Bump <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

A big sincere THANKS for those inspirational and perhaps life-saving messages. Best wishes to all.

May this encourage you always.


Don't spend major time with minor people. If there are people in your
life
that continually disappoint you, break promises, stomp on your dreams,
too
judgmental, have different values and don't have your back during
difficult
times...that is not a friend.


To have a friend, be a friend. Sometimes in life as you grow, your
friends
will either grow or go. Surround yourself with people who reflect
values,
goals interests and lifestyle.


When I think of any of my successes, I am thankful to GOD from whom
all
blessings flow, and to my family and friends that enrich my life.


Over the years my phone book has changed because I changed for the
better.
At first you think you're going to be alone, but after a while new
people show
up in your life that make your life so much sweeter and easier to
endure.


Remember what your elders used to say, "Birds of a feather flock
together.
If you're an eagle, don't hang around chickens: Chickens Can't Fly!


I love the Lord and thank Him for all that he does in my life,
therefore,
I'm passing this on. Yes I do love Jesus. He is my source of existence
and
Savior. He keeps me functioning each and everyday. Without Him, I will
be nothing.


Without Him, I am nothing but with Him I can do all things. Phil 4:13


If you love Jesus, send this to five people and the person that sent
it to
you!!!!!! Be Positive - Be Progressive - Take the time to make a
positive
difference in someone's life.


Walk by faith

Not by sight

Receive God's blessings

THE FOUR SEASONS OF LIFE

Four Seasons of a Tree

There was a man who had four sons. He wanted his sons to learn not to judge things too quickly. So he sent them each on a quest, in turn, to go and look at a pear tree that was a great distance away. The first son went in the winter, the second in the spring, the third in summer, and the youngest son in the fall. When they had all gone and come back, he called them together to describe what they had seen.

The first son said that the tree was ugly, bent, and twisted. The second son said no-it was covered with green buds and full of promise. The third son disagreed, he said it was laden with blossoms that smelled so sweet and looked so beautiful, it was the most graceful thing he had ever seen. The last son disagreed with all of them; he said it was ripe and drooping with fruit, full of life and fulfillment.

The man then explained to his sons that they were all right, because they had each seen but ONLY one season in the tree's life. He told them that you cannot judge a tree, or a person, by only one season, and that the essence of who they are-and the pleasure, joy, and love that come from that life-can only be measured at the end, when all the seasons are up. If you give up when it's winter, you will miss the promise of your spring, the beauty of your summer, fulfillment of your fall.

Don't let the pain of one season destroy the joy of all the rest. Don't judge life by one difficult season. Persevere through out the difficult patches and better times are sure to come some time or later.

Never try so hard to fit in...
When U were BORN to STAND OUT...

Have a Nice Day

<small>[ August 27, 2004, 04:48 AM: Message edited by: Suzet* ]</small>

Six -year-old Brandon decided one Saturday morning to fix his parents pancakes. He found a big bowl and spoon, pulled a chair to the counter, opened the cupboard and pulled out the heavy flour canister, spilling it on the floor.

He scooped some of the flour into the bowl with his hands, mixed in most of a cup of milk and added some sugar, leaving a floury trail on the floor which by now had a few tracks left by his kitten.

Brandon was covered with flour and getting frustrated. He wanted this to be something very good for Mom and Dad, but it was getting very bad.

He didn't know what to do next, whether to put it all into the oven or on
the stove and he didn't know how the stove worked!. Suddenly he saw his kitten licking from the bowl of mix and reached to push her away, knocking
the egg carton to the floor. Frantically he tried to clean up this monumental mess but slipped on the eggs, getting his pajamas white and sticky.

And just then he saw Dad standing at the door. Big crocodile tears welled up in Brandon's eyes. All he'd wanted to do was something good, but he'd made a terrible mess. He was sure a scolding was coming, maybe even a spanking. But his father just watched him.

Then, walking through the mess, he picked up his crying son, hugged him and loved him, getting his own pajamas white and sticky in the process!

That's how God deals with us. We try to do something good in life, but it turns into a mess. Our marriage gets all sticky or we insult a friend, or we can't stand our job, or our health goes sour.

