... days, I went to have prayers with any of the orphanage children who chose to gather with me. I gave the youngsters various suggestions of things to pray about and told them about the tiny baby. I explained our problem about keeping the baby warm enough, mentioning the hot water bottle. The baby could so ... A Little Girls Prayer Helen Roseveare, a missionary doctor from England to Zaire Africa, told this as it happened to her in Africa." One night I had worked hard to help a mother in the labor ward; but in spite of all we could do she died leaving us with a tiny premature baby ... it free from drafts." Your job is to keep the baby warm" The following noon, as I did most days, I went to have prayers with any of the orphanage children who chose to gather with me. I gave the youngsters various suggestions of things to pray about and told them about the tiny ...

... I hadn ’ t either until my granddaughter, Amanda, came for a visit. Amanda is not quite two but ever since her parents taught her to pray she always prays for each individual thing on her plate. One evening at suppertime Amanda was in the high chair and I went over to the kitchen counter to ... Sometimes church members or congregations say, “ Amen ”, to show confirmation or agreement when something powerful is spoken from the Word of God. Amanda ’ s prayer might seem very simple but maybe she wasn ’ t so far off in what she was doing because she would have been confirming her dedication to God first of ... to the last cracker, touching it, and again saying, “ Amen Cracker ” She thought the tiny crackers were her supper so she was saying her prayers. Amanda has figured out that prayers have an “ amen ” in them but sometimes she gets the “ amen ” at the beginning instead of at the end ...

... fancy wishin" She stopped for a moment and took her handkerchief and wiped the child's tears." If you want something, work for it, then pray for it. If God wants you to have it, you'll get it when He believes best" The young child then stood up and standing in front of ... They then gathered their belongings and continued on the road towards home. Life is a road that always leads home when you believe in the God Who answers prayer." I wish you enough !" J~Bob Perks~Good news-Bob Perks ' first book," I Wish You Enough ," Embracing Life's Most ... a few years wish they'd met someone else. The problem with wishin ' is God's not in it. God doesn't make wishes come true. He answers prayers. God rewards people for hard work, not fancy wishin" She stopped for a moment and took her handkerchief and wiped the child's tears." If you ...

... your incident in Africa, it was morning here and I was preparing to go play golf. I was about to putt when I felt the urge to pray for you. In fact, the urging of the Lord was so strong, I called men in this church to meet with me here in the sanctuary to ... The Power of Prayer A missionary on furlough told this true story while visiting his home church in Michigan. While serving at a small field hospital in Africa, every two weeks I traveled by bicycle through the jungle to a nearby city for supplies. This was a journey of two days and required camping overnight at ... OF PRAYER-as the above true story clearly illustrates," with God all things are possible" and more importantly, how God hears and answers the prayers of the faithful. After you read this, please pause and give God thanks for the beautiful gift of your faith, for the powerful gift of prayer, ...

... race was about to begin, my wide eyed, shy eight year old asked if they could stop the race for a minute, because he wanted to pray. The race stopped. Gilbert hit his knees clutching his funny looking block of wood between his hands. With a wrinkled brow he set to converse with his ... A Boys Race Prayer My son Gilbert was eight years old and had been in Cub Scouts only a short time. During one of his meetings he was handed a sheet of paper, a block of wood and four tires and told to return home and give all to" dad" That was not an easy ... Gilbert hit his knees clutching his funny looking block of wood between his hands. With a wrinkled brow he set to converse with his Heavenly Father. He prayed in earnest for a very long minute and a half. Then he stood, smile on his face and announced," Okay, I'm ready" As the ...

... race was about to begin, my wide eyed, shy eight year old ask if they could stop the race for a minute, because he wanted to pray. The race stopped. Gilbert went to his knees clutching his funny looking block of wood between his hands. With a wrinkled brow he set to converse with ... ," No fair, they had a father's help !". No, he went to his Father for strength. Perhaps we spend too much of our prayer time asking God to rig the race, to make us number one, or too much time asking God to remove us from the struggle, when we should ... Gilbert went to his knees clutching his funny looking block of wood between his hands. With a wrinkled brow he set to converse with his Father. He prayed in earnest for a very long minute and a half. Then he stood, smile on his face and announced, 'Okay, I am ready" As the ...

... :" One little angel, sitting on a star One little angel, out there oh so far-Every night I see you, every night I pray Come home to Mama and me, Come home to us this day. Two little angels, flying in the sky, Two little angels, flying up so ... The Faith of a Child Brings Answered Prayer It's a quiet summer day-the sun is brilliant against the sapphire sky and the slightest breeze gently rustles the leaves that dress the trees. Beneath the stately maple can be seen the small figure of a child-a little girl with curly blonde hair that is tussled ... , Come back to us this day. Three little angels, playing in the clouds, Three little angels, laughing oh so loud, I lift my prayers to the starry sky And ask God to bring you back So Mama will no more cry" Tears begin to well up in her eyes, and she begins ...

... What I Did For Love Thursday, May 5, the National Day of Prayer, I drove across town to attend the noon gathering near the Kenner, Louisiana, City Hall. The lovely little park sports a pavilion large enough for a hundred people and we fairly filled it up. The temperature hovered in the ... refreshed. When Margaret and I moved to the seminary in 1964, we would sometimes receive a note from Aunt Winona to remind us she and Cornelius were praying for us. Invariably, there would be a check enclosed. Sometimes it would be for five dollars, and a time or two for fifty. Always, ... participant and would never in a hundred years tell that she originated these observances in Kenner. Even though the program exceeded the noon hour, each speaker / pray-er was outstanding and brought a special contribution to the proceedings. These included the mayor, a judge, several ministers, a medical doctor, a local television personality ...

... pew than she was getting anything from the service. They came to a point in the service where the pastor invited everyone to come to the altar and pray. The stranger arose and went forward. There was no need for him to hurry, because this did not seem to be a part of anyone else's exercise ... that morning. He fell to his knees and began in earnest prayer. He prayed for quite some time until it seemed like someone had tapped him on the shoulder. Someone had. He raised up only to be asked by a man if he could return to his seat so the pastor could get on with the ... because this did not seem to be a part of anyone else's exercise program that morning. He fell to his knees and began in earnest prayer. He prayed for quite some time until it seemed like someone had tapped him on the shoulder. Someone had. He raised up only to be asked by a man if ...

... would see the hand of God spare his life." For some particular reason, I gave the Lord a little extra of myself that morning {during prayer }," Stanley said." I said, 'Lord, cover me and all my loved ones under your precious blood ' And even though I said that and believed ... other day for Bethel Assembly of God deacon and Sunday school superintendent Stanley Praimnath of Elmont, Long Island. He got up early, took a shower, prayed, got ready and headed for work. The drive was uneventful. The train ride was the same. Yet, this day he would see the hand of ... fast. But, he was trapped under debris up to his shoulders." Lord, you take control, this is your problem now ," he recalled praying." I don't know where I got this power from, but the good Lord, He gave me so much power and strength in my body that I ...

... always been proud of myself. But because of God's goodness and His love and forgiveness and His strength I can face whatever may lie before me. I pray that through the sickness I must endure and the weakness that grips me, that He may be seen in my spirit and that the love I have for Him ... me on my feet; I didn't have to resort to my three-wheel scooter until my children were all raised, that was a blessing and an answer to prayer. I have prayed for a healing; I've prayed for the ability to rise above this disease to endure it, to witness in spite of it. I ... of my afflictions, He suffered far more than I. He realizes my distress when others fail to understand, for He too was misunderstood. I have prayed for God to keep me on my feet; I didn't have to resort to my three-wheel scooter until my children were all raised, that was a blessing and ...

... kitchen at night. The kids were used to the smell of perm solution mixing with their Spaghetti-O's. Most of the time, on a wing and a prayer, I could just manage to get by on my income. Still, it was a delicate balance and sometimes my small weekly budget disappeared too soon. Like ... stayed the same. Maybe, I thought, I really only had a fast food faith. Maybe I expected drive-in window solutions, with answers to my prayers all neatly wrapped and no waiting. As I had done a hundred times before, I went into my kitchen and dialed my friend Kathy's number. I was ... pour their heart out to, without any fear or hesitation. Somehow, someway, it would turn out. I had a best friend and she was praying for me. And so I let it all go again-I sent all those desperate concerns back to heaven." God, you know I only have ...

... back to God, she will still be a great country." If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their ... words have been added to the Pledge of Allegiance-" UNDER GOD". “ WOULDN'T IT BE A PITY IF SOMEONE SAID," THAT IS A PRAYER ," AND THAT WOULD BE ELIMINATED FROM SCHOOLS, TOO ?" Signed: Red Skelton" I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and ... from the Holy Bible. Notice it doesn't say if anyone will pray, it says" if my people which are called by my name" God's people praying will make the difference if we will turn back to him. Edmond Burke said, “ All that is necessary for evil to flourish is for good men to ...

... have changed all the believers in God in this class but Bob. Then he said to Bob: If your God is real, I want you to pray to him, and when I drop this raw egg it will bounce when it hits the floor. If it breaks, then that will prove there is no ... Faith and Evolution (boy prays for teacher) A boy named Bob, age 14, was a Christian. However, he was in a science class with a teacher that stated at the start of the year he was an evolutionist, and by the end of the school year he would have all the Christians ... this raw egg it will bounce when it hits the floor. If it breaks, then that will prove there is no God. Bob stood up and prayed:" Lord, when the teacher drops the egg, and it breaks in a million pieces, let the teacher drop dead on the spot" The teacher ...

... to do things in different ways. It was about ten o'clock when the young man started driving home. Sitting in his car, he just began to pray," God. If you still speak to people, speak to me. I will listen. I will do my best to serve your wishes" As ... put in the man's hand. He turned and walked back toward his car as the tears were streaming down his face. He knew that God still answers prayers and that God still speaks to people. [Author Unknown-from Claudia, via Jeff] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ... a baby. The baby was crying. The man had tears streaming down his face. The man began speaking and half crying," We were just praying. We had some big bills this month and we ran out of money. We didn't have any milk for our baby. I was just praying and asking ...

... began weeping. Finally she regained control and continued." I was about to commit suicide, had just finished writing a note, when I began to pray and tell God I really didn't want to do this. Then I suddenly remembered seeing you on television and thought if I could just talk to you, you ... the presence of the Holy Spirit flooded the phone booth giving me words of wisdom beyond my ability. In a matter of moments, she prayed the sinner's prayer and met the One who would lead her out of her situation into a new life. I walked away from that telephone booth with an electrifying sense of our ... help me find you. Then some numbers came to my mind, and I scribbled them down" At this point she began weeping again, and I prayed silently for wisdom to help her. She continued," I looked at the numbers and thought, 'Wouldn't it be wonderful if I had a miracle from God ...

... only human. I am not perfect"" THEN WHY IN TIMES OF PEACE DO YOU STRAY THE FURTHEST? WHY ONLY IN TIMES OF TROUBLE DO YOU PRAY IN EARNEST ?" {No answers-only tears.} The Lord continued:" Why only sing at fellowships and retreats? Why seek Me only in times ... , but your eyes were turned away. I have sent you servants, but you sat idly by as they were pushed away. I have heard your prayers and I have answered them all" DO YOU TRULY LOVE ME ?" I could not answer. How could I? I was embarrassed beyond belief. I had ... arms, and I saw His nail-pierced hands. I bowed down at the feet of Christ, my Saviour. And for the first time, I truly prayed. Addendum-Hebrews 13: 5 (GNB)" Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be satisfied with what you have. For ...

... warm, heartfelt words spoken by a stranger, who seeing your anguish, offers a smile, a touch, as he says," I'll say a prayer for you" Yes, life is life, so there may also be more painful events, unimaginable at this moment, which will make today pale in comparison ... is exciting. The highs replace the lows and joy washes away the fear. When your days are filled with love, warmth and joy, my many prayers will be answered. God wanted me to write this for you today and tell you," Never forget that I love you !"" I wish you enough ... frightened me so that I thought I'd be traumatized forever. I remember running to my car to get a copy of my New Testament, and returning, prayed over him. As they loaded him in the ambulance I drew a cross on the side of the rain soaked van." I will never forget this day ...

