing done would be in vain

Every person would be happy
As they lived from day to day
Never angry, sad or snappy
Souls would never pass away

Tribes from every tongue and nation
Would be nice and get along
Just one lovely congregation
Always ready with a song

There would be no wars and fighting
Strife and danger would be gone
Laughter, joy and things exciting
Would pervade and carry on

But this world can never happen
For when Adam took the fall
He destroyed what once was perfect
And his sin affects us all

When that couple in the Garden
Took the fruit and sinned that day
God devised a precious pardon
To restore what went away

Jesus came to make The Difference
Shed His blood for every sin
Opens up the Gates of Heaven
Welcomes all to enter in

If you take His invitation
And respond in one accord
You are made a New Creation
In The Family Of The Lord

Just remember Eve and Adam
God has standards still today
At each level, height and stratum
Jesus Is The Only Way!!!

by Jim Lake

The White Squall

I haven't written; I've had writer's block.
I haven't expressed myself; I've had an emotional wall.
I haven't spoken; I've been mute.
I haven't read; I've had my mind closed.

Minor cuts and scrapes. Penny sized bruises. Minute infractions. Diminutive at a glance; there's no need to share the affliction. The big things seemed so monstrous; the little things seemed so effortless.

With a white squall amidst, a massive wave crashes upon my squandered time. The realization set in… the swell which has enveloped my days was an accumulation of little things. It wasn't the big things after all.

I carry the affliction. I bare it on my shoulders. I see its weight in my eyes. I hear the imperfections in my voice. I feel the millstones in my heart.

So how to rid myself of this well developed burden? A burden whose heaviness is more savage than an innocent prey succumbing to a lion's vicious maul?

As I stammer across the fields of time, I bring every weight with me; slowly reaching a sordid pit. I take one burden at a time, gradually peeling each layer of sin off my surface and placing it at the foot of the cross.

For I know the voice of joy and the voice of gladness.
For I know 'not a trace will be left of the wicked or their families. The Lord protects His people, and they can come to Him in times of trouble. The Lord helps them and saves them from the wicked because they run to Him.'

And with this knowledge I bring the swell which has consumed me. I bring my battered and injured soul. I bring my heart, my mind, myself; all pieces of me.

I peel away the imperfections. I praise my Almighty Father. I pray for his mercy. I read and learn of His ways and wishes for me.

And in this the white squall subdues. What began as minute infractions; what brought me to a sordid pit has diminished at His feet! Now with hands raised high, I celebrate the grandeur of our Lord in a pinnacle of revelry!

Dare I share my story… Dare I speak of my defeats and triumphs… Dare I share stories of His glory…

Dare you listen and heed these words wholeheartedly?

by: DeAna Colon

What Do I Know of Holy

I made You promises a thousand times
I tried to hear from Heaven
But I talked the whole time
I think I made You too small
I never feared You at all No
If You touched my face would I know You?
Looked into my eyes could I behold You?

(CHORUS)
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?

I guess I thought that I had figured You out
I knew all the stories and I learned to talk about
How You were mighty to save
Those were only empty words on a page
Then I caught a glimpse of who You might be
The slightest hint of You brought me down to my knees

(CHORUS)
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?

(CHORUS 2)
What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of wounds that will heal my shame?
And a God who gave life "its" name?
What do I know of Holy?
Of the One who the angels praise?
All creation knows Your name
On earth and heaven above
What do I know of this love?

(CHORUS)
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?

What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of Holy?

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me

by David M. Romano

When tomorrow starts without me,
and I'm not there to see;
If the sun should rise and find your eyes,
all filled with tears for me;
I wish so much you wouldn't cry,
the way you did today,
while thinking of the many things,
we didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me,
as much as I love you,
and each time that you think of me,
I know you'll miss me too;
But when tomorrow starts without me,
please try to understand,
that an Angel came and called my name,
and took me by the hand,
and said my place was ready,
in heaven far above,
and that I'd have to leave behind,
all those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away,
a tear fell from my eye,
for all life, I'd always thought,
I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for,
so much yet to do,
it seemed almost impossible,
that I was leaving you.

I thought of all the yesterdays,
the good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared,
and all the fun we had.

If I could relive yesterday,
just even for awhile,
I'd say goodbye and kiss you
and maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized,
that this could never be,
for emptiness and memories,
would take the place of me.

And when I thought of worldly things,
I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did,
my heart was filled with sorrow.

