... I am a soldier in the army of my God. The Lord Jesus Christ is my Commanding Officer. The Holy Bible is my code of conduct. Faith, Prayer, and the Word are my weapons of Warfare. I have been taught by the Holy Spirit, trained by experience, tried by adversity, and ... this Army or die in this Army; But, I will not get out, sell out, be talked out, or pushed out. I am faithful, reliable, capable, and dependable. If my God needs, me, I am there. I am a soldier. I am not a baby. ... not turn around. I am a soldier, marching Heaven bound. Here I stand! Will you stand with me? Active Duty: Serving the Lord faithfully, daily, and on duty 24-7-365? Reserve Status: Serving only when called upon, or twice a year: Christmas and Easter? Guard Status: Backing ...

... turn into water, and that will eventually evaporate as steam and disappear. And how do we add God's name in our daily lives? Through prayers, filled with true love and devotion with sincerity of purpose and dedication that only total faith can bring about. Meditation is a powerful means of directing the mind Godward. But without true love and devotion entering into it, it remains like a boat without water. It is not difficult to push a boat that is floating in ... owned 19 horses when he died. In his last will and testament he had written that upon his death, half the horses he owned should go to his only son; one fourth to the village temple and one fifth to the faithful servant. The village elders could not stop scratching their heads. How can they give half of the 19 horses to the son? You cannot cut up a horse. They puzzled over this dilemma for more than two weeks and then decided ...

... Stepping Out In Faith" In 1988, three friends and l climbed Mount Lyell, the highest peak in Yosemite National Park. Two of us were experienced mountaineers. I was not one of the experienced two. Our base camp was less than 2, 000 feet from the peak, but the climb to the top and back was to take the better part of a day, due in large part to the difficulty of the glacier one must cross to get to the ... . It took less than two seconds to find out if my faith was well founded. It was" To save us, God often tells us to do things that are the opposite of our natural inclination. Is God loving and faithful? Can we trust him? Yes, and yes! Addendum-Hebrews 7: 23, 25 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament... Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost ...

... remembered as generous .be giving to all. To be remembered as compassionate .don't just say you care, show it. To be remembered as giving .give before you know there is a need. To be remembered as a" person of faith" .be faithful in all your actions. To be remembered as a good worker .remove from your vocabulary the words," It's not my job" To be remembered as a good parent .teach by example. To be remembered as a good ... .be a good listener, express love, be faithful and forgiving. To be remembered as a friend .be trustworthy, honest, open and genuine. To be remembered at all .live fully, love all and smile often.~Bob Perks~[ by: Bob Perks Copyright 2008 (2believe @comcast.net)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... they had come to help. They stayed on year after year setting up a clinic and a school, helping the people build a sanitation system so they could have clean water, teaching children to read and learn, and sharing their faith and love daily with the villagers that they cared so deeply about. Finally, after over 50 years of faithful work, failing health caused the couple to decide to come home again. They wrote to their hometown community and church to let ... know when they were coming. After sailing several days they arrived in the port community that they grew up in. They smiled when they saw a large crowd cheering the boat as it anchored. Their smiles and hearts fell, though, when they saw that the crowd was there to cheer a local politician on the same ship. The old man told his crying wife that he was going to ask God in prayer why after so many years of service not one person was ...

... way out so that you can stand up under it" God allowed Satan to take Job's possessions, servants, sons, and daughters because he knew Job could bear it. It was the ultimate compliment. God knew the kind of faith warrior Job was. He told Satan to hit him with his best shot. Satan still lost. Job's story has comforted, inspired, and encouraged countless hundreds of thousands of Christians going through trials. Maybe God is using you and the ... a job whose description included burying all of his sons and daughters? Why? Because Job could take it. 1 Corinthians 10: 13 say," No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it" God allowed Satan to take Job's possessions, servants ...

... being obedient" When we tire of our roles and responsibilities, it helps to remember God has planted us in a certain place and told us to be a good accountant or teacher or mother or father. Christ expects us to be faithful where he puts us, and when he returns, we'll rule together with Him. [Steve Brown-from 'Aiken Drum '] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ... ," said Henry." The rest of my life I will be obedient to you, as Christ leads you"" Then I will tell you what to do ," said Prior Richard." Go back to your throne and serve faithfully in the place where God has put you" When King Henry died, a statement was written:" The King learned to rule by being obedient" When we tire of our roles and responsibilities, it helps to remember God has planted ...

... church" (1 Corinthians 14: 12 NIV) Whether God's plan for you involves speaking in churches around the world and leading countless thousands to the Lord, or is to raise a family of men and women who are strong in faith and service, be assured that you are living out the Father's awesome destiny for your life. Whether you're to be a missionary and see whole villages converted as God works through you, or act as a missionary to your neighborhood, shining ... to whimpering childhood!" My Dear !" was all Val needed to say. The lunacy of my comment was painfully obvious when taken in the light of this tireless evangelist's life. Even at her advanced age, she was still walking faithfully into her awesome destiny. Every day was a challenge and adventure, and one that she faced with the confidence of knowing that the Holy Spirit was her constant companion and God's Word could always be trusted. God has given each one of ...

... a small taste of what the Psalms offer us. This God-approved songbook allows us to personally worship. The Psalms remind us that God wants our relationship with him to be personal, genuine, and honest as we reverently approach him in faith. We are not just part of a herd or a flock, but we are known to God personally by name (John 10: 3, 14). He has chosen to come live inside us by his Spirit (1 Corinthians ... Most importantly of all, they give us words to let our current emotional and physical conditions find articulation before God and with others. We can be honest with God in the presence of others while being connected to the great line of faithful witnesses who have said these words before. In addition, we get to say many of these Psalms from a first person perspective, driving home the point that these are not just community truths, they are personal realities as well." ...

... Faith Versus Reason How well do you know your high school chemistry? Do you recall Pascal's Law? It describes the effect of applying pressure on a liquid in a closed container. Changes in pressure in a confined liquid will be distributed equally throughout the fluid. For example, a thin bottle will break when a cork is pushed down far enough. This principle is used today in hydraulics for presses, elevators, jacks, vacuum pumps and air compressors. Blaise Pascal (1623-1662 ), an amazing French philosopher, is known today for his work in math, chemistry and religion. His father tried to educate him in ancient languages. However, at age 12, Blaise had discovered geometry and at 16 wrote" The Geometry of Conics ," which is now lost. He also invented the calculating machine and the theory of probability, used in card games. In his mid-thirties, Pascal became interested in religion. He wrote ::" Within each one of ...

... The Journey Toward Faith When people say God doesn't shut the door without opening the window, I think I know what they mean and I would like to share it with you. When it seems like life has dealt you a bad hand, maybe it is for a reason. I have a friend that grew up in an abused home and was moved around a lot. At times my friend wanted to give up but she had a very special friend that would not let her for every now and then a ray of sunshine would appear in her life, just enough to keep her going and just as she began seeing the calm after the storm the ultimate tragedy happened. Her best friend was killed in an accident," What else can I tolerate ?" she asked. She began searching for a new beginning, every door was shut in her face. One day she spoke to the minister of her church and pleaded for answers. She ...

... Faith" What does faith feel like ?" That was the question a friend sent me in a letter the other day. As I was thinking about how to answer him a single memory kept coming back into my mind. I was 5 years old and very sick. The doctors told my Mom that my tonsils were swollen, infected, and needed to come out. Surgery was scheduled for the next day and I spent the night in the hospital with my Mom sitting at my bedside. She told me gently not to be scared, that she was there for me and would be right here when I woke up after the operation. The next morning the nurses gave me something to sleep before surgery and the last thing I remembered before going under was seeing my Mom ’ s smiling face. That is until I suddenly woke up to find myself surrounded by strange adults wearing masks. I had come to just before the operation was to begin ...

... our advice. Instead, we should let them know:" I will walk with you through this. I will be a shoulder you can cry on. I will bring you before the Lord in prayer so that He may touch you" When we intercede in this fashion, it is not we who are interceding but the Spirit of Jesus Himself who is interceding through us. Don't EVER place religious condemnation on the sufferer. Don't say to him," Strengthen your faith, pray, and God will restore you" This is not comfort, it's a Satanic accusation. If your faith is so strong, then YOU should pray. The book of James specifically states that those who are sick should be healed through the prayers of OTHERS (James 5: 14-16). Should a doctor say to a patient:" Make yourself well "? But when another person is afflicted, spiritually we are the doctors, and the afflicted is the patient. ...

... but I find what I really want, I can't buy at all. I want peace of mind, peace of soul; the kind of peace you have when you don't really want anything" What do YOU want for Christmas? Or if you don't celebrate Christmas, what do you want for your life. For your world? For me, what I want cannot be bought or gift wrapped. What I want most can best be summed up in words like" faith" and" hope" and" love" For myself, I want faith. Faith enough to see light in even the bleakest of situations. Faith enough to believe that goodness will prevail in the end. For my loved ones I want hope. Abundant hope. Hope in tomorrow. A hope that helps them believe that better times lay ahead so they can take that next step. For my world I want love. And I believe that the solutions to most of ...

... To Begin With Words jump out at me. When I heard someone today say," To begin with" my thoughts turned to all the possibilities. To begin with. Faith You cannot say that you have faith if when you fall you give up. Faith means you will be given the strength to rise, or the hand to be lifted up. But don't lie there waiting. God provides for the smallest bird, but He doesn't throw the seed into the nest. They were created to fly. To begin with. Hope Trust that in all things there is hope. Even when we cannot see the opportunity, there it is in the out stretched hand, the listening ear, the smiling face, the sunrise. To begin with. Love If you cannot see love in your life perhaps you need to put life in your love. Begin by accepting who you are and all you can be. This confidence will give you ...

... his eyes. The armies watched in terror and amazement as Goliath staggers, then falls to his knees." You dog, he screams at David ", and collapse dead on the ground. This day, the character of a new King is forged on the battlefield, the character of King David of Israel. Life often faces us with challenges. Sometimes they overwhelm you, and you don't feel capable of victory. The story of David and Goliath reveals the power of faith in the Spoken Word. David believed in what he said, he saw it in his mind and it manifested before his eyes. Did David have angelic assistance? How is it possible for a simple stone to kill a giant? You may wish to ponder the questions I asked, but you are going to miss the moral of the story. First, all things are possible. It doesn't matter how big, tall or fierce the challenge looks. While others around you ...

... . I can't help you until you turn it over to Me. And although My to-do-list is long, I am after all. God. I can take care of anything you put into My hands. In fact, if the truth were ever really known, I take care of a lot of things for you that you never even realize. TRUST ME Once you've given your burdens to Me, quit trying to take them back. Trust in Me. Have the faith that I will take care of all your needs. YOUR problems and your trials. Problems with the kids? Put them on My list. Problem with finances? Put it on My list. Problems with your emotional roller coaster? For My sake, put it on My list. I want to help you. All you have to do is ask. LEAVE IT ALONE Don't wake up one morning and say," Well, I'm feeling much stronger now, I think ...

... arrived. Leaders were able to get the children out of the building without the kids having to see any victims or any of the mess. Each children's worker stayed with his / her class even though they all had children elsewhere in the building, and some had teens in the sanctuary. Not one worker left his or her post. None of the adults who died have children. All 7 victims were not just Christians, but bold Christians who were passionate about their faith." You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis 50: 20) What God has done since the shooting: Many denominations have pulled together to offer help and support. One example is the United Methodist Church who sent 15 people the following Sunday to cover our childcare. They didn't want any church members to have to miss the service because they were taking care of ...