... in that area were gone. I don't know about you, but this sounds like the way things have gone in my life. Time for some major prayers. Then Paul kept planting. Week after week, year after year he kept at it, against the opinion of the authorities, against the trespassing laws, ... by itself, if not accompanied by action, is dead" (James 2: 17). So, he kept studying about the subject, and prayed for guidance on the matter. Then one night he felt led to take action by faith alone. He would do what he could, and trust God to ... if they would let him try to bring the trees back. Again, the answer was" No" They didn't want him on their land. After praying about the matter, Paul realized he needed to become more knowledgeable before anyone would listen to him, so he went to college to study botany. At the ...

... , I didn't want to be a quitter. I knew my older co-workers were watching to see if my actions matched my words. The answer to my prayer caught me completely by surprise-I needed to love Rose. Love her? No way! Tolerate, yes, but loving her was impossible." Lord ... direction and did things Rose's way as much as possible to avoid friction. As I worked, I silently began to surround Rose with a warm blanket of prayers." Lord, help me love Rose. Lord, bless Rose" Over the next few days an amazing thing began to happen. As I prayed for ... irritating woman, my focus shifted from what she was doing to me, and I started seeing Rose as the hurting person she was. The icy tension began to melt away. Throughout the rest of the summer, we had numerous opportunities to work together. Each time she seemed genuinely happy to see me. As ...

... When we say goodbye to those we love, when we hug them, we must make every second of that hug count. Hug, love, and pray, as though we have the lips of God pressed to our ear. There may come a time that we will be certain that we do.~Jaye ... bring her home? I began to ask Helen what she really wanted out of school and her life. I talked with my husband and her. I prayed. Over and over I felt as though God were saying," Helen doesn't belong here. Bring her home" Before the next semester, Helen transferred to ... big name-there is no doubt that Helen would have been in the Engineering Building, that moment, that day. At the time that I was praying and feeling the pressure of God on my heart, I would have moved Heaven and Earth to make her leave Virginia Tech. I was ready to lay down ...

... and embrace life." They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon the floor. They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child my mother taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots. They held my husband and wiped my tears when he went off to war." They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent. They were uneasy and clumsy ... want to touch the face of God and feel His hands upon my face. When you receive this, say a prayer for the person who sent it to you and watch God's answer to prayer work in your life. Let's continue praying for one another. Passing this on to anyone you consider a friend will bless you both. Passing this on to one not yet considered a friend is something Christ would do. [Author Unknown-from 'E-Mail Ministry ' (emailministry @ ...

... heard various talks on different aspects of faith and how we can apply faith in our own lives. At the close of the first meeting we gathered in a circle, held hands, bowed our heads and said," The Lord's Prayer" As we were praying I felt another hand over the top of ours with the woman to my right. It was gentle, but firm. I had my eyes shut and I wasn't about to open them. I felt the presence ... the Holy Spirit. I didn't have to question WHAT it was, I KNEW. After we finished our prayer I looked over to her and introduced myself as she and I had never been formally introduced. Then I had to ask if she noticed anything while we were praying. Patti replied," You mean our hands ?" She felt it, too! We both had tears in our eyes. What an incredible moment. But, it doesn't end here. You see ...

... the right hand, broken pelvis and crushed left leg. Both my lungs and bladder were ruptured. All I knew was that I was panting for air and was certain that this was my last moments on earth. I prayed a prayer that I thought would be my last spoken words in this life, Dear God take care of my family. Then I waited for death to overtake me. God had different plans. A volunteer fireman had watched the accident and drove up ... brake of the right hand, broken pelvis and crushed left leg. Both my lungs and bladder were ruptured. All I knew was that I was panting for air and was certain that this was my last moments on earth. I prayed a prayer that I thought would be my last spoken words in this life, Dear God take care of my family. Then I waited for death to overtake me. God had different plans. A volunteer fireman had watched the accident and ...

... God's Prayer Scales Louise Redden, a poorly dressed lady with a look of defeat on her face, walked into a small town grocery store. She approached the owner of the store in a most humble manner and asked if he would let her charge a few groceries. She softly explained that her husband was very ill and unable to work, they had seven children and they needed food. John Longwise, the grocer, scoffed at her and requested that she leave his ... store. The customer handed a fifty-dollar bill to John as he said," It was worth every penny of it" It was sometime later that John Longhouse discovered his scales were broken; therefore, only God knows how much weight prayers carry. Addendum-Luke 12: 22 (GNB)" Then Jesus said to the disciples, 'And so I tell you not to worry about the food you need to stay alive or about the clothes you need for your body" ...

... , and I love each one of them for the goodness of their souls. They all deserve my full and undivided attention-especially today. But today is a big day for all of them simultaneously, and so my thoughts and prayers and positive thoughts are being sent out in five different directions. And I've got to tell you, I'm feeling fragmented. This is spiritual and metaphysical multi-tasking of the first order. And since I have a hard time walking and chewing gum ... Praying For Those Who Dream As I write this, the five most important men in the world to me are up to their ears in dream fulfillment. No, I'm not talking about the latest version of the USA Basketball Dream Team and their upcoming quest for Olympic gold. Sure, I wish them well. I'll be watching, no doubt. But I'm talking about the five men who are, or who will one day be, the fathers of my grandchildren- ...

... inhailed and exhailed by two perfect strangers who were meant to breath together. In doing so they can declare," I never knew what love was" until now" You'll never know what hope is until you hang it on a prayer. Words whispered, simply spoken from the grip of despair. Hope is like a fragrance lifted from a flower. It lingers there until the wind decides to steal it away. Praying is a gentle breeze that passes from you to God ... with it flows hope for an favorable reply. In doing so you can declare," I never knew what hope was" until now" You cannot be truly happy until you make others happy, too. Happiness is a feeling that cannot be measured by weight, length or time. It is comparable to peace. Either can be found in solitude, but enjoyed more when it has no limits or boundaries. Happiness is peace with giggles. In making peace you can ...

... callously offered to Herodias on a platter. Not only was John spiritually bound to Christ and the one who baptized Him in water, he was also Jesus ’ blood kin, His cousin. Jesus needed some time alone to grieve and pray. He went to a deserted place, no doubt hoping for respite from earthly demands. But the multitudes found out where He was and followed Him. Jesus ’ heart was so big that when He looked on the crowd, He sensed ... basic needs and fed them (Matthew 14). What does this teach me? Somehow it seems easier to lay aside my personal burdens and concentrate on someone else ’ s need when the situation calls for spiritual help, maybe a prayer or a shared scripture verse. That includes the emotional needs of a hurting soul which require a word of encouragement or a hug. I must act when I see someone who is hungry, and I am able to offer food. But ...

... soaking up the Goodness and Love of The Lord. And one day, when the mysteries of heaven are opened, and we are all amazed at how close God really is to our hearts, I'll realize that God heard the simple prayers of a boy who believed that God lived under his bed. Kevin won't be surprised at all. [Author Unknown-from Barry and Delphine Bowman, via Chaplain777-owner @yahoogroups.com] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ... God Is Under My Bed My brother Kevin thinks God lives under his bed. At least that's what I heard him say one night. He was praying out loud in his dark bedroom, and I stopped outside his closed door to listen." Are You there, God ?" he said." Where are You? Oh, I see. Under the bed." I giggled softly and tiptoed off to my own room. Kevin's unique perspectives are often a source ...

... us, 'Put your troubles in my hands. Let me take care of them"" Ok! And your point ?"" Michael, if we try to handle too much on our own, we're going to miss so much. Pray, Michael! Pray! Put your worries in his hands"" I talk to you and feel better, Gin"" You do, and I am glad to be there for you, but I do believe God has more power ... , which you need to be doing, but not totally, you would miss out on the surroundings. You would miss my smiles and the grandchildren's laughter. You've done the right thing, Michael !"" What's that ?"" You prayed! You put your troubles in God's hands. Let him drive. He'll get you to your next assignment. He expects you to do your part. He'll do the rest. He's on the journey with you. Let him drive! ...

... side and was his constant companion -never once even attempting to leave the yard or run out of the gate if mistakenly left open. Every night Kevin would say his prayers when his mother would tuck him in and he never failed to pray that" Fire" would be healed and get her hair back. After about five weeks, Kevin's constant prayers were obviously being answered as the once terribly disfigured mutt's hair rapidly began to grow back. Perhaps it was Kevin and his mother's ... sweetheart" They took" Fire" home and she never left Kevin's side and was his constant companion -never once even attempting to leave the yard or run out of the gate if mistakenly left open. Every night Kevin would say his prayers when his mother would tuck him in and he never failed to pray that" Fire" would be healed and get her hair back. After about five weeks, Kevin's constant prayers were obviously being answered as the once terribly disfigured mutt's hair ...

... chance to tell stories about them. Gift giving will be a chore. Most will not expect anything from you. Perhaps small donations in his or her name on their behalf will help you, them and people you'll never know. Pray. You may be angry at God, but remember that God created both of you. Everything you loved about them was a reflection of Him. If you found love in them you also found God. He / she was a gift ... do. This is your time to heal, to recover, to be alone or to surround yourself with people. People, both family and friends will say some of the most comforting things to you." You are in my prayers"" If you need anything call any time" They will also say some of the most insensitive things with good intentions." Hey, you're young. You'll find someone new" (I don't want someone new. I want him ...

... to the pig and told him," There is a mousetrap in the house" The pig sympathized, but said," I am so very sorry, Mr. Mouse, but there is nothing I can do about it but pray. Be assured you are in my prayers" The mouse turned to the cow. She said" Wow, Mr. Mouse. I'm sorry for you, but it's no skin off my nose" So, the mouse returned to the ... , head down and dejected, to face the farmer's mousetrap alone. That very night a sound was heard throughout the house-like the sound of a mousetrap catching its prey. The farmer's wife rushed to see what was caught. In the darkness, she did not see it was a venomous snake whose tail the trap had caught. The snake bit the farmer's wife. The farmer rushed her to the hospital, and she returned home with a fever. Everyone knows you ...

... placed the seeds in the ground. When the seeds sprouted, Julie looked anxiously at the rows and there were no empty spots. They all came up and produced the best crop of vegetables Bernie had ever seen. Julie gave another prayer of thanks. You might say those two had the idea for the first Dollar Store as they reduced the prices until nothing in the store cost more than a dollar with many items a penny or nickel. They soon became well known in ... really cheap in the store. It would help the neighbors and also Bernie to have money for new merchandise. They would plant half the garden space now and half in three weeks giving them fresh produce for a long time. Julie prayed hard as they placed the seeds in the ground. When the seeds sprouted, Julie looked anxiously at the rows and there were no empty spots. They all came up and produced the best crop of vegetables Bernie had ever seen. Julie ...

... mouse turned to the pig and told him," There is a mouse trap in the house"" I am so very sorry Mr. Mouse ," sympathized the pig," but there is nothing I can do about it but pray; be assured that you are in my prayers" The mouse turned to the cow, who replied," Like wow, Mr. Mouse, a mouse trap; am I in grave danger, Duh ?" So the mouse returned to ... house, head down and dejected to face the farmer's mouse trap alone. That very night a sound was heard throughout the house, like the sound of a mouse trap catching its prey. The farmer's wife rushed to see what was caught. In the darkness, she did not see that it was a venomous snake whose tail the trap had caught. The snake bit the farmer's wife. The farmer rushed her to the hospital. She returned home with a fever. Now ...

... But you see, George watched his wife suffer for a very long time. He shared every second of her pain and anguish. On Christmas Eve night, after I prepared his wife for sleep, they prayed together. During the prayer, George promised his wife that if God would take away her misery that night, by taking her 'home, ' he would spend the rest of his life as a Christmas volunteer" Andrea and I finished our lunch in silence.~ ... there are no relatives. But you see, George watched his wife suffer for a very long time. He shared every second of her pain and anguish. On Christmas Eve night, after I prepared his wife for sleep, they prayed together. During the prayer, George promised his wife that if God would take away her misery that night, by taking her 'home, ' he would spend the rest of his life as a Christmas volunteer" Andrea and I finished our ...