Sometimes we just stand there in tears because we can't think of anything else to do. That's when God picks us up and loves us and forgives us, even though some of our mess gets all over Him.

But just because we might mess up, we can't stop trying to "make pancakes" for God or for others. Sooner or later we'll get it right, and then they'll be glad we tried...

I was thinking... and I wondered if I had any wounds needing to be healed, friendships that need rekindling or three words needing to be said, sometimes, "I love you" can heal & bless! Remind every one of your friends & family that you love them. Even if you think they don't love back, you would be amazed at what those three little words, a smile, and a reminder like this can do.

"A job worth doing is worth doing well".

This is one of my favourite poems:

WHEN I SAY I'M A CHRISTIAN

When I say, "I am a Christian,
"I'm not shouting "I am saved"
I'm whispering, "I get lost"
That is why I chose this way.

When I say, "I am a Christian,"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
And need someone to be my guide.

When I say, "I am a Christian,"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I am weak
And pray for strength to carry on.

When I say, "I am a Christian,"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and
Cannot ever pay the debt.

When I say, "I am a Christian,"
I'm not claiming to be perfect.
My flaws are too visible
but God believes I'm worth it.

When I say, "I am a Christian,"
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches
which is why I seek HIS name.

When I say, "I am a Christian,"
I do not wish to judge.
I have no authority I only know
That I'm loved.

When you running out of prayers

Have you ever run out of prayers? I am sure it has happened to you. Where and when did you experience your low point? Was it after success or failure? It is understandable that difficult times will affect our prayer life but what happens when it is influenced by our achievements?

What causes this thing that our faith‚ between quotation marks‚ “runs out” and we become afraid? Do we also end up flat on our faces like Elijah did under the proverbial broom tree? How do we react if Jezebel’s messenger makes us stop in our tracks?

From experience we know that our faith can easily “run out” or “diminish” when we are afraid. But such events are never the end of the world for the people of God. It may look like and feel like the end‚ like it did for Elijah‚ but it resulted in a totally new dimension in his prayer life.

I want you to take note: When Elijah booked in at the broom tree‚ he did not stop talking to God. What does he say to the Lord? He says: “I have had enough‚ Lord” … (1 Kings 19:4). Pour out your heart to the Lord and know that He won’t be upset.

The Lord Jesus never tired of inviting‚ encouraging‚ inspiring‚ admonishing‚ even instructing to pray. He did this for all the people but especially for his disciples. He told them to … always pray and not give up (Luke 18:1). I know this is extremely difficult to do when we are lying beneath the broom tree; it is even difficult to believe that He hears us at all. But don’t stop praying. Where was God in Elijah’s situation? God was there with him in the person of an angel of the Lord.

God is always ready and present to help his tired servants. Jesus promised that even a swallow would not fall without the knowledge of the Father. Take note: He did not promise that the swallow would not fall; He promised that the swallow would not fall with God not knowing about it. Again‚ our visits to the broom tree are never a surprise to the Father. Indeed‚ He meets us there and prepares a meal for us. He‚ who knows everything‚ waits to strengthen us with what is required.

What do we learn at Hotel Broom Tree? It exposes us to a new way of praying. Not prayers of words only‚ but rather a complete humiliating despairing at the feet of God. It is a wordless prayer‚ a silent call for help. Sometimes we are even unable to call to God for help because we are so totally exhausted.

When we run out of prayer‚ God will still hear us. Even though we don’t form any words‚ God is looking at us and He reads the words of your huge emergency and desire for Him. Because look‚ at that moment‚ you are the prayer. Be satisfied to simply be a despairing prayer under your specific broom tree and wait to see what will happen.

You may wonder how long you have to be there. You will remain there for as long as it takes to provide you with new strength. Try to do nothing until things start moving in a direction. When Elijah got up again and went on‚ God went ahead of him and prepared his future.

What did Elijah learn from this experience? He definitely was wiser. Elijah made peace with his human nature and especially with his fallen human nature. He learnt that one sometimes is finished. But when this happens‚ God has only started. Elijah would discover that God gives more grace‚ more assistance‚ more joy‚ more hope and more strength to us in our weakness than He ever gives us in our strength; we can count on it.