... . 1999 Dallas Morning News) I am not a guy who spends much time praying at football games or public school functions. I am the kind of guy who prays during aircraft landings and takeoffs. But it occurs to me that those who profess to feel so strongly about their religion aren't approaching the government ban on praying at school functions correctly. If the need to pray is so fundamental, they should do something about it. Religious belief, usually, is the faith in a supreme being who is all knowing and all powerful. If you are of the opinion that such a being exists, what is your hesitation with praying. out loud. at school .in front of God and everybody? Am I to understand that the secular consequence of school detention, dismissal or arrest on a misdemeanor charge has you more concerned and frightened than the wrath of God? This is a constitutional republic. The Founding Fathers, in their shortsighted way, set ...

... God must light a fire under you to get you moving. Problems often point us in a new direction and motivate us to change. Is God trying to get your attention?" Sometimes it takes a painful situation to make us change our ways" Proverbs 20: 30 (GN) God uses problems to INSPECT you. People are like tea bags. If you want to know what's inside them, just drop them into hot water! Has God ever tested your faith with a problem? What do problems reveal about you?" When you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience" James 1: 2-3 (NCV) God uses problems to CORRECT you. Some lessons we learn only through pain and failure. It's likely that as a child your parents told you not to touch a hot stove. But you probably learned by ...

... Recipe For A Miracle Ingredients and directions... 1 cup Tension 2 cups Stress 1 teaspoon of Guilt 2 heaping cups of Limited Time 3 / 4 tablespoon of Urgency A dash of" No Other Choice" 3 heaping cups of Faith Fold ingredients gently into a bowl. Mix vigorously and add a few tears as needed. You'll sweat a little as you knead the dough. Pack it firmly between your hopes and dreams and form into a perfect little ball. Sprinkle it with a little faith, rolling the ball in love until fully covered. Place it under a veil of belief and allow it to rise. Now put it in an oven that has been pre-set at the perfect temperature for the heat of trials and tribulations. Allow it to brown under the warmth of God's love. Remove after due season and allow to cool in the confidence of His promise. Garnish with your praises. Arrange neatly on a platter of thankfulness and serve ...

... car registration. It was only there that I saw that my last few checks had been stolen. I looked at the check register and the last one I had written was four short of the end of the booklet. I raced out of the building and rushed to the bank in order to put a stop payment on my stolen checks. I was angry more at myself than at the person who had taken my checks. I was also a bit sad because my faith in humanity had been shaken a little. I got to the bank in record time and hurried in. I told the teller what had happened and she checked to see if any of the checks had been used. To the surprise of us both she found that the checks had been cashed days earlier and for the exact amount of my last four bills. It was then that I flipped the check register page back and saw that I had written down a check ending in ...

... My Moment For Finding Faith It began in 1980, the lowest period of my entire life! My marriage and my family were blowing up all around me; I surely didn't want it to happen, but I was powerless to change the course. At my lowest ebb, I even attempted suicide once (drove my car at 80mph-with no seat belt-and headed for a tree... forgetting that the slight ditch 'twixt me and the tree would change my course ever so slightly, such that I witnessed a tree rushing by my window at probably 70mph... and me stuck in a muddy field! I look back on that moment and realize that God must have intervened because he had other uses for me on this earth. But I digress... It was a particularly devastating time in my life. I had left my own home to live in an apartment with my then 10-year-old son (who would just ...

... Faith and Hope, Water and Soap; And What the Heck is an Agitator? How many of you can relate to the following story? Saturday morning arrives, and mounds of laundry along with it. You have just returned home from a short trip to the in-laws. Although the trip was only a few days long, you would never know it by the mounds of dirty clothes waiting to be washed in the hamper. You load a bundle of laundry in the machine, put in the soap, turn on the water, and close the lid. Shortly afterward, you notice something is not working here. You open the lid again, only to notice the machine isn't churning. You call the repairman who, upon inspecting the machine tells you that your agitator isn't working properly. Your response is, WHAT THE HECK IS AN AGITATOR? The repairman tells you that the agitator is the part of the machine that works your soap and ...

... The Blood Of Jesus One night in a church service a young woman felt the tug of God at her heart. She responded to God's call and accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. The young woman had a very rough past, involving alcohol, drugs, and prostitution. But, the change in her was evident. As time went on she became a faithful member of the church. She eventually became involved in the ministry, teaching young children. It was not very long until this faithful young woman had caught the eye and heart of the pastor's son. The relationship grew and they began to make wedding plans. This is when the problems began. You see, about one half of the church did not think that a woman with a past such as hers was suitable for a pastor's son. The church began to argue and fight about the matter. So they decided to have a meeting. As the people made their arguments ...

... ................... When you are in danger,............................. When God seems far away,........................... When your faith needs stirring,........................ When you are lonely and fearful,....................... When you grow bitter and critical,...................... For Paul's secret to ...

... be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good" (Galatians 6: 9-10) Look Up-To the Lord." I can do everything through Him who gives me strength" (Phillipians 4: 13) Reach Up-For something higher. As Jiminy Cricket sings" High Hopes" Always try to better yourself. Have FAITH." Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" (Hebrews11: 1) Lift Up-Your Prayers." Do not worry about anything; instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING" (Phillipians 4: 6) [Author Unknown-from John Traver] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... so offensive and dangerous:" Almighty God, we acknowledge our dependence on Thee, and we beg Thy blessings upon us, our parents, our teachers, and our country" I truly believe that such a simple prayer could have a sweeping impact in our nation's schools today. The prayer establishes no religion and offers only hope of betterment through a dependence on a merciful God. Instead, our nation's students are inundated by aimless and empty doctrines that discourage absolute concepts of faith and truth and that discourage them from understanding the precipitous price of our precious freedoms. On June 12, 1775, our nation's Congress actually called for" a day of public humiliation, fasting and prayer ," wherein "{ we} offer up our joint supplications to the all-wise, omnipotent and merciful disposer of all events" In initiating this day, Congress attended an Anglican service in the morning and a Presbyterian service in the afternoon. Congress even commissioned the printing of the Bible on ...

... isn't afraid of anything. but a woman of strength shows courage in the midst of her fear. A strong woman won't let anyone get the best of her. but a woman of strength gives the best of her to everyone. A strong woman walks sure footedly. but a woman of strength knows God will catch her if she falls. A strong woman wears the look of confidence on her face. but a woman of strength wears grace. A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey. but a woman of strength has faith that it is in the journey that she will become strong. Addendum-Philippians 4: 3 (NKJ)" And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life" [Author Unknown-from Dee-Ed: Anon. ...

... crick in my spirit from a worried out mind. For the past few days I had regressed into a determined pessimist staring at the single mud hole in a field full of flowers. As we all sometimes do I had foolishly allowed myself to worry about my life instead of trusting in God. I had tried to live in the future instead of enjoying today. I had put off my happiness until all my problems were gone instead of tackling each one of them with faith, hope, and joy. All in all I had literally wasted two days of my life. I was still rubbing my sore neck as I walked to the garbage bin with the pillow. As I opened the bin with a snarl, though, I felt a ray of warmth touch my face. The sun had just risen over the trees and God had used its beams to give me a gentle kiss on the cheek. I looked up as the light bathed my ...

... , is to trust in God. As we act to resolve problems, we should never go it alone, but to lay the issue in the hands of the Lord; knowing that where our earthly abilities may be limited, He alone is able to do all things! While man may tell us a situation is hopeless, with God there is always hope! And so, after doing everything possible to resolve my family's personal crisis on our own, I remembered my faith in God, and began to cleave to the Lord in a way that I have never before had to surrender in trust. Daily I pray about the matter, then I hand the matter over to God, knowing that I have done my part, and now it is time for Him to take over. As hard a period as this has emotionally been, it has ironically also been the richest in wisdom. No longer do I feel overwhelmed by the problem, because ...

... . Be an obedient child, a caring spouse, a devoted parent, a doting grandparent, a cherished friend, a giving neighbor, and a good Samaritan every chance you get. Most of all, though, always remember that it is Love that makes a good life" good". In the book" In search of the Beyond ," Carlo Correto gave us these words of wisdom." Let us keep this truth before us. You say you have no faith? Love-and faith will come. You say you are sad? Love-and joy will come. You say you are alone? Love-and you will break out of your solitude. You say you are in Hell? Love-and you will find yourself in Heaven. Heaven is love" May you always live the" good" life then full of Heavenly love and oneness with God.~Joseph J. Mazzella~[ by: Joseph J. Mazzella Copyright 2008 (joecool @wirefire.com) ...

... and Romans 8: 1) You say:" I can't manage" God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4: 19) You say:" I'm afraid" God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1: 7) You say:" I'm always worried and frustrated" God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5: 7) You say:" I don't have enough faith" God says: I've given everyone a measure of faith (Romans 12: 3) You say:" I'm not smart enough" God says: I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1: 30) You say:" I feel all alone" God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13: 5) Pass this on-you never know whose life might need this today!" The Lord is good, a stronghold in the ...

... ourselves? Can they explain our thirst for God? Can they explain LOVE with all of its wonder and power to change lives, make this world a better place, and bring happiness to countless hearts? Looking at this world with its flowers, trees, Autumn leaves, sunsets, oceans, cool breezes, smiling faces, and caring hearts makes me see not only an intelligent designer, but also a loving Creator. Looking at this world makes me rejoice in my faith in God, my love for God, and most importantly God ’ s love for me and everyone in this world. Science will ever be able to explain the JOY that God ’ s love brings. I hope that one day you rediscover your own faith and feel that powerful love of God living in your own heart and soul. Until then I wish you well in all you do even if I don ’ t agree with all you say.~Joseph J. ...

... Counting Little Blessings Newly divorced, I was waiting tables at a little diner in Ponca City, Oklahoma, barely scraping by. My three-year-old son, Scott, had chronic asthma and the medical bills were overwhelming me. Worry undermined my thinking. My faith in myself and God was crumbling." Why am I going through this ?" I asked the Lord." Why aren't you helping me ?" One day my good friend Bea came over and sat at the kitchen table with me as I recounted my woes:" Scott isn't getting better. I've brought him to the best doctors I can afford. He's taking five different medications, but they don't seem to do any good. The landlord is raising our rent. I can't work any more hours. I'm so tired I can hardly open my eyes in the morning..." Scott sat on the floor at his toy piano, pounding out a perfect rendition of" Twinkle, Twinkle ...

... to listen. This was one of the hardest lessons I had to learn as a hospital chaplain -to listen and care and love that person I am talking to. I am still learning it. Look for needs, voiced and unvoiced. The need the person is bringing to your attention may not be the need that really is driving them. We must care enough to look beyond the obvious as Jesus did in His ministry. Sometimes the person He was helping needed more faith beyond what they already had, but He loved them enough to help them with all of their needs, not just the most apparent ones. Care enough, love that person enough to do something about the need presented. Even if you can't do anything personally, you can help them toward a solution. God does not expect us to meet every need in the world, but He expects us to help those He sends our way. In Luke 8: 41-56 Jesus was ...

... as," When you are reviled and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers-wonderful !" The Message tells us," .count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. You can be glad when that happens-give a cheer even!-for though they don't like it, I do !" We know that this verse applies first and foremost to those who have truly suffered for their faith in Jesus Christ. Those who have been or are imprisoned, those who have died for their beliefs. We know that there are those who are at this moment seeking to lead people to Christ and who are by that very act risking their lives. We know there are missionaries working in countries where it is illegal to believe anything but the faith of the state. This type of persecution is far and away more serious than anything we could ever experience as SAHMs. But ...