... cream for dessert. And Liberty and justice for all! Amen" Along with the laughter from the other customers nearby, I heard a woman remark," That's what's wrong with this country. Kids today don't even know how to pray. Asking God for ice-cream! Why, I never !" Hearing this, my son burst into tears and asked me," Did I do it wrong? Is God mad at me ?" As I held him and assured him that he ... done a terrific job and God was certainly not mad at him, an elderly gentleman approached the table. He winked at my son and said," I happen to know that God thought that was a great prayer"" Really ?" my son asked." Cross my heart" Then in a theatrical whisper he added (indicating the woman whose remark had started this whole thing )," Too bad she never asks God for ice cream. A little ice cream is good ...

... You see, it doesn't take much money to bind the wounds of a small town. It doesn't make much press. It merely takes a heart. So, if in the future it is your life that is wounded, I pray that you are near a town like Glade Spring, as I am blessed to be, where binding up wounds is not just what they do, but it is who they are.~Jaye Lewis~All Rights Reserved <jayelewis at ... and everyone, believe me, everyone showed up. The next day, people took vacations to help with the clean-up, and it didn't take long, with hundreds of volunteers, to uncover what was left. Nothing. Nothing except prayers, tears, and a hand to hold. Inexplicably, FEMA refused aid, because the cleanup was so fast. We couldn't possibly need help, because we had so many volunteers, and it was up to the churches to move in ...

... arrangements" I mumbled," Sure ," as he be-bopped down the hall to put on his cuff links. Alone in the large sanctuary, I looked up at the dark wooden beams in the arched ceiling." Lord ," I prayed," please help me. I don't know anyone in this town. Help me find someone willing to give me flowers-in a hurry !" I scurried out praying for four things: the blessing of white magnolias, courage to find ... in an unfamiliar yard, safety from any dog that may bite my leg, and a nice person who would not get out a shotgun when I asked to cut his tree to shreds. As I left the church, I saw magnolia trees in the distance. I approached a house... no dog in sight. I knocked on the door and an older man answered. So far so good... no shotgun. When I stated my plea the man ...

... : 9 When he rose to his feet, he knew his load of sin and guilt was all gone! He was forgiven! He was filled with peace and joy! Later tears of joy filled his eyes as he knelt to pray beside the blooming lily in his cell. Someday he would meet Lily in Heaven. Jack was not alone now. He felt the sweet presence of his Savior who promises to" never leave you nor forsake you" Hebrews 13: 5 ... Jack felt his sins heavy as mountains weighing down upon him. Would God forgive him?" While we were yet sinners Christ died for us" Romans 5: 8, explained the chaplain. Jack fell on his knees in earnest prayer and confessed his sins to God and trusting the Lord Jesus Christ who died for him. Romans 10: 9 When he rose to his feet, he knew his load of sin and guilt was all gone! He was forgiven! He ...

... to pass this on to anyone just say a prayer for your brothers and sisters when you send it, and God will pour out his blessings on their family and your family too. Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray and confess your word over my family and surround them with my faith. I believe and confess that you give your angels charge over my family to accompany and defend and preserve them in all their ways. You, Lord, are their ... should do, and not just at Thanksgiving and Christmas. We need to take care of our brothers and sisters every day of the year. So if you feel led in your heart to pass this on to anyone just say a prayer for your brothers and sisters when you send it, and God will pour out his blessings on their family and your family too. Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray and confess your word over my family and surround them ...

... to die on the cross as payment for my sins. I accept Him as my Lord and Saviour. Please forgive all of my sins and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Thank you God. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen. Peace be with you, and. Have A Jesus Filled Day. [by: John H. Arney, Copyright 2005-submitted by: John H. Arney (johnarney @starnetok.net)] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights ... earth in the" twinkling of an eye" when the trumpet sounds and Jesus calls. Don't take the chance of being" left behind" Get saved, then baptized. Fly away with family and friends when Jesus calls. Sample Prayer: Dear God, I realize that I am a sinner and believe and understand that you sent your Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross as payment for my sins. I accept Him as my Lord and Saviour. Please ...

... what can I do ?" I stammered." I've never known a child like this before" I felt so inadequate." Give her love ," she suggested," lots and lots of love. She's lost so much. There's prayer, too-and faith, faith that will make her a normal little girl again if you just don't lose hope" I returned to my room to discover that the children were already shunning this" different" child. Not that Mary ... faith was wearing thin. My heart ached so desperately, wanting this child to come alive, to be aware of the beauty the wonder, the fun-and, yes-even the pain of living. Dear God, I prayed, please let one small miracle happen. She needs it so desperately. Then on a late March day, one of the boys excitedly reported a robin in the schoolyard. We flocked to the window to see it." Spring's here ...

... of research on the internet we felt there was a chance that it might survive, but we weren't sure that it would ever be able to fly. A hurt bird doesn't stand much of a chance of survival and could fall easy pray to cats, other predators or the elements. Was it fair to allow it to live if it meant keeping it in a cage its whole life? It was a tough decision, but we decided to give it a go. It ... without saying that Lopsy was a much prayed-over little bird. We started off by dripping drops of water into its beak with a small spoon. It was very thirsty and drank quite a bit. Next we spoon-fed it with bread soaked in water. That seemed to go down well. Our household routine soon revolved around Lopsy who needed to be fed about every three hours during the day. At least it slept right through the night. Fortunately we live on campus and my ...

... had just read the right article, Cheyenne's unexpected appearance at the animal shelter, his calm acceptance and complete devotion to my father, and the proximity of their deaths. And suddenly I understood. I knew that God had answered my prayers after all. [Catherine Moore-from 'Motivational Mailer '] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ... taking my pent-up anger out on Dick. We began to bicker and argue. Alarmed, Dick sought out our pastor and explained the situation. The clergyman set up weekly counseling appointments for us. At the close of each session he prayed, asking God to soothe Dad's troubled mind. But the months wore on and God was silent. A raindrop struck my cheek. I looked up into the gray sky. Somewhere up there was" God" Although I believed a Supreme ...

... beautiful baby and other than having congenital cataracts and needing 5 eye surgeries, he is doing very well. I so look forward to celebrating Mother's Day this year and am so thankful for my little miracle. It is my hope and prayer that other couples that have been told they'll never have a baby will one day get their miracle, even if it happens later in life.~Sherry A. Smith~< grayce2001 @md.metrocast.net >Sherry says," I live in ... VERY worried that something would go wrong and I'd lose this baby too, but I did everything I could, had a lot of special tests and throughout my pregnancy things went fine, for the most part. I kept hoping and praying this baby, whom I learned at 16 weeks was a boy, would live because I knew that at age 40 and with both PCOS and type 2 diabetes, this was my last chance to have a baby of my own. I ...

... around me" Often she prayed that God had not forgotten her, and would bring her a good man to love and appreciate her. Several years passed, and then Sherry met Chris, a wonderful man and an answer to her prayers. Soon they were married." Chris is a caring husband, and a wonderful stepfather to our daughters ," Sherry says." And he never once mentioned his regret at not having a child of his own" But Sherry knew how ... , events that told her she was not alone." Once my four-year-old told me that she often saw two bright angels that followed me everywhere ," Sherry says." And sometimes I simply felt a presence around me" Often she prayed that God had not forgotten her, and would bring her a good man to love and appreciate her. Several years passed, and then Sherry met Chris, a wonderful man and an answer to her prayers. Soon they were married. ...

... ," Rest assured. It is done. I've found him a family who wants him. He'll have both a dad and a mom"~~~~~So Jackie went home with Amelia. God also had answered her prayer. Her husband and she had no children: a house without kids seems so bare. And now as she leaves work each evening, it seems she is walking on air. She knows that at home there'll be laughter; for Jack ... was choking from a coughing attack. The mother soon went to the hospital. She knew her life nearly was through. She said to her boy," You know, Jackie, I know God will look after you. I prayed to Him this very morning: Please show me, dear God, what to do. And then you came burstin ’ in, callin ’, 'I'm back, and I've brought a friend, too" She reached out her hand to Amelia ...

... he cut it down" When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for. The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end. The third tree was cut into large pieces and left alone in the dark ... and look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me" After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. When one came to the first tree he said," This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to ...

... and pondered this wonderful thought. Suddenly he understood what Christmas was all about, why Christ had come. Years of doubt and disbelief vanished like the passing storm. He fell to his knees in the snow, and prayed his first prayer:" Thank You, God, for coming in human form to get me out of the storm !" [Author Unknown-from Phyllis (pthalle @juno.com ), via Andy Chap] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ... soul became quiet and pondered this wonderful thought. Suddenly he understood what Christmas was all about, why Christ had come. Years of doubt and disbelief vanished like the passing storm. He fell to his knees in the snow, and prayed his first prayer:" Thank You, God, for coming in human form to get me out of the storm !" [Author Unknown-from Phyllis (pthalle @juno.com ), via Andy Chap] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... real and I admire you for your faith and your love for God" We have never spoken of that letter, but it came at a time when I prayed for a sign." God, show me that you hear my prayers. Heal my family. Let me know that you are listening" The folded piece of paper under my pillow was heaven sent and priceless. For years my mom and I have been best of friends. She is compassionate, loving, ... that is of great worth, a treasure. I know that it is real and I admire you for your faith and your love for God" We have never spoken of that letter, but it came at a time when I prayed for a sign." God, show me that you hear my prayers. Heal my family. Let me know that you are listening" The folded piece of paper under my pillow was heaven sent and priceless. For years my mom ...

... erected the American flag to pay tribute and say with his actions what words just couldn't say." We're with you, dear friends. We are with you in spirit. We ache for you. We cry for you. We pray for you. We will not forget !" Then the storm was suddenly gone and I passed into the most glorious sunshine. The feeling was unbelievable. I felt like God was sending a promise for better things to come. [Ellie Braun-Haley ... The Canadian cowboys were raising cash along the way and, when they arrived at the border, they gave what they had collected. Everywhere I go I see neighbors, friends and relatives looking for ways they can express their thoughts and prayers to the American people. Canadians look for ways to help and make a difference. It looked like quite a few cowboys found a way to help. As I left the small town where I'd driven to attend the funeral, rain drops ...

... P.U.S.H! When your money is short and the bills are due,. P.U.S.H! When you want to curse them out for whatever the reason,. P.U.S.H! When people just don't understand you,. P.U.S.H! P.U.S.H. = Pray Until Something Happens! [Author Unknown-from Pastor Harold Brown] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ... this ?" he thought." I'll just put in my time, giving just the minimum effort and that will be good enough" And that is what he planned to do until one day he decided to make it a matter of prayer and take his troubled thoughts to the Lord." Lord" he said," I have labored long and hard in your service, putting all my strength to do that which you have asked. Yet, after all this time, ...

... new blond wig! Everyone was going in so many directions that fall. I tried my best to keep up with Karen and how Tracy was doing. Her good days were getting to be fewer, yet they clung to hope and prayed God would spare her. On a sunny January day, Tracy gave up her battle with cancer, and the Lord took her to her new Heavenly home. While attending the funeral service we were happy to see Tracy's little friends were singing ... baseball season ended, school began, and Tracy started chemo treatments. It was a long process for her. She went to school as much as possible, other days were hard for her. I kept in contact with Karen, praying for this little gal we all had come to love so much. Our daughter was graduating that spring, and although baseball resumed its place in our lives, we had an open house for our graduating senior, and invited Tracy and her ...

... and is watching over your family ," Pastor Lim replied with certainty." Your husband will be all right" For the next hour Pastor Lim turned around in his seat and lovingly shared Scripture and God's comfort with me. Then he prayed with me. God's peace, which had been eluding me, flooded over me. I felt His presence in this encounter with this stranger in a way I never had before. Thanks Lord, for showing me you care for me. ... other people watched Tim, six, and Rachel, three. Lord, be with them today; keep them safe. Over the past few days I had looked at dozens of Bible verses on peace and comfort. I had been praying constantly, but God's peace still eluded me. My one question was: would I be a widow at thirty-nine? Lord, I know You want me to trust You, but I'm finding it hard. You'll have to help me. ...