But when I walked through heaven's gates,
I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me,
from His great golden throne,

He said, "This is eternity,
and all I've promised you".
Today for life on earth is past,
but here it starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow,
but today will always last,
and since each day's the same day,
there's no longing for the past.

But you have been so faithful,
so trusting and so true.
Though there were times you did some things,
you knew you shouldn't do.
But you have been forgiven
and now at last you're free.
So won't you take my hand
and share my life with me?

So when tomorrow starts without me,
don't think we're far apart,
for every time you think of me,
I'm right here, in your heart.

Take A Step Back

I packed her bag and put her lunch together at night. My alarm clock was set for 6am and the plan was to leave the house by 7am. All was in place for the morning. Tomorrow would be my daughter’s 1st day of summer camp.

At 5:40am, she came into my room bright eyed & bushy-tailed, asking me to help her get ready for camp. I told her she was a little ahead of herself and sent her back to bed… in which she climbed into mine instead (lol). Needless to say, I don’t think she actually slept as I did. I believe she lay in bed with her eyes on the clock, waiting for the 1st sound of my alarm. She was so excited to start summer camp! She saw the camp’s activity calendar & saw all the wonderful things they have planned for the kids. Swimming, field trips, and activities of all sorts… she couldn’t wait!

Before getting upset at being woken up early, I took a (mental) step back and smiled at her excitement. I took joy in her smile. I savored the moment.

With that joy; with that plethora of wondrous emotion, it made me think about how our Father sees us, how He takes joy in us.

There are many times, as parents, that we must take a step back to let our child find their own path… take that first step… ride the bike without training wheels for the first time… or even see them fall and hope they have the courage and will to get back up. I believe God sees us in the same light.

He’s given us instruction. He’s informed us of how He wants us to live our lives. And He takes a step back. He’s always within arm’s reach but there’s enough space to allow us to make the decision… shall we stumble and falter to the world’s ways or shall we rise above the challenges of the flesh and glorify our Lord in every aspect of our lives?

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Read God’s Word. Understand it.
Live it. Put it into action in every aspect of your life.

1 Peter 2:1-2 tells us to "Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 2Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,"

Romans 12:15-21 reads "Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in the mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. "But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 reminds us to "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

With the guidance and love our Heavenly Father has provided, we should be able to make right decisions and flourish not only on Earth but beyond our years of life. In return, He will smile upon us as a proud parent smiles at their child’s accomplishment.

John 14:21
"Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."

Brighter Day

Wait and See

by Brandon Heath

Through Your Eyes

Through your eyes, you see a deviant. Someone
capable and willing to deceive for her own benefit.
In His eyes I am perfectly made, working passed the flesh.

Through your ears you hear half truths,
never fully believing spoken words.
In His ear, He hears my true desires.
The innermost thoughts and truths yet to be vocalized.

Through your mind I am to be doubted
or questioned, with intentions all my own.
In His mind I am beautiful.
Beautifully broken.
And loved nonetheless.

His senses carry me farther than
any idea, image or word of yours.
And that is what matters most to me.

And with that I will continue to sing His praise.

Whether it falls upon deaf ears.
Whether it passes a blind eye.
Whether it enters a closed mind.

My praise is His.
And I am His.
Beautifully broken.

by: DeAna Colon

Being A Mother...

We are sitting at lunch when my daughter casually mentions that she and her husband are thinking of "starting a family."

"We're taking a survey," she says, half-joking. "Do you think I should have a baby?"

"It will change your life," I say, carefully keeping my tone neutral.

"I know," she says, "no more sleeping in on weekends, no more spontaneous vacations...."

But that is not what I meant at all. I look at my daughter, trying to decide what to tell her. I want her to know what she will never learn in childbirth classes. I want to tell her that the physical wounds of childbearing will heal, but that becoming a mother will leave her with an emotional wound so raw that she will forever be vulnerable.

I consider warning her that she will never again read a newspaper without asking "What if that had been MY child?" That every plane crash, every house fire will haunt her. That when she sees pictures of starving children, she will wonder if anything could be worse than watching your child die.

I look at her carefully manicured nails and stylish suit and think that no matter how sophisticated she is, becoming a mother will reduce her to the primitive level of a bear protecting her cub. That an urgent call of "Mom!" will cause her to drop a soufflé, or her best crystal without a moment's hesitation.