... Recipe For A Miracle 1 cup Tension 2 cups Stress 1 teaspoon of Guilt 2 heaping cups of Limited Time 3 / 4 tablespoon of Urgency A dash of" No Other Choice" 3 heaping cups of Faith Fold ingredients gently into a bowl. Mix vigorously and add a few tears. You'll sweat a little as you knead the dough. Pack it firmly between your hopes and dreams and form into a perfect little ball. Sprinkle it with a little faith (I recommend Hebrews 11 ), rolling the ball in the flour until fully covered. Place it under a veil of belief and allow it to rise. Put it in an oven that has been pre-set at the perfect temperature for the heat of trials and tribulations. Allow it to brown under the warmth of God's love. Remove after due season and allow to cool in the confidence of His promise. Garnish with your praises. Arrange neatly on a platter of thankfulness and serve to friends, ...

... caught a big fish, he threw it back. The experienced fisherman watched this go on all day and finally got tired of seeing this man waste good fish." Why do you keep throwing back all the big fish you catch ?" he asked. The inexperienced fisherman replied," I only have a small frying pan" Sometimes, like that fisherman, we throw back the big plans, big dreams, big jobs, big opportunities that God gives us. Our faith is too small. We laugh at that fisherman who didn't figure out that all he needed was a bigger frying pan; yet how ready are we to increase the size of our faith? Whether it's a problem or a possibility, God will never give you anything bigger than you can handle. That means we can confidently walk into anything God brings our way [Author Unknown-from 'Andychaps_the-funnies ' (Andychap @aol.com)] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... dead silent, the sound of the rain was nearly deafening. We all stood silently. No one came or left in the next few minutes. Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say. Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child's life. A time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith." Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through the rain. If God allows us to get wet, maybe we just needed washing ," Mom said. Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes through the puddles. They held their shopping bags over their heads just in case. They got soaked. But they were followed by a few believers who screamed and laughed like children all the way ...

... What about the events that took place during the time of Jesus? Would you want to be in the crowd when Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount? Oh, to hear those words actually spoken by our Lord! Not for you? Ok, how about the feeding of the 5, 000? Wouldn't it be wonderful to eat a miracle? Maybe you'd love to see Jesus walk on the water or raise Lazarus from the grave? That would certainly send your faith into orbit! Ok, I got it, who of us wouldn't want the opportunity to be there with Mary, Peter and John as they saw the empty tomb and the resurrected Lord, the first time? Oh, to be there when Thomas fell at Jesus ' feet and declared," My Lord and My God !" To be there for those 40 days and learn from the resurrected Lord-WOW! I wonder if any of us would travel back to the cross ...

... and the Holy Spirit can guide you to what God wants you to see and do. The Holy Spirit will allow you to cast your burdens to God. So, I gathered, if I invite the Holy Spirit into my life, He'll help me through these stressful times by showing me how to give my troubles to God, and I'll see things differently. I'll be less fearful-more relaxed. I am what you'd call a walking ball of stress. My faith is very strong, but I can't seem to 'get it right ' in terms of surrendering my life to God. I allow things to weigh me down. I've tried to give all my burdens to God, but haven't been successful. I'm afraid of turning thirty-six and still having no child; I'm afraid that all of my fiancι's stresses, (he's caring for an ill family member ), which cause him great angst, won't go away and I find myself feeling rather 'hopeless ...

... . It trusts. Love does not have to be tethered, neither in time or eternity" Jealous love, exclusive love, selfish love: these kinds of love are not true love." Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, nos not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil" I Corinthians 13: 4 5 (NKJV) Have Faith. This is all-important." Strong, serene, unquenchable faith in the loving kindness of God will enable us to look fearlessly towards the end of the temporal existence and the beginning of the eternal, and will make it possible for us to live our lives effectively, grandly" Summing it all up: Let go of everything you cannot carry into eternal life.-Helen Dowd-[ by Helen Dowd Copyright 2004, (helendowd @shaw.ca)-submitted by: Helen ...

... friendship with Asterius ' blind daughter. She befriended the kindly priest by bringing him food and delivering messages. After a year in jail, Valentinus was summoned to appear before Claudius II. The emperor was so impressed by the young priest's dignity that Claudius attempted to convert him from Christianity to save him from execution. Valentinus, however, refused and was ordered to be beaten with clubs, stoned and executed. In the last days of his life, Valentinus, through his faith, restored the sight of the jailer's daughter. He also converted Asterius and the girl to his faith. On the eve of his execution the priest wrote a farewell message to the girl and signed it 'From Your Valentine ' His execution was carried out on Feb 14, 269 A.D in Rome. According to legend, a pink almond tree, a symbol of friendship and affection shared each anniversary of the priest's execution marks Valentine's Day. Although, thought to be a day for ...

... " Sorry, I don't know if he took the job or not. But Blanchard reports that, years later, Red headed a corporation in California. And he always made it a policy to take a couple of days to be alone. He went where there was no phone, no television, no distractions and no people. He went to be alone; to meditate and to listen. The French writer and Nobel Prize winner Andrι Gide reminds us to" be faithful to that which exists within yourself" But how can we be faithful when we don't really know what is inside? The answer for me is to be quiet. To still my mind .and to listen. I'll soon know what to do.~Steve Goodier~[ by: Steve Goodier-Copyright 2009-from Steve Goodier (LifeSupport @yahoogroups.com)] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... can't when the Bible says I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength (Philippians 4: 13 )? Why should I lack when I know that God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4: 19 )? Why should I fear when the Bible says God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1: 7 )? Why should I lack faith to fulfill my calling knowing that God as allotted to me a measure of faith (Romans 12: 3 )? Why should I be weak when the Bible says that the Lord is the strength of my life and that I will display strength and take action because I know God (Psalm 27: 1; Daniel 11: 32 )? Why should I allow Satan supremacy over my life when He that is in me is greater than he that is in the world (1 John ...

... has more energy and enthusiasm for life than I ever could have. Every time we talk on the phone I am filled with delight at the gentle humor and cheerfulness in her voice. Her care and compassion for everyone around her are an inspiration. She is always doing good. She makes sure her friends get to the doctor and to Church. She helps in her community in countless ways. And she does it all with a joyful smile on her face. Her faith and love for God are amazing too. She has lost brothers, sisters, and her husband to death. She has watched her friends, children, and grandchildren deal with health problems. She has faced health difficulties in her own life as well. Through it all, however, her belief in God ’ s love and care have never wavered. When I called her on her last birthday she told me again how awesome God was and how good God had been to ...

... Faith Can Move Mountains A little boy was spending his Saturday morning playing in his sandbox. He had with him his box of cars and trucks, his plastic pail, and a shiny, red plastic shovel. In the process of creating roads and tunnels in the soft sand, he discovered a large rock in the middle of the sandbox. The boy dug around the rock, managing to dislodge it from the dirt. With no little bit of struggle, he pushed and nudged the rock across the sandbox by using his feet. (He was a very small boy and the rock was very huge) When the boy got the rock to the edge of the sandbox, however, he found that he couldn't roll it up and over the little wall. Determined, the little boy shoved, pushed, and pried, but every time he thought he had made some progress, the rock tipped and then fell back into the sandbox. The ...

... Alphabet Faith Guide A lthough things are not perfect B ecause of trial or pain C ontinue in thanksgiving D o not begin to blame E ven when the times are hard F ierce winds are bound to blow G od is forever able H old on to what you know I magine life without His love J oy would cease to be K eep thanking Him for all the things L ove imparts to thee M ove out of" Camp Complaining" N o weapon that is known O n earth can yield the power P raise can do alone Q uit looking at the future R edeem the time at hand S tart every day with worship T o" thank" is a command U ntil we see Him coming V ictorious in the sky W e'll run the race with gratitude X alting God most high Y es, there'll be good times and there will be bad, but. Z ion waits in glory. where none are ever sad! [ ...

... Philosophy-Quotes Words can't break bones, but they can break hearts. Those who walk with God won't run from people's needs. Sorrow looks back, worry looks around, but faith looks up. We're richer when we give, and poorer when we keep. Because of the cross of Christ, we can become friends of Christ. Amid the darkness of sin, the light of God's grace shines in. Enthusiasm for Christ is contagious-has anyone caught it from you? Be as patient with others as God has been with you. It is better by far to die for something, than to live for nothing. The God who sends you free will also sustain you. It's always darkest before the dawn. To change your outlook, remember God's looking out for you. Confession of sin is not an admission of weakness, but a sign of strength. The harder you work at what you should be, the less you'll try to hide ...

... Stress A Swing And A Hug A Tap On The Shoulder A Thousand Butterflies A Tribute To Mothers A Walking Sermon A Way To Find Enjoyment A Wet Walk A Wifes Ten Commandments A Wink A Winter Sunrise A Young Pup A Young Spirit Abc's Of Handling Mistakes Abc Of A Fruitful Life Admitting Our Schnozzles Advent Bell Adventures Advice To A Younger Me Afraid To Risk Against The Right Building All Filled Up All Of Our Moments All Our Childern All The Joy You Need Almost Heaven Alphabet Faith Guide Alphabets Of Happiness Already There An Encouraging Word An Irish Memory An Unlikely Pair And God Created Woman And It Came To Pass And So It Is Angels Angels Of The Highway Honor Veteran Anger And Love Anxieties Make A House Call Apples Appreciation Archibald Campbell Was A Nobody Are You Waiting To Be Called As Old As I Use To Be As You Go Through Life Asking Forgiveness At Least One Friend Atmosphere And Attitude Attitude (To Be Really Happy) Attitude Attracting People To You Autumn ...

... A Penny Seeing Through Autism's Walls A Laughing Matter Home The Christmas Ten Commandments Getting Yourself Grounded The Walk My 2nd Father A Cup Of Hot Coffee In HIS Name Magic Moment Joy In The Journery Nudge The Balance (Life Lessons) Principles To Live By Separation Of Church And State Spit It Out Trials -The Ultimate Compliment The Blood Drive What's In Your Sponge What Is God Telling You Who's Your Hero Beatitudes For Parents That Is God As Old As I Use To Be Reach Up Faith Can Move Mountains Do Not Let Your Balloon Pop What Do You See The Bus Stop To Be Alive -From Cuts To Love Your Cross Sleeping In Class Build A Better World You Will Find Jesus Talking It Out Paradise Within Baby Jesus Grows Hungry Hearts Bonds Of Love Pay Attention Pause For A Moment A Cowboy Goes To Church The Breath Of God Where Would You Go Create Fathers Still Free Be Still Driving Out Bad Nails It Is Up To You Heaven's Fire It's A Choice Not Our ...

... Yet True Love Where The Light Is Turtles Can't Fly A Father's Forgiveniess All Our Childern Sweet Morning Music Believe It Guardian Angels Building On Values The Walk A Life That Matters Books Driving Out Bad Nails Flying High I Want To Be Ready What You Can Take Cool Heads -Warm Hearts Don't Tell Me Twice What Do You Expect A Loving Thought Hard Won Wisdom Attitude (To Be Really Happy) The Hitchhiker Forgiving Quickly Four -Legged Comedians A Love That Changes Embracing Spring The Beautiful You Faith Getting Yourself Grounded Somebody Loves You Hooked On Giving Pause For A Moment Think Of A Solution Young Man -The Leper The Good News The Whisper A God Too Small A Shining Moment Sitting On Your Talent Passionate Living Coincidence Two Pounds Of Enthusiasm Watching What You Drink A Young Pup I Always Wanted To Bonds Of Love Reverse 911 Traits Of Effective Leaders The Sweetest Sound Little Things2 Richness Of Living I Can't Thank You Enough Catch Your Heart Succeeding At Life The Million Ways Eyes On The Shore ...