... of the region. When the bishop died, the bishops and ministers from other cities and villages (Nicholas among them) gathered to choose a successor. Nicholas was in the habit of rising very early and going to the church to pray. This morning an aged minister awaited him in the sanctuary." Who are you, my son ?" he asked." Nicholas the sinner ," the young minister replied." And I am your servant"" Come with me ," ... more, his people flocked about him." Nicholas! Confessor !" they shouted." Saint Nicholas has come home" The bishop was beaten but not broken. He served Christ's people in Myra for another 30 years. Through the prayers of this tried and tested soldier of faith, many found forgiveness of their sins through faith in Christ. Nicholas participated in the famous Council of Nicea in 325 A.D. He died about 343, a living legend, beloved by his whole ...

... the truth. I may not know what will happen, but if I doubt that good will come of it I will be lost in the storm. Whenever I see an image of someone who won the lottery I always say a prayer for them. I do the same when I see images of people who just lost their job. That's my weapon. I've been unemployed, I've never been a millionaire. I survived unemployment. I've survived many storms. I'm not sure ... has always been," Then help a lot of people with what you have now" You don't need a lot of anything in life, you just need enough. To both men, I promise" I'll see you in my prayers" I know you will both remain rich beyond measure. Choose wisely and with God as counselor. It's the only way I make it through the storms." I wish you enough !" J~Bob Perks~Good news-Bob ...

... after I became an adult, and he admitted that he was sometimes too harsh. But I am thankful that Dad loved us enough to discipline us. Whenever punishment was administered, it was done in love. Then he would always pray with us afterwards. My father was generous to a fault. I used to think that he was too generous to other people and not quite generous enough with my mother. But she never complained. She was just as generous, but ... for fear that Mom and Dad had been raptured, and I had been left behind. Finally I would get the nerve to call timidly for Dad. He always heard me and came up to my room, kneeling with me and praying, until I had the assurance that Jesus had truly saved me, as I had asked Him to do, at the age of 8. My father had a great big heart! He would literally give the shirt off his back to ...

... Bloomer Saint Nick Heat Of Summers Past 2B Together Batting My Eyelashes What Are Grandmas Do You Know Bailey's Jesus The Smallest Snowflake -Parable Party For A Friend The Diploma Surviving The 81st Floor Of World Trade Tower Two Old Shoes Have A Purpose Pray For The Firefighter The Lady's Hug A Day At Work Celebrating You Caught The Brass Ring The Power Of Letting Go Cracked Pot See God Looking Back The Pretty One Barefoot Pastor Oh Deer Martha Stewart -He Is Not The Heart To Let Go New ... It Just Knows How Good Old Days Old Lady -Television Interview You Are Not Alone No More With Me A Bag Of Kindness The Greatest Thanksgiving Lessons Of Childhood Sandbox Rock New Shoes Crooked Little Smile Code White Dove A Childs Angel A Race Prayer Whopeee -A Snow Day Blessings To All Moms The Meadow Little Boy Lost The Christmas Program The Happiest Day One Piece At A Time Fly The Christmas Carpenter From Nazareth Gift Of Life Asking God Dude -Where's My Son God's Flock Circus The Mitten What ...

... Dove Advantage Of The Storm Tornado Leaves Heroes Red White And Blue Heart To Home How Blessed I Am Let Me Take Care Of That Run -Sarah -Run Dance Of Love Forgiven This Is Where I Belong Quarter Mile Pappy No One Lives Forever Pray For The Firefighter I Won't Miss This Sofa Broken -Still Beautiful School Of Hard Knocks On The Shores Of Life Christ For Clunkers Band Of Love Scavengers See The Light Can You Keep A Secret The Moonlit River What Do You Fear New Shoes If ... Angel A Christmas Story A Day At Work A Father Like No Other A Homeless Lesson A Good Samaritan Today A Late Bloomer A Lesson For A Liftetime A Letter To God A Lesson From The Geese A Light Bulb Moment A Little Girls Prayer A Mothers Crown A Mountain Of Laundry A Mouse Pig Cow And Snake A Nickels Worth A Race Prayer A Story To Live By A Special Child And The Tuck-stop A Thankful Thanksgiving A Tug A Walk In The Forest Above The Storms A Working ...

... And His Wives Parable Of The Pencil Parent Talk Party For A Friend Pass The Bee Spit -Please Paths To Ponder Pearl Pearls Perfect Peace Phenomenon Of Yellow Snow Philosophy 101 Pinewood Derby Planting Planting Happiness Poor Little Butterfly Porch Sittin Power Of Prayer Pray For The Firefighter Prayer Weight Pretzel Medicine Promise Proudly Displayed Puppies Puzzled Quality Of The Harvest Quarter Mile Pappy Quilt Of Holes Quite A Character Rain Washed Real Liberation Red White And Blue Regret City Remembering Remembering The Feeling Request For Transfer Resurrection'prove It To ... Today A Happy Mother's Day A Homeless Lesson A Lasting Impression A Late Bloomer A Lesson For A Liftetime A Lesson From The Geese A Letter To God A Light Bulb Moment A Little Bacon Grease A Little Bird Told Me A Little Girls Prayer A Morsel Of Hope A Mothers Crown A Mountain Of Laundry A Mouse Pig Cow And Snake A Nickels Worth A Pot Of Jam A Promise Of Tomorrow A Race Prayer A Radiant Glow A Rose Is A Weed Is A Rose A Special Child ...

... that he had worn the crown of thorns in my vision. I now realize that they were meant to be symbolic, a reminder to me of how he loved us all enough to be lifted up, and crucified on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. The crown of thorns are a symbol of his love that he feels for each one of us. He had truly shown me how to forgive. I Saw Jesus Again as I read about The Jesus Prayer. It is a meditation where you repeat a phrase over and over again to Jesus. The first time I said The Jesus Prayer, I said," Jesus, the son of God, have mercy on me" I had been laying in bed for some time saying the prayer when my six year old daughter came into the room, and asked me for a glass of water. When I rolled over and opened my eyes, I saw a small cross in the ...

... How Much Does A Prayer Weigh? (Old Story-Timeless Message.) Louise Redden, a poorly dressed lady with a look of defeat on her face, walked into a grocery store. She approached the owner of the store in a most humble manner and asked if he would let her charge a few groceries. She softly explained that her husband was very ill and unable to work, they had seven children and they needed food. John Longhouse, the grocer, scoffed at her and told her to leave his store. Visualizing the family needs, she said:" Please, sir! I will bring you the money just as soon as I can" John told her he could not give her credit, as she did not have a charge account at his store. Standing beside the counter was a customer who overheard the conversation between the two. The customer walked forward and told the grocer-man that he would stand good for whatever ...

... his head." I know I am not. Oh, help me find peace !" An hour passed as the minister shared the plan of salvation; yet something held the miner back from full surrender." It's getting late ," the minister finally said." Go home, and continue to seek the Lord" The miner shook his head" Stay with me a little longer; it must be settled tonight" Once again the minister explained the way of salvation and prayed, but in vain. Another hour passed." You must go home ," the minister told him." It's late, and I cannot make it any clearer"" It must be settled tonight ," the miner repeated, his eyes burning with earnestness." Then we shall stay here together ," the minister agreed. Once more he spoke of Jesus, and shared promise after promise. Once more he prayed, but in vain." I must go ," the minister ...

... Now alone, she sat in her chair, stared at the tree, listened to her parakeet and drooled for a frosted sugar cookie." Lord, I don't need much, but right now, I would love a frosted sugar cookie. I will sit in front of my electric fireplace, sip a cup of tea, and remember a wonderful moment in my life. It's not too much to ask on this special occasion." You need to answer so many prayers. Most need more than I do, but a cookie would be great on the birthday of your son. It's all I ask" The year before, she saw a cookie in the store. It was expensive, but she thought it would be worth it-just a frosted Christmas tree, not too much to ask for. She took it home and prepared her tea. A cookie and tea were great together, but the cookie was hard as rock and inedible ...

... I embraced, and I felt deep inside that I had been changed. He put his things on his back, smiled his winning smile and said," See you in the New Jerusalem"" I'll be there !" was my reply. He began his journey again. He headed away with his sign dangling from his bed roll and pack of Bibles. He stopped, turned and said," When you see something that makes you think of me, will you pray for me ?"" You bet ," I shouted back," God bless"" God bless" And that was the last I saw of him. Late that evening as I left my office, the wind blew strong. The cold front had settled hard upon the town. I bundled up and hurried to my car. As I sat back and reached for the emergency brake, I saw them. a pair of well-worn brown work gloves neatly laid over the length of ...

... the day before my mother's seventy sixth birthday and I still hadn't made up my mind what to give her .She was living in a nursing home and couldn't have a lot of personal things with her. I finally called my sister to see what she thought .She told me that she'd heard our mother say she would love a red geranium but she hadn't seen any that were big enough for a lovely gift. As I drove home from work that afternoon I whispered a short prayer" Lord, I need some-thing extra special for my Mom's birthday. Something cheerful, that I can afford. Something that will last awhile" My purse was pretty flat .The greenhouse was on my way home so I pulled in and parked. I trudged wearily up the slight incline and pushed the door open and went in. Facing me, sat the prettiest red geranium I had ever seen! It had four large clusters in full bloom, and, on closer ...

... . If a house burns down in my area, I can go to that family with clothes, furniture, or money. If an old man falls on the side walk, I can run over and lift him up. If my co-worker is sad, I can make him smile. If my heart feels the need to, I can sing, dance and be happy, right then, right where I am. If I think you need it, I can pray for you without asking for permission. If you want to pray with me, you can without rules, regulations or guidelines, in any language, in any faith, to the God we share or the God we each believe in. So what about the man who believes his life is like standing on the shore? He's right. Never again will I see myself" on the edge" I will stand firm and let life and all of its challenges come to me ...

... " He said," My Sunday school teacher told me to walk in Jesus ' footsteps but I can't see him so I'm walking in yours" The greatest way we can teach our children about and show our loved ones the love of Jesus is through the example of how we live, and how we model his love in our everyday life. As another has said," We raise not the children we want but the children that we the parents are" Suggested prayer," Dear God, please help me to so live that people, especially my children (and loved ones ), will see Jesus in me and will want to follow in my footsteps and have Jesus in their life too. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus ' name, amen" 1 Corinthians 11: 1, KJV" Be followers of me, even as I also am of Christ" [Dick Innes 2002-from Daily Encounter] ...

... someone who would take every measure to build a safe, inescapable habitat for them. I wanted them to have a home where they were loved, and enjoyed, for something other than their delectable taste. That someone contacted me very quickly. There are days I forget to talk to God. I ’ ll admit, those days might run into a month or more. I know He ’ s there, but when things are going well, I often forget to pray. When things are bad, I ’ m found kneeling against my bed, rocking on my knees with my hands pressed firmly together, hoping He ’ ll listen to me, if just for a moment. After all, he is a busy, busy man tending his flocks. Today, God sent me a gentle reminder that he is still with me. He let me know he still walks with me, as I pick up the lifeless bodies of his precious flock ...

... Secret Day" I'm keeping it a secret ," young Heather said as she knelt beside her bed saying her prayers. Mom was just outside her door when she over heard the conversation between her daughter and God. It had been predicted that this day would be an average Spring day, as far as the weatherman could see. But his forecast was based on scientific facts, not the prayers of a little girl. For by the end of this otherwise normal day, it would be a glorious one. Mom and Dad were up early as usual, to get ready for work. Like any other day they fumbled in the morning fog that filled their minds. Like robots they went about their daily routine. Reaching in to start the shower, Mom came across a note taped on the wall. Opening it she read," You are loved !" printed in mixed colorful crayon. Dad came walking in just then." I found this ...

... of us have watched friends as they drifted toward God's arms, not with resignation, but with peace and hope. In so doing, they have taught us not how to die, but how to live. They have emulated Christ by transmitting the power and authority of live. I sat by my best friend's bedside a few years ago as a wasting cancer took him away. He kept at his table a worn Bible and a 1928 edition of the Book of Common Prayer. A shattering grief disabled his family, many of his old friends, and at least one priest. Here was an humble and very good guy, someone who apologized when he winced with pain because he thought it made his guest uncomfortable. He restrained his equanimity and good humor literally until his last conscious moment. 'I'm going to try to beat [this cancer ], ' he told me several months before he died. 'But if I don't, I'll see you on the ...

