₦airaland Forum

There was a nature show on television about a black bear that gave birth to two cubs. One cub died right away. Three weeks later the mother died and the remaining cub was left to fend for itself. An orphaned cub in that condition is like a walking buffet for predators. And of course, the camera immediately showed a hungry-looking mountain lion.

One day the orphan cub encountered a giant male black bear. The little cub cowered at the bear's sheer mass. The larger bear peered around and seemed to realise that the mother bear wasn't anywhere to be found. He gave the little cub a friendly nudge. The camera then showed the little bear happily trailing along after the larger one. The adoption papers were signed, sealed and registered at the county seat in that nudge. Papa bear proceeded to show the cub how to grub for insects and how to catch fish and how to scratch his back against a tree.

One day the two bears became separated. The cub began to cry and looked frantically for his new father, but couldn't find him anywhere. The cub approached a stream where he'd learned to fish and something caught his attention. He looked up to see a mountain lion ready to pounce. That same mountain lion had stalked the cub for the entire show. There was no way that mountain lion would've gone for that cub with Papa bear around, but now...

The camera zoomed in on the cub. He automatically mimicked the posture of his adopted father when threatened. He stood on his hind legs and bared his teeth. Then, in exactly the same way his new father would have done, this cub let loose a mighty growl that should have reverberated throughout the forest. But, only a tiny bear cub squeak came out.

Well, you know what was coming. But, to everybody's astonishment, the mountain lion lowered his head and ran off in the opposite direction.

The camera panned back to the proud little cub still standing tall on his hind legs. And then all the viewers saw what that little cub could not: a few yards behind him, at full, ferocious height, his sharp, white teeth bared in a snarl, stood Daddy bear. He may not have made a sound, but he was there.

And even though the cub couldn't see his father, his father stood guard, protecting his young. The little cub had power available greater than anything he could produce on his own. Someone greater was watching over him.

by Billy D. Strayhorn

Meditation: You are of God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world. -1 John 4:4 (KJV)

You will succeed because Jesus loves You!!!

Also read:

Greater Power
The Power of Prayer
The Power of Intercession

I traveled with a brother and as we drew closer home, he called his wife and gave instructions about what he wanted to eat for dinner: the quantity, quality and density. He omitted a recipe and called again, adding that to the menu.

I asked him what he would be taking home for his family and he waved off the idea. I pulled into a mall and bought some edibles to give his kids. He attempted to eat from them and I humbly gave him his size of “many stripes”.

My father used to trek long distances so he could save one Naira note to buy 12 wraps of groundnut on wholesale price when he returned home from ministerial journeys. Despite his penury then, he taught us to always bring something home when we grow up.

What are you bringing home today? Some people bring aggression home as if it was their spouses or children that pushed their day southward. I once had a friend, when we were younger, who used to run for cover with his siblings whenever their dad drove into the compound. For some, it was their mother. The party of freedom and excitement would end on the arrival of the mom.

Homes are not built with the gravels of terror. Your spouse and children prayed for your safe journey, missed your presence, hopeful that your contract would be approved, and all you could return was ego and crumbs of sliced loaves of frustration which you snacked on. That’s not fair!

If you don’t have the tangibles to bring home, then bring a smile, a hug, a hot kiss, a hi5, a funny story worth sharing, a thoughtful affection, or a love letter!

May the Lord bless our homes.

— Author Unknown

Meditation: Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. – Colossians 3:21

You will succeed because Jesus loves You!

Also read:

The Family Bible
Meaning of Family
Essence Of Family

I was doing an errand when the beautiful strains of a symphony came over the airwaves from NPR. I don’t usually have my radio on NPR, choosing instead to listen to a local news station. All of a sudden I realized it had been over a year since I had heard the richness of a really good orchestra creating live stirring music all around me.

Now that our middle daughter has graduated from the school of music at the state university in our town, we are no longer attending the frequent recitals and orchestra programs we made time for (let’s face it) just because she was in them.

And that realization made me suddenly aware of all the many gifts our children gave us. I know Christmas is over, but perhaps January is a good time to revel in the continuing glow (we hope) of the holiday season: remembering times with family, children, feasting. What gifts did your children give you? I’m not talking about the store-bought kind.

Without my children, I would never have experienced what marching band was all about and all that went with that the running to cities hither and yon to attend competitions, see parades or go to the football games where they were playing in the band, including a high school state championship game and a college national championship game as well as the Macy Thanksgiving Parade in New York City. I would never have run alongside to keep up with the band during a parade, and then wept silly sentimental tears for each one’s very last parade, or leapt (in a very undignified manner) high off my seat in the grandstand with other parents when finally, finally the band achieved their first “first.”

I would never have experienced keeping eyes peeled to my children on stage in musicals, choir and band concerts, recitals, plays, elementary school pageants, graduations.

I would never have experienced sucking in my breath when a fastball was hurdled at them in girl’s softball, or an elbow was thrown rebounding a basketball, or the shared embarrassment of one coming in last in the long jump or the 440.

Without my children, I would never have gotten to relive the drama, pain and proffered bouquets of roses thrust into awkward hands during teenage dating.

I would never have had the privilege of chaperoning sleepovers and birthday parties and eavesdropping on tales of other kids’ first kisses and guys’ roaming hands if I hadn’t driven carpools and van loads of adolescents.

These are the gifts of children and that’s just the beginning. I know I wrote at one time about the many gifts children give when they are smaller. Tight hugs and wet kisses. The candy they held tightly in their hands for an hour, but now want you to eat. Already-been-chewed hamburger or French fries. Sweet bed and mealtime prayers. Innocent questions like “Why did God make the clouds so high?” After you’ve grasped for a decent answer, you gape in wonder at the answer they had already formulated, waiting to test it with you: “Maybe it’s so we don’t mess with them.”

Children bring the rediscovery of how fun it is to watch ants scurry on the sidewalk, butterflies emerge from a cocoon or experience the peacefulness of observing crawdads in a rippling creek.

Many times the gift children give us is just to make us laugh. A ten-year-old was helping his mother at our office one day when he saw one guy’s desk stacked high with many messy papers. “Looks like he’s got lots of work to do,” Owen observed. I got a good laugh out of that. It brightened my day.

Whether they are two, 12, 22 or more, thank God for the gifts children have brought to your life whether they are yours or someone else’s!

by Melodie Davis

Meditation: …children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward. – Psalm 127:3

You will succeed because Jesus loves You!

Also read:

Letter To My Grandchildren
Advice to Parents About Children
How to Make Life Easy for Your Children

A father’s influence goes to the fourth generation after him. A popular music artiste’s parents divorced when she was in kindergarten. When she grew old, together with her lover, she smoked crack in the presence of their five-year-old daughter. This artiste later died of drug abuse at age 48, while her young daughter died at age 22 for similar reasons. Great careers and, more importantly, great lives were thereby lost due to weak fatherhood.

While there is little you can do about your ancestors, there is something that you can do about your descendants. One thing that prevents a man from being a good father is that he hasn’t completed being a boy. To be in your children’s memories tomorrow, you have to be in their lives today. Having kids doesn’t make you a father. Raising them does.

There are those who were raised up in unstable families, but they should not pass it on to their children. We don’t have to fight in the presence of our children. As adults, we can choose to shield our emotions from our disputes. To a large extent, you are a product of your early relationships.

Unstable parents create insecure children. Stable parents raise stable children. Children need affection (hugs, kisses), attention (listening) and affirmation (positive words) every day. When a man loves his wife, it creates security and stability. The best gift a father can give his children is to love their mother. Children learn how to handle feelings, losses, failure and conflicts from the home.

Regrettably, parenting can neither be delegated nor suspended for a while as we work for the ring of fame and fortune. The growth of children is irreversible. Like a young tree, it takes the bends directed by the gardener, so is the life of a child. You can’t shape it in adulthood; you can’t pick it from where you left off after you reach the top in your career pursuits. It’s always easier to model to young boys than to rehabilitate grown-up men.

If you invest in your child, you don’t have to invest for your child. Children require presence, not just presents. No amount of gifts and meeting their financial obligations can replace your personal presence. Inherited wealth by an irresponsible child gets squandered in a few years. The only sure inheritance that you can leave behind is the investment you make in your child, not for your child.

– Author Unknown

Meditation: “…For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice, that the Lord may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him.” – Genesis 18:19

You will succeed because Jesus loves You!

Also read:

The Father’s Hand
Purpose: Anointed to Influence
Parenting: How to Make Life Easy for Your Children

I hope you understand

Mama has to let you fall

So you can stand up and be a man



When you were only 7

Coach Joe said I should take the tit out ya mouth

My eyes squinted, anger blazed

My teeth clenched, his words caused rage

But now that you’re 17

I understand just what he meant.

Son, you’re still suckin on my breast

Which is worse than a thumb

If I don’t do something soon

You’ll grow to be like some of the rest



This life you’ve chosen is not God’s best

The seeds you’re sowing

Will reap a harvest like this:

Trifflin’ without ambition

Coach potato channel surfin

Sarcastic little prick

Looking for another “mama”

But she’ll be full of drama

And a bunch of babies is all you’ll get

Casual relationships

Emotional promiscuity

And even the sex won’t be worth it

You’ll be a leech

a parasite

A blood-sucking tick

Your life will be hell

Living off welfare

You won’t fare well



Son, I hope you understand

Mama has to let you fall

So you can stand up and be a man.