His Spirit makes us aware of Him. His Son knows what we experience and his angels surround us and assist us over the rocks. We should only walk on, step by step. The Unseen will enfold us and keep us standing.

TO SEE GOD

PEOPLE WHO KNOW GOD‚ ALSO GET HURT

I have read several books on the process of pain. All the literature emphasizes a positive approach. This approach can then later change into plus points. Many of these books written from a scientific point of view‚ emphasize the greatest plus point‚ namely to see God. This is what happened to Job. What can we say about Job after the first few verses in the book? He knew God; He tried to be obedient to the will of God; his life was exemplary; he was a God-fearing father. And then the disasters struck. And what do we learn about Job immediately after the worst disasters were over?

In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil. His sons used to take turns holding feasts in their homes‚ and they would invite three sisters to eat and drink with them.
When a period of feasting had run its course‚ Job would send and have them purified. Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them thinking‚ “Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” This was Job’s regular custom.
One day the angels came to present themselves before the Lord‚ and Satan also came with them. The Lord said to Satan‚ “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the Lord‚ “From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it.”
Then the Lord said to Satan‚ “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright‚ a man who fears God and shuns evil” (Job 1:3-8).

Job‚ the good man‚ exemplary believer who knew God. But he did not know the Lord well enough. As with you and me‚ his knowledge of God was very superficial. Theoretical knowledge. Scripture knowledge. Not knowledge through experience.

And then the picture changes. It starts going very badly with the good Job. He becomes a man of suffering. But still Job maintains his sincere confession of faith. He KNOWS the Lord! The Lord will take care.

At this‚ Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb‚ and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” In all this‚ Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing (Job 1:20-22).

A little while later‚ after the Lord allowed that Job’s body be affected‚ it goes even worse. The misery increases.

Then Job took a piece of broken pottery and scraped himself with it as he sat among the ashes. His wife said to him‚ “Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!” He replied‚ “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God‚ and not trouble?” In all this‚ Job did not sin in what he said (Job 2:8-10).

Then follows a protracted and wearying time of dragging pain‚ discomfort‚ depression‚ questions‚ questions and even more questions … Let’s call it that terrible time after the funeral‚ or after you have been given an artificial leg or a wheelchair‚ or after a divorce or between chemotherapy sessions. It is a painful time of waiting and wondering …

And during this time‚ Job’s friends come to his assistance with their never-ending conversations and arguments. And in between the chatting we get to know the players in this drama: People who mean well and a frustrated Job. Later on God appears on the scene. And Job learns to see God … And the whole story eventually is about this: learning to see God. Our whole story is actually also about this namely to‚ throughout our lives‚ by means of the things that happen around and with us‚ to learn to see God. Or to put it in another way: to find a new vision of God. If one day you can say through your tears or smile: “Now I have seen you!” Your pain has reached the big plus sign.

Then Job replied to the Lord: “I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted. You asked‚ ‘Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand‚ things too wonderful for me to know. “You said‚ ‘Listen now‚ and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.’ My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you (Job 42:1-5).

ON THE ROAD OT A NEW VISION
We must be prepared to take a journey to see God. It is like a pilgrimage. On the road to suffering we don’t always realize that we are on a pilgrimage; we rather experience it as a descent into hell. The only difference is the destination. Because of the pain‚ the faithful cry with hope in their hearts. But let’s start at the beginning …

Before we can really experience a meeting with God (or should I rather say‚ a very special meeting) we ourselves first have to reach breakpoint. There are several breakpoints where we surrender little by little. But the final breakpoint is the moment of truth when we acknowledge without any reservation that we are fully dependant on God. It is a breakpoint not because it breaks you down even further‚ but in the sense of a watershed. I will explain.

When we suffer because of a disaster that happened‚ the one thing we most experience is a feeling of loss. And what is our first reaction? Naturally to hold onto what we still have left! To lose something is very bad and we struggle against it to death. Another experience we have is a feeling of injustice. We feel that we don’t deserve the misery. And we are able to (with the help of others) compile a good testimonial for ourselves. We still have a few good credits that we can rely on.