... in network history. With millions of eyes tuned to the broadcast, Bruce Porter brought the message, asking" Who will take the torch ?" referring to the torch Rachel, Cassie, John, Mark and others had dropped. At that very moment a young man in Texas had a gun to his head, ready to take his own life. As he listened to Porter's plea and thoughts that followed, he lowered the gun from his head, began to cry and prayed for forgiveness. Not long ago he ran 1, 000 miles from Little Rock, Arkansas to Washington, D.C. with a torch in his hand. Needless to say, by the end of the service I had been on an emotional roller coaster. My shirt had a hefty salt deposit in it from the tears I had shed, but I left the service encouraged, excited and ready to share the" untold" stories with anyone I could. We all climbed back ...

... sleepy brown eyes opened peering out the window." Can we get candy, daddy ?"" Yes, honey. We will get you candy. We need to walk down the street" Adam, 7, is a curious boy who never lacks for questions. As we walked, he asked about the grand limestone church to our left." What is that, daddy ?"" It's a church, honey. That's the house of God. People go there to pray ," I say, trying to avoid a lengthy religious question and answer session-it didn't work." What do they pray for ?"" Well, they ask Gods ' forgiveness for sins and ask God to help people who are less fortunate." What is less fortunate ?"" A person who is less fortunate is someone who may not have a home, food, love or a job-not being fortunate can mean many things, Adam"" How does God ...

... out of here. This current is murder" Another bolt of lightning, then a tremendous clap of thunder. For a moment Jack thought he saw Bill struggling in the water." Over here !" Jack shouted." I can't see you ," Bill answered." All this water and mud is in my eyes. I can't see anything"" Follow the sound of my voice ," Jack bellowed over the storm." I'm over here" Then Jack began to pray." O Lord, I haven't been a very good Christian and I'm a terrible sinner, but please help us before we drown. Our families need us. Please, Lord. Help me find Bill and get us out of this mess. Amen" Suddenly Jack felt someone grab his hand and start pulling." Wait a minute, Bill. Where are you going ?"" I don't know ," he heard a voice reply." I can't tell one direction from ...

... The Gold And Ivory Tablecloth At Christmas time men and women everywhere gather in their churches to wonder anew at the greatest miracle the world has ever known. But the story I like best to recall was not a miracle -not exactly. It happened to a pastor who was very young. His church was very old. Once, long ago, it had flourished. Famous men had preached from its pulpit, prayed before its altar. Rich and poor alike had worshipped there and built it beautifully. Now the good days had passed from the section of town where it stood. But the pastor and his young wife believed in their run-down church. They felt that with paint, hammer, and faith they could get it in shape. Together they went to work. But late in December a severe storm whipped through the river valley, and the worst blow fell on the little church-a huge chunk of rain-soaked plaster fell out of the inside ...

... Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years. These hands, though wrinkled, shriveled and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life. They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon the floor. They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child my mother taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots. They dried the tears of my children and caressed the love of my life. They held my rifle and wiped my tears when I went off to war. They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent. They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son. Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special. They wrote the letters ...

... only needed a tow instead of a trip to the hospital or mortuary. I guess God wasn ’ t quite ready for me to leave this life yet. Albert Einstein said," God doesn ’ t play dice" This is true for the world and for our lives. As I look back upon that day I can see God ’ s loving handiwork in it. I think He still had more for me to learn and do in this life. I just pray that I don ’ t waste a moment of it. I pray that I make everyday I have left a loving gift to my Heavenly Father who made me. May you do the same.~Joseph J. Mazzella~[ by: Joseph J. Mazzella Copyright 2008 (joecool @wirefire.com)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... if you don't have a spare. It took 45 minutes before someone stopped to help me. I knew that someone would. I just had to be patient. I knew this because I have always tried to sow good seeds and be generous so I knew that in MY time of need, someone would step up to the plate and help me. This lady was miles from home and stranded. Yet God knew exactly where she was and used me to answer her prayer. I left home thinking I was going on vacation. I got off the exit thinking I was buying writing tablets, but God had another assignment for me that day. Suppose I had listened to the gas attendant for fear that I was being taken advantage of? Suppose she really was taking advantage of me? I may never know. This I do know: If you have never been in that place in your life, it's easy to dismiss a person who is ...

... that you can worship God just as well camping, or golfing, or on the lake, as you can in church? If so, you aren't fooling anyone but yourself-and definitely Not God! If you feel that God's Word isn't being preached in truth, then find a church where it IS-church isn't a cure-all for all of our problems, but it IS a place that you can be surrounded by those who will listen, and those who will pray for you. and you will hear Bible teaching there that you will not hear on the lake! So again I ask you-what's your excuse? I pray that as you examine this area of your life, that God would move in your heart and give you an intense desire to return to the sanctuary of the church-and that you can once again find the joy of worshipping God with other believers! [Author Unknown-from Denial] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All ...

... Pray For The Firefighter The mighty hawk raced down from the heavens, soaring high above the Texas plain, his keen eye overlooking the vast prairie. His feathers glistened in the afternoon sun as he circled above the parched grasses. Gusting southern winds tossed him upward; he was thrown off course and came crashing toward the hardened earth in a downward spiral. A moment before certain doom, he righted himself and alit on a nearby mesquite, waiting in silence for the whipping winds to subside. He had come to watch, and wait. He gazed patiently from his bramble throne at the prairie grasses as they rocked to and fro. The winds whipped and churned them into waves of silken threads. He caught the scent of smoke. He watched silently as a newly born flame began to crackle against the distant sky. Soon, embers floated on the angry winds. A story high wall of fire quickly rose in his grassland; it hungrily marched ...

... brought so much laughter, peace and joy to our home, when there was nothing but arguing, lies, and deceit before she was born. I have to believe with all my heart that it was for this very purpose that we were suppose to keep her instead of giving her up. Through this child, God has restored my own child to me and He has restored our family. I thank God everyday for the wonderful gift He has given us and I pray He continues to use Destini Gabrielle to complete His purpose for the rest of her life for she is His little messenger. [Maria Urso, copyright 2002 (mpu1 @att.net)-from '2THEHEART '] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... Rosalyne out and surrounded myself with the kinds of people who I thought I was. I eventually did see that and I have changed my life. My own daughter is eight now and I have had the opportunity to send her to school with her own little bag of macaroni. I wrapped it up with a heavy heart that morning thinking of those turbulent days past. I thought of Rosalyn and the little gift she tried to share with me and I give a silent prayer of thanks for all the people like her that make this world a better place to live in. [by: John Gaudet, Copyright 2003 (drmrjohn62 @yahoo.com)-from '2TheHeart '] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... . I've seen newly weds cross over my thresholds to begin a new life together. But I've also seen people carried out at the end of their lives, going out the door one final time ," he said as he looked up at the new door on this home." In the places I've created celebrations were held. Servicemen came home to them, college kids left them and returned a graduate. The Christmas trees were erected in them and people of all faiths prayed in them. Laughter and tears were shared in these same places. I created them. Now it's time to stop" He grabbed his hammer and with one final nail ended a lifetime of creation, commitment and headed off to his own place in time, making the last steps.~Bob Perks~2believe @comcast.net [by: Bob Perks Copyright 2007 (2believe @comcast.net)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... ," she said softly." But if you want, I'll take the coat back. See? I still have my old one" The mother gathered her little daughter on her lap and hugged her." I" m not unhappy, honey ," she sniffed." I'm overcome with joy. I knew that I would never be able to buy you a new coat for Christmas. Even used coats down at the mission cost too much for me. So I prayed to God that he would provide you with a new coat. And He did-and a finer coat than I ever imagined" The mother kissed her daughter on the cheek. The little girl could feel the warm wetness of her mother's tears against her dry, cool skin." You know ," the little ragged girl said as she hugged her mother," I really am so very rich to have a mother like you"" And we know that in all things ...

... supporting the orphanage." But most of all ," he said," I must thank you for the glasses you sent last year. You see, the Communists had just swept through the orphanage, destroying everything, including my glasses. I was desperate. Even if I had the money, there was simply no way of replacing those glasses. Along with not being able to see well, I experienced headaches every day, so my coworkers and I were much in prayer about this. Then your crates arrived. When my staff removed the covers, they found a pair of glasses wedged between two blankets. The missionary paused long enough to let his words sink in. Then, still gripped with the wonder of it all, he continued:" Folks, when I tried on the glasses, it was as though they had been custom made just for me! I want to thank you for being a part of that" The people listened ...

... broken pieces -He wants to fix whatever's wrong, to assemble all the parts, put them back in working order, and place YOU on display before the world as a heavenly-crafted person, repaired and renewed by heaven's Workman, the Christmas carpenter from Nazareth who is YOUR Savior and Lord. Scripture:" For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2: 10)" Prayer:" Lord, thanks for working on me! You never discard or throw me away as junk; you restore, renew and reveal to me Your everlasting skill in" making it over" with Your skillful hands .I place myself in YOUR carpenter shop this Christmas -fix what's wrong, make ME anew, and may I display the beauty of your work, In Jesus ' Name, Amen" [by Peggie C. Bohanon. Copyright 2002, Springfield, MO-{ ...

... wanted a baby of her own but wouldn't be able to carry one. But, her sister Mary could. So Mary became a surrogate mother for Annie-an unselfish act of love that not many women would be able to commit to. Little Mary Elise was born July 2, 2006, lovingly named after the aunt who carried her, allowing her to grow right below her heart. To her mom, Mary is a wee angel of pure love, an answered prayer from God above. Sisters, they share many things throughout a life time. They celebrate good times and hold each other up when bad times threaten to knock them down. When family ties are sewn securely within the heart, there is nothing that can't be done or overcome. In writing this story I am reminded of an old expression," It's not what life hands you but how you handle it that counts" The determination of these women is a gift of inspiration ...

... I've landed in a spot that feels like an uncomfortable, binding shoe that won't come off. I'm afraid. The tears spill from my eyes again in a gut wrenching cry that makes me double over and hold my stomach. My life runs through my mind like a movie-happy, sad, full of promise, full of wasted time, but full, nonetheless. I am missing something. Is my mind so cluttered that I can't hear the answer? I pray to the Holy Spirit to cleanse my mind so I can hear what I'm supposed to. Please, cleanse my mind. The dam breaks. Negative, sad thoughts form a pool and I'm drowning. I see myself caught up in the undertow-and I am running out of strength." What do you want from me ?" I beg, treading the waters of my own mind until I can no longer keep up with myself." Please, God. Help me ...

... be happy. And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me, if I don't know the language that people talk? Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak. And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you? Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray. I've heard that on earth there are bad people. Who will protect me? Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life. But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore. Your angel will always talk to you about me and will teach you the way for you to come back to me, even though I will always be next to you. At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from earth ...

... until she found it. The crisp biting wind and cold caused her to shiver through her thin jacket. Never had she ever felt more abandoned or alone and as the sad tears streamed rivers down her face she searched and searched. But the mitten could not be found. With little hope and no one's help she knelt in the halo of a street lamp. And on her knees she cried out to the one person she had heard truly loved her. Her simple prayer" Jesus I cannot find my mitten. I cannot go in without it. If You love me, please help me find it .please" must have melted the Father's heart of God. But for her, it seemed even He was silent, no one cared, and she had been cast aside once again. In the hush of the moment, she began to rise .now embraced by a cloak of darkness with the exception of large flakes of snow swirling around her. ...

... feeling well, she's your breath in the air on a cold winter's day. She is the sound of the rain that lulls you to sleep, the colors of a rainbow, she is Christmas morning. Your Mother lives inside your laughter. And she's crystallized in every tear drop. A mother shows every emotion. happiness, sadness, fear, jealousy, love, hate, anger, helplessness, excitement, joy, sorrow. and all the while, hoping and praying you will only know the good feelings in life. She's the place you came from, your first home, and she's the map you follow with every step you take. She's your first love, your first friend, even your first enemy, but nothing on earth can separate you. Not time, not space. not even death! [Author Unknown-from Ruthie, via 'The Inspired Buffalo ' (the-inspired-buffalo @yahoogroups.com)] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... her go out on a date, with the boy coming to our home, seeking her father's approval. Sure he had “ met the boy ” but he definitely wasn't ready for this! Again and again, my family and friends would reassure us that our daughter was just trying to “ find herself ,” “ to be her own person ,” and “ stretch her wings ” I, for one, would often wonder “ what did I do wrong ?” And I would pray for her safety, her life, and her heart. Then one day she announced that she was going to become an egg donor. At 20 years of age, how could she make a decision such as this? I thought. I tried to discourage her, but she was adamant about it. I made my opinion known, as I had about her living arrangements, but it seemed to matter little to her. She went ahead with the process. Not once ...