For 17 years I have been your safety net

Mama knew what was best

But you don’t know how to fall

Because of mama you’ve never fallen into life, never gotten wet



Son, I hope you understand

Mama has to let you fall

So you can stand up and be a man

Your knees are beautiful

Because mine are black and blue

I sheltered you from real pain

Because that’s what mamas do

But sheltered is what you are

Sunburned from my sunlight

You’ve never seen night

So you don’t appreciate the stars



Son, I hope you understand

Mama has to let you fall

So you can stand up and be a man

Son, giving up on you is not what I’m trying to do

But your future is more than your past

A mother’s love will always last

Through your success and failure too



Son, I love you

And I hope you understand

Son, Mama has to…

Mama has to let you fall son…

….let you fall son

….let you fall son.

Son, mama has to let you fall



And today you may not understand.

Mama is letting you fall

So you can stand up and be a man

Son, stand up and be a man…

Lord, take care of my baby

I’ve gotta let him go Lord…

Son, you’re in God’s hands.

…stand up son, stand up.



You’re not a little boy anymore.

…stand up and be a man.

Psalm’s 71 – A man’s prayer:

Son, never be ashamed of dependence upon God. With this petition every true believer may come boldly to the throne of grace. Be grateful for the gracious care of God’s providence in your birth and infancy. He that was your Help from your birth, ought to be your Hope from your youth. Do not expect ease or comfort from the world. Those who love the Lord often are hated and persecuted for their principles and conduct; but the Lord has been their strong refuge and He will be yours too. The faithful servants of God may be assured that He will not cast them off in old age, nor forsake them when their strength fails (Psalm 71:14-24).

by Tracy Curtis

Meditation: The rod and rebuke give wisdom, But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother. – Proverbs 29:15

You will succeed because Jesus loves You!

Also read:

My One-Eyed Mother
In the Hand of the Master
Mistakes Are Opportunities to Learn Something New

A man was commissioned to paint a boat. He brought with him paint and brushes and began to paint the boat a bright red just as the owner wanted. While painting, he realized there was a hole in the hull and decided to repair it. When he finished painting, he received his money and left.

The next day, the owner of the boat visited the painter and presented him with a cheque for a lump sum, much higher than what he was paid for the painting work.

The painter was surprised.

“You’ve already paid me for painting the boat, sir!” he said.

“This is not for the paint job. It’s for repairing the hole in the boat.”

“Ah! But it was such a small service.” The man protested. “Certainly it’s not worth paying me such a high amount for something so insignificant!”

“My dear friend,” the client said. “You don’t understand. Let me tell you what happened. When I asked you to paint the boat, I forgot to mention about the hole. When the boat dried, my kids took it and went on a fishing trip. They did not know that there was a hole there.

“I was not at home at the time. So when I returned and noticed they had taken the boat, I was desperate because I remembered that it had a hole. Imagine my relief and joy when I saw them returning safely from fishing.

“Then, I examined the boat and found that you had repaired the hole! You now see what you did? You saved the life of my children! I do not have enough money to pay your seeming small good deed.”

Each of us has a moral responsibility to always offer help, wipe tears, listen attentively and repair all the “leaks” we come across in our life journey, because we never know what impact our good works may have or when God will decide to reward us with a pleasant surprise in return.

In a world full of darkness and evil, we must be a channel of God’s love every day.

— Author Unknown

Meditation: Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; – Ecclesiastes 9:10

You will succeed because Jesus loves You!

Also read:

Kindness is Contagious
Two Things that Have No Benefit
What Do You Want For Christmas?

An anthropologist proposed a game to some African tribal children. He placed a basket of sweets near a tree and made the children stand 100 metres away. He then announced that whoever reaches first would get all the sweets in the basket.

When he said, “Ready. Steady. Go!”

Guess what these children did? They held each other’s hands, ran together towards the tree, divided the sweets equally among themselves, ate the sweets and enjoyed it.

When the anthropologist asked them why they did so, they merely answered, ‘Ubuntu’, querying, ‘How can one be happy when the others are sad?’

Ubuntu in their language means ‘I am because we are!’

This is a strong message for all generations. Let us always have this attitude and spread happiness wherever we go. Let us strive to have an Ubuntu philosophy: I AM BECAUSE WE ARE.

Author Unknown

Meditation: Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. – Philippians 2:4

But to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath. – Romans 2:8

You will succeed because Jesus loves You!

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26 Life Principles
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Thinking of Divorce? Think Again

A man died and when he realized it, he saw God coming towards him with a suitcase in His hand. Then a dialogue ensued between God and the dead man:

God: Alright son, it’s time to go.

Man: So soon? I had a lot of plans…

God: I am sorry about that, but it’s time to go.

Man: What do you have in that suitcase?

God: Your belongings.

Man: My belongings? You mean my things… clothes… money…

God: Those things were never yours, they belong to the Earth.

Man: Is it my memories?

God: No. They belong to time.

Man: Is it my talent?

God: No. They belong to circumstance.

Man: Is it my friends and family?

God: No son. They belong to the path you traveled.

Man: Is it my wife and children?

God: No. they belong to your heart.

Man: Then it must be my body.

God: No, no… It belongs to dust.

Man: Then surely it must be my soul!

God: You are mistaken son. Your soul belongs to me.

Man with tears in his eyes and full of fear took the suitcase from God’s hand and opened it…

Empty…

With heartbroken tears running down his cheek he asks God…

Man: I never owned anything?

God: That’s right. You never owned anything.

Man: Then? What was mine?

God: your moments. Every moment you lived was yours.

Do Good in every moment

Think Good in every moment

Thank God for every moment

Life is lived in moments.

Live it…

Love it…

Enjoy it….

– Author Unknown

Meditation: See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. – Ephesians 5:15-16

You will succeed because Jesus loves You!

Also read:

The Lost Wallet
Maximise the Moment
Who will Read You Today?

ACCEPT

Accept others for who they are and for the choices they have made even if you have difficulty understanding their beliefs, motives or actions.

BREAK AWAY

Break away from everything that stands in the way of what you hope to accomplish with your life.

CREATE

Create a family of friends with whom you can share your hopes, dreams, sorrows, and happiness together.

DECIDE

Decide that you will be successful & happy come what may, and good things will find you. The roadblocks are only minor obstacles along the way.

EXPLORE

Explore & experiment. The world has much to offer, and you have much to give. And every time you try something new, you’ll learn more about yourself.

FORGIVE

Grudges only weigh you down and inspire unhappiness & grief. Soar above it, and remember that everyone makes mistakes.

GROW

Leave the childhood monsters behind. They can no longer hurt you or stand in your way.

HOPE

Hope for the best and never forget that anything is possible as long as you remain dedicated to the task.

IGNORE

Ignore the negative voice inside your head. Focus instead on your goals and remember your accomplishments. Your past success is only a small inkling of what the future holds.

JOURNEY

Journey to new worlds, new possibilities, is mostly by remaining open-minded. Try to learn something new every day and you will grow in Knowledge.

KNOW

Know that no matter how bad things seem, to be they will always get better. The harshest Winter is always followed by the Warmth of Spring.

LOVE

Let love fill your heart instead of hate. When hate is in your heart, there is *NO* room for anything else, but when love is in your heart, there’s room for endless happiness.

MANAGE

Manage your time and your expenses wisely, and you’ll suffer less stress and worry. Then you’ll be able to focus on the important things in life.

NOTICE

Never ignore the poor, infirm, helpless, weak, or suffering people. Offer your assistance when possible, and always your kindness and understanding.

OPEN

Open your eyes and take in all the beauty around you. Even during the worst of times, there’s still much to be thankful for.

PLAY

Never forget to have fun along the way. Success means nothing without happiness.

QUESTION

Ask many questions, because you are here to learn & be informed.

RELAX

Refuse to let worry and stress rule your life, and remember that things always have a way of working out in the end.

SHARE

Share your talent, skills, knowledge, and time with others. Everything that you invest in others will return to you many times Multiplied.

TRY

Even when your dreams seem impossible to reach, try anyway. You’ll be amazed by what you can accomplish.

USE

Use your gifts to the best ability. Talent that is wasted has no value. Talent that is made into efforts will bring unexpected rewards.

VALUE

Value the friends and family members who have supported and encouraged you & be there for them as well.

WORK

Work hard every day to be the best person you aspire to be, but never feel guilty if you fall short of your goals. Every sunrise offers a second chance.

X-RAY

Look deep inside the hearts of those around you and you will see the goodness and beauty within.

YIELD

Yield to commitment. If you stay on track and remain dedicated, you will find success at the end of the road.

ZOOM

Zoom to a happy place when bad memories or sorrow rears its ugly head. Let nothing interfere with your goals. Instead, focus on your abilities, your dreams, and a brighter tomorrow.

Meditation: Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

You will succeed because Jesus loves You!!!

Also read:

Second Chance
Lessons Learned from My Dog
Six Leadership Principles to Learn from an Eagle

As I walked home one freezing day, I stumbled on a wallet someone had lost in the street. I picked it up and looked inside to find some identification so I could call the owner. But the wallet contained only three dollars and a crumpled letter that looked as if it had been in there for years.

The envelope was worn and the only thing that was legible on it was the return address. I started to open the letter, hoping to find some clue. Then I saw the dateline–1924. The letter had been written almost 60 years ago.

It was written in a beautiful feminine handwriting on powder blue stationery with a little flower in the left-hand corner. It was a “Dear John” letter that told the recipient, whose name appeared to be Michael, that the writer could not see him anymore because her mother forbade it. Even so, she wrote that she would always love him.