In the process of suffering we try to hold onto our assets and we pride ourselves on our credits. But gradually we experience that we lose even more. Our assets become worthless and our credits – that we soon realize – count for nothing with God. The result? We become even more disparaged. Even less gold and glitter remain.

The turning point comes when we desire to see God‚ to experience God’s grace. It is never easy. But when the acquiescence comes‚ it is like a revelation. No‚ you don’t always get well‚ or your marriage is not healed as if by magic‚ but you become healed – healed from a passionate desire to prove yourself‚ and you find peace in the arms of God. Psalm 131 expresses his beautifully:

My heart is not proud‚ O Lord‚ my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother‚ like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel‚ put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore (Psalm 131:1-3).

In his emergency‚ Job wondered about God: Why‚ Lord? But that same Job knew that his Redeemer lives.

As we become aware of our need‚ confess our inability and acknowledge our dependence‚ we get a vision of God as the Redeemer‚ Saviour‚ and Helper who opens his arms for us. Through our tears we see how our crises become the key to a new life. But it can only happen if we exchange the crown on our heads for a beggar’s hat in our hand.

PRAYER:
Thank you Lord that You‚ who knows everything‚ even when we search and yearn for You‚ never ever makes us wait! Thank you Lord‚ that you can console me and the whole world. That I can be dead certain about this: You know. Yes Lord‚ You know everything.

Double post! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="images/icons/shocked.gif" />

<small>[ September 09, 2004, 05:52 AM: Message edited by: Suzet* ]</small>

YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER LOOKS AFTER YOU

“I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go‚ and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you” (Genesis 28:15).

When Jacob left his parental home‚ he left the safety and security he enjoyed as child and young man. His parents’ house was a fortress that protected him against the hostility of life. It was like a warm nest in which the little bird hatches and grows up. In there he was enfolded in his mother’s love and father’s care. Safe‚ protected and secure.

But then things went wrong. Suddenly he had to leave his haven of safety. As suddenly as the turning of a hand‚ the life of pleasure was only a happy memory of days gone by. In one swoop he lost everything that brought him happiness.

Life can change so quickly. In one moment we are so happy with so much peace of mind. An hour later our lives can be shattered.

At sunset Jacob looked for a suitable stone as pillow and went to sleep in the veld. There he discovered that life can be as hard as the stone under his head – and as cold and insensitive. There was no inn where he could find accommodation. There was no door on which he could knock to say: Please‚ I lost my happiness. Let me in and give it back to me. There was no mother to whom he could wish a good night and no father who could tell him to have sweet dreams.

That night Jacob was really lonely and alone. The dark did not only enfold him. It was inside him. He experienced something of Genesis 1:2: “Now the earth was formless and empty‚ darkness was over the surface of the deep …” Life became a piece of unordered chaos that did not make any sense. It was stripped of all meaning. He had to get to know life as if for the first time in order to understand it.

So many people today often experience what Jacob had to go through. In our modern society of technical achievements more people than ever are lonely. It is true that the world has grown smaller. We can travel from one part of the world to the next within a few hours. By turning a knob we can bring the outside world on our TV screens right into our lounges. But this is purely technical stuff. It provides a moment’s relaxation but does not bring happiness. A human heart needs love‚ honest‚ sincere‚ committed and warm personal love. We live in a world filled with technical achievements but empty of love.

There are so many who thirst for love. Perhaps it includes people who can look back on a happy past‚ but a past that has suddenly been shattered. And the only thing that remains is the hardness of life. As hard as Jacob’s stone. Perhaps it includes people who have never known happiness.

During that lonely night while Jacob was lying on his hard stone‚ he starts dreaming. The dream was so clear that it became an actual life experience. In that dream he experienced something that was as real as his experiences in his parental home. He looks and sees a stairway reaching from earth right up to heaven and with angels climbing up and down. At the top of the stairway he sees God. When Jacob looked up to the angels and to God‚ the Lord says to him: “I am the Lord.” In other words‚ here I am Jacob. You think you are alone. You think you have been forsaken. You think that no one notices you. You think that life is only unordered chaos. But it is not true. “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go … I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

It is remarkable that the same Genesis 1:2 that speaks about the chaos and dark of the world‚ also speaks about: “and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters”. Formless and empty and dark but not without the Spirit of God! And immediately verse 3 follows: “And God said: “Let there be light” and there was light”. So the Creator-Spirit created a cosmos from the chaos and emptiness and created a world full of sparkling life. And this merely by speaking a word. When God speaks something happens because it is the Word of God through the working of the Spirit of God that brings life and change.