I feel I should warn her that no matter how many years she has invested in her career, she will be professionally derailed by motherhood. She might arrange for child care but one day she will be going into an important business meeting and she will think of her baby's sweet smell. She will have to use every ounce of her discipline to keep from running home, just to make sure her baby is all right.

I want my daughter to know that everyday decisions will no longer be routine. That a five year old boy's desire to go to the men's room rather than the women's at McDonald's will become a major dilemma. That right there, in the midst of clattering trays and screaming children, issues of independence and gender identity will be weighed against the prospect that a child molester may be lurking in that restroom. However decisive she may be at the office, she will second-guess herself constantly as a mother.

Looking at my attractive daughter, I want to assure her that eventually she will shed the pounds of pregnancy, but she will never feel the same about herself. That her life, now so important, will be of less value to her once she has a child. That she would give it up in a moment to save her offspring, but will also begin to hope for more years - not to accomplish her own dreams, but to watch her child accomplish theirs. I want her to know that a Caesarean scar or shiny stretch marks will become badges of honor.

My daughter's relationship with her husband will change, but not in the way she thinks. I wish she could understand how much more you can love a man who is careful to powder the baby or who never hesitates to play with his child. I think she should know that she will fall in love with him again for reasons she would now find very unromantic.

I wish my daughter could sense the bond she will feel with women throughout history who have tried to stop war, prejudice and drunk driving. I hope she will understand why I can think rationally about most issues, but become temporarily insane when I discuss the threat of nuclear war to my children's future.

I want to describe to my daughter the exhilaration of seeing your child learn to ride a bike. I want to capture for her the belly laugh of a baby who is touching the soft fur of a dog or a cat for the first time. I want her to taste the joy that is so real, it actually hurts.

My daughter's quizzical look makes me realize that tears have formed in my eyes. "You'll never regret it," I finally say. Then I reach across the table, squeeze my daughter's hand and offer a silent prayer for her, and for me, and for all of the mere mortal women who stumble their way into this most wonderful of callings. This blessed gift from God…that of being a Mother.

Isaiah 66:13 (NIV)
"As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem."

A Tale of True Friendship

"A friend loves at all times, and is born, as is a brother, for adversity." (Proverbs 17: 17)

Five Senses

Taste – to sense the sweet taste of Christ’s Word in my life
"How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" (Psalm 119:103)

Touch – to feel the Holy Spirit working within me
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (Hebrews 11:1)

Sight – to see His works impacting my life
"I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength" (Ephesians 1:18-19)

Hear – to hear His word within me in order to grow spiritually
"He that has an ear let him hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches." (Revelation chapters 2 and 3)

Smell – to take in the sweet smell of God’s wondrous Word
"I have been paid back everything, and with interest. I am completely satisfied with the gifts that you had Epaphroditus bring me. They are like a sweet-smelling offering or like the right kind of sacrifice that pleases God." (Philippians 4:18)


We dwell in a tangible world but we can use our senses in a spiritual light.

To fully embrace God’s grandeur... the blessings of our senses.

Friends

This is an email I received from a very good friend.
Thanks for sharing this!

I love you & thank God for having you in my life!!

The Crayon Box That Talked

While walking into a toy store the day before today
I overheard a crayon box with many things to say

"I don't like Red!" said Yellow and Green said "Nor do I"
"And no one here likes Orange but no one knows just why"

"We are a box of crayons that doesn't get along
Said Blue to all the others "Something here is wrong"

Well, I bought that box of crayons and took it home with me
And laid out all the colors so the crayons all could see

They watched me as I colored with Red and Blue and Green
And Black and White and Orange and every color in between

They watched as Green became the grass and Blue became the sky
The Yellow sun was shining bright on White clouds drifting by

Colors changing as they touched becoming something new
They watched me as I colored - they watched me till I was through

And when I finally finished I began to walk away
And as I did the crayon box had something more to say

"I do like Red!" said Yellow and Green said, "so do I"
And Blue you were terrific! So high up in the sky

"We are a box of crayons each one of us unique
But when we get together the picture is more complete."



John 13:34-35 (NKJ) "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

[ By Shane DeRolf -- from 'TPS' ]

My Turning Point

A friend of mine came by one day
And shared an old, old story.
He spoke to me of God's great love.
He spoke of heaven's glory.

He spoke to me of man's great need -
Forgiveness for our sin.
But if we'd open wide our heart,
Then Jesus would come in.