It was signed, Hannah.

It was a beautiful letter, but there was no way except for the name Michael, that the owner could be identified. Maybe if I called information, the operator could find a phone listing for the address on the envelope.

“Operator,” I began, “this is an unusual request. I’m trying to find the owner of a wallet that I found. Is there any way you can tell me if there is a phone number for an address that was on an envelope in the wallet?”

She suggested I speak with her supervisor, who hesitated for a moment then said, “Well, there is a phone listing at that address, but I can’t give you the number.” She said, as a courtesy, she would call that number, explain my story and would ask them if they wanted her to connect me.

I waited a few minutes and then she was back on the line. “I have a party who will speak with you.”

I asked the woman on the other end of the line if she knew anyone by the name of Hannah. She gasped, “Oh! We bought this house from a family who had a daughter named Hannah. But that was 30 years ago!”

“Would you know where that family could be located now?” I asked.

“I remember that Hannah had to place her mother in a nursing home some years ago,” the woman said. “Maybe if you got in touch with them they might be able to track down the daughter.”

She gave me the name of the nursing home and I called the number. They told me the old lady had passed away some years ago but they did have a phone number for where they thought the daughter might be living.

I thanked them and phoned. The woman who answered explained that Hannah herself was now living in a nursing home.

This whole thing was stupid, I thought to myself. Why was I making such a big deal over finding the owner of a wallet that had only three dollars and a letter that was almost 60 years old?

Nevertheless, I called the nursing home in which Hannah was supposed to be living and the man who answered the phone told me, “Yes, Hannah is staying with us.”

Even though it was already 10 p.m., I asked if I could come by to see her. “Well,” he said hesitatingly, “if you want to take a chance, she might be in the day room watching television.”

I thanked him and drove over to the nursing home. The night nurse and a guard greeted me at the door. We went up to the third floor of the large building. In the day room, the nurse introduced me to Hannah.

She was a sweet, silver-haired oldtimer with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye. I told her about finding the wallet and showed her the letter. The second she saw the powder blue envelope with that little flower on the left, she took a deep breath and said, “Young man, this letter was the last contact I ever had with Michael.”

She looked away for a moment deep in thought and then said softly, “I loved him very much. But I was only 16 at the time and my mother felt I was too young. Oh, he was so handsome. He looked like Sean Connery, the actor.”

“Yes,” she continued. “Michael Goldstein was a wonderful person. If you should find him, tell him I think of him often. And…” she hesitated for a moment, almost biting her lip, “Tell him I still love him. You know,” she said smiling as tears began to well up in her eyes, “I never did marry. I guess no one ever matched up to Michael…”

I thanked Hannah and said goodbye. I took the elevator to the first floor and as I stood by the door, the guard there asked, “Was the old lady able to help you?”

I told him she had given me a lead. “At least I have a last name. But I think I’ll let it go for a while. I spent almost the whole day trying to find the owner of this wallet.”

I had taken out the wallet, which was a simple brown leather case with red lacing on the side. When the guard saw it, he said, “Hey, wait a minute! That’s Mr. Goldstein’s wallet. I’d know it anywhere with that bright red lacing. He’s always losing that wallet. I must have found it in the halls at least three times.”

“Who’s Mr. Goldstein?” I asked as my hand began to shake.

“He’s one of the oldtimers on the 8th floor. That’s Mike Goldstein’s wallet for sure. He must have lost it on one of his walks.” I thanked the guard and quickly ran back to the nurse’s office. I told her what the guard had said. We went back to the elevator and got on. I prayed that Mr. Goldstein would be up.

On the eighth floor, the floor nurse said, “I think he’s still in the day room. He likes to read at night. He’s a darling old man.”

We went to the only room that had any lights on and there was a man reading a book. The nurse went over to him and asked if he had lost his wallet. Mr. Goldstein looked up with surprise, put his hand in his back pocket and said, “Oh, it is missing!”

“This kind gentleman found a wallet and we wondered if it could be yours?”

I handed Mr. Goldstein the wallet and the second he saw it, he smiled with relief and said, “Yes, that’s it! It must have dropped out of my pocket this afternoon. I want to give you a reward.”

“No, thank you,” I said. “But I have to tell you something. I read the letter in the hope of finding out who owned the wallet.”

The smile on his face suddenly disappeared. “You read that letter?”

“Not only did I read it, I think I know where Hannah is.”

He suddenly grew pale. “Hannah? You know where she is? How is she? Is she still as pretty as she was? Please, please tell me,” he begged.

“She’s fine…just as pretty as when you knew her,” I said softly.

The old man smiled with anticipation and asked, “Could you tell me where she is? I want to call her tomorrow.” He grabbed my hand and said, “You know something, Mister? I was so in love with that girl that when that letter came, my life literally ended. I never married. I guess I’ve always loved her.”

“Mr. Goldstein,” I said, “Come with me.”

We took the elevator down to the third floor. The hallways were darkened and only one or two little nightlights lit our way to the day room where Hannah was sitting alone watching the television. The nurse walked over to her.

“Hannah,” she said softly, pointing to Michael, who was waiting with me in the doorway. “Do you know this man?”

She adjusted her glasses, looked for a moment, but didn’t say a word. Michael said softly, almost in a whisper, “Hannah, it’s Michael. Do you remember me?”

She gasped, “Michael! I don’t believe it! Michael! It’s you! My Michael!” He walked slowly towards her and they embraced. The nurse and I left with tears streaming down our faces.

“See,” I said. “See how the Good Lord works! If it’s meant to be, it will be.”

About three weeks later I got a call at my office from the nursing home. “Can you break away on Sunday to attend a wedding? Michael and Hannah are going to tie the knot!”

It was a beautiful wedding with all the people at the nursing home dressed up to join in the celebration. Hannah wore a light beige dress and looked beautiful. Michael wore a dark blue suit and stood tall. They made me their best man.

The hospital gave them their own room and if you ever wanted to see a 76-year-old bride and a 79-year-old groom acting like two teenagers, you had to see this couple.

A perfect ending for a love affair that had lasted nearly 60 years.

Meditation: I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be forever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him. Eccl 3:14 (KJV)

You will succeed because Jesus loves You!!!

Also read:

Love in A Paper Bag
I Still Know Who She Is – A Story About True Love
A Story that Teaches the Meaning of Perseverance, Love and Believing in Oneself

Thinking of divorce? This testimony is good for you. It will help you to think twice.

“I am 32 years old. Me and my ex-hubby dated for six years, I started dating him while I was in grade 12, I was 19 years old then. We were best of friends. I waited until he completed college and started work, my family, and his family then met, we got married and had a son. (7 years old now).

My husband was short-tempered at times, but our problems started when I wanted to make him feel like he couldn’t control me. Every time we argue, I would pack my bags, go to my family and explain. My sisters would phone my husband and shout at him. If he is controlling me I would always dare him that if he wished to divorce me, he should do so. I never wanted a divorce, I just had pride and I never wanted to look a loser in his eyes.

One day, I pushed him so hard that for the first time he beat me and locked me outside. I went to my family; my family took him to the police. This happened every time. I would pretend like I was being abused! But to be honest, I used to abuse my husband emotionally.

He was arrested and detained. I was asked by his family to withdraw the case. My husband was never a violent man; he did what he did because I pushed him to the wall. Of which he openly knelt down and apologized. I withdrew the charges, and we reconciled.

After three months, I packed my bags after a small issue, and he remained alone. After two days I received a call that he was in the hospital, my family told me that I shouldn’t go there because it would look like I was begging him, and my sisters believed he was faking the illness.

All this time, people felt sorry for me like I was the one being abused. He spent a week in the hospital, after he came out, I just received a divorce summons. I wanted to say no to divorce, but because I felt this pride, I wanted him to change his mind and beg me. I called him and said he will get the divorce because I had been living like I was in hell. This, of course, was not true.

When we went to court, I wanted to make him pay, so I told the court that I needed his properties to be shared. To my surprise he openly told the court that whatever he and I acquired together should be given to me, all he wanted was divorce.

We got divorced in July 2009. This Saturday, my ex-husband is getting married again, whilst I am here wasted! My family members are gossiping about me, and I depend on what my ex gives to my son for survival.

I know I wasted my marriage. I am here telling all wives to be careful how they get advice. Don’t be cheated. Even my young sisters are much more respected than me. Those who encouraged me to get a divorce are the ones always bad mouthing me now.

There is no benefit in pride! This is a perfect example and advice for those dancing in some overrated ego.

Credit: Relationship Matters Forum

Meditation: Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. – Proverbs 16:18 (NIV)

You will succeed because Jesus loves You!!!

Also read:

Excess and Excuses
Essence Of Family
When You Divorce Me…

A father left 17 camels as an asset for his three sons. When the father passed away, his sons opened up the will.

The will of the father stated that the eldest son should get half of 17 camels, the middle son should be given 1/3rd of 17 camels, the youngest son should be given 1/9th of the 17 camels, as it is not possible to divide 17 into half or 17 by 3 or 17 by 9, the sons started to fight with each other.

So, they decided to go to a wise man. The wise man listened patiently about the Will. The wise man, after giving this thought, brought one camel of his own and added the same to the 17 they already had. That increased the total to 18 camels.

Now, he started reading the deceased father’s will.

Half of 18 = 9

So he gave 9 camels to the eldest son.