... " They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope" Jeremiah 29: 11 There is likely purpose in your pain. Ask God to reveal His purpose in allowing this difficulty in your life. That's a legitimate question to ask. Often, the answer comes in the process of dealing with your circumstance. Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything. James 1: 2-4 You are loved! Even the most unlovable person in the world is actually loved so much by God, that He let His Son die a terrible death to restore their relationship. God does love you! He sees your pain and weeps with you." He has ...

... Success In Spite Of Adversity Nothing in the early life of James Cash Penney indicated that his name would one day become a household word in homes across the United States. Born in 1875, he grew up on a small farm in Kentucky. His father was a minister in the Primitive Baptist Church. Both parents were committed Christians who instilled a deep and abiding faith in their children. While Penney was a teenager his minister father became the victim of church politics and was removed from his position. The ensuing financial hardship for the family meant that Penney had to leave school, taking a job to help support the family. He began to work as a clerk in a local store. Although he didn't realize it at the time, this modest start was providential and would propel him into an illustrious career as a retailer. After working in various stores, Penney was able to purchase a one-third interest in a dry goods store in Kemmerer, Wyoming ...

... memories and my heart with priceless happiness. My aunt ’ s riches come instead from the places that high prices and inflation can never lessen. My aunt ’ s riches come from her loving soul, her generous spirit, and her joyous life. Every time I speak with her on the phone or get a card from her in the mail the richness of that life shines though. Her gentle laughter has brightened my day many times over the years. Her optimism and faith have strengthened my own as well. Her kindness, caring, and happiness have helped so many people, touched so many souls, and done so much good in this world. When it comes to the treasures of Heaven she will forever be one of the wealthiest people I know. When it comes to finding the joy in living she will always be rich beyond compare. I only pray that one day we all can live with such priceless love. Leo Buscaglia once wrote ...

... will see it all as" poor me" Not any more. I see it as" reverse 911" Instead of me crying to God" poor me! I need help !", God has been contacting me telling me" You need help! Impending danger !"" 911, this is God .get a plan .change your life. be prepared .eat better, live better !" Our prayers are often calls for help. Reverse 911 is God telling me I need help. Faith is knowing God will show me how to help myself." I Believe in You"~Bob Perks~[ by: Bob Perks Copyright 2009 (2believe @comcast.net)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... someone I don't even know. Today, I'll give a sincere compliment to someone who seems down. I'll tell a child how special he is, and I'll tell someone I love just how deeply I care for them and how much they mean to me. Today is the day I quit worrying about what I don't have and start being grateful for all the wonderful things God has already given me. I'll remember that to worry is just a waste of time because my faith in God and his Divine Plan ensures everything will be just fine. Tonight, before I go to bed, I'll go outside and raise my eyes to the heavens. I will stand in awe at the beauty of the stars and the moon, and I will praise God for these magnificent treasures. As the day ends and I lay my head down on my pillow, I will thank the Almighty for the best day of my life. And I will sleep the sleep ...

... : 29). After they were beaten for disobeying the orders of the Jewish council, these once-cowardly apostles" did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ" (Acts 5: 42). 6. Witnesses Were Willing To Die For Their Claims History is full of martyrs. Countless men and women have died for their beliefs. For that reason, it is not that significant to point out that the first disciples were willing to suffer and die for their faith. But it is significant that while many will die for what they believe to be the truth, few if any will die for what they know to be a lie. That psychological fact is important because the disciples of Christ did not die for deeply held beliefs about which they could have been honestly mistaken. They died for their claims to have seen Jesus alive and well after His resurrection. They died for their claim that Jesus Christ had not only died for their sins ...

... Oh, yes. We are back there again"" The hour I first believed"" What's that ?"" A line from" Amazing Grace" I've heard that song a thousand times and I never heard that one line. That is until I was supposed to. Then" Pow !" It hit me. It hit me so hard that I shook. It made me remember that feeling when I really, truly believed. Not just as it applied to my faith, but the moment I believed I was a good man. I remembered the moment I accepted a compliment and didn't make a joke out of it. The hour I first believed I could, I should, I would and I did. Then I grabbed my friend by the shoulders and said," I remember the hour I first believed I was worthy" I continued," I began to cry inside. I began to explode with a clash of sadness and extreme ...

... only Christmas gift we needed. Looking back on that time reminds me of what Christmas is all about. It isn ’ t about how expensive the gifts we give and receive are. It is rather about the birth of another special child some two thousand years ago. This child would grow up to teach us all how to love each other. He would give us all so much joy. He would show us all how to face the trials of this life with faith and hope while preparing our souls for the greater life to come. May we all embrace the wisdom of this special child. May we all fill this Christmas with hugs, kisses, laughter, and joy. And may we all spend all of our days here on Earth sharing God ’ s greatest gift: Love!~Joseph J. Mazzella~You can get Joseph Mazzella's book," WALKING THE PATH OF LOVE ," at www.amazon.com [by: Joseph J. Mazzella ...

... were comforted by so many caring souls. Today smiles were shared and kind acts preformed with no thought of reward. Today songs were sung, sweet words were said, and laughter was heard. Today adult children gathered around their Mom ’ s deathbed to hold her hand, tell her they love her, and kiss her for one last time. Today someone finally realized just how much God loves them. Today a million prayers went up to Heaven on the wings of faith and a million" Thank You ’ s" were said to God with hearts full of love. Today this world was made better by the good we did, the kindness we shared, and the love we gave to others. Today all the angels of Heaven joyfully smiled as they watched us strive to love each other, to help each other, and to live as God ’ s Children here on Earth. That is what happened today. That is what happens every ...

... the youngest of us. And the most elderly will share it too, if we listen. I am related by marriage to a woman who is 103 years old. During her 100th year," Aunt Pearl" was asked to speak to a group of high school students. She offered a century of wis ­ dom in a few short sentences:" Enrich your life by becoming a better per ­ son, a better student and an individual worthy of trust and faithful in your commitments. Aspire to help and not hinder in all your good and worthy undertakings. Use these words often: 'thank you, ' 'please, ' 'I'm sorry ' Af ­ ter living 100 years, I admonish you to think deeply, speak gently, work hard, give freely, pay promptly, pray earnestly and be kind" Wisdom doesn't come much better than that.~Steve Goodier~[ by: Steve Goodier (LifeSupport @yahoogroups.com)-{ used ...

... -David wasn't her son. So, I did wait (I had to). My son still looked very, very sick, to me. Finally, I took a deep breath and started looking at the faces of the other moms and dads in the waiting room. I could see a calm, relaxed and peaceful look on their faces. I guess they all knew that they were at the doctor's office and that their turn would come, and they had faith that the doctor could heal their child, or at least make them feel better. When I realized that, I said a little prayer, and I imediately started to feel more at peace too. Just knowing I was in the" waiting room" at the doctor's office, who I believed could make David bounce back to normal made me feel better, and calmed my panicking heart. I knew that everything was under control, and even my son looked like he was ...

... on a successful purchase" The company's cheery greeting didn't create the customer satisfaction they were hoping for. But if nothing else, it proved something significant: folks notice your enthusiasm. And one way or another, they seem to respond to it. A story is told about playwright and U.S. Ambassador to Italy Claire Booth Luce. She became a Roman Catholic late in life and, like many others converted to something new, she was zealous and vocal about her new faith. A reporter once spotted her engrossed in deep conversation with the pope. He crept within earshot, all the while wondering what important issues the ambassador and the pope could be discussing. Finally, he was close enough to hear the pope say to Ms. Luce," But I already am a Catholic !" You have to appreciate her passion.... I'm drawn to people with passion-people who live their lives fully and enthusiastically. As an insect is drawn ...

... My friend discovered that his biggest problem was an accumulation of little things. Most of his extra weight was in ounces, not pounds. He didn't need half of what was in his first-aid kit nor the extra tube of toothpaste. His heavy multi-tool knife was replaced with one weighing only an ounce. A metal knife-fork-and-spoon set gave way to a single plastic spoon. He sent home 26 pounds of unnecessary weight. How many of us are trying to walk the trail of faith in Christ weighed down by an accumulation of little things-anger, bitterness, worry, envy, jealousy, lust, and selfishness? Instead of enjoying the beauty of life with Jesus, we complain about how hard it is to follow Him. Psalm 32 is for everyone who's ready to shed the weight of sin and regain the joy of walking with the Lord." Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered" What do you need to unload ...

... Aunt ever fed him this good. We knew, however, that my Uncle was just cooking up some humor of his own. The thing that made those Summer trips south to their house so wonderful wasn ’ t just what they cooked in the kitchen but what they cooked in their hearts and home as well. Their lives together were a feast of friendship, laughter, love, and joy. They always had a dessert tray full of goodness, kindness, and faith as well. And anytime life would throw something nasty in their soup pot they would just ladle it out with a little love and a lot of forgiveness. Every time we would visit them we would go back home with not just full bellies but full souls too. What ’ s cooking in your life? Are you fixing up a delightful meal for all those around you or are you brewing up a bitter broth in your heart, soul, and mind? Either way ...

... up a promising career on the stage to sing at tent meetings on Skid Row. A young heiress takes in a homeless woman, to the horror of her fashionable family. A businessman decides that Jesus wants him to make his tenements as warm and comfortable as his own home. Some of these people pay a high price for their obedience. They loose jobs, fortunes, family, and friends-just as Jesus warned. But they also learn the joy of following faithfully in His footsteps. A few years ago, a youth leader in Holland, Michigan was so inspired by this classic that she had bracelets made bearing the letters" WWJD" and gave them to the kids in her church. The idea caught fire, and today millions of kids wear them. If your kids are among them, ask them if they know the story behind the bracelets. If they don't, give them a copy of In His Steps. It's a book ...

... want to make it through life ’ s Winter days then you have to carry your own Spring within you" That is what she always did. Even when the heaviest of snows fell in her life, her spirit stayed sunny. Even when this world was cold and bitter, she still warmed everyone around her with her laughter and her smile. Even when she had to dig out from under life ’ s pains and troubles, she always carried a flower garden of faith, love and caring in her heart. Spring will be here soon, I know. In life, however, Winter days can come at any time and in any season. If you are going through some right now remember that God loves you. Remember that each day you wake up is another day that you can be reborn in love and joy. Remember that even when you are shoveling snow in the world, you can still be planting flowers in your soul. ...

... road. I waved back and said a prayer to God to watch over her and be with her always. As we drove away I realized that God had once again written straight with crooked lines. He had used a necessary trip to get me out on the road when I would have rather been home. He had used a bad snow to slow me down enough to spot that shivering woman. He had used her story of overcoming so much to strengthen my own faith. And He had used my mentally handicapped but spiritually wise son to both touch her life and to show me again how we are supposed to give, to live, and to love in this life. In this world we face so many adversities, challenges, problems, and tragedies. Sometimes it seems like our entire lives are a trip down a crooked, curvy, and hazardous road. Yet, God in His eternal love and infinite knowledge takes that crooked roadway and ...

... for time. I don ’ t have to understand it all to hunger for my first taste of eternity. My life can be lived in no other way than to believe, for without this trust, this conviction, this joyous confidence-I would become a pitiful cynic. A man in desperate need for the one thing I have rejected; The one thing that provides a doorway to joy, peace and contentment, the one thing so closely linked to love and faith. We have a future and a promise. God has a plan for our good. He ’ s preparing a place just for us. He ’ s promised to come back for us. We, more than all others, have the greatest reason to bubble over with this most joyous anticipation. It is because of the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus ’ that we have been given yet another wonderful gift from the hand of God Himself. That gift is hope. ...