That night Jacob experienced exactly that. It was night. But in the dark his surroundings became brightly lit. He was not alone. God kept in touch. The Lord is with him to keep him and to meet all his desires. Suddenly he had a future again and a new lease on life. A new day dawned. Happiness lies just around the corner.

The Lost Son that Christ told us about also discovered something of this light. When he remembered that he still has a father‚ it dawned in his life. The morning star rose. But when he came to his parents’ house and his dad embraced him in love and tenderness to welcome him home‚ the sun rose. It became a bright morning. A new day dawned. The heavy burden of loneliness fell away and he stood up with new commitment and surrender‚ with a new diligence to do his daily work. Life had sense and meaning again. Everything was whole again. Behind him was a gaping abyss. If he thought about it‚ it felt like a nightmare. In front beckoned a laughing future.

Jesus is the stairway between heaven and earth. He is our Mediator.

In Him there is contact between God and human beings‚ between us and our Creator. Where Christ is‚ the heaven is open between God and us. Our future lies there.

This applies to young people who leave their parental homes to start a career or to study. It also applies to adults who have reached the difficult phase of their middle years and who have often had other trials that they now have to deal with. It also applies to the elderly. One parent sometimes has to look after ten children. But ten children can’t look after one parent. The generation gap is too wide.

And if you feel that you have been left alone as a result of events and circumstances or that you have even been forsaken or that something is lacking and that you are suffering serious deficiencies or that you have huge gaps in your life‚ know then that God has not left you: I am with you‚ says the Lord. Go to your inner room. Let it be your Bethel. Take your Bible‚ read it and let the Lord speak to you‚ pray‚ believe and trust that He will give meaning to your life again.

TWO BOXES

God's Boxes

I have in my hands two boxes,
Which God gave me to hold?
He said, "Put all your sorrows in the black box, And all your joys in the gold."
I heeded His words, and in the two boxes,
Both my joys and sorrows I stored,
But though the gold became heavier each day, The black was as light as before.
With curiosity, I opened the black,
I wanted to find out why,
And I saw, in the base of the box, a hole,
Which my sorrows had fallen out by.

I showed the hole to God, and mused,
"I wonder where my sorrows could be!"
He smiled a gentle smile and said,
"My child, they're all here with me."

I asked God, why He gave me the boxes,
Why the gold and the black with the hole?
"My child, the gold is for you to count your blessings, The black is for you to let go."

Through The Storm

Sometimes I feel alone, like a ship that's lost at sea,
Tossed amongst the waves of life, sinking helplessly.
Part of my soul holds onto life, the other says let go,
While confusion leaves me reeling, rocking to and fro.

Emotions strike like lightening, that pierces to my heart,
As I hide within myself, grasping for a strengthened part.
Just about to capsize, my voice wells from within,
Oh my God, I need You, You are my closest friend!

I do not want to drown, I do not want to sink...
Jesus, will you save me, my life is on the brink!
Then in the midst of darkness, I see a gentle Light,
As I fall upon my knees and cry, at such a precious sight.

Oh child, I've never left you, I've been here through the storm,
My heart has been so broken, to see you hurt and torn.
I could not calm your fears, until you called to Me.
Now faith will be your anchor, upon the towering sea.

We'll ride this gale together, to find the distant shore,
You are not alone, sweet child, I'm with you evermore.
Now peace be still and rest, cast your cares on me.
Through the storm, I'll guide you...You're no longer lost at sea.