A third of 18 = 6

So he gave 6 camels to the middle son.

A ninth of 18 = 2

So he gave 2 camels to the youngest son.

Now add this up:

9 + 6 + 2 = 17

This leaves one camel, which the wise man took back.

Moral: The attitude of negotiation and problem solving is to find the 18th camel i.e. the common ground. Once a person is able to find the common ground, the issue is resolved. It is difficult at times.

However, to reach a solution, the first step is to believe that there is a solution. If we think that there is no solution, we won’t be able to reach any. Times may be hard but when there is a will there will always be a way.

It is time to think outside the box.

Meditation: If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct. – Eccl 10:10

You will succeed because Jesus loves You!!!

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My Friend Barry
My 10 Resolutions for the New Year

I watched a local football match in a school playing ground. As I sat down, I asked one of the boys what the score was.

With a smile, he replied; “They are leading us 3-0”!

And I said, “Really!”

I told him, “You don’t look discouraged.”

“Discouraged?” the boy asked with a puzzled look

“Why should I be discouraged when the referee has not blown the final whistle? I have confidence in the team and the managers; we shall definitely overcome!”

Truly, the match finally ended 5-4 in favour of the boy’s team!

He waved at me gently, with a beautiful smile as he left. I was amazed, mouth wide open;

Such confidence;

Such beautiful faith;

Such a small boy?

As I got back home that night, his question kept coming back to me:

“Why should I be discouraged when the referee has not blown the final whistle?”

Life is like a game.

Why should you be discouraged when The Almighty God is your Manager? Why should you be discouraged, whilst there’s still life? Why should you be discouraged when your final whistle has not sounded?

The truth is that many people blow the final whistle themselves. But as long as there is life, nothing is impossible and it is never too late for you. Half time is not full time and His calendar for your life is not man’s calendar.

Don’t blow the final whistle yourself. Be encouraged! Don’t ever give up. With God, all things are still possible!

Good Morning friends.

Meditation: Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. – Phil 1:6 (NIV)

You will succeed because Jesus loves You!

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PUSH
Unanswered Letters
Are You Discouraged?

When I was a boy growing up we had several gardens around our old house. The largest one of all was used just for growing potatoes.

I can still remember those potato planting days. The whole family helped. After my Dad had tilled the soil, my Mom, brothers, and I went to work. It was my job to drop the little seed potatoes in the rows while my Mom dropped handfuls of fertilizer beside them. My brothers then covered them all with the freshly turned earth.

For months afterwards, I would glance over at the garden while I played outside and wonder what was going on underneath the ground. When the harvest time came I was amazed at the huge size of the potatoes my Dad pulled out of the soil. Those little seedlings had grown into bushels and bushels of sweet sustenance. They would be turned into meal after meal of baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, fried potatoes, and my personal favourite: potatoes slowed cooked in spaghetti sauce. They would keep the entire family well fed throughout the whole year. It truly was a miracle to behold.

Thinking back on those special times makes me wonder how many other seeds I have planted in this life that have grown unseen in the hearts and minds of others. How many times has God used some little thing that I said or did to grow something beautiful? How many times has Heaven used these little seedlings to provide another’s soul with sweet sustenance?

Every single day of our lives we step out into the garden of this world. Every single day we plant seeds that can grow into something wonderful. We may never see the growth that comes from the kind words or loving acts we share but God does. I hope then that you always tend the garden around you with care. I hope that you plant only goodness, peace, and compassion in the lives of everyone you meet. I hope that every day you help miracles to grow.

By Joe Mazzella

Meditation: Let us not grow weary in well doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest, if we do not give up. – Gal 6:9 (NIV)

You will succeed because Jesus loves You!

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You Are Amazing! (And I Can Prove It)

I boarded a bus heading to Tafawa Balewa Square. A woman with three kids hopped in after me. Of course, she was paying for just one seat.

I volunteered to carry one of the girls immediately. The woman was grateful. “We will be coming down soon,” she said apologetically. You would know they are poor. The little girl stepped on me. She didn’t even take note. Just relaxed on me. Playing with my hand. Now I was the one who felt so loved. I actually wanted to keep her close to me.

Suddenly they had to set down. As she was leaving the little girl gave me this loving look like, ‘Hey Aunty, hope it was worth it’. She never took note of my stained shoes and I didn’t even bother. I watched the woman carry her army with her and all of a sudden I felt alone. I felt like the little girl shouldn’t have gone.

I was still pondering over the scene when the Lord spoke to my heart. He said, “Did you notice you valued the embrace of the little child above the stain on your shoes?”

I said, “Yes, Lord”.

He said again, “Did you also notice you didn’t want her to leave?”.

I said, “Yes”.

He continued, “That is how I see My children. I place them above their errors and mistakes. Their mistakes don’t change how I see them, what I will do for them and how I relate with them. I long for their fellowship. The same way you didn’t want her to leave because you loved the closeness, it is the same way I want to hold you close all day and keep whispering in your ears My unconditional love for you.

“One look from My children sends sparks into My heart that I can’t restrain from lavishing their faces with kisses. But religion has lied to them telling them I’m angry at their mistakes. I am not an angry God. I am LOVE. I love the company of My children more than their efforts to please Me”.

These words struck my heart. I looked at my shoes and wiped them. “That is how I wipe your mess without calling your attention to it,” He said.

That scenario made my day.

Beloved, God is not angry with you. He is thrilled with your company!

– Author Unknown

Meditation: The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love. – Psalm 147:11 (NIV)

You will succeed because Jesus loves You!!!

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Mistakes Are Opportunities to Learn Something New

Several years ago, a preacher from a distant town accepted a call from a church in Leeds. Some weeks after his arrival, he had an appointment that made him board a bus to another part of the town. When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had mistakenly given him his balance in excess of 50 pence.

As he considered what to do, he thought within him, ‘You’d better give this money back. It would be wrong to keep it’.

Then another thought came, “Oh, forget it, it’s only 50p; who would worry about this little amount? After all, the bus company makes so much money on fares; they will never miss it. Accept it as ‘a gift from God’ and keep quiet.

When he was getting down from the bus, he paused momentarily at the door, and then handed the 50p to the driver and said, ‘Take; the balance you gave me was in excess’.

The driver, with a smile, replied, ‘Aren’t you the new preacher in town?’

‘Yes I am’, he replied.

‘Well, I have been thinking a lot lately about where to go to worship. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you a balance in excess. I’ll worship with you at the church this Sunday.

When the preacher stepped off the bus, he grabbed a nearby electric pole, looked up and said, ‘Oh God, I almost sold your Son for 50 pence!’.

Our lifestyles are the only Bible some people will ever read. This is just a subtle example of how much people watch us as Christians, and will put us to test!

Always be on guard — and remember — You carry the name of Christ on your forehead and shoulders, once you say you are a Christian. ‘Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become your character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.’

Let our lives model Jesus Christ as we journey through life.

Meditation: Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. – 1 Tim 4:12b (NLT)

You will succeed because Jesus loves You!!!

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I went to a bank a few months ago. As I was about to enter the hall, a lady ran ahead of me and pushed me away, so that she could quickly join the long queue before me.

I did not say anything.

She thought I will join behind her, but I was actually not there to withdraw but to deposit.

So I walked to the deposit machine. I was the only one there and no single person in the queue. After I finished depositing and I was about to leave the hall, the lady came out from the queue and apologized for pushing me.

With a smile of apology, she said, ‘I am sorry Sir for pushing you. I thought you were coming to the queue’. I just smiled and told her not to bother and that it’s no big deal.

Since then, the lesson in this story kept coming to my mind and I felt I should share it for us all to learn from it.

Friends, who are you ‘pushing’ away and trying to outrun in the race of destiny, relationship, business, ministry, career, etc?

You are probably thinking you are going to the same ‘queue’ (destination) unknown to you that, though your path may look alike, your destinations are different!

How many people have had to say ‘sorry’ to those they pushed aside, pushed away, push down when they finally realized that that person was not actually going to the ‘withdrawal machine’ they were running to.

Are you reading this and you are pushing people away here and thereby slandering them, hindering their progress, blocking their promotion, spoiling their good names through lies and rumour all in a bid to ‘get there’ before them?

I challenge you today, to take it easy. You might not be going to the same destination. It might surprise you later that, with all your pushing, they may still leave you on the ‘queue’ of destiny and become successful before you. Maybe you feel that people in your office, ministry, business, etc are pushing you away so that they can get ahead of you. Don’t worry, God will use your case to prove to them that, ‘it is not of him who runs, but of the Lord that shows mercy…’ (Romans 9:16). He will show you mercy and give you an overtaking speed and those who are pushing you here and there will later come to tell you they are sorry.

Please don’t push anyone. You might meet on the same path, but you might not be going to the same ‘machine’ (destination).

– Author Unknown

Meditation: So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy. – Roman 9:16 [KJV]

You will succeed because Jesus loves You!

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Process and Result
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I’m a Ham radio operator and spend some time working with radios and electronics. So when I heard this story it really made me think! I hope that you will find some application in your own life as well…

A few weeks ago, I was shuffling toward the basement shack with a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and the morning paper in the other. What began as a typical Saturday morning, turned into one of those lessons that life seems to hand you from time to time. Let me tell you about it.

I turned the dial-up into the phone portion of the band on my ham radio in order to listen to a Saturday morning swap net. Along the way, I came across an older sounding chap, with a tremendous signal and a golden voice. You know, the kind, he sounded like he should be in the broadcasting business. He was telling whomever he was talking with something about “a thousand marbles”.