... tired, and on the fourth try Andy would throw him and be the winner" Andrew Jackson just wouldn't stay" throwed "! And that determination served him well for many years. Life will knock us off our feet again and again. You've been there and so have I. But some people just won't stay" throwed" They get up again, dust themselves off and go for it one more time. These are people of courage. They are also people of faith and hope. Maybe you have been knocked off your feet. Will you stay" throwed ," or will you rise and give it your best one more time?~Steve Goodier~[ by: Steve Goodier Copyright 2006 (LifeSupport @yahoogroups.com)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... Thoughts About God If you feel far away from God, guess who moved? Fear knocked. Faith answered. No one was there. What you are is God's Gift to you. What you become is your gift to God. I am God's Melody of Life and He Sings His Song through me. We can never really go where God is not, and where He Is, all is well. No matter what is happening in your life, know that God Is Waiting for you with open Arms. God Promises a safe landing, not a calm passage. Do your best and then sleep in peace. God Is Awake. God Has a Purpose and Plan for me that no one else can fulfill. The Will of God will never take you to where The Grace of God will not protect you. We are responsible for the effort, not the outcome. We set the sail; God Makes the wind. Begin to weave ...

... carries it like a shiny wooden apple. But in reality, his busyness leaves him tired, and hungry for a better life. Still, letting go seems crazy. Even his worries are sacred apples-they prove he's" doing everything he can" He holds onto them compulsively. This is a hard thing to see. We identify so strongly with our things even, feeling pain when our cars are dented. How much more powerfully will God identify us with our Faith & and God's commandments ?? Have you obeyed them? but we have always searched after vain pleasures to make us happy, Yet they don't always feed our souls, do they? And we become tired of defending them. How else could the story end? The monkey might be found dead of hunger, under a beautiful tree, with fruit within reach, but still grasping his wooden apples. I chose to end it with him letting go, because only with open hands ...

... The Fable Of Mary Lin A modernized Chinese fable tells of Mary Lin, who was widely-known as a holy woman. She was a kind mother, a devoted wife, a loyal friend, an active part of her community of faith and a concerned neighbor to those in need. She visited the lonely who had nobody. She assisted the ill, caring for them however she could. She baked for new families who moved to her community. She befriended children and always had time to listen when anybody needed an ear. Mary Lin was busy and contented. And when she died, everyone who knew her believed she would go to heaven. If there was no heaven, one would certainly be prepared for her, they agreed. Mary Lin stood at heaven's gate. She was welcomed into a city alive with many voices of joy and praise. A gentle feeling of rest came over her, for here there were no worries, no tears ...

... the most wonderfully appreciated, antique, golden colored, piece of luggage on the train. She laughed heartily. And when I recall her father's suitcase, I'm reminded, that like the suitcase, we can see ourselves as too old, useless, worn out, and of little value. Or, we can take a closer look and realize that we are one of God's most valued creations-unique, and holding inside our most valuable possessions-that of love, faith, hope, and wisdom. [Linda Ferris (LAFRN10 @aol.com)-from (Peachjoy @aol.com ), via andychap @aol.com] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... is more priceless than silver and gold. Thou shalt not neglect the needy. Share thy blessings with many who will go hungry and cold unless thou are generous. Thou shalt not neglect thy church. Its services highlight the true meaning of the season. Thou shalt be as a little child. Not until thou has become in spirit as a little one art thou ready to enter into the kingdom of Heaven. Thou shall not forget to share your joy, peace and faith with those around you. [Author Unknown-from 'E-Mail Ministry ' (EMailMinistry @yahoogroups.com)] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... year, His warm, loving presence seems to even flood our world. People are kinder, gentler, more loving, more friendly, more giving than at any other time of the year. People are lonely too -more than at any other time of the year. I heard a story that touched my heart and I hope will touch yours. It's about an elderly lady named Rose. She lives alone -somewhere in our world -and apparently has no family .but there's a faithful Avon lady who calls on her regularly. The Avon lady relates, with sadness, how Rose selected and purchased an Avon item, then looked at her and asked," Could you wrap this up for Christmas for me -and write on a card, 'To Rose, from Santa ?" Our hearts break as we realize how many others, just like Rose, live all around us in our world today. They watch the warm family love and fellowship of everyone around them -and ...

... Jerusalem: behold, they King cometh unto thee; he is just, and having salvation" Zechariah 9: 9 L is for Love that He brought down to earth That night in the stable in lowly birth." In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him" 1 John 4: 9 M is for Mary, His mother so brave, Counting God faithful and mighty to save." And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word" Luke 1: 38 N is for Night, when the Savior was born For nations of earth and people forlorn." And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night" Luke 2: 8 O is for Omega, meaning" the last ;" He's eternal: present, future ...

... Encouragement The greatest problem to overcome-Fear The most effective sleeping pill-Peace of mind The most crippling failure disease-Excuses The surest way to limit God-Unbelief The most powerful forces in life-Love The most dangerous piranha-A gossiper The Greatest Life-Giver-The Creator The worlds most incredible computer-The brain The worst thing to be without-Hope The deadliest weapon-The tongue The two most power-filled words-" I Can" The greatest asset-Faith The most worthless emotion-Self-pity The most beautiful attire-A SMILE! The most prized possession-Self esteem The most powerful channel of communication-PRAYER The most contagious spirit-Enthusiasm The most urgent need-SALVATION The greatest attribute of Jesus-Obedience The GREATEST-GOD [Author Unknown-from 'E-Mail Ministry ' (emailministry @googlegroups.com)] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... and shouting to Him," I'm mad at you, God !" When what I really wanted to say to Him was," I hate you God ," but just didn't have the nerve. I wish I could tell you that the answer to my cry was immediate and that the next day I was merrily on my way serving the Lord again, but it didn't happen that way. The answer was slow, but sure. Still, healing came. God is faithful. He overlooked my apparent temper tantrum and saw it for what it was -the heart cry of a bruised spirit, a spirit that was being eaten up by bitterness, resentment and envy. But thank God that His word says," A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out" The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise" (Matthew 12: ...

... the same thing, so you can quit looking at your screen as if you've never heard such foolishness. As the years go by, we all need to learn that we need to be honest about our failings and then work hard to be the best vacuum cleaners (men) we can be in our respective homes. After all, when we got married we came with a lifetime guarantee oh, and don't forget those promises about loving, cherishing, honoring, being faithful and eating your mother-in-law's cooking.-Glenn A. Hascall-[ by: Glenn A. Hascall Copyright 2003 (cmi @prairieweb.com)-submitted by Glenn Hascall] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... The Valentine's Day Balloon This Valentine's Day my wife and I will celebrate eleven years of a rock-steady relationship. It was on that particular day eleven years ago that I asked her to" go steady" with me. Later that year (November) we were married. We will be celebrating eleven wonderful years of a faithful relationship, and we also celebrate the releasing of our eleventh balloon. Let me explain; eleven years ago we had been dating only a few weeks when Valentine's Day was approaching. I bought flowers and a beautiful card for her; she bought a rose and a huge helium-filled balloon for me. We both drove to Kroger's and met in the parking lot. I'll never forget being totally mesmerized by her infectious smile as I watched her get out of her car. She walked over to me and handed me the rose and balloon, except I thought the balloon string was tied to the rose, and she thought that I ...

... The Quality Of Mercy" Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy" (Matthew 5: 7 NIV) There was once a man who owed another man a great deal of money. The borrower had been repaying his lender faithfully for several months. Then he was hurt on the job and could no longer work. He had some insurance, but it was barely enough for him and his family to survive. The lender saw all of this and, in spite of the fact that the man still owed many thousands of dollars, he instantly and quietly forgave the debt. The quality of mercy is not strain'd. It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven Upon the place beneath: it is twice bless'd; It blesseth him that gives and him that takes. William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice The Bard certainly had it right. Mercy, indeed, blesses both the one who gives and the one who receives. ...

... dead! No more excuses now. God can use you to your full potential. Besides, you aren't the message-you are the messenger. Dear God, I have a problem-it's me. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts. Growing old is inevitable... growing UP is optional. There is no key to happiness. The door is always open. Silence is often misinterpreted but never misquoted. Do the math. Count your blessings. Faith is the ability to not panic. Laugh every day, it's like inner jogging. If you worry, you didn't pray. If you pray, don't worry. As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home everyday. Blessed are the flexible for they shall not be bent out of shape. The most important things in your house are the people. He who dies with the most toys is still dead. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry ...

... in shape, and always trying my best my football career never made it beyond Junior Varsity. I guess God wanted me to learn early on that real heros aren ’ t just found on the football field. They are found everywhere. It took me a while but thankfully I finally did learn this lesson. I now know that real heros aren ’ t the athletes or celebrities you see on television. They are the people who live everyday with courage, strength, faith, and love. My three children are all heros. My two boys deal with the challenges of Autism everyday but still make this world a happier place for others with their sweet laughter and gentle love. My oldest son is only the water boy for his football team, yet his contagious joy inspires the players more than a star quarterback ever could. My daughter is about to graduate high school but already has the wisdom, kindness, and love of one beyond her years ...

... who had changed his sign? He also wanted to know what the man wrote on it? The publicist replied:" I just changed your message so people could relate to it" He wished the man well, said goodbye, and went on his way. The blind man didn't know it, but his new sign now read:" TODAY IS SPRING AND I CANNOT SEE IT" The Moral of the Story: CHANGE YOUR STRATEGY WHEN THINGS AREN'T WORKING. HAVE FAITH THAT YOUR CHANGE WILL BE FOR THE BEST. [Author Unknown-from 'Arizona Humor ' (arizona_humor @yahoogroups.com)-Ed: Anon.] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... we allow them to pass by (perhaps because we are waiting for something easier to come along ), we may miss out on them altogether." Continue praying, keeping alert, and always thanking God. Also pray for us that God will give us an opportunity to tell people his message" (Col. 4: 2-3a, NCV)" Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Gal. 6: 10). May you take advantage of the doors God opens for you this day! [Alan Smith (Boone Church of Christ, Boone, NC)-from Andy Chap] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... If children live with PRAISE, they learn to APPRECIATE. If children live with APPROVAL, they learn to BE THEMSELVES. If children live with ACCEPTANCE, they learn to FIND LOVE in the world. If children live with RECOGNITION, they learn to HAVE A GOAL. If children live with SHARING, they learn to be GENEROUS. If children live with HONESTY and FAIRNESS, they learn what TRUTH and JUSTICE are. If children live with SECURITY, they learn to have FAITH in themselves and in those around them. If children live with FRIENDLINESS, they learn the world is a NICE place in which to live. If children live with SERENITY, they learn to have PEACE OF MIND. WHAT ARE YOUR CHILDREN LIVING WITH? [Dorothy L. Nolte-from Anonymous] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... , He learns to condemn. If a child lives with hostility, He learns to fight. If a child lives with shame, He learns to be shy. If a child lives with tolerance, He learns to be patient. If a child lives with encouragement, He learns confidence. If a child lives with praise, He learns to appreciate. If a child lives with fairness, He learns justice. If a child lives with security, He learns to have faith. If a child lives with approval, He learns to like himself. If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, He learns to find love in the world.~~~~~~~~~~~I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do.-Helen Keller-[ Author Unknown-from 'Love Quotes ' ...