... away without saying a word. Another twenty-five dollars! Upon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their trip to the base. I walked over to them and handed them seventy-five dollars. 'It will take you some time to reach the base. It will be about time for a sandwich. God Bless You ' Ten young men left that flight feeling the love and respect of their fellow travelers. As I walked briskly to my car, I whispered a prayer for their safe return. These soldiers were giving their all for our country. I could only give them a couple of meals. It seemed so little. after all, these were courageous souls who are writing a blank check made payable to their country, for any amount 'up to and including my life. [Author Unknown-from 'Nancy Cantafio ' (the-inspired-buffalo @yahoogroups.com)] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... the hungry guests who would be coming to our house for dinner. I put my head down on my desk, already feeling defeated. There's no way possible, I thought. But the compassion I heard in my husband's voice struck a nerve inside me." Sure ," I replied." But only if God helps"" Thanks, sweetheart ," Roy whispered." Just do what you can" He then hung up the telephone. I finished my work and prayed all the way to the nearest grocery store. I entered the parking lot. I noticed a big sign in the grocery store window: Turkeys-29 cents a pound." This is the place, Lord" I whispered. I grabbed my box of coupons, went inside, secured two buggies, and headed to the frozen foods. The turkeys were indeed on sale, but I discovered one big problem. When I read the sign posted on the freezer door my ...

... , he chose several that would have been popular when the older gentleman likely purchased his first" set of wheels ," and possibly his first family auto as a young married man. They would be nice remembrances placed on his bedside table or dresser to remind him of" the good old days" I took great care in wrapping all items. The packages had to be beautiful. All the while I envisioned the sparkle in their aged eyes when opening each gift, and prayed our efforts would create a very blessed and Merry Christmas for two genuinely deserving people. No, that year they were not forgotten! In fact, they are never forgotten in our home. Each holiday season we discuss the joy that filled our hearts that year as we attempted to sprinkle the Christmas season with a bit of bliss for two aged, forgotten, souls. In remembrance of two nursing home residents who, every year, remind us of the reason for the season ...

... and said," Yes, I just know it has to be enough" So I slipped my money in with his and we began to count it. Of course it was plenty for the doll. He softly said," Thank you Jesus for giving me enough money" Then the boy said," I just asked Jesus to give me enough money to buy this doll so Mamma can take it with her to give to my sister. And he heard my prayer. I wanted to ask him for enough to buy my Mamma a white rose, but I didn't ask him, but he gave me enough to buy the doll and a rose for my Mamma. She loves white roses so very, very much" In a few minutes the aunt came back and I wheeled my cart away. I could not keep from thinking about he little boy as I finished my shopping In a totally different spirit than when I had started. And ...

... The Cross Room The young man was at the end of his rope. Seeing no way out, he dropped to his knees in prayer." Lord, I can't go on ," he said." I have too heavy a cross to bear" The Lord replied," My son, if you can't bear it's weight, just place your cross inside this room. Then open another door and pick any cross you wish" The man was filled with relief." Thank you, Lord ," he sighed, and did as he was told. As he looked around the room he saw many different crosses; some so large the tops were not visible. Then he spotted a tiny cross leaning against a far wall." I'd like that one, Lord ," he whispered. And the Lord replied," My son, that's the cross you brought in"~~~~~When life problems seem overwhelming, it helps to ...

... lived and what cars they drove. She was sorry. That evening when Steve got home I told him about the conversation and how our friends from Atlanta weren't part of the church. How ridiculous did that sound? They were in the services with us and other functions. I tried to contact them by telephone but the number was disconnected. Steve and I looked at each other. We weren't going to question God on this one, but we certainly thanked Him in prayer. Whenever I make finger Jell-O for our grandgals, I always think about a special Easter years ago when God gave us some warm and caring friends that we will never forget.~Diane Dean White~Thelamb212 @aol.com Diane is a freelance writer, author of two books, columnist and contributes to a wide range of publications. She and her husband of 37 years live on the Carolina Coast. They are the parents of three grown children and three grandgals. You may ...

... . Kings, chiefs, and bishops have always chosen me for I am the sign of authority and wisdom. People do not question me! They listen and obey" Indigo spoke, more quietly than others, but with determination:" Think of me. I am the color of silence. You hardly notice me, but without me you all become superficial. I represent thought and reflection, twilight and deep water. You need me for balance and contrast, for prayer and inner peace" And so the colors went on boasting, each convinced of his or her own superiority. Their quarreling became louder and louder. Suddenly there was a startling flash of bright lightening thunder rolled and boomed. Rain started to pour down relentlessly. The colors crouched down in fear, drawing close to one another for comfort. In the midst of the clamor, God began to speak:" You foolish colors, fighting amongst yourselves, each trying to dominate the ...

... much difference. I could see we were literally saving the lives of these people. I soon had the fire blazing and everyone's spirits soared. The kids started giggling when Pa handed them each a piece of candy and Widow Jensen looked on with a smile that probably hadn't crossed her face for a long time. She finally turned to us." God bless you ," she said." I know the Lord himself has sent you. The children and I have been praying that he would send one of his angels to spare us" In spite of myself, the lump returned to my throat and the tears welled up in my eyes again. I'd never thought of Pa in those exact terms before, but after Widow Jensen mentioned it I could see that it was probably true. I was sure that a better man than Pa had never walked the earth. I started remembering all the times he had gone out of his way for Ma and ...

... sing any songs, which he loved to do in the weeks before Christmas. Something was definitely up. I rubbed Frankie's head and asked," Wanna talk about what's bothering you now ?" Frankie shrugged, but seconds later a question bubbled up. It was one of THE questions parents face. In the category of questions like," Why do people die ?" and" Where do babies come from ?"" Mommy, do you believe in Santa Claus ?" I silently prayed for the right words. Seconds later I saw the Lady's brilliant smile and felt her kindness wash over me. An idea came." What do you think ?" Frankie shrugged." Some kids at school said Santa wasn't real. They said parents put the gifts under the tree"" Are you asking me if there is a Santa, or if parents put the gifts under the tree ?" Frankie hesitated." I guess I'm asking both" I wrapped my arms around ...

... from the church approached him and stated," That's my seat! You took my place !" The visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude welcome, but said nothing. After Sunday School, the visitor went into the church sanctuary and sat down. Another member walked up to him and said," That's where I always sit. You took my place !" The visitor was even more troubled by this treatment, but still said nothing. Later, as the congregation was praying for Christ to dwell among them, the visitor stood, and his appearance began to change. Horrible scars became visible on his hands and on his sandaled feet. Someone from the congregation noticed him and called out," What happened to you ?" The visitor replied," I took your place" Addendum-" Christ himself carried our sins in His body to the cross, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness. It is by His wounds that ...

... the new year, what would it be ?"" Time, faith, the love of my family and friends ," he said." If I have time I can begin again. I can build again. I can start over. If I have faith, I know I cannot fail. If I have the love of my family and friends, I have purpose" If I don't have the chance to say this to you before the new year begins, my prayer for each of you is time, faith and love in 2009." I believe in You !"~Bob Perks~" Reflect upon your present blessings-of which every man has many-not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some" [by: Bob Perks Copyright 2009 (2believe @comcast.net)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... my youngest son John who was three climbed over into the front seat beside me and said," Mommy, my daddy is gonna freeze to death out there. And we will freeze too" I said" No John, Daddy will be coming with the truck soon !" But the darkness and blowing snow was covering our car and made it impossible to see anything outside. John climbed over into the back seat and knelt down on the floorboard of the car. He prayed," Jesus you take care of my daddy and send someone to take us home, amen" Then he got up and put his face against the back window and looked through a small hole where the snow had blown off. In just a very few minutes he exclaimed," Momma there is a car coming to get us! See, I knew Jesus would send someone to get us !" I heard the old pickup stop right beside us and I had to kick ...

... There's a huge present in our driveway" He led me outside." Voila !" he said." Oh no ," I moaned. Bob dubbed it" The One-Woman Dynamo Power Bike"" Sweetheart? You know I can't bike on my own" He laughed sweetly." I know. And you can't walk either. Then why does the pedometer I bought you have 74 miles on it ?" And so, I made a now often repeated declaration that I am praying others will say to themselves as well." Yes. I can" Think I love my bike? You bet. Think I love Bob? Of course. Think I love life again after cloistering myself in a self imposed no-can-do closet? Goodness! You have to ask? How do we find hope when hope seems impossible? Do we simply believe in our hearts, our minds and our very souls that we can beat the odds? Yes. Christopher Reeve said, ...

... wasn't looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I wanted to paint another one. When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I thought it was good to be kind to animals. When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favorite cake just for me, and I knew that little things are special things. When you thought I wasn't looking, I heard you say a prayer, and I believed there is a God I could always talk to. When you thought I wasn't looking, I felt you kiss me goodnight, and I felt loved. When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry. When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be. When you thought ...

... me ," he said. I could tell it caused him great pain. If there was one thing in his life he valued more than anything it was his love for Abbey. I wanted to help. I wanted to say something that would lift him up. I wanted to take him home, feed him, offer him my clothes or new ones of his choice. Still, there was little I could say or do." I will see her in my prayers and you, my friend, can call me any time and I will be there ," I told him as we embraced one more time. We said our goodbyes and I watched him walk away, fade into the busy street life and without explanation or understanding, a odd sense of peace came over me. Perhaps he would be alright eventually. I can't say a miraculous turn around in Abbey's condition would occur. But, maybe the answer lies in her waiting for the ...

... nurses aides, and the janitors, and the residents and even the families who had also lined the halls. Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me, I once was lost, but now I ’ m found Was blind, but now I see … His heart filled with joy as he watch the stretcher slowly pass. Residents patted her leg, or stroked her hair as she was slowly wheeled into the glittering sunlight. Lips mouthed soundless prayers, as others sang proudly for her, and to the heavens above. Twas Grace that taught my heart to fear And Grace, my fears relieved How precious did that Grace appear The hour I first believed … Soon, she was gone. His heart sang as he wished her well on her next journey. He eased himself back into his walker, and slowly began making his way down the long hall. He had the urge to turn back once more, gazing at ...

... their fragrant scent. I'm not so sure that Grammie didn't drop a bit of her Evening in Paris perfume from the cobalt bottle into the melted wax. As Memorial Day approached, our teachers explained its significance as a special time to honor and show appreciation to fallen American soldiers. In the mid 50s, WWII was still a haunting memory to many. To commemorate Memorial Day, students and teachers marched from school to the nearest wharf. One of the teachers offered a prayer of thankfulness for soldiers who willingly paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country. After singing God Bless America, a student solemnly tossed the wreath of white roses onto the waters of the Atlantic Ocean in honor of those buried or lost at sea. Seeing those white flowers floating on the cold, dark ocean waters left me with an indelible memory and a feeling of sadness for parents who'd never be able to welcome their loved ones home. In profound silence, we returned to school ...

... tests that made my son's tiny little voice echo though the halls as he screamed over and over. I felt as if I were shattering from the inside out. My husband never wavered in his faith. He comforted me and Noah, and everyone who called to check on Noah. He was a rock. When the first batch of tests were done, the nurse informed us that a spinal tap would be performed soon. Meningitis was suspected. Marty and I had prayer together with Noah. Our hands intertwined, we held our son and the love of my life lifted his voice to the Lord, telling him how grateful we were for this awesome little spirit with whom he had entrusted us. With tears streaming down his face, he humbly asked the Lord to heal our son. My heart filled with comfort and gratitude. A short time later, the resident doctor came in. He told us that Noah's first results were back, and ...