I was intrigued and stopped to listen to what he had to say. “Well, Tom, it sure sounds like you’re busy with your job. I’m sure they pay you well but it’s a shame you have to be away from home and your family so much. Hard to believe a young fellow should have to work sixty or seventy hours a week to make ends meet. Too bad you missed your daughter’s dance recital.”

He continued, “Let me tell you something, Tom, something that has helped me keep a good perspective on my own priorities.” And that’s when he began to explain his theory of “a thousand marbles.”

“You see, I sat down one day and did a little arithmetic. The average person lives about seventy-five years. I know, some live more and some live less, but on average, folks live about seventy-five years.”

“Now then, I multiplied 75 times 52 and I came up with 3,900, which is the number of Saturdays that the average person has in their entire lifetime. Now stick with me Tom, I’m getting to the important part.”

“It took me until I was fifty-five years old to think about all this in any detail,” he went on, “and by that time I had lived through over twenty-eight hundred Saturdays. I got to thinking that if I lived to be seventy-five, I only had about a thousand of them left to enjoy.”

“So I went to a toy store and bought every single marble they had. I ended up having to visit three toy stores to round up 1,000 marbles. I took them home and put them inside of a large, clear plastic container right here in the shack next to my gear. Every Saturday since then, I have taken one marble out and thrown it away.”

“I found that by watching the marbles diminish, I focused more on the really important things in life. There is nothing like watching your time here on this earth run out to help get your priorities straight.”

“Now let me tell you one last thing before I sign-off with you and take my lovely wife out for breakfast. This morning, I took the very last marble out of the container. I figure if I make it until next Saturday then I have been given a little extra time. And the one thing we can all use is a little more time.”

“It was nice to meet you Tom, I hope you spend more time with your family, and I hope to meet you again.”

You could have heard a pin drop on the radio when this fellow signed off. I guess he gave us all a lot to think about. I had planned to work on the antenna that morning, and then I was going to meet up with a few hams to work on the next club newsletter. Instead, I went upstairs and woke my wife up with a kiss.

“C’mon honey, I’m taking you and the kids to breakfast.”

“What brought this on?” she asked with a smile.

“Oh, nothing special, it’s just been a long time since we spent a Saturday together with the kids. Hey, can we stop at a toy store while we’re out? I need to buy some marbles.”

– Jeffrey Davis

Meditation: I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. – John 9:4 (KJV)

You will succeed because Jesus loves You!!!

Also read:

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No Regrets
From A Distance

Back in the days when Germany was divided, a huge wall separated East and West Berlin. One day, some people in East Berlin took a truckload of garbage and dumped it on the West Berlin side.

The people of West Berlin could have done the same thing, but they didn’t. Instead, they took a truckload of canned goods, bread, milk, and other provisions, and neatly stacked it on the East Berlin side.

On top of this stack, they placed the sign: “EACH GIVES WHAT HE HAS”

How very true! You can only give what you have.

My dear friend, what do you have inside of you? Is it hate or love? Violence or peace? Death or life?

What have you acquired over the years? Is it capacity to build or capacity to destroy? Is it the ability to make money or steal money? Is it ingenuity to develop good things that will benefit mankind or the ability to bomb those good things that others have laboured to build?

“EACH GIVES WHAT HE HAS”

Think about it.

Wishing you all a blissful day.

Meditation: Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it. – 1 Peter 3:9 (NLT)

You will succeed in Jesus name!

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The Law of the Garbage Truck

An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer-contractor of his plans to leave the house-building business and live a more leisurely life with his wife enjoying his extended family.

He would miss the paycheck, but he needed to retire. They could get by. The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go and asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favour. The carpenter said yes, but in time it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end his career.

When the carpenter finished his work and the builder came to inspect the house, the contractor handed the front-door key to the carpenter. “This is your house,” he said, “my gift to you.”

What a shock! What a shame! If he had only known he was building his own house, he would have done it all so differently. Now he had to live in the home he had built none too well.

So it is with us. We build our lives in a distracted way, reacting rather than acting, willing to put up less than the best. At important points, we do not give the job our best effort. Then with a shock we look at the situation we have created and find that we are now living in the house we have built. If we had realized that we would have done it differently.

Think of yourself as the carpenter. Think about your house. Each day you hammer a nail, place a board, or erect a wall. Build wisely. It is the only life you will ever build. Even if you live it for only one day more, that day deserves to be lived graciously and with dignity. The plaque on the wall says, “Life is a do-it-yourself project.” Your life tomorrow will be the result of your attitudes and the choices you make today.

Meditation: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24 (KJV)

– Author Unknown

You will succeed because Jesus loves You!!!

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How To Build A Sustainable Entity – Building The God’s Way (2)
How To Build A Sustainable Entity – Building the God’s Way (3)

During my second month of nursing school, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions until I read the last one: “What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?”

Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50s, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank.

Before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade.

“Absolutely,” said the professor. “In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say ‘Hello.”

I’ve never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy.

– Joanne C. Jones

Meditation: And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. – Matthew 25:40 (KJV)

You will succeed because Jesus loves You!!!

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Leadership Lessons From a Janitor (Part 2)

Hot sun. Salty air. Rhythmic waves.

A little boy is on his knees scooping and packing the sand with plastic shovels into a bright blue bucket. Then he upends the bucket on the surface and lifts it. And, to the delight of the little architect, a castle tower is created.

All afternoon he will work. Spooning out the moat. Packing the walls. Bottle tops will be sentries. Popsicle sticks will be bridges. A sandcastle will be built.

Big city. Busy streets. Rumbling traffic.

A man is in his office. At his desk, he shuffles papers into stacks and delegates assignments. He cradles the phone on his shoulder and punches the keyboard with his fingers. Numbers are juggled and contracts are signed and much to the delight of the man, a profit is made.

All his life he will work. Formulating the plans. Forecasting the future. Annuities will be sentries. Capital gains will be bridges. An empire will be built.

Two builders of two castles. They have much in common. They shape granules into grandeurs. They see nothing and make something. They are diligent and determined. And for both the tide will rise and the end will come.

Yet that is where the similarities cease. For the boy sees the end while the man ignores it. Watch the boy as the dusk approaches.

As the waves near, the wise child jumps to his feet and begins to clap. There is no sorrow. No fear. No regret. He knew this would happen. He is not surprised. And when the great breaker crashes into his castle and his masterpiece is sucked into the sea, he smiles. He smiles, picks up his tools, takes his father’s hand, and goes home.

The grownup, however, is not so wise. As the wave of years collapses on his castle he is terrified. He hovers over the sandy monument to protect it. He blocks the waves from the walls he has made. Salt-water soaked and shivering he snarls at the incoming tide.

“It’s my castle,” he defies.

The ocean need not respond. Both know to whom the sand belongs…

I don’t know much about sandcastles. But children do. Watch them and learn. Go ahead and build, but build with a child’s heart. When the sun sets and the tides take – applaud. Salute the process of life and go home.

– Author Unknown

Meditation: But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” – Luke 18:16-17 (NIV)

You will succeed because Jesus loves You!

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A water bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on the end of a pole which he carried across his neck. One of the pots was perfectly made and never leaked. The other pot had a crack in it and by the time the water bearer reached his master’s house, it had leaked much of its water and was only half full.

For a full two years, this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water to his master’s house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.

After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream. “I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you.”

“Why?” asked the bearer. “What are you ashamed of?”

“I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your master’s house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don’t get full value from your efforts,” the pot said.

The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and in his compassion, he said, “As we return to the master’s house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path.”

Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wildflowers on the side of the path, and this cheered it some. But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had leaked out half its load, and so again the pot apologized to the bearer for its failure.

The bearer said to the pot, “Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of your path, but not on the other pot’s side? That’s because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of them. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you’ve watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master’s table. Without you being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house.”

Each of us has our own unique flaws. We’re all cracked pots. But if we will allow it, God will use our flaws to grace His table. In God’s great economy, nothing goes to waste. Don’t be afraid of your flaws. Acknowledge them, and you too can be the cause of beauty. Know that in our weakness we find our strength.

– Author Unknown

Meditation: And he said unto me, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness”. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. – 2 Corinth 12:9

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

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A son and his father were walking in the mountains. Suddenly, his son falls, hurts himself and screams: “AAAhhhhhhhhhhh!!!”

To his surprise, he hears the voice repeating, somewhere in the mountain: “AAAhhhhhhhhhhh!!!”

Curious, he yells: “Who are you?” He receives the answer: “Who are you?”

Angered at the response, he screams: “Coward!”

He receives the answer: “Coward!”

He looks to his father and asks: “What’s going on?”

The father smiles and says: “My son, pay attention.”

And then he screams to the mountain: “I admire you!” The voice answers: “I admire you!”

Again the man screams: “You are a champion!” The voice answers: “You are a champion!”

The boy is surprised but does not understand.

Then the father explains: “People call this echo, but really this is life. It gives you back everything you say or do.

“Our life is simply a reflection of our actions. If you want more love in the world, create more love in your heart. If you want more competence in your team, improve your competence. This relationship applies to everything, in all aspects of life; Life will give you back everything you have given to it.”

Your life is not a coincidence. It is a reflection of you!

– Author Unknown

Meditation: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. – Luke 6:38 (KJV)

You will succeed because Jesus loves You!