... Change The World My daughter and I planted four trees in our backyard recently. They were little more than twigs when she brought them home. She was able to hold all four of them in the palm of one hand. Still, with faith in the future I dug the holes in our backyard and with loving care my daughter planted each one of the saplings. When I look out on them now I smile. They are so small and yet so full of life. As they stretch towards the morning sun and slowly grow upward to the sky I can see the hundreds of glorious years that lie ahead of them. Soon they will be filling the air around them with life giving oxygen. Soon they will be blessing the world with their sweet smell and comforting shade. Soon they will be changing the world for the better just by being in it. What most of us don ’ t realize is that we can change the world ...

... say GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD if I am dishonest or seeking things by subterfuge. I cannot say FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES if I harbor a grudge against anyone. I cannot say LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION if I deliberately place myself in its path. I cannot say DELIVER US FROM EVIL if I do not put on the whole armor of God. I cannot say THINE IS THE KINGDOM if I do not give the King the loyalty due him from a faithful subject. I cannot say THE POWER if I fear what others may do. I cannot say THE GLORY if I am seeking honor only for myself. I cannot say FOREVER if the horizon of my life is bounded by the things of today. [Author Unknown-submitted by DAF, via 'Aiken Drum ' (Aiken @AikensLaughs.com)] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... Bringing Heaven To Earth I believe in Heaven. I have for a long time now. With me it is not just a matter of faith either. I also believe in Heaven because of all the evidence I see here on Earth. I see this evidence not only in the glorious natural world all around us but also in the endless acts of love that come from the hearts of people as well. These are the people who bring a bit of Heaven to Earth everyday and they are the ones I wish to thank now. To all the people then who pick up the trash off the ground and plant trees and flowers in its place, thank you. To every parent who spends the day hard at work and then goes home and makes the time to play with and read to their kids, thank you. To every kind heart who has ever taken in and loved a stray dog or cat, thank you. To every person ...

... of success. We are driven by goals and accomplishments from the day we take our first steps and ride our first bike. As we grow older, we are pressured to accumulate knowledge and" things" in order to prove our success. In our Christian walk, Jesus calls us to a new definition of success-one determined not by what we accomplish, but by our obedience. The disciples walked and talked with Jesus, but they still faced many challenges with faith and obedience. One morning after fishing all night without a catch, Jesus called from the shore. John 21: 6" He said, 'Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some {fish} ' When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish" The disciples were successful that morning. But we must understand that the large number of fish did not define their success. They ...

... trading on them. Don't nag. If you do, I shall have to protect myself by appearing deaf. Don't make rash promises. Remember that I feel badly let down when promises are broken. Don't forget that I cannot explain myself as well as I would like. That is why I am not always very accurate. Don't tax my honesty too much. I am easily frightened into telling lies. Don't be inconsistent. That completely confuses me and makes me lose faith in you. Don't put me off when I ask questions. If you do you will find I will stop asking and seek information elsewhere. Don't tell my fears are silly. They are terribly real, and you can do much to reassure me if you try to understand. And please. Don't neglect me; I do not want to be a delinquent. [Author Unknown-'E-Mail Ministry '] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... transporter controls." Cross circuiting from A to B ," Spock explained to the technician standing nearby. Slowly McCoy materialized and took solid form." Thank God ," McCoy uttered as he shakily but safely stepped off the transporter platform." I don't know why you are giving credit to some deity, it was me cross circuiting from A to B that saved you ," Spock replied. Thus the eternal battle between the seen and the unseen. Between absolute logic and absolute faith. Between what can be measured and what is immeasurable. You can't argue this point with observable facts. A large percentage of MountainWings readers would side with Dr. McCoy, yet a sizeable percentage would side with Mr. Spock. We see the work of our hands that appears to produce the result. Yet we see suffering, poverty, abuse, and other maladies that appear to be heaped upon the innocent with no rhyme or reason. As a young scientist in college ...

... Directions to our Father's House Make a Right onto Believeth Blvd. Keep straight and go through the Green Light, which is Jesus Christ. There, you must turn onto the Bridge of Faith, which is over troubled water. When you get off the bridge, make a Right turn and Keep Straight. You are on the King's Highway-Heaven-bound. Then exit off onto Grace Blvd. From there, make a Right turn on Gospel Lane. Keep Straight and then make another Right on Prayer Road. As you go on your way, Yield Not to the traffic on Temptation Ave. Also, avoid SIN Street because it is a DEAD END. Pass up Envy Drive, and Hate Avenue. Also, pass Hypocrisy Street, Gossiping Lane, and Backbiting Blvd. However, you have to go down Long-suffering Lane, Persecution Blvd. and Trials and Tribulations Ave. But that's all right, because VICTORY Street is straight ahead! AMEN! © By ...

... A dad is someone who wants to catch you before you fall but instead picks you up, brushes you off, and lets you try again. A dad is someone who wants to keep you from making mistakes but instead lets you find your own way, even though his heart breaks in silence when you get hurt. A dad is someone who holds you when you cry, scolds you when you break the rules, shines with pride when you succeed, and has faith in you even when you fail. Dad, you're everything a dad should be and some. ~~ By Susan Ceylise ~~ #2. WHAT IS A DAD? A Dad is a person who is loving and kind, And often he knows what you have on your mind. He's someone who listens, suggests, and defends. A dad can be one of your very best friends! He's proud of your triumphs, but when things go wrong, A dad can be ...

... strength; but I'll bet you knew that already. In His perfect will, He knows what we really need and that's INNER strength. And guess what. The best way to develop strength within is to deal with problems without – problems like physical ailments and fatigue. They may wear down the body, but they can build up the spiritual muscles which I call" struggle muscles" When God gives strength to the weary, it may be in the form of greater faith. We may not run faster, jump higher, or leap tall buildings in a single bound; but we can likely feel our hope and our relationship with Him grow stronger. In 2 Corinthians 4, Paul wrote about being physically persecuted, hard pressed, perplexed, and struck down, yet he was not crushed, destroyed, or in despair. In the same way, even though my body isn't satisfied and renewed by physical rest, my soul is satisfied by God ...

... bloom profusely. They demand no pampering or special attention to yield their bright blossoms; they pop up in fields, in lawns, and between cracks in the sidewalk, even in the best neighborhoods. Can you imagine trying to grow them in a garden? They'd sneak through the boundaries and pop their sunny yellow faces up in the surrounding lawn. They would never stay put! Christians should be more like dandelions. Our sunny yellow faces should be a reminder that simple faith has deep roots that are impossible to dislodge. Our vast number would show the world that even though we are not fancy or pampered we are evident everywhere, even in the best neighborhoods. We should be as easily accessible as a dandelion. Jesus is. We need to get out of our gardens and jump across the boundaries that keep us where people expect to find us. We need to show our sunny yellow faces in all the spots that need a little brightening up ...

... used to hear the pastor talk about prayer, but it went right over my head"" I abandoned any attempt at prayer ," the old man continued," until one day four years ago, my best friend said to me," Johnny, prayer is just a simple matter of having a conversation with Jesus"" Here is what I suggest ," he said." Sit down in a chair; place an empty chair in front of you, and in faith see Jesus on the chair. It's not spooky because he promised, 'I will be with you always"" Then just speak to him in the same way you're doing with me right now"" So, I tried it and I've liked it so much that I do it a couple of hours every day. I'm careful though. If my daughter saw me talking to an empty chair, she'd either have a nervous breakdown or send me off to the funny farm" ...

... one another. Blessed are they who attain parenthood, for children are a heritage of the Lord. Blessed are they who remember to thank God for their food before they partake of it, and who set apart some time each day for the reading of the Bible and for prayer. Blessed are those mates who never speak loudly to one another, and who make their home a place" where seldom is heard a discouraging word" Blessed are the husband and wife who faithfully attend the worship service of the church, and who work together in the church for the advancement of Christ ’ s kingdom. Blessed are the husband and wife who can work out the problems of adjustment without interference from relatives. Blessed is the couple which has complete understanding about financial matters, and have worked out a perfect partnership, with all money under the control of both. Blessed are the husband and wife who humbly dedicate their lives and their homes to Christ, and ...

... kingdom of heaven is ours in the sight of a sleeping baby or a tiny hand in ours as we walk in the park. It's the joy in hearing a little one count to ten for the first time, or a teen finally understanding the physics homework. It is a million little presents given to us daily by a God who loves us. Make no mistake, our persecution, as a SAHM is minute compared to that suffered by the true martyrs of the faith. But we have made a decision to follow God's will for our lives, and we will encounter tough times because of it. But, God is gracious, we know that He gives us daily the little joys that sustain us in our` career ' choice, and that ultimately, He will welcome us into His kingdom. About the author: Cheryl is a SAHM to her three year old daughter. She worked as a nursing home administrator for 8 years before her ...

... he wanted to face that danger bravely. His prayer was to receive enough courage to do what needed to be done, not to live his life free from harm. Rabbi Harold Kushner speaks about such prayer. He reminds us that" people who pray for courage, for strength to bear the unbearable, for the grace to remember what they have left instead of what they have lost, very often find their prayers answered. Their prayers helped them tap hidden reserves of faith and courage that were not available to them before" The courage you need will come, and will not fail you.~Steve Goodier~[ by: Steve Goodier Copyright 2007 (LifeSupport @yahoogroups.com)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... loveless life today -and you'll find a full, happy heart yourself! Have a wonderful Valentine's Day next Saturday, celebrating with a lost and lonely world a love we can all enjoy -the love of the Son of God whose faithfulness and friendship never fails! Celebrate HIM on Valentine's Day -load down that" bicycle built for two" with some lonely, loveless people -head down the road to HIS Home -and you will have a great day! Scripture:" And now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love (1 Corinthians 13: 13)" Prayer:" Lord, it's almost Valentine's Day -and whatever my circumstances as this day approaches, please make it a day of sharing Your love with someone who's lost, lonely, or just feeling left out. Give me Your compassionate and caring heart today -and may I be aware of what I can do to lighten the heart of another on this special ...

... . It's impossible to be negative in this crowd. A positive attitude is contagious. One of the first motivational speeches I gave was called" White Heat" I used the example of the Apostle Paul as someone who had a white hot conviction for his mission. Whether spreading the Gospel to cities throughout the Mediterranean, promoting a new product, starting a business, running for office, or winning a game, all achievements in life begin with a positive attitude-the faith that we can do it. I've never stopped encouraging people to discover the power of a positive attitude. I spoke recently at a sixth-grade graduation ceremony and delivered one of the talks I've been giving for decades called" The Three A's: Atmosphere, Attitude and Action" We can choose to put ourselves in a positive atmosphere that encourages a positive attitude that leads to positive action. I told them they can stay with friends who tell them they can't or choose friends who tell ...

... the room. I was frustrated. I spend my life trying to get people to see beauty in the world and love in their life. I write stories to inspire, plant a seed, adjust an attitude, or simply fill a void. I wish I could say that moments later the young man came rushing back to tell me that he needed to hear what I had to say. It didn't happen. You see, the business I'm in is based on faith. I believe in something bigger than I, but I can't see it. I believe in hope, but I can't measure it. I move ahead through life following my dreams, but I can't touch them. So, I write stories and send them to friends I've never met. I speak to rooms full of people I will never see again. I write and speak about those things that touch us all. Like wanting to believe in something bigger. Finally knowing ...

... WILL NURTURE MY BODY: I will eat less; I will eat only healthy foods. I will thank GOD for my body. TODAY I WILL GROW SPIRITUALLY: I will spend a little more time in prayer today: I will begin reading something spiritual or inspirational today; I will find a quiet place (at some point during this day) and listen to GOD's voice !!!" But since we belong to the day, let us be self controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and hope of salvation as a helmet" 1 Thessalonians 5: 8 [Author Unknown-from Aiken Drum] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... said to the boy." It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves." One is evil-he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, self-doubt and ego." The other is good-he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith." This same fight is going on inside you-and inside every other person, too" The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather," Which wolf will win ?" The old chief simply replied," The one you feed" Only I can choose what should come into my life. Only I can choose which wolf to feed. And only I can choose what to do about it today.~Steve Goodier~[ by: ...