... , tragedy and sorrow, but without a doubt the Lord has strengthen us and uses us to erode a lot of rough edges in our spirit. Yes, I guess my friend knew what he was talking about so very long ago. The Lord did trust us a lot to give us to each other!~Joyce Sykes~Copyright 2006 Joyce Sykes lives in southeastern North Carolina with her husband David. She is a mother of three and grandmother of four. Her prayer is to be used by the Lord to encourage others in a deeper walker with Him. She may be reached at: NuggetsofJoy2 @aol.com. [by: Joyce Sykes, Copyright 2006, (NuggetsofJoy2 @aol.com)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... But she wasn't afraid because it was a small town and she lived only a few blocks away. As she walked along under the tall elm trees, Diane asked God to keep her safe from harm and danger. When she reached the alley, which was a shortcut to her house, she decided to take it. However, halfway down the alley she noticed a man standing at the end as though he was waiting for her. She became uneasy and began to pray, asking for God's protection. Instantly, a comforting feeling of quietness and security wrapped around her, she felt as though someone was walking with her. When she reached the end of the alley, she walked right past the man and arrived home safely. The following day she read in the paper that a young girl had been raped in the same alley, just twenty minutes or so after she had been there. Feeling overwhelmed by this tragedy, and the fact that ...

... , We feel we owe them all we have, And can but weep and kneel again. CHORUS Kneel where our loves are sleeping, They lost but still were good and true, Our fathers, brothers fell still fighting, We weep, 'tis all that we can do. VERSE 2: Here we find our noble dead, Their spirits soar'd to him above, Rest they now about his throne, For God is mercy, God is love. Then let us pray that we may live, As pure and good as they have been, That dying we may ask of him, To open the gate and let us in. At that time, John A. Logan, was commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, which was a veterans ’ organization. He was so moved by the southern ladies ’ practice of decorating the graves of those who had fallen in the war that he wrote an order for the Union Army that Decoration ...

... room, he slowly turned to the window," Oh Wow! Look outside! It really snowed last night !" He clicked on the radio and chuckled," Hummmmm?.. .I wonder if there will be school today" It got very quiet as all three scruffy heads swung around toward Dad and the newsworthy clock radio. No School? Could it be? They sat still. Not even breathing... Oh please-please-pleeease, they silently prayed in unison as the announcer read the long list of school closings. Why did our town, an S, always have to be at the end of the long list? Even the dog had a wistful look of hope on his face as his ears tilted forward in anticipation. Andy sat with eyes closed and fingers double-crossed on each hand. Ohhh !!-A reprieve from that Spelling! PLEEEASE !!!!!! Then, the happiest words on earth! He said it! Schofield. ...

... quietly." Have yourself a merry little Christmas" he sings above the scratchy sounds of Perry Como. If records are well before your time you would not appreciate this. But there are many who believe the purest sounds come from a 33 1 / 3 lp even with the scratches. You learn to tune them out. He pulls the box a little closer, then resting his hands on it for a moment, almost like the laying on of hands at a prayer meeting, he pauses, then unties the string. It appears that the string he used, like his dreams, is old, a little frayed and unraveled, but still serving a greater purpose. Lifting the lid, he stops once more and gazes into the box." Ah, Christmas !" he says. Like a surgeon, he places his hands gently, slowly into the box before him and carefully removes the contents placing it on the table. Whatever this treasure ...

... If dad knew, he'd kill me, but worse, he'd have that look in his eye, that disappointment he would get when I'd miss catching a ball or get a bad grade. Now, I had stolen from my dad. I couldn't face him, and didn't know what to do. Early that afternoon, the sun high and hot, I grabbed my fishing pole and walked down the tracks to the reservoir, wishing my stomach would quit aching, and praying nobody would see me crying. Sometimes we have sinned in our own eyes so deeply that we don't know how to return to God. Our sin seems so big we simply can't face Him. It isn't so much that we don't love God. In fact, it is largely because we do that we cannot figure out how to tell Him about what we did. Our betrayal of His love, our utter failure where we promised devotion, makes us feel unworthy of Him ...

... and even seemed able to predict the future! He took my family to the first major league ball game. He made me laugh, and he made me cry. The stranger never stopped talking, but Dad didn't seem to mind. Sometimes, Mom would get up quietly while the rest of us were shushing each other to listen to what he had to say, and she would go to the kitchen for peace and quiet. (I wonder now if she ever prayed for the stranger to leave) Dad ruled our household with certain moral convictions, but the stranger never felt obligated to honor them. Profanity, for example, was not allowed in our home. Not from us, our friends or any visitors. Our visitor, however, got away with four-letter words that burned my ears and made my dad squirm and my mother blush. My Dad didn't permit the liberal use of alcohol. But the stranger encouraged us to try it on ...

... The Autograph It was June of 1968, and I was fleeing for my life, carrying my two-month-old, baby daughter. My brother had managed to scrape together enough money for a first class ticket on an airplane traveling from Atlanta to Detroit. My first marriage had become too dangerous, and as I flew home to be with my family, I felt very agitated. Anything, God, I silently prayed. Anything to break the monotony of my own tortured thoughts. At that moment, my baby bobbed over toward a smoker, a bit of drool dripping from her chin. As she studied him with wide-eyed wonder, she let out an enormous belch, right in his face! It was all I could do to keep from laughing! The man gave a disgusted grunt, and stepping over us, he retreated down the isle into the back of the plane. I never saw him again. Behind me, across the isle, I ...

... " It's over !" Your body slowly sways back and forth to the rhythm of hope. Your arms raise and lower like you are about to conduct a masterpiece written only for you. A gentle breeze interrupts. You close your eyes knowing that this time, and from now on, there will not be the darkness that once consumed you. You have given your life over to Him and with Him comes the Light. This is what faith is. This is what prayer does." I wish you enough !" J~Bob Perks~Good news-Bob Perks ' first book," I Wish You Enough ," Embracing Life's Most Valuable Moments. is now available for ordering. Here's the" Link" to get your copy of Bob's book: I Wish You Enough from Amazon.com. [by: Bob Perks Copyright 2011 (2believe @comcast.net)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... a strong wind coming from the black hole in the sky, Helena felt warm and comfortable. She felt loved and happy and safe. Helena smiled and looked up at the sky. Softly she called up," I don't understand what just happened" Then there came a voice like no other she had ever heard. It seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere. It sang through the trees, and rumbled through the earth and sighed in the long grass" You prayed for help and help has come ," said the voice." You have been given back what you lost. Piece by piece I have patched you up" The voice continued," You cloaked yourself in anger, fear and sadness. Now you have been given something far better to wear. You have been given love and peace. Wear them well" Helena wrinkled her brow and shook her head." I asked for help and the sky fell ," she said. ...

... they always do, around the fire pit. I chuckle at this primitive scene-men tending the fire and women preparing the vegetables. Why is this always the case? Salty steam wafts upward from the coals as the tempting smells of clams and chicken tease my taste buds. What could be better than this? Somehow, I can't imagine being anywhere else on this idyllic autumn afternoon. Sitting around card tables in the yard, we manage to quiet down for a prayer of thanksgiving. Then, at long last, it is time to dig in. Tearing open the mesh bag of steamers, I can hardly wait to swirl each clam in drawn butter. What a gloriously gritty delicacy. Heaven seems near as a lobster tail is placed upon my plate, followed by sweet potatoes and a cup of steaming clam broth. My daughters, content with an ear of sweet corn each, amazingly don't seem to care that much for seafood." ...

... . The child holding the candle" He slowly, nervously turned around toward the crowd and said," I'm sorry. I didn't mean to" and he began to cry. The choir director rushed to his side and assured him everything was fine. Then the young boy said," I always sang along but no one could hear me. Some man was always louder than me" Laughter filled the church. The minister declared," God has indeed answered our prayers. We are blessed once again with" The Voice of Christmas" The organist began again as the young boy was lifted up to sing and they all joined in." Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices! O night divine, O night when Christ was born! O night, O holy night, O night divine !" We are each called to be His Voice not only at Christmas but all year long.~Bob Perks~[ by: ...

... were filled with such joy and here I was stunned and very worried. I was obsessed with cigarettes and I had just told my son that I was giving up smoking as a gift to the baby Jesus. Was I nuts ?? Could I do it ?? No, I knew in my heart that I could not give up smoking and I also knew that this broken promise to my son, would stay with both of us for years to come. So. I prayed and said" Look Jesus I am sorry for jumping the gun here but I made this promise to my child and now I need You to help me keep it". Suddenly I was filled with a deep sense of peace but I still didn't realize that, because I had stepped out in faith (led there by grace alone) I was on my way to a miracle. I jumped up and we all had a ball going from room to room gathering everything to ...

... Tiny fingers Tiny fingers grasp the truth that time is short and summer will be gone too soon. Wrapped around my fingers as we walked along the shore, I prayed at times that you'd stay small and I as young as you needed me to be. Stopping now and then to claim a treasure lying there waiting just for you, you'd say" Daddy, look! This one's even better" And I, stooping down to see it, saw nothing more in it than the last one. But your eyes, your smile, convinced me." Awesome! You're right. That is the best one yet !" I'd confirm. You'd tuck it in your pocket and we'd move on." I wish this would never end ," you said. You must have been reading my mind" It won't if we work real hard at keeping it this way" I remember telling you. Tiny hands held ice cream cones and played with buckets ...

... toys and rusted mason jars quickly swept aside. The fury within was soon unleashed across the plain. A vortex finger spun from below, reaching out to inhale whatever it might make its own. Debris swarmed around it, a million bees circling their hive. Hundred year old oaks were stripped of their bark, chairs were thrust through walls, oil rigs uprooted and tossed aside. Transformers were ripped from their poles, their sparks lit up the sky. Tears fell and prayers were chanted. Cries rang out as the earth was stripped of its very being. The train in the sky powered overhead without mercy, without fear. In its wake lie utmost ruin and destruction. Homes were flattened, hospitals and businesses lay in tatters. Neon signs twisted in the streets, gleaming on the wet concrete. Cars overturned on the highway, their wheels still spinning from the wild winds. The people soon crawled from under the debris, gazing at the catastrophe ...

... is going to be OK. These are just people pretending to be soldiers. She looked at me like I was crazy. In my lap, we talked through the cross and burial." Watch, Bailey, watch for Jesus !" The tomb began to tremble and lightening flashed as the stone rolled away. A super bowl touchdown cheer couldn't come close to matching this little one's reaction to the resurrection." Jesus! He's OK. Mommy, it's Jesus !" I prayed that she wasn't going to be traumatized by this event, but that she would remember it. I shall never forget it. I shall never forget seeing Jesus ' suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection through the eyes of an innocent child. Following the pageant the actors all assembled in the foyer to be greeted by the audience. As we passed by some of the soldiers Bailey screamed out," Bad soldier, don't you hurt Jesus" The actor who portrayed Jesus was some ...

... Three Cows It was a year I will never forget! 1988 would see my family move back to the States after spending eight of the most rewarding years of our lives in the mission field of Thailand. Our departure was more sudden than we had anticipated, as there were problems in our home congregation and the money just was not there. Paula and I prayed for wisdom, and the answer came loud and clear. Yet, we had made so many friends; and it was difficult to pack up eight years into shipping crates and footlockers, get on a train which would take us to an airplane, and just leave! But we did! However, before we left, we spent several weeks traveling all over the country saying good bye to those we loved so much. It was a difficult assignment, but God provided the grace we all needed. I remember one particular good bye that will stay with me forever, or I ...

... thoughts that day in Sunbury Community Hospital) I'm the Mom, the one who abandons the dishes in the sink to go look at a horrible bug with Billy. I trim and arrange myriad bunches of wildflowers and weeds picked by Carol. Bill and I walk through our green, peaceful valley and talk together. I patiently listen to Amy's diet talk. Cindy and Sue come for lunch and share the problems of their working world with me. I love them. I pray for them. How could they manage if I died? But I had to believe that God is sufficient for their many needs, even without my assistance. If He wanted me to go home to heaven, I knew, my Lord would help each one through it. Indeed, He'd help them throughout their lives, because He loves them even more than I do." I will fear no evil" But of all the six verses, one became my very special ...

... dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness and death, and false accusations that took from me my world as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I had spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully; each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me. And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it had been. I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares ...