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The House of 1000 Mirrors

No matter where she moved or who she married that little chair had a place in her home. I had admired it for years and, although it was nothing special except that it belonged to her, I longed to have it. Bright pink corduroy, she called it a “Sweetheart Chair”. It was sort of heart-shaped on the back and I guess the color, pink, gave it its name.

Why I was so drawn to it, I can’t really say. I just was. Aunt Ann was like a second mother to me; full of advice, especially about men, relationships and marriage. Heaven knows she was fully schooled to give it having had four husbands of her own, two of which she just plain outlived.

She believed in marriage and it was quite obvious that when she was between husbands, she wasn’t happy. She loved taking care of her husband (and everyone else for that matter), waiting on them hand and foot, satisfying their every need.

God-fearing and a true servant to the Lord, she lived her life as an example of that and there wasn’t a day that went by that I didn’t draw from her unfaltering faith and her willingness to serve Him and others.

Pecan pies were her specialty and my Dad said she was as good a cook as my Grandmother (who, he would always add, was one of the best). If I needed a recipe for anything, it was her I called because she knew it by heart and even today I can fondly hear her say, “Well Honey, let me tell you what you need.”

Like my Grandmother, Aunt Ann never met a stranger and her home and her kitchen table were open to anyone and everyone. She made sure you never left without eating something, even at the very least, a piece of pie and coffee.

I guess that is why I wasn’t surprised by her answer when I mentioned the chair. “Aunt Ann,” I said while admiring it again, “if you ever decide to get rid of that chair, would you let me have first dibs?”

“Why sure, Honey”, she would say. Then, in a whisper, “You just come over sometime when Harry isn’t around, and I will just give it to you”.

I knew she feared Harry and what he would say or do if she gave something away, so I just accepted that. He was her fourth husband and at the time she met him she was well into her seventies and had all but given up on the idea of having a companion for the remainder of her life. Harry courted her with flowers and cards, gifts and affection and she was like a schoolgirl with her first crush. A retired fireman, he seemed perfect in every way and we were all thrilled when she announced their plans to marry.

But Harry was not the man she thought he was and the following nine years with him would prove to be a struggle and a challenge of faith, hope and love for even the most dedicated of Christians. In long conversations with her on the phone late at night, she would reveal to me the darkest and most troubling of stories about Harry and his bizarre behaviours. I knew she was afraid, afraid to stay and afraid to leave. We would talk for hours and I was always instructed by her, “Now Honey, don’t say anything to anyone, this is just between us, OK?”

As we grew closer, I learned to love and respect her more than I ever thought possible. She was so good to everyone, and no matter how much she was driven down by Harry, she would always rebound with a smile and a kind word. Although I feared for her safety and wellbeing, her dark secrets about Harry were mine and hers alone and out of love and faithfulness to her; I kept them to myself as she had asked.

October 12th of 1999 would prove to be one of the darkest days of my life when word came that she had died tragically and unexpectedly. My personal loss was unbearable. Gone was my mentor, my advisor, my counsellor and the one person who could light up my life with the sound of her voice. I was lost.

The months following her death would result in a total lack of communication and cooperation from Harry. He closed the doors and locked us out, denying us even the smallest of her possessions. Months later, after hopeless negotiations with Harry and as a last resort, her daughter Jan would hire an attorney to obtain a small list of personal items that belonged with our family and had been handed down through generations.

As my 50th birthday drew near and still grieving her loss, I dreaded it. Each special event in my life since her death just didn’t have the same enthusiasm and I knew not having her here to burst through the front door, carrying her pecan pies and calling out to me, “Honey, what can I do to help you?” would be yet another challenge to my faith in understanding why.

As I busied myself with preparations for the party my daughters were hosting for my 50th, the doorbell rang. Aunt Ann’s daughter, Jan and her husband Joe had dropped by to wish me a happy birthday and apologize for not being in town to attend the event the following day. We visited for several hours and caught up on family and friends, world events and local news. Joe excused himself and went unnoticed to his truck. A few moments later he returned carrying a rather large wrapped ‘gift’ that he carefully sat down at my feet. “What’s this?” I questioned. “It’s your birthday present. Open it up”, Jan coaxed.

Bewildered by the whole thing, I cautiously unwrapped the gift. I stood in total silence and amazement, my throat blocked by a huge emotional lump. There, at my feet, was that little pink Sweetheart Chair. I turned to my cousin, with tears in my eyes, unable to speak. As if she could read my mind she explained, “When I gave the lawyer my list of items I wanted from Mother’s house, I remembered the chair – the chair I knew Mother wanted you to have.” I had no idea she even knew of the discussions about the chair, much less that she would request it – for me! It was the perfect gift – and suddenly turning 50 never looked better to me.

To lighten the mood, Joe asked with enthusiasm, “Well, where do you want it?” I wiped my cheeks and instructed him, “Follow me, I have the perfect place for it”. He picked it up once again and followed me down the hallway to my room. As he sat it in the spot I selected, the wonderful memories I had of my conversations with Aunt Ann filled me with a warmth I had long forgotten since her death. Her very presence was there too. So there it sits, that little pink chair – the Sweetheart Chair, she called it – right there in my room and when I open my eyes in the morning, it is the first thing I look at and remember with great fondness my special Aunt Ann and I can almost hear her say, “Now Honey.”

By Linda Stallings

Meditation: The memory of the righteous is blessed, But the name of the wicked will rot. – Proverbs 10:7

You will succeed because Jesus loves You!

Also read:

Arise and Rebuild
Angels in the Alley
An Easter Reflection

At the point of death, a man, Tom Smith, called his children and advised them to follow in his footsteps so that they could have peace of mind in all that they do.

But his daughter, Sara, said, “Daddy, it’s unfortunate you are dying without a penny in your bank account. Other fathers that you tag as corrupt and thieves of public funds left houses and properties for their children. Even this house we live in is a rented apartment. Sorry, I can’t emulate you. Just go, let’s chart our own course.”

A few moments later, their father gave up the ghost.

Three years later, Sara went for an interview in a multinational company. At the interview, the Chairman of the committee asked, “Which Smith are you?”

Sara replied, “I am Sara Smith. My Dad, Tom Smith, is now late.”

The Chairman cut in, “O my God! You are Tom Smith’s daughter?!”

He turned to the other members and said, “This Smith man was the one that signed my membership form into the Institute of Administrators, and his recommendation earned me where I am today. He did all these free. I didn’t even know his address, he never knew me. He just did it for me.”

He turned to Sara, “I have no questions for you. Consider yourself as having gotten this job, come tomorrow, your letter will be waiting for you.”

Sara Smith became the Corporate Affairs Manager of the company with two official cars plus drivers, a duplex attached and a salary of £1,000,000 per month excluding allowances and other costs.

After two years of working in the company, the MD of the company came from America announcing his intention to resign and the need for a replacement. A personality with high integrity was sought after, again the company’s Consultant nominated Sara Smith.

During the interview, she was asked the secret of her success. With tears, she replied, “My Daddy paved these ways for me. It was after he died that I knew that he was financially poor but very rich in integrity, discipline and honesty.”

She was asked why she was weeping since she was no longer a kid as to miss her dad after a long time.

She replied, “At the point of death, I insulted my dad for being an honest man of integrity. I hope he will forgive me in his grave now. I didn’t work for all these; he did it for me to just walk in.”

Finally, she was asked, “Will you follow your father’s footsteps as he requested?”

Her simple answer was, “l now adore the man. I have a big picture of him in my living room and at the entrance of my house. He deserves whatever I have after God.”

Are you like Tom Smith? It pays to build a good name. The reward doesn’t come quickly, but it will come, however long it may take, and it lasts longer.

Integrity, discipline, self-control and fear of God make true wealth, not a fat bank account. Leave a good heritage for your children.

– Author Unknown

Meditation: A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, But the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous. – Proverbs 13:22

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold. – Proverbs 22:1

You will succeed because Jesus loves You!

A Story about Integrity: Walking the Talk
10 Commandments for A Godly Employee
Ten Reasons to Believe in the Christian Faith

A famous writer was in his study room. He picked up his pen and started writing:

“Last year, I had surgery and my gallbladder was removed. I had to stay stuck to the bed due to this surgery for a long time.

The same year I reached the age of 60 years and had to give up my favourite job. I had spent 30 years of my life in this publishing company.

The same year I experienced the sorrow of the death of my father.

And in the same year my son failed his medical exam because he had a car accident. He had to stay in bed at the hospital with the cast on for several days. The destruction of the car was another loss.”

In the end, he wrote: Alas! It was such a bad year!

When the writer's wife entered the room, she found her husband looking sad, lost in his thoughts. From behind his back, she read what was written on the paper. She left the room silently and came back with another paper and placed it on the side of her husband's writing.

When the writer saw this paper, he found this written on it:

“Last year I finally got rid of my gall bladder due for which I had spent years in pain.

I turned 60 with sound health and got retired from my job. Now I can utilize my time to write something better with more focus and peace.

The same year my father, at the age of 95, without depending on anyone or without any critical condition met his Creator.

The same year, God blessed my son with a new life. My car was destroyed, but my son stayed alive without getting any disability.”

In the end, she wrote: This year was an immense blessing of God and it passed well!

See the same incidents, but different viewpoints. If we ponder with this viewpoint that what could have happened more, we would truly become thankful to the Almighty.

Moral: In our daily lives, we must see that it's not happiness that makes us grateful, but gratefulness that makes us happy.