Father’s Love Letter

My Child…
You may not know me, but I know everything about you…Psalm 139:1
I know when you sit down and when you rise up…Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways…Psalm 139:3
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered…Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in my image…Genesis 1:27
In me you live and move and have your being…Acts 17:28
For you are my offspring…Acts 17:28
I knew you even before you were conceived…Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation…Ephesians 1:11-12
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book…Psalm 139:15-16
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live…Acts 17:26
You are fearfully and wonderfully made…Psalm 139:14
I knit you together in your mother's womb…Psalm 139:13
And brought you forth on the day you were born…Psalm 71:6
I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me…John 8:41-44
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love…1 John 4:16
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you…1 John 3:1
Simply because you are my child and I am your father…1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could…Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect father…Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand…James 1:17
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs…Matthew 6:31-33
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope…Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love…Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore…Psalm 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing…Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you…Jeremiah 32:40
For you are my treasured possession…Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul…Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous things…Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me…Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart…Psalm 37:4
For it is I who gave you those desires…Philippians 2:13
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine…Ephesians 3:20
For I am your greatest encourager…2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles…2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you…Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart…Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes…Revelation 21:3-4
And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth…Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus…John 17:23
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed…John 17:26
He is the exact representation of my being…Hebrews 1:3
He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you…Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins…2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled…2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you…1 John 4:10
I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love…Romans 8:31-32
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me…1 John 2:23
And nothing will ever separate you from my love again…Romans 8:38-39
Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen…Luke 15:7
I have always been Father, and will always be Father…Ephesians 3:14-15
My question is…Will you be my child?…John 1:12-13
I am waiting for you…Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad. Almighty God

<small>[ October 11, 2004, 07:49 AM: Message edited by: Suzet* ]</small>

TEN RULES FOR A BLESSED DAY

1. Today I will not strike back:
If someone is rude; if someone is impatient; if someone is unkind… I will not respond in like manner.

2. Today I will ask God to bless my “enemy”:
If I come across someone who treats me harshly or unfairly, I will quietly ask God to bless that individual. I understand the “enemy” could be a family member, neighbor, co-worker or stranger.

3. Today I will be careful about what I say:
I will carefully choose and guard my words, being certain that I do not spread gossip, slander or malign anyone in any way.

4. Today I will go the extra mile
I will find ways to help share the burden of another person. I will find ways to make life more pleasant.

5. Today I will forgive:
I will forgive any hurts or injuries that come my way. (I will also work to forgive injuries that have been inflicted upon me in the past.)

6. Today I will do something nice for someone, but I will do it secretly:
I will reach out anonymously and bless the life of another person.

7. Today I will treat others as I wish to be treated:
I will practice the golden rule – do unto others as you would have them do unto you – with everyone I encounter.

8. Today I will raise the spirits of someone who is discouraged:
My smile, my words, my expression of support, can make the difference to someone who is wrestling with life.

9. Today I will nurture my body
I will eat less; I will eat only healthy foods. I will thank God for my body.

10. Today I will grow spiritually
I will spend a little more time in prayer today; I will begin reading something spiritual or inspiring today; I will find a quiet place (at some point during this day) and listen to God’s voice!

A lesson in life!

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law and 4 year old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight blurred, and his step faltered.

The family ate together at the table, but the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off the spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.

The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. "We must do something with Grandpa," said the son. "I have had enough of spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor." So the husband and the wife set a small table in the corner. There Grandpa
ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed their dinner.

Since Grandpa had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. When the family glanced in Grandpa's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone.

Still the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped his fork or spilled food. The 4 year old watched it all in silence.

One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?"

Just as sweetly the boy responded, "Oh, I am making a little wooden bowl for you and Mom to eat your food when I grow up." The 4 year old smiled and went on with his work.

The words so struck the parents that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no words were spoken, both knew what must be done.

That evening the husband took the Grandfather's hand and gently led him to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family.

For some reason, neither the husband or wife seemed to care any longer when a fork dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.

On a positive note, I have learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life goes on, and it will be better tomorrow.

I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles 3 things:- a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas lights.

I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you will miss them when they are gone from your life.

I've learned that making a "living" is not the same as making a life.

I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catchers mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.

I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But, if you focus on your family, your friends, and the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.

I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.

I've learned that everyday, you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch-holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.

I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.

I've learned that you should pass this on to everyone that you care about. I just did.

Sometimes they just need a little something to make them smile.

People will forget what you said …..
People will forget what you did ........
But people never will forget how you made them feel.