... " We are the Brother ’ s of the Wheel ", he said." We are collecting for a Christmas toy drive for needy children this year" As I pulled a dollar out of my wallet I looked past his beard and tattoos and into his eyes. They shined with a goodness and kindness that came right from his soul. I dropped the money in his helmet and waved to the other bikers as I drove off. My good mood had returned. My faith in mankind had been bolstered. And I had to laugh along with God as I remembered once again never to judge a book by it ’ s cover. Our society often judges books by their covers but God reads what is written in our hearts and souls. Perhaps one day we will all learn to see the world through Heaven ’ s eyes. Perhaps one day we will realize that looks matter little and actions matter much. Perhaps one day we will see that the ...

... asked for a drink of water. She thought he looked hungry so brought him a large glass of milk. He drank it slowly, and then asked," How much do I owe you ?"" You don't owe me anything ," she replied." Mother has taught us never to accept pay for a kindness" He said," Then I thank you from my heart" As Howard Kelly left that house, he not only felt stronger physically, but his faith in God and man was strong also. He had been ready to give up and quit. Year's later that young woman became critically ill. The local doctors were baffled. They finally sent her to the big city, where they called in specialists to study her rare disease. Dr. Howard Kelly was called in for the consultation. When he heard the name of the town she came from, a strange light filled his eyes. Immediately he rose and went down the ...

... Do they see a grouchy person with a bad attitude who dares others to smile at them? Jesus wants us to smile with Joy and Love at others. I have a parakeet that is a gift from God, who fills me with joy every day and brings me happiness. Sometimes however, I get irritable if I am not feeling good and take it out on her. God never gets irritable with us. He never takes anything out on us. He remains Faithful and Loyal no matter how we treat Him. Let ’ s start giving others a look of Love that will warm and encourage them.~Joanne Lowe~December 21, 2004 [by: Joanne Lowe, Copyright 2004-submitted by: Joanne Lowe (joannelowe8 @cox.net)] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... we shall grow to resemble" Or put another way, we become the spi'it 'n ' image of that which we hold dear. We are shaped by that which we admire most, and by the people we love most. It works like this: Those who admire success may become" the image of success" Those who admire ambition will, to even a casual observer, look ambitious, perhaps even driven. Those who admire and love the gentle saints of their faith will, more than likely, remind others of those same saints in their attitudes, words and actions. Day by day, we become the spi'it 'n ' image of the people we befriend, admire and love. An unknown writer tells a story about her grandmother and a person she deeply admired. The story goes like this:" My grandmother was born in a small west Texas farming town on August 26, 1929, two months and three days before Black Tuesday, ...

... A Helping Hand In the nursing home How many times in the last year have you visited a nursing home?" But I don't know anyone in a nursing home ," you may say in defence. Perhaps not, but that shouldn't matter. What matters is that we put our Christian faith into practice. We should take time out to remember those forgotten people, people who are spending their last days in a nursing home, unable any longer to care for themselves. We should remind ourselves that we too will be old some day, some of us sooner than others. Besides having worked in nursing homes, I have visited them many times. What always strikes me is the way the residents reach out for you, wordlessly begging you to take their hands, to talk to them, to treat them like they were special. You don't know them. They don't know you. But what you are is a person who has taken the ...

... a few people, however, who go beyond being just a morning or an evening person. These people may get tired and need naps just like the rest of us, but even when their energy is low their love is still high. They are Heavenly persons. They care, they laugh, and they smile even through the worst pains and challenges. They face life without fear. They share love with no thought of reward. And they meet death with a faith and peace that passes all understanding. They give all their days here to bring Heaven closer to Earth. They spend their whole lives showing the rest of us how to live in love and oneness with God. The good news is that whether you are a morning person, an afternoon person, or an evening person you can be a Heavenly person too. You can choose love. You can choose joy. You can choose oneness with God every single day. You can ...

... I'm not ), I think I would have felt sadness for both losses. Neither was a greater tragedy than the other. I know that religious piety can be a wondrous and beautiful thing. But it disturbs me the prominent role religions have historically played in wars and brutality over the ages. If I imagine a god so small as to favor those who think like me, worship like me and act like me, then I know very little of life and less of faith. I can't help but think this world would be in better shape if the gods most of us believed in were a little bigger.~Steve Goodier~[ by: Steve Goodier-Copyright 2009-from Steve Goodier (LifeSupport @yahoogroups.com)] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... . Wisdom, like many other virtues, is usually more difficult to obtain and can be far more satisfying. I've heard it said that when our hearts are empty, we collect" things" On the other hand, when our hearts are full, we tend to lose interest in most of the" stuff" of life. The" things of the heart" become all important. Things like love and joy and peace. Or wisdom. Or hope. Or faith. And the wonderful truth is that these gifts are given freely to any who will take them! None of us has to live without love. There really is joy to be found in this life. And we can know peace-now. Fra Giovanni gave us these immortal words in 1513:" No heaven can come to us unless our hearts find rest in today. Take heaven! No peace lies in the future that is not hidden in his present moment. ...

... but not as easy as it seems. Personally, I'm all for lingering kisses, raucous laughter, and true love. I can't wait. But the idea of forgiving quickly is a tough one. It certainly belongs on the list; it's just that it doesn't come easily. How I enjoy my righteous indignation. Forgiving can be like drinking bitter medicine; I have to force myself to swallow … and even that in small doses. In his audio book “ Living Faith ” (Random House Audio Books, 1996 ), U.S. President Jimmy Carter talks about forgiving quickly. He says that without the knowledge that he can be forgiven, it would be impossible for him to face his own shortcomings. He relates that both he and his wife, Rosalynn, are" strong-willed" persons who find it difficult to admit being at fault. One day, after a particularly harsh argument, Carter decided that he would never let another day end with each ...

... way home .only believe in Me now" I was at the base of the building with the Priest ministering to the injured and devastated souls. I took him home to tend his flock in Heaven. He heard my voice and answered. I was on all four of those planes, in every seat, with every prayer. I was with the crew as they were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the believers there, comforting and assuring them that their faith had saved them. I was in Texas, Kansas, London. I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news. Did you sense Me? I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew every name .though not all know Me. Some met Me for the first time on the 86th floor. Some sought Me with their last breath. Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the smoke and flames;" Come to Me, ...

... in action that makes the most profound impact. As I look to the next generation of ministers I am keenly aware that they will seek to touch a world that is increasingly distracted. Absolutes will be challenged as those who oppose Biblical precepts become more organized and vocal. Their strength will be in presenting not religion but a relationship with Jesus Christ. To the generation of ministers who have served before me that includes Billy Graham, Bill Bright and others less well-known but equally faithful I owe a debt of gratitude. [by: Rev. Bill Shuler-from 'Keith Todd ' (ktodd @vci.net)] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... are not on this planet to make a name for ourselves in the business world, or to gather all the material items we can afford, nor even to eat, drink and be merry. Certainly, God wishes our ultimate joy and happiness, but our greater purpose is to worship God and love one another. Again you say," What? How can I worship God when I can't even see Him ?" Everything we do and say is a testament of our faith in God. Either our deeds will glorify Him, or bring Him shame." Yes, but is it realistic to expect us to also love one another ," you then say," I mean, are we to also love those who murder, steal and rob us of our freedom ?" Love can take many shapes and forms. Certainly, love can be warm and mushy, and consist of hugs, kisses and kind words, but love also stands for truth and ...

... to us and we stop in disbelief. Now and then though, we get the idea and actually begin to do what we are called to do and fly. To soar, empowered by Holy Spirit. We begin to become the people of God that we are called to be. Other people see us soaring and the sight turns their mind towards God. Each of us is called to work in different ministries. Each of us is at a different point in our faith walk. Perhaps you haven't yet broken out of the egg or left the nest. Perhaps you are standing on the edge of the branch squawking in excitement and fear preparing to jump. Maybe you have just soared and it surprised you. Perhaps you are like the mother magpie, knowing you can soar and that it is your duty to encourage others. Where ever you are in your walk, know that we are called to soar and are empowered to soar, all for ...

... who says it from their heart. Never say good-bye if you still want to try-never give up if you still feel you can go on-never say you don't love a person anymore if you can't let go. Love comes to those who still hope, although they've been disappointed, to those who still believe, although they've been betrayed, to those who still need to love, although they've been hurt before, and to those who have the courage and faith to build trust again. It takes only a minute to get a crush on someone, an hour to like someone, and a day to love someone-but it takes a lifetime to forget someone. Don't go for looks; they can deceive. Don't go for wealth; even that fades away. Go for someone who makes you smile because it takes only a smile to make a dark day seem bright. Hope you find the someone that makes you smile. There ...

... like to be your friend" She did have to look up at them since they were so much taller than she was. The teachers kept an eye on the proceedings, but did not need to interfere as the girls were not hurting her. After about two weeks, Edie came home looking so discouraged. She told her mother that she didn't think it was working. After they talked about it some more and prayed, she decided to keep trying and continued to faithfully tell them," I'd really like to be your friend" One day the following week, Edie ran home as fast as she could and ran into the house shouting," Mom, Mom, guess what happened today? Just like I always did, I said I'd really like to be your friend, and one of the girls said," Okay, Edie, we give up, we'll be your friend" Edie and her mom thanked the Lord for His faithfulness ...

... . She knows that children are life ’ s most precious gift and that every child should be treated with gentleness, kindness, and love. My daughter knows that life often isn ’ t fair, that society often isn ’ t wise, and that everyone of us will face our share of problems. She also knows, however, that with love in our hearts we can bring learning, laughter, and joy to even the toughest days. She knows that true faith brings us closer to God ’ s love and never seeks to judge or hurt another. She knows that life is a journey taken on a rocky road and that sometimes we stumble and fall. She knows too that we can pick ourselves up each time and even help someone else up as well. Most of all she knows that she is still learning, just as we all are. May she always know too just how much I love her.~Joseph J. ...

... My New Watch I finally had to put away my old watch today. It was a gift of love from an Uncle and it had set on my wrist everyday for over 25 years. It had gone through over 50 batteries and half a dozen wrist bands. One of the first digital watches ever made it had served me faithfully and well. Gradually, though, the numbers on it had faded until I could no longer read them clearly. I couldn ’ t bring myself to toss it in the trash, however, and put it in my dresser drawer instead. When I went to the store to look for a new watch I was amazed by the selection. There were dozens of digital watches there. There were watches that not only told the time and date, but also glowed in the dark, showed me the time zones, and even doubled as a stop watch. I looked at them all and then settled on an ...

... one from long ago. Bought in some new books too, Called I CAN, I WILL, and I MUST. Threw out I might, I think and I ought. WOW, You should've seen the dust. I ran across an OLD FRIEND, Haven't seen him in a while. I believe his name is GOD, Yes, I really like His style. He helped me to do some cleaning And added some thing's Himself. Like PRAYER, HOPE and FAITH, Yes I placed them right on the shelf. I picked up this special thing And placed it at the front door. I FOUND IT-its called PEACE. Nothing gets me down anymore. Yes, I've got my house looking nice. Looks good around the place. For things like Worry and Trouble There just isn't any place. Its good to do a little house cleaning, Get rid of the old things on the shelf. It sure makes things brighter, ...