There is always, always, always something to be thankful for.

- Author Unknown

Meditation: in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

You will succeed because Jesus loves You!

Also read:

Being Thankful
Always Be Thankful
Thankfulness Makes for Peace

I first met Barry in the mid-80’s while working as the secretary for the President of a limousine company in the town where I grew up, a suburb of Dallas. My boss, Charles was the newly appointed President of the National Limousine Association based in Washington, DC. Barry, a man nearly twice my age and also serving on the board lived near the Associations’ headquarters and would routinely call to discuss issues with my boss. When Barry would call he would exuberantly say “Good morning!!!” and you could tell from his voice and tone that it really was!

Being a young mother of two small daughters, often it was well up into the day before my morning felt “good” to me. Usually fatigued from the daily routine of getting dinner the night before, baths, making lunches, helping with homework, and then getting up early to rush the girls off to school and drive the 20+ miles to work in traffic, I would be doing well to muster up a smile, much less any enthusiasm, yet Barry’s calls would always rejuvenate me.

As time went on, I found myself anxiously awaiting his phone calls. He would always ask about my family and before long he knew as much about my family as my closest friends. He would be genuine in his interest to hear how the girls were doing as well as my husband, Bill.

His laughter was contagious and his zest for life always made me glad he called. Barry spoke of his family too, a wife of many years, children and his most recent family addition, a grandson. You could tell from our conversations that he not only loved life, but also his family. In the spring of ’88 his work with the Association would bring him to Dallas. When he called to tell me the news that he would, at last, get to meet me in person, I was ecstatic! I had long wondered what he looked like and wanted to see for myself if that enthusiasm on the phone was indeed something that was the ‘real deal’.

Barry arrived some weeks later and chose to stay over on Saturday to see some of the Dallas area. He had asked if Bill, the girls and I were up for showing him around and I jumped at the opportunity, saying “yes” without first checking with the family.

As it turned out, there was a softball tournament that Saturday and Bill, being an assistant coach, could not get out of attending it. Feeling bad that I had already accepted the invitation to show him the city, I begged off from sitting in the stands for hours watching teams of children play softball (none of which included my own) and said nothing to Barry of the change in plans.

On that Saturday we were to meet at his hotel for brunch. His treat! When I arrived alone he was hugely disappointed that the girls and Bill were not with me. I explained the circumstances and he asked if we could include a trip to the ball fields as part of our excursion that day and I agreed. Little did I know that the events of that day would change me forever!

Barry was a gentleman in every sense of the word and his attitude and humor kept me entertained throughout the entire day – one surprise after another. However, it was the way he treated others that would remain with me and alter my ways of thinking for a lifetime.

It started first with the waitress at brunch. He made sure he knew her name and called her by it throughout the morning meal, but it didn’t stop there. He complimented her on the tiniest of tasks and genuinely showed an interest in every part of her job. When she warmed up to us, his humor kicked in. When she asked if we were from out of town, he remarked that he had flown in because we were getting married that afternoon! He continued by asking her if she didn’t agree that I was the most beautiful woman in the world and wouldn’t I make a lovely bride for him.

Obviously, the waitress didn’t know what to say seeing that we were years apart in age, so she smiled and agreed with him. He went on with his charade as I sat smiling and listening to his ridiculous story. All the while he made it remarkably believable. When she walked away, I laughed and told him how crazy he was and he laughed just as hard as I.

Throughout our meal our waitress would provide the best of service, coming to check on us regularly and offering anything that she could possibly bring us. It was obvious that she couldn’t get enough of Barry and his outlandish story and every time she appeared at the table, he added to it even going so far as to invite her to the ‘wedding’ that afternoon.

It was hard to contain myself as I wondered what he would do if she accepted. I could tell from that first experience I was in for a day full of surprises and Barry didn’t disappoint me. After walking out into the lobby, still laughing about his charade with the waitress, we encountered the hotel custodian, an elderly black man with graying hair and a demeanor so low I sensed immediately that he wanted to be invisible. As he polished and cleaned the lobby tables and doors we stood talking about the day’s agenda.

Barry wanted to run up to his room and get his sunglasses and I told him I’d wait there in the lobby for him. We were standing near the elevator and the custodian had made his way over to clean out the ashtrays. I remember them being the ones with the sand on the top that, when freshened up, had the hotel’s logo pressed into the clean sand.

Barry went into action! He greeted the elderly custodian with the warmest “hello, good morning, sir” that I have ever heard – much like that between two long lost friends at a chance meeting. The custodian smiled and softly returned a shy “hello” back as he continued with the ashtrays. Barry was relentless.

“How are you (waiting for his name) today?” The old man replied, “Oh, fine”.

“And what is your name, sir?” The old man replied with his first name, Henry.

“Well, Mr. Henry.” Barry began. “No, sir, that’s my first name, Henry. Me’s last name is Turner”, was his reply.

“I beg your pardon, Mr. Turner”, Barry said. Mr. Turner now smiling and standing a little straighter and taller turned to look towards me. I returned the smile, waiting to see what was in store for us both from Barry.

He continued. “Mr. Turner, how long have you worked for the hotel?” he asked.

“Oh, nearly five years now” came his reply.

“And do you take care of this beautiful lobby all by yourself, or do you have help?”

Barry continued to pry. “No sir, I do it all by myself, ain’t got no helpers, don’t need nobody, I likes doing it real nice by myself” he answered.

Barry then walked towards the ashtray he had just finished restoring to perfection. “Mr. Turner, how do you get that logo in the sand like that, I have often wondered how it’s done and you’re the first person I have ever seen who could actually tell me.” Mr. Turner, now standing tall and confident walked over to the next ashtray and proceeded to show Barry the tricks of the trade so to speak. He carried a rubber stamp in his supplies that when pressed into the smoothed out sand made the logo prominent. “Jest like that, sir”, was Mr. Turner’s reply.

Barry studied the logo in the sand intently and turned to Mr. Turner and remarked, “well, I’ll be – that is impressive if I must say so – and that must take practice to get it right in the center and make it stand out like that – yes, a real art I’d say”.
Barry had turned his total and complete attention to the aging custodian, showing him a genuine interest in these mundane tasks and Mr. Turner was thriving on the attention he was getting. The elevator arrived and Barry went up. The elderly custodian began to whistle a little tune as he continued his cleaning and when he got to the next ashtray, he stood looking at his work as an artist does upon completing a masterpiece.

Sitting silently in the lobby glancing through a magazine I began to take it all in. I marveled at the changes that had come over Mr. Turner – he walked tall now to the next ashtray, his head held high, a smile on his withered face and he whistled softly – a transformation made in only moments by an act of respect and a few spoken words.

The remainder of the day proved to be more of the same as we visited historical locations, shops and even the ball fields where we found the girls and Bill intently watching the softball tournament. Everywhere we went Barry made the people he encountered feel like they were the owner or president of their company, or could be! His enthusiasm and concentrated interest in whatever they were doing brought smiles and opened conversation everywhere we went.

Later that night, alone with my thoughts, I replayed the video in my mind of Barry making small talk with total strangers standing near us in a line, the waitress, Mr. Turner and even the way he reacted when meeting my family. What a difference he made in the lives of those he would never meet again, whose day was made more special because of a word, a smile, a story.

I closed my eyes and thought to myself, I want to live my life just like Barry – making those I encounter feel important everywhere I go! The following year, the limousine company I worked for declared bankruptcy and closed its doors. I was handed the word processor on my desk as payment for my last two weeks at work.

School was about to end for summer vacation and I decided to take that time to enjoy it with the girls and think of what I would do next. Barry stayed in touch with me, making sure I would be all right in light of my sudden loss of work and income. I assured him I was fine and that I would bounce back come September when school started back and that I would find other employment.

It was then that Barry began to encourage me to start my own business – he reminded me that I had the knowledge and personality to be successful and now I had an expensive tool by which to get started – the computer. At first, it seemed more like the story of us getting married that day – totally ridiculous – but he wouldn’t let it go.

As we continued to converse over the summer it became more and more evident that he was right – I could do it! I spent the summer gearing up for my new company, “Secretarial Solutions” and on the first day of school while dropping the girls off I heard a knock on my van window. I rolled down the glass and a gentleman asked for my business card.

Puzzled, I asked, “What business card?” forgetting the signs on the side of our van advertising my new business. He smiled, “Isn’t this your van?” “Yes,” I replied and then snapped to what he meant and scrambled to find my new business card to hand him. He became my very first customer!

For the remaining four years my business grew and I thrived. Barry was there for me each time I needed advice or direction and always for encouragement. Whenever I found an opportunity – which was daily – I put into action what Barry had shown me – and even today it is the standard by which I live.

Sometimes I wonder whatever happened to Barry Locke, and then I smile knowing if he isn’t still here on earth making people feel important, he is surely in heaven making up stories to entertain the angels!

By Linda Hastings

Meditation: A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. – Proverbs 15:13

You will succeed because Jesus loves You!

Also read:

Pappy
8 Gifts that Do Not Cost A Cent
Learning From Nehemiah: Keep It Cheerful

Walking through the forest, a seasoned hiker came upon a broad, slowly moving river. He stopped to gaze over the waters, appreciating the beauty, when suddenly he heard a faint cry coming from upstream.

Looking in the direction of the noise, he saw an obviously drowning man floundering in the river and drifting slowly toward him.

The hiker was stunned momentarily, but he sprang into action when he saw the man disappear beneath the waters. Throwing off all of his cumbersome gear, he dove into the river and swam like a madman toward the spot where the man went under.