I thought about what this friend said;
Won'dring - could this be true?
Then, on my knees, I prayed, "Dear God,
I want this life brand new."

And in that instant Jesus came,
Right straight into my heart.
There, in His presence oh so real,
I knew He'd not depart.

My sins, completely washed away,
My step, a whole lot lighter,
A wave of love washed over me,
And ev'rything seemed brighter.

In that one eternal instant,
My life forever changed;
Priorities turned upside down;
Desires were rearranged.

Now ev'ry day I realize,
When life seems out of joint,
I can concentrate on Jesus -
He is my Turning Point!


[ by Neil G. Thompson, copyright 2/15/94 -- from 'Themestream' ]

How Many Friends Do You Have?

Think about it....

The old man turned to me and asked
"How many friends have you?"
Why 10 or 20 Friends have I,
And named off just a few--
He rose quite slow with effort
And sadly shook his head
"A lucky child you are
To have so many friends," he said,
But think of what you're saying
There is so much you do not know
A friend is just not someone
to whom you say "Hello"

A friends a tender shoulder
on which to softly cry
A well to poor your troubles down
and raise your spirits high

A friend is a hand to pull you up
From darkness and despair...
when all your other "so called" friends
Have helped to put you there

A true friend is an ally
who can't be moved or bought
a voice to keep your name alive
when others have forgot

But most of all a friend is a heart
a strong and sturdy wall
for from the hearts of friends
There comes the greatest love of all
So think of what I've spoken
for every word is true

And answer once again my child
How many friends have you??
And then he stood and faced me
Awaiting my reply

Softly I answered
If Lucky......
One Have "I"
"YOU!!!!!"

[ Author Unknown -- from 'Love Quotes' ]

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


A friend loves at all times, and is born, as is a brother, for adversity.
(Proverbs 17:17)

Judge Gently

Pray, don't find fault with the man that limps
Or stumbles along the road.
Unless you have worn the shoes he wears
Or struggled beneath his load.

There may be tacks in his shoes that hurt
Though hidden away from view.
Or the burden he bears placed on your back
Might cause you to stumble too.

Dont sneer at the man who's down today
Unless you have felt the blow
That caused his fall or felt the shame
That only the fallen know.

You may be strong but still the blows
That was his if dealt to you
In the selfsame way, at the selfsame time
Might cause you to stagger too.

Dont be too harsh with the man that sins
Or pelt him with word or stone
Unless you are sure - yea, doubly sure -
That you have no sins of your own.

For you know, perhaps,
If the tempter's voice should whisper as soft to you
As it did to him when he went astray
It might cause you to falter too.


[Author Unknown -- from 'Aiken Drum' (Aiken@AikensLaughs.com)]

Job 38-39

If the Lord asks me to wait
Till I reach that pearly gate
Then wait I must.
Though my heart says I should hurry,
Still my Lord says not to worry,
I must trust...

"O, My child ~ thou art Mine,
You must seek My will, not thine,
Do not fret thyself about what is to be...
For thy future have no dread,
Leave it in My hands instead,
For I alone know what is best for thee.

"Dwell on what My hands have made,
Count the stars My hands have stayed
To spin in motion...
Guess the secrets that I keep
In the mysteries of My deep
Uncharted ocean.

"Can you make the grass to sprout,
Paint the colors in a trout,
Or make the brook sing?
When do mountain goats give birth,
Who brings flowers out of earth,
Or gives the bird wing?

"Do you give the horse his might,
Can you change the day to night,
Or make a rainbow?
At My wish the eagle soars,
I command the rain that pours,
And make the wind blow.

"This and far more I can do...
Am I big enough for you
To trust your life to?
Is My universe too small
To be trusted with your all?
Child, taste of Me and see
How much I love you!"

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"O, taste and see that the Lord is good..."
(Psalm 34:8, KJV)

From the Inside Out

The Auction

The upstate NY man was rich in almost every way. His estate was worth millions. He owned houses, land, antiques and cattle. But though on the outside he had it all, he was very unhappy on the inside. His wife was growing old, and the couple was childless. He had always wanted a little boy to carry on the family legacy.

Miraculously, his wife became pregnant in her later years, and she gave birth to a little boy. The boy was severely handicapped, but the man loved him with his whole heart. When the boy was five, his mom died. The dad drew closer to his special son. At age 13, the boys's birth defects cost him his life and the father died soon after from a broken heart.