God's cake

Sometimes we wonder, "What did I do to deserve this?" or "Why did God have to do this to me?" Here is a wonderful explanation! A daughter is telling her Mother how everything is going wrong, she's failing algebra, her boyfriend broke up with her and her best friend is moving away.

Meanwhile, her Mother is baking a cake and asks her daughter if she would like a snack, and the daughter says, "Absolutely Mom, I love your cake."

"Here, have some cooking oil," her Mother offers. "Yuck" says her daughter.

"How about a couple raw eggs?" "Gross, Mom!"

"Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?" "Mom, those are all yucky!"

To which the mother replies: "Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake!

God works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful!

God is crazy about you. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning.

Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart.

Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance.

Yesterday the following story was shared on my thread on the “In Recovery” board by a BW. Her sister gave this to her when she first found out about he H’s EA. I want to “pay if forward” and also share it here on GQII today: <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

The Awakening

A time comes in your life when you finally get it . . . When in the midst of all your fears and insanity you stop dead in your tracks and somewhere, the voice inside your head cries out - ENOUGH! Enough fighting and crying, or struggling to hold on. And, like a child quieting down after a blind tantrum, your sobs begin to subside, you shudder once or twice, you blink back your tears and through a mantle of wet lashes, you begin to look at the world through new eyes.

This is your awakening...

You realize that it's time to stop hoping and waiting for something to change, or for happiness, safety and security to come galloping over the next horizon. You come to terms with the fact that he is not Prince Charming and you are not Cinderella and that in the real world, there aren't always fairy tale endings (or beginnings for that matter) and that any guarantee of "happily ever after" must begin with you and in the process, a sense of serenity is born of acceptance.

You awaken to the fact that you are not perfect and that not everyone will always love, appreciate or approve of who or what you are . . . and that's OK. (They are entitled to their own views and opinions.) And you learn the importance of loving and championing yourself and in the process; a sense of newfound confidence is born of self-approval.

You stop complaining and blaming other people for the things they did to you (or didn't do for you) and you learn that the only thing you can really count on is the unexpected. You learn that people don't always say what they mean or mean what they say, and that not everyone will always be there for you and that it's not always about you. So, you learn to stand on your own and to take care of yourself and in the process, a sense of safety & security is born of self-reliance.

You stop judging and pointing fingers and you begin to accept people as they are and to overlook their shortcomings and human frailties and in the process, a sense of peace & contentment is born of forgiveness.

You realize that much of the way you view yourself and the world around you, is a result of all the messages and opinions that have been ingrained into your psyche. You begin to sift through all the junk you've been fed about how you should behave, how you should look and how much you should weigh, what you should wear and where you should shop and what you should drive, how and where you should live and what you should do for a living, who you should marry and what you should expect of a marriage, the importance of having and raising children or what you owe your parents. You learn to open up to new worlds and different points of view. You begin reassessing and redefining who you are and what you really stand for.

You learn the difference between wanting and needing and you begin to discard the doctrines and values you've outgrown, or should never have bought into to begin with and in the process, you learn to go with your instincts.

You learn that it is truly in giving that we receive and that there is power and glory in creating and contributing and you stop maneuvering through life merely as a "consumer" looking for your next fix.

You learn that principles such as honesty and integrity are not the outdated ideals of a by gone era, but the mortar that holds together the foundation upon which you must build a life.

You learn that you don't know everything; it's not your job to save the world and that you can't teach a pig to sing. You learn to distinguish between guilt, responsibility, and the importance of setting boundaries and learning to say NO. You learn that the only cross to bear is the one you choose to carry and that martyrs get burned at the stake.

Then you learn about love, romantic love and familial love, how to love, how much to give in love, when to stop giving and when to walk away. You learn not to project your needs or your feelings onto a relationship. You learn that you will not be more beautiful, more intelligent, more lovable or important because of the man on your arm or the child that bears your name.

You learn to look at relationships as they really are and not as you would have them be. You stop trying to control people, situations and outcomes.

You learn that just as people grow and change, so it is with love; and you learn that you don't have the right to demand love on your terms, just to make you happy.