Upon reaching the spot he plunged below the surface and frantically hauled up the helpless man. He then laboriously towed the victim to shore. Heaving the lifeless body up on the riverbank, the hiker attempted to revive the man, who eventually spit up water and began to breathe.

Relieved, the hiker paused to catch his breath. But no sooner had he done so than he heard another voice out on the water. Another drowning person!

Once again he swam out and pulled the person to shore, a little more slowly this time. As the hiker-turned-lifeguard revived the second victim, he heard yet another cry for help.

All day long the hiker worked, rescuing one person after another as they came drifting down the river. There seemed to be no end to drowning victims, and the hiker didn’t think he could keep it up.

Just when he was about to collapse from exhaustion, he spotted another man walking rapidly beside the river, headed upstream. “Hey mister!” he cried out. “Please help me! These poor people are drowning!”

Amazingly, the man kept walking upstream. The astonished hiker called out again. Without even acknowledging the cry, the man kept going. Indignant and angry, the hiker leapt to his feet, ran toward the uncompassionate man, stood directly in his path, and in a loud voice demanded, “Sir! How can you possibly walk past all these drowning people? Have you no conscience? Must I force you to help me save these people?”

The stranger stopped, looked at him for the first time and said with a calm, focused voice, “Sir, please get out of my way. I am headed upstream to stop the guy who is pushing all these people in.”

Each of us has a role to play in rescuing those who are drowning in sin. Some of us pull people from the water and resuscitate them with counseling, food and shelter, a rehabilitation program, a support group, or financial aid. Affirm those doing these important ministries.

Others of us find our place of ministry upstream, opposing the one pushing people into the river. We do this by introducing those people to Jesus Christ. Knowing Christ sets a person free from sin and releases them from Satan’s power over them.

By itself, pulling people from the water isn’t enough. We need to help people deal with the problem of sin at its source.

– Author Unknown

Meditation: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!” – Romans 10:15

You will succeed because Jesus loves You!

Also read:

Good Character
Process and Result
How to Treat People

When running in the race of life, what kind of shoes is on your feet? Are they high-heeled stilettos, loafers, house slippers, or tennis shoes? While we may be concerned with what is on our feet and how comfortable they are in the situation, if we don’t have the right type of shoes on, we may not succeed.

I mean, a runner doesn’t wear a pair of wrestling shoes if he is running a marathon. He wears the most appropriate running shoe that will go the distance. When you prepare to run, one of the first things you do is stretch to warm your muscles. If not, your body isn’t prepared for what you are about to do.

But what about the race of life? There are many things, which come up for which we may not be prepared. You may be stressed out, suffering, and not know how to handle the situation. But, there is HOPE. Hope that you can overcome whatever you are facing and be victorious.

As my pastor, Randy Gilmore, says, “Hope is confidence in present resources and ultimate good.” The word, Nike, is Greek for ‘victory’ or ‘overcoming’. In the race of life, I want to have my Nikes on. For those of you who have heard one of my motivational presentations and me talk about my “shoe issues” when I tried out for the girls’ basketball team in eighth grade (I couldn’t find shoes big enough to fit me in the women’s section, so I had to go the men’s shoe area to find a pair), guess what tennis shoes I picked out? A new white pair of Nike hightops with a red swoosh. Though I didn’t know if I would make the team, I had hope in wearing my Nike tennis shoes as I was prepared to do my best.

In the middle of life’s storms where you may feel stretched, stressed out, are suffering, or something else may be going on in your life, Hope lifts our spirits as we go through the storm. God has generously provided a way to carry you through it. Having hope protects our minds, like a helmet.

Hope provides us with a way out of our struggle and shields us, like an umbrella. Hope lifts our spirits from the storms in life, which may be dampened. Hope is having your Nikes on when facing your situation, as we are overcomers and victorious. There is power in hope!

Here are three thoughts to keep in mind when running in the race of life:

1. Look for hope in your present resources.
2. Surround yourself with friends and family who support you.
3. Seek guidance and assistance from others who can help you along your journey to reach the finish line.

Be victorious and have your Nikes on!

By Darcy Keith

Meditation: But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. – Isaiah 40:31

You will succeed because Jesus loves You!

Also read:

Hope
Winning the Race
Don’t Hope, Decide

Once upon a time not far away lived a young boy named, Gary. Now this young boy dreamed of being a Jedi Warrior just like in the Star War Movies. He was not aware of his own powers within himself, nor was he aware that later on in years he would be transformed and mentored by many worthy elders as a young child and adult. Oh, how he dreamed of using his “light-saver” to fight for his honor and help the various Galactic Republics here on earth.

The quiet and somewhat shy Gary watched many Star War movies and collected various memorabilia throughout his younger years. His great challenge was collecting all of the Star War hero autographs and photos. He accomplished his feat all but one, Luke Skywalker played by Mark Hamill.

After 20 years, Gary finally received his most beloved autograph. As Gary waited in line for Mark’s autograph the announcement that no more autographs would be taken. Gary leaped to the head of the line and placed photo of young Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker in the hands of Mark Hamill. “Please sign this as I’ve been waiting years for this!” Mark looked surprised and said, “Is this for your son?” Gary replied, “No, it’s for me, I’ve been waiting 20 years.”

Photos were taken of Gary and Mark to confirm that he did sign the photo. Gary so rejoiced in this goal. His patience, ability to continue his dream helped him obtain the dream come true. Was it worth it? Definitely yes! As a youth, Gary dreamed and hoped of becoming a Jedi Warrior. His dream has come true.

Gary is now a Toastmaster International First Vice President. The powers within himself have developed throughout the years of developing leadership skills and being mentored along the way by many fine leaders. He has fought one of the greatest battles within himself and that is shyness. As the story goes, Luke Skywalker becomes a stronger because of his faithful friends and leaders throughout the galaxy; so did Gary. They saw something that Gary couldn’t immediately see, a potential leader.

Yes, Gary is one of my cherished friends. He shares his knowledge and leadership skills with all that wants to know how to develop their leadership talents. I’ve known Gary since 1999 when we were in the Toastmaster International District Officer Training, as I call it “young Jedi’s in training.” Like Gary, through our own ambitious talents and leadership apprenticeship we are becoming the leaders for tomorrow. We need more individuals like Gary to be committed and be a visionary dreamer that makes dreams come alive.

Gary’s skills as a district leader and then two years as an International Director have given him the opportunities of a lifetime. Yet, Gary now continues to dream beyond his own dreams as a young child. He is now in line for one of the highest achievements within Toastmasters, the title of President of Toastmasters International. I see Gary leading and mentoring new leaders worldwide. I do know Gary’s leadership goes far beyond Toastmasters! I’m so proud of my friend Gary! For myself, I see another side of Gary, and that is one of honor and respect. Though shy, he is respected for his wisdom.

What can I say, but, “May the Lord Be With You!”

By Rosie Johnson-Tsosie

Meditation: For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. – 2 Timothy 1:7

You will succeed because Jesus loves You!

Also read:

Wings to My Dreams
It’s Out Of Your Hands
If You Want Your Dreams to Come True…

“I can’t believe it. These blooms have lasted so long this year,” my wife said.

“I hadn’t really thought about it, but you are right. As much as I love Lilacs, they come and go so fast,” I said.

It has been incredibly exciting this year here in my backyard. Our Lilac tree has produced the most blooms I have ever seen. The scent is so wonderful that I spend a lot of time just standing on our small deck breathing it all in.

Many of the branches are hollow and cracked leaving me to believe it has seen many Springs. A few winters ago one of the biggest branches crashed to the ground under the weight of melting snow. It broke my heart. I guess I wasn’t expecting much from the old thing this year. But it is magnificent!

Since we have been experiencing so much rain lately the flowers have become heavier. The once tall bush seems to be under a lot of pressure. I can relate to that. There are big gaps because the branches are lower.

Sadly, today I noticed the first bunch of flowers turning brown. It won’t be long until they are all gone. But here’s what I’ve learned from it.

Some people are like fragrant flowers. They come into our lives ever so briefly and leave behind a scent that remains embedded in our being. They brighten your day by just having had contact with them even if for a moment. If kindness would have scent it would remind you of them.

Like when I smell pine, all the best Christmas memories rush through my mind. When I smell roses I think of romantic, moon filled evenings.

Some people, having given so much to you, remain a part of who you are forever. You cannot possibly go through a day without thinking about them. Their beautiful spirit gently nudges your heart each time you hear their name. The very thought of them stirs within your soul like the sweet fragrance of a thousand roses.

Loved ones who have passed on, having given their lives to you, having stayed in bloom through a lifetime of eternal Spring, are like these Lilacs. Although my heart is saddened having discovered that they are dying, I will not remember them that way. I will forever see a thousand blooms each time I think of them. In the coldest, darkest days of the winter of my life, the memory of them will get me through it all. Even the slightest fragrance, a wisp of “almost there again,” will bring a smile to my face and my heart will pound remembering the love.

Oh God, thank you not only for the beauty of the people you bring into my life, but for the lingering fragrance and everlasting memories of ever having loved them at all.

Loving them and believing in you, means I will have “spring forever in my heart.”

By Bob Perks

Meditation: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. – John 3:16

You will succeed because Jesus loves You!

Also read:

Truth of Life
Essence Of Family
A Story that Teaches the Meaning of Perseverance, Love and Believing in Oneself