The estate was auctioned before hundreds of bidders. The first item offered was a painting of the the boy. No one bid. They waited like vultures for the riches. Finally, the poor housemaid, who helped raise the boy, offered $5 for the picture and easily took the bid. To every-one's shock, the auctioneer ripped a hand written will from the back of the picture. This is what it said: "To the person who thinks enough of my son to buy this painting, to this person I give my entire estate."

The auction was over. The greedy crowd walked away in shock and dismay.

How many of us have sought after what we thought were true riches only to find out later that our Father was prepared to give us His entire estate if we had only sought after His Son alone?

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Matthew 6:19-21 (CEV) Don't store up treasures on earth! Moths and rust can destroy them, and thieves can break in and steal them. Instead, store up your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy them, and thieves cannot break in and steal them. Your heart will always be where your treasure is.

Proverbs 11:28 (NIV) Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.

1 Timothy 6:17 (CEV) Warn the rich people of this world not to be proud or to trust in wealth that is easily lost. Tell them to have faith in God, who is rich and blesses us with everything we need to enjoy life.

Satan's Garage Sale

Once upon a time, Satan was having a garage sale. There, standing in little groups were all of his bright, shiny trinkets.

Here were tools that make it easy to tear others down for use as stepping stones. And over there were some lenses for magnifying ones own importance, which, if you looked through them the other way, you could also use to belittle others, or even one's self. Against the wall was the usual assortment of gardening implements guaranteed to help your pride grow by leaps and bounds: the rake of scorn, the shovel of jealousy for digging a pit for your neighbor, the tools of gossip and backstabbing, of selfishness and apathy.

All of these were pleasing to the eye and came complete with fabulous promises and guarantees of prosperity. Prices, of course, were steep; but not to worry! Free credit was extended to one and all.

"Take it home, use it, and you won't have to pay until later!" old Satan cried, as he hawked his wares.

The visitor, as he browsed, noticed two well worn, non-descript tools standing in one corner. Not being nearly as tempting as the other items, he found it curious that these two tools had price tags higher than any other.

When he asked why, Satan just laughed and said, "Well, that's because I use them so much. If they weren't so plain looking, people might see them for what they were." Satan pointed to the two tools, saying, "You see, that one's Doubt and that one's Discouragement -- and those will work when nothing else will."

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The devil tries to equip us with so many tools; tools that encourage descruction or separation from God.

Just because we can buy it does not mean we should try it!

But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin. Romans 14: 23

The Lord tells us not to be discouraged...

He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40: 29 -31

When You Thought I Wasn't Looking

A message every adult should read because children
are watching you and doing as you do, not as you say.


When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my
first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately
wanted to paint another one.


When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you feed a
stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind
to animals.


When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my
favorite cake for me, and I learned that the little
things can be the special things in life.


When you thought I wasn't looking, I heard you say a
prayer, and I knew that there is a God I could always
talk to, and I learned to trust in Him.


When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make a
meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I
learned that we all have to help take care of each
other.


When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of
your time and money to help people who had nothing,
and I learned that those who have something should
give to those who don't.


When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you take care
of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have
to take care of what we are given.


When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw how you
handled your responsibilities, even when you didn' t
feel good, and I learned that I would have to be
responsible when I grow up.


When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw tears come
from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things
hurt, but it's all right to cry.


When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you
cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.


When you thought I wasn't looking, I learned most of
life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and
productive person when I grow up.


When you thought I wasn't looking, I looked at you and
wanted to say,'Thanks for all the things I saw when
you thought I wasn't looking.'




Each of us (parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher, friend) influences the life of a child.

Proverbs 22:6
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

The Plunge

As many times as you hear someone say they know how to swim, trying so desperately to convince you (or themselves), knowing they've never been in water... It takes for them to be thrown in a pool to come to the realization that what they thought to be fact was indeed a misconception on their part.

In life we base a lot of decisions on what we feel is right. It takes to be thrown in the pool to realize it. Take the time to make your decisions in life.

God knows our decisions before we do but He loves us so much, He's put his trust in us to make the right one.

Pray. Meditate on God's Word. You will know what choices to make. You will know which path to walk.

Joshua 1:8
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.


Put your love and trust in the Lord. He is your salvation. You will find solace in Him.

Pick Up the Pieces

As a teenager she thought she was invincible, nothing could detain her. She was confident, smart and beautiful. She was the life of the party. With these kind of attributes, how could she have a care in the world?