You learn that alone does not mean lonely. You look in the mirror and come to terms with the fact that you will never be a size 5 or a perfect 10 and you stop trying to compete with the image inside your head and agonizing over how you "stack up."

You also stop working so hard at putting your feelings aside, smoothing things over and ignoring your needs. You learn that feelings of entitlement are perfectly OK and that it is your right, to want things and to ask for the things that you want and that sometimes it is necessary to make demands.

You come to the realization that you deserve to be treated with love, kindness, sensitivity, respect, and you won't settle for less. You allow only the hands of a lover who cherishes you, to glorify you with his touch and in the process; you internalize the meaning of self-respect.

And you learn that your body really is your temple. And you begin to care for it and treat it with respect. You begin eating a balanced diet, drinking more water and taking more time to exercise. You learn that fatigue diminishes the spirit and can create doubt and fear. So you take more time to rest. Just as food fuels the body, laughter fuels our soul; so you take more time to laugh and to play.

You learn that for the most part in life, you get what you believe you deserve and that much of life truly is a self-fulfilling prophecy. You learn that anything worth achieving is worth working for and that wishing for something to happen is different from working toward making it happen.

More importantly, you learn that in order to achieve success you need direction, discipline and perseverance. You also learn that no one can do it all alone and that it's OK to risk asking for help.

You learn that the only thing you must truly fear is the great robber baron of all time; FEAR itself. You learn to step right into and through your fears, because you know that whatever happens you can handle it and to give in to fear, is to give away the right to live life on your terms.

You learn to fight for your life and not to squander it living under a cloud of impending doom. You learn that life isn't always fair, you don't always get what you think you deserve and that sometimes bad things happen to unsuspecting, good people. On these occasions, you learn not to personalize things. You learn that God isn't punishing you or failing to answer your prayers; it's just life happening.

You learn to deal with evil in its most primal state; the ego. You learn that negative feelings such as anger, envy and resentment must be understood and redirected or they will suffocate the life out of you and poison the universe that surrounds you. You learn to admit when you are wrong and to build bridges instead of walls.

You learn to be thankful and to take comfort in many of the simple things we take for granted; things that millions of people upon the earth can only dream about; a full refrigerator, clean running water, a soft warm bed, a long hot shower. Slowly, you begin to take responsibility for yourself, by yourself and you make yourself a promise to never betray yourself and to never ever settle for less than your heart's desire. You hang a wind chime outside your window so you can listen to the wind, and you make it a point to keep smiling, to keep trusting and to stay open to every wonderful possibility.

Finally, with courage in your heart and with God by your side you take a stand, you take a deep breath and you begin to design the life you want to live as best as you can.

Suzet...
Thanks for paoting "The Awakening". I love that and it is so true!!!!

<img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

IMAGINE…

That an Angel from God is at your side in these moments…

SILENCE…

Be quite and think of all the problems that you would like to solve…

Everything than anguishes you, makes you cry…
Oppress’ you, worries you…
Leaves you sad…
Even your fear of the future, of making a mistake…
Of choosing the wrong path…

Think no about everything...

Open your heart and imagine handing it over…
All to God…

Put your hands in a position of conveyance…

Imagine handing it over now…
As someone who delivers a very heavy bag to another person…
to carry it.

NOW…

Imagine all the good that you wish it would happen or something that has happened in your life…

Moments of happiness, of friendship, of affection, of peace, of love…

Place everything in your hands,
in a visionary manner,
and make the gesture to keep it in your heart…
As one keeps a jewel in a small box.

Place that treasure very deeply within you,
and give “Thanks”, with lots of faith, heartily…

Be grateful for all the goodness that stay and for all the bad that left...
Count till three and breathe deeply.

NOW…

Imagine the Angel that flew and took your prayers to God.

With gratefulness send this blessing to who you think might need it and needs help…

Including those people that pretend to be wonderfully well.

And that God bless you,

Today,
Tomorrow,
and Always!!

Malachi 3:3 - "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."

This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible study.

That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver.

As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot then she thought again about the verse that says:

"He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver."

She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?"

He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy - when I see my image in it."

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has His eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.

Pass this on because this very moment, someone might need to know that God is watching over them. And, whatever they're going through, they'll be a better person in the end.

AMEN