... Planting Time Plant three rows of Peas: Peace of mind. Peace of heart. Peace of soul. Plant four rows of Squash: Squash gossip. Squash indifference. Squash grumbling. Squash selfishness. No garden should be without Turnips: Turnip for service when needed. Turnip to help one another. Turnip the music and dance. Plant four rows of Lettuce: Lettuce be faithful. Lettuce be kind. Lettuce be happy. Lettuce really love one another. To conclude our garden we must have Thyme: Thyme for fun. Thyme for rest. Thyme for others. Thyme for ourselves. Water freely with patience and cultivate with love. We reap what we sow-you 'should ' have a bountiful garden. [Author unknown-from Denial] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... that it takes more facial muscles to frown than it does to smile? Scientists have also found that it is more draining on the body to be depressed than it is to be happy. Anger and hatred too have been found to use up more energy and vitality than the body can replace while joy and love have actually been found to replenish your energy and vitality. Worry and mistrust are among the greatest destroyers of our zest for living that there are as well. Faith and oneness with God on the other hand tend to produce a calmness that keeps our strength and zest for living high. Pessimism, despair, complaining, and self-pity all make us feel like we are dead inside, but optimism, enthusiasm, cheerfulness, and merriment all make us feel like we could live forever. When all this is taken together then it becomes clear that God designed us to live in love, joy, goodness, and oneness with Him. When we ...

... blanket ?"" Yeah, an extra blanket for the couch. He just had a fight with his wife. I said to him, 'Well, your weekend's ruined, so you may as well go fishing" One thing leads to another. And that's the way it should work in our spiritual lives. As we grow and mature in Christ, we continue to add virtue upon virtue." But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love" (2 Peter 1: 5-7). Wherever you are in your spiritual life, I pray that you'll take a step up today, adding something that will make you a little more in the image of Jesus Christ. As you add one thing to another, you'll be closer to that goal by the end of the ...

... things couldn't get worse, they did. Then, in the fall of 1996, when Heather was only 15, she told me she was pregnant. Once again, she ran away. In May, 1997, Ashley was born. Heather was now a 16 old mother, not in school, living on her own in absolute squalid conditions. Although she was minor, I got very little help from the authorities trying to bring her home. But, God was faithful to answer my prayers. Just as suddenly as Heather became rebellious, she seemed to come to her senses! She had enough living the way she was, and returned to the family. She moved in with her dad, along with Ashley. Soon, she stopped hanging around with the wrong people, quit doing drugs, got a job and went back to school. And, in time, our relationship healed. Heather didn't return to regular high school though. She ...

... Life is a mixture of happy and sad So.... Take the life that you have and give it your best Think positive, be happy let God do the rest Take the challenges that life has laid at your feet Take pride and be thankful for each one you meet To yourself give forgiveness if you stumble and fall Take each day that is dealt you and give it your all Take the love that you ’ re given and return it with care Have faith that when needed it will always be there Take time to find the beauty in the things that you see Take life ’ s simple pleasures let them set your heart free The idea here is simply to even the score As you are met and faced with Life ’ s Tug Of War [by: Georgy-from Dolores, via 'Nancy Cantafio ' (the-inspired-buffalo @yahoogroups.com)] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... Life's Hot Spots Living through the pressures of life can be compared to walking through fire. The Old Testament prophet Isaiah believed that if you have faith in God, you can walk through fire and not be burned. He didn't promise that you won't feel the heat, just that you won't be burned. ::::::::: How to walk through life's Hot Spots ::::::::: Keep on walking. A surefire way to get burned is to stop walking. When you are afraid, or under extreme stress, or hurting-keep going. You will get through if you keep dealing with the everyday tasks at hand to the best of your ability. !!! PERSEVERE !!! Remember that this difficult time will pass. It may feel that you are in a repeating time warp, but realize that pain is time-limited. All problems have a beginning and an end. !!! BE PATIENT !!! Make rough times work for you. Not everything is good, but the Bible reminds us ...

... every word to every sordid part. I dug down deep and got my hurt I brushed the dirt away And placed it in the Master's hand and healing came that day. He took the blackness of my soul and set my spirit FREE! Something beautiful began to grow where the hurt used to be. And when I look at what has grown Out of my tears and pain I remember every day to give my hurts to GOD And never bury them again. Have faith in our Loving God. There is nothing in this world too big for our LORD. May GOD bless you each and every one. [Author Unknown-from 'E-Mail Ministry ' (emailministry @emailministry.org)] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... a good speaker to spread the Good News. If you trust in God and ask for his guidance, the Holy Spirit will say the right words for you." When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say" (Luke 12: 11-12 NIV) If someone comes to you and asks about your faith, ask God to give you the right words to say. Then say them without hesitation." But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1: 8 NIV) Ask God right now to give you the power of effective witnessing so that you will be able to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to others ...

... Upward Bound student, and finally entered college. Determined to become a doctor, she faced fifteen medical school rejections until Albany Medical College finally accepted her. In 1984, Dr. Mary Groda-Lewis, at thirty-five, graduated with honors to fulfill her dream. ADVERSITY-THE GRINDSTONE OF LIFE. WILL IT GRIND YOU DOWN OR POLISH YOU UP? Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1: 2-4 NIV [Charlotte-'Tidings @Topica.com '] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... child and an adult. His grace has stayed by my side even during those times when I only wanted to listen to my own ego. His grace has been with me through pain, problems, grief, suffering, tragedies, and even despair. His grace has even reached down and picked me up when I hit rock bottom a few times. God ’ s grace has been all around me as I struggled with it, learned from it, and grew in faith and love because of it. God ’ s grace is with me now as I write and share this with you. Ralph Waldo Emerson himself said that" All writing comes by the Grace of God, and all doing and having" The truth is that God ’ s grace isn ’ t just for helping you get through this life. It is for helping you to live it too. It is only with God ’ s grace that you can live fully. It ...

... Getting Along Better Proven Ways to Get Along Better With EVERYONE Before you say anything to anyone, ask yourself 3 things: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? Make promises sparingly and keep them faithfully. Never miss the opportunity to compliment or say something encouraging to someone. Refuse to talk negatively about others; don't gossip and don't listen to gossip. Have a forgiving view of people. Believe that most people are doing the best they can. Keep an open mind; discuss, but don't argue. (It is possible to disagree without being disagreeable) Forget about counting to 10. Count to 1, 000 before doing or saying anything that could make matters worse. Let your virtues speak for themselves. If someone criticizes you, see if there is any TRUTH to what he is saying; if so, make changes. If there is no truth to the criticism, ignore it and live so that no one ...

... and repeated," Get three chairs for the Protestants" The confused boy still stared back blankly. Exasperated, the priest said emphatically," Please! Get three chairs for the Protestants !" The dismayed acolyte stood before the congregation and announced," Ladies and gentlemen. This is the first time this has ever been done in a Catholic church, but let's all stand and give three cheers for the Protestants !" Perhaps it's time to give three cheers to those of another faith. And while we're at it, let's applaud those of other cultures and races, too! What a beautiful world it is when all are truly part of one glorious family! And after all, if God doesn't love variety, why is there so much of it?~Steve Goodier~[ by: Steve Goodier Copyright 2008 (LifeSupport @yahoogroups.com)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... us well in the 21st Century. But I wonder, as they learn more and their grasp on science becomes firmer, will they still feel awe when they see a falling star? Even if they are able to describe a rainbow in scientific terms, will they still be amazed at its incomparable beauty? I hope so. And what about matters of the heart and the spirit? Not everything we experience can be measured. How does one measure love and beauty and faith? I wonder if today's children will also nurture their hearts as they nurture their minds. I am not one who feels that a scientific mindset and a spiritual outlook are incompatible. I appreciate Albert Einstein's thoughts on the merging of the spirit and science. He called scientific curiosity" holy" The physicist said," The most beautiful and most profound experience is the sensation of the mystical. It is the sower of all true science. He to whom this emotion is a ...

... by honorable people. That may seem a little naοve today, but I am glad they taught me that this is a Godly nation which has pure and good motives. No one can read the Declaration of Independence and our Constitution and not KNOW that this nation was founded upon Godly principles. For some 200 years, the majority of this nation has placed God first in our hearts. Then during the last half of the last century, something began to happen to our faith in God. We began to place our will above that of the clear directions of God. It became more important for us to have what we thought was pleasurable, than to be obedient to the Lord. I have been as guilty as anyone else. One step at a time we have been moving away from the Lord, in our personal preferences, in the standards that we have required of our government personnel, and in our judicial system. We have tried to ...

... I See God" Sometimes it is so hard to believe in a God that you can ’ t see" These were the words at the end of a letter a friend sent me. It was full of the pain and suffering that life often brings. My friend had endured so much in his young life and his latest tragedy had even made him doubt his lifelong faith. I pondered his words as I looked out my window. The cool breeze was gently swaying the trees back and forth. I walked outside and felt its tender touch on my own face while the branches of a mighty Oak seemed to wave to me. Then I smiled because I knew that God had given me the answer my friend needed. This is what I wrote back to him." My friend, I can ’ t see the wind, but I still know it is there. I can see its affect on the trees as they dance in its ...

... truly want to do. It means to be strong enough, at least most of the time, to give your best to the world. I would like to have roots that grow deep and strong. I would like a system of roots that could give me: enough strength to forgive those who hurt me; enough confidence to overcome any amount of fear; enough courage to accept whatever obstacles life throws my way; enough compassion to love even the unlovable; enough faith that nothing can shatter my peace of mind. If I grow good roots, I don't need to worry about the leafage.~Steve Goodier~[ by: Steve Goodier-Copyright 2010-from Steve Goodier (LifeSupport @yahoogroups.com)] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... raise my voice, may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself. I choose self-control. I am a spiritual being. After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ. I choose self-control. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek His grace. And then when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest. [Author Unknown-from ...

... is to love. I am sure too that God put dogs here on this world to teach us just that. If everyone on this world were to love each other as unconditionally as our dogs love us then Earth would seem a whole lot more like Heaven. It is good to be loved, but it is even better to love. My furry angels sent from God show me this every single day. May we all one day learn to love as freely, faithfully, and unconditionally as they do. May we all one day learn the lessons in joy, sweetness, playfulness, and happiness that they teach. May we all one day learn to live our lives as well as our dogs live theirs.~Joseph J. Mazzella~[ by: Joseph J. Mazzella (joecool @wirefire.com)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... How To Get Along With People Keep skid chains on your tongue; always say less than you think. Cultivate a low, persuasive voice. How you say it counts more than what you say. Make promises sparingly, and keep them faithfully, no matter what it costs. Never let an opportunity pass to say a kind and encouraging word to or about somebody. Praise good work, regardless of who did it. If criticism is needed, criticize helpfully, never spitefully. Be interested in others, their pursuits, their work, their homes and families. Make merry with those who rejoice; with those who weep, mourn. Let everyone you meet, however humble, feel that you regard him as a person of importance. Be cheerful. Don't burden or depress those around you by dwelling on your minor aches and pains and small disappointments. Remember, everyone is carrying some kind of a load. Keep an open mind. Discuss ...

... really am? In other words, am I a hypocrite? Do I confidently pass on to another what I was told in confidence? Can I be trusted? Am I a slave to dress, friends, work, or habits? Am I self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying? Did the Bible live in me today? Do I give it time to speak to me every day? Am I enjoying prayer? When did I last speak to someone else of my faith? Do I pray about the money I spend? Do I get to bed on time and get up on time? Do I disobey God in anything? Do I insist upon doing something about which my conscience is uneasy? Am I defeated in any part of my life? Am I jealous, impure, critical, irritable, touchy, or distrustful? How do I spend my spare time? Am I proud? Do I thank God that I am not as other ...