Years go by. High school is over, college years ensue. The parties are bigger, louder, and wilder. Everyone is drinking, drugging, dancing, laughing, and having sex. Wild, crazy, "carefree" nights. From one fun night to the next, she’s making many intimate friends. She’s young and beautiful… she’s not hurting anyone… she’s just having a good time. Besides, there are so many guys out there, why not enjoy them?

College graduation comes and goes. She’s in her early twenties, now the real partying begins. Over 21 years old – the world is at her fingertips. She works her 9-5 but makes sure to go out almost every night. Out with the girls. Short skirts and high heels. Guys buying her drinks all night. At the end of the night, his place or hers didn’t matter to her. Many mornings of not knowing who he was or how she got home. But she’s young and "carefree"... it’s all in good fun, right?

More years down the road, she says she’s tamed her ways. An occasional night out, not as reckless as before. From many male encounters to just a handful. She thinks she has it all together. She’s beautiful, successful, and still "carefree." To her, life couldn’t get any better.

"Your test came back positive. You have HIV. We’d like you to come in to discuss your treatment options."

This was crushing. Each spoken word was an anvil-like blow to her heart. Not her! How could this be?! When did this happen? Who did she get it from? How could this happen to someone that was invincible?

She couldn’t possibly know who she contracted this fatal disease from, for there were too many to count. Countless men throughout the years, some even nameless never to be seen again. Her decision to be promiscuous and "carefree" came at the cost of her health.

With no cure, all those years of a "carefree" lifestyle will cost her life.

But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the LORD, and be sure your sin will find you out. (Numbers 32:23)

The bible continuously reminds us to refrain from sexual desires.

Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. (1 Corinthians 6:18, 20)

Why should you be intoxicated, my son, with a forbidden woman and embrace the bosom of an adulteress? For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the LORD, and he ponders all his paths. The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him, and he is held fast in the cords of his sin. He dies for lack of discipline, and because of his great folly he is led astray. (Proverbs 5:20-23)

We have come into an era where sex is main stream. It’s unavoidable, from commercials to movies to fashion. It is one of the easiest sins to fall prey to. Day after day, so many try to justify premarital sex. But it is, in fact, inexcusable. It is, in fact, against the Word of God.

As Christians, we are held to God’s commands. We should exemplify His words in every way… including what we do with our bodies. Our bodies are His temple. HIS temple. We should not abuse or desecrate it.

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. (Romans 13:14)

When you have sex, you are giving that person a piece of yourself. They get a physical, emotional, and mental piece of you. With each thought; with each act; with each person, you lose something within yourself.

When you marry… the day you join your life with the partner that God has intended for you… how can you say your partner is getting all of you? How are you ‘whole’ if you’ve lost pieces of yourself from premarital sex?

Pick up the pieces.

Stop giving yourself away. No matter what your past experience has been, God offers you total forgiveness when you repent. He offers complete healing for the areas that have been broken. Ask the Lord for forgiveness for your lustful desires and sins. He will work within you, making you whole once again.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleanness, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. (Ezekiel 36:25)

Please realize that from this moment on you can start over with a clean slate. You can decide right now that you want to make good choices about your purity from now on.

Romans 12:1
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.

Barbers and God

This is a good analogy explaining why God allows pain and suffering:

A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed.

As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation.

They talked about so many things and various subjects.

When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said: "I don't believe that God exists."

"Why do you say that?" asked the customer. "Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God doesn't exist. Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children? If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain. I can't imagine a loving God who would allow all of these things."

The customer thought for a moment, but didn't respond because he didn't want to start an argument.

The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop.

Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard. He looked dirty and unkempt.

The customer turned back and entered the barber shop again and he said to the barber: "You know what? Barbers do not exist."

"How can you say that?" asked the surprised barber.

"I am here, and I am a barber. And I just worked on you!"

"No!" the customer exclaimed. "Barbers don't exist because if they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside."

"Ah, but barbers DO exist! That's what happens when people do not come to me."

"Exactly!" affirmed the customer. "That's the point! God, too, DOES exist! That's what happens when people do not go to Him and don't look to Him for help. That's why there's so much pain and suffering in the world."

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James 4:8

Hebrews 11:6
Proverbs 4:20-23
Psalm 107:20
Exodus 15:26

1 Corinthians 2:14