... a collection before his mom came home. Each driver said goodbye and then they were gone. He shook my hand with a mile-long grin and said," So long trucker, I'll catch you again" I hit that interstate with tears in my eyes. I turned on my radio and got another surprise." Breaker 1-9 ," came a voice on the air," just one word of thanks from Mom Teddy Bear. We wish each and every one a special prayer for you, 'cause you just made my little boy's dream come true" I'll sign off now before I start to cry." May God ride with you; 10-4 and goodbye" [Author Unknown (song by Red Sovine ?)-from Afterhour's Support-Ed: Anon] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... force into the world. Now try saying" I love you" without expectation. If you are doing all of these things those words will not need an echo. They will not hang in mid air and die in sadness because you didn't hear them back. They will be absorbed by the one they were intended for and they will sigh, not in frustration or confusion, but in satisfaction of knowing it is so. You actually do this already. When you pray, you say" I love you, God" You don't wait for a deep sounding voice in reply." This is God .I love you, too !" Why? Because it is understood. We know He loves us not because we hear it, but because we experience it, feel it, and know it. Our true love for Him is not in the words we say, but in the way we live. When we love each other we love God ...

... day to the fullest. Each minute is a blessing from God. And never forget. the people who make a difference in our lives are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care for us. If you see someone without a smile today give them one of yours! Live simply. Love seriously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God. Dear God. I pray for a cancer cure. Amen Please keep this circulating, even if it is only to one person, in memory of anyone you know that has been struck down by cancer or is still fighting their battle. [Author Unknown-received from Kimberly Tew (momma_bitmap @hotmail.com )] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... . He said he knew her husband and also knew the story. The beautiful lady and her parents were in a car that either stalled or got caught on the railroad tracks and was hit by a train. Both parents were killed and she was severely injured. She was only 12 years old. The railroad made a large settlement with her because the crossing had no signals. He explained her car was specially built for her needs as well as the home. I prayed for forgiveness all the way home. The lady I thought had everything, didn't. I thanked God over and over for my legs, arms and sight, and for teaching me a lesson early on in life. When you meet a person who seems to be much better off than you, don't be fooled. I would not have traded places with the beautiful lady for anything-I still had my parents, and the ability to walk, run or dance through life ...

... me, so her grandkids could play the game I did. The new" Big Hand" took Little Bell, polished her brass, and hung her at the front of the tree. Little Bell's brass reflected the lights and glowed with pride. The" Hand" removed ornaments around Little Bell, so she would have her own special spot on the tree. After years of hiding, Bell now hangs in a special spot at the front of the tree, but prays for the day little hands will once again hide her.~Michael T. Smith~< heartsandhumor @gmail.com >Michael lives in Ohio with his wife Ginny and his stepdaughter's family. You can see a list of Mike's stories here: http :// tinyurl.com / moud8u And you can get his stories emailed to you by signing up here: http :// tinyurl.com / ldjruh Please let Michael know what you think of his story: Michael T. Smith [by: Michael T. ...

... 1930's and he seemed to keep his job forever-World War II, the Korean Conflict, Vietnam, and, just before he retired, the Gulf War. It was more than a job. It was Leo's obsession. Leo's world. While Leo cut the grass and tended the flora dispassionately, the Honor Roll stirred him. He'd call the parents of each new recruit and tell them," Not to worry. God is on our side. And I will pray for your kid's safe return" To Leo, these young men and women were" kids"-his kids. He watched them grow and saw many of them compete in team sports on his grass and cinders. And he watched them work in our hometown. And on those days he painted gold stars, he'd visit his kids ' homes and shared their family's grief. He brought the ceremonial gold star flags to their widows and parents who displayed them on their front door ...

... , and power as no other nation has ever grown." But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us." It has seemed to me fit and proper that God should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November as a day of Thanksgiving and praise ...

... bring God's grace to someone else rather than defending our turf, stating our position, or returning a sarcastic zinger. In very tough times, Peter reminded God's people: Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate when people say unkind things about you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God wants you to do, and he will bless you for it. (1 Peter 3: 9) Fourth, we must begin each day with prayer, asking God to use us to be his blessing in the lives of those we will touch that day. We should ask for help in saying the right things at the right time with the right attitude. If we have special meetings scheduled, we can ask for God's grace and help to say things properly. Not all of our conversations will be easy, pleasant, and non-confrontational. But we can speak the truth in the love and display courtesy as well as courage ...

... there is a message hidden within the rose and the thorns. When we understand that message, we will appreciate not only the exquisite flower, but also the thorns that adorn it. You pick a rose, drawn by its beauty, but suddenly your finger is pierced and you experience a stab of pain, while a drop of scarlet blood appears on your finger. Thorn-Pain-Blood. You see the parallel-the hidden message-and you whisper a prayer." Thank You, Lord, for enduring the pain of your crown of thorns, for shedding your sacred, precious blood on the cross to provide forgiveness for my sins" You have begun to understand the value of the thorns. You have seen God in a rose. There was no hint of beauty in the crown of thorns He wore, as His sacred head was bleeding and the crowd cried out for more; No loveliness in Jesus as He hung on Calvary's ...

... to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness, and death, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me. And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was. I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of ...

... and she's real tired. And besides-a burned biscuit never hurt anyone !" Life is full of imperfect things and imperfect people. I'm not the best at hardly anything, and I forget birthdays and anniversaries just like everyone else. But what I've learned over the years is that learning to accept each others faults-and choosing to celebrate each others differences-is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship. And that's my prayer for you today. That you will learn to take the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of your life and lay them at the feet of God. Because in the end, He's the only One who will be able to give you a relationship where a burned biscuit isn't a deal-breaker! We could extend this to any relationship. In fact, understanding is the base of any relationship, be it a husband-wife or parent-child or friendship!" Don't put the ...

... had was twelve dollars. I took out the money. “ What would you like ?” she asked again. “ Believe it or not, all I want is an empty cup ,” I told her. Slowly she reached over and handed me a small empty coke cup. When I held out the twelve dollars she, looking puzzled, reached out and took the money. “ Happy Grandparents day and tell Mark hello from Roger and Judy and that he is in our prayers ” The woman covered her face and turned away. “ Thank you, thank you, thank you ,” she said. “ No, thank you for being such wonderful Grandparents to Mark ,” I replied. I turned and headed back to my truck. Sometimes in our own joy we forget just how lucky we are.~Roger Dean Kiser~True stories from The Life and Times of Roger Dean Kiser http :// www.geocities.com / trampolineone / survive / srv080.htm My book “ Runaway-Life ...

... , became blind. Due to a medical misdiagnosis she had been rendered sightless, and she was suddenly thrown into a world of darkness, anger, frustration and self-pity. Once a fiercely independent woman, Susan now felt condemned by this terrible twist of fate to become a powerless, helpless burden on everyone around her." How could this have happened to me ?" she would plead, her heart knotted with anger. But no matter how much she cried or ranted or prayed, she knew the painful truth that her sight was never going to return. A cloud of depression hung over Susan's once optimistic spirit. Just getting through each day was an exercise in frustration and exhaustion. And all she had to cling to was her husband Mark. Mark was an Air Force officer and he loved Susan with all of his heart. When she first lost her sight, he watched her sink into despair and was determined to help his wife gain the strength ...

... fear, he saw an opportunity to get what he wanted. His desire for the prize outweighed his fear of the storm. That's when it hit me. There was a powerful lesson in it for me and I hope for you. As humans we face all kinds of storms. They roll in unannounced, pass through quickly or stay for much too long. Sometimes we crawl into a corner or pull the blankets of false security over our heads and shake and shiver praying it will all pass so we can get on with life. If you dare stick your head out for a moment you might be surprised to discover there are people out there in the same storms doing what they must do to get what they must have out of life. Most storms are like those natural storms. Yes, there is the reality of experiencing some damage or loss, but for the most part they are all thunder and lightening putting on a show of God's ...

... trying to build a wall so no one can ever get in, it can't happen. God is there with you and the light of love finds a way through the tiniest cracks. You are loved even when you are not lovable, even when you don't want to love in return and even when the pain of love feels greater than the joy of love. You can pull the covers over your head and love will find you." I'll see you in my prayers !"" I wish you enough !" J~Bob Perks~Good news-Bob Perks ' first book," I Wish You Enough ," Embracing Life's Most Valuable Moments. is now available for ordering. Here's the" Link" to get your copy of Bob's book: I Wish You Enough from Amazon.com. [by: Bob Perks Copyright 2009 (2believe @comcast.net)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... herself growing up and marrying the prince of her dreams as she completed her dish-washing chores. Mothers could solve their entire child rearing problems as they sanitized their pots and pans, while gazing through the kitchen windowpane. On rare occasions, when a man could be talked into this dreaded household task, he often solved some of the world's biggest problems, studying them through the kitchen window. Some great novels, I would venture to say, were conceived that very way. Prayers too, have been offered up to the Almighty as some stood with their hands in soapy water and their eyes on Heavenly skies. Music scores have been penned in the mind, their notes floating through the fluted space above the kitchen sink. Bridges of dreams have crossed into future realities traveling this same course. Oh, if kitchen windows could talk, we could hear secrets known to those who hold undisclosed mysteries. We could share dreams of the world's great romantics and connect ...

... pride and foolish stubbornness to ruin her life. Unfaithfulness is wrong. Revenge is bad. But the worst part of all is that, without forgiveness, bitterness is all that is left. The state of your heart dictates whether you harbor a grudge or give grace, seek self-pity or seek Christ, drink human misery or taste God ’ s mercy. No wonder, then, the wise man begs, “ Above all else, guard your heart ” David ’ s prayer should be ours: “ Create in me a pure heart, O God ” [by: Max Lucado-from Malladi, via 'Nancy Cantafio ' (ncantafio @sault.com)] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... read to her until she fell asleep. When I kissed her goodbye, she woke and tried to say something, but no words came out. “ We are in His care ,” I said. My third novel, Lumby ’ s Bounty, will be released in January, and I will once again sit at my mother ’ s bedside where I will read her the first words of my novel. I will rest my head on her shoulder, say a soft prayer, and so deeply wish that she was still with me. But I will also feel so grateful for the life we shared and the faith we had, and I will always remember how she helped my find Lumby and my life of blessed meaning.~Gail Fraser~Author of the Lumby series ABOUT THE AUTHOR Prior to changing her life and becoming a novelist, Gail Fraser had a successful career in corporate America holding senior executive positions in several Fortune 500 corporations. A ...

... knew I wanted him, I knew he was the pup I had been looking for. To me, the nondescript, unwanted runt, was the pick of the litter. And choosing a name was easy: he was SCRUFFY. No other name would have suited him. A mongrel Scruffy may have been, a thirteenth, a runt, but he was no moron. In the trick department he could roll over, speak, jump through a hoop, say his prayers, count on command, or do any number of other tricks, including retrieving any article I would suggest, even if I had lined up thirteen items. He never made a mistake. Scruffy, the little brown terrier-type pup, wore his personality in his tail. His was straggly, and far too long for the rest of him. At first I had wondered about having it docked. But as the time went on I was glad I had decided to let him ...

... I could see any of my flowers peeking through the earth as the snow melted. I told myself," they will never make and neither will I" This was a new way of living for me-discouragement had never been a part of my life but now ….Early one morning my phone rang and a very busy religious leader asked me how I was feeling. As he continued to talk to me, I began to hear answers I had been struggling with and praying about. For one of the Lord's busiest servants to take time for me was so gratifying and very humbling. Our conversation brought the relief I so desperately needed. Even though physically, there remained a mountain to climb, I had now received inspiration to help me understand some of the injustices of life. The next morning dawned a beautiful spring day. I was determined that I would walk around the lawn and stop at each flowerbed. As I stopped to rest at the ...

... longing for a kind, gentle touch, I would hope that someone would stop and speak to me. If I were empty, running on nothing but the little energy I had left from a battle going on within myself, I would wish that someone would fill the void with the words of kindness, caring and concern. If I were stolen away by fear and confusion .if I were taken off to a place where darkness reigns and self pity blinded reality .I would pray that I'd be missed and rescued. So, ask yourself that question today. Would you? Would you take in the dogs? Would you look for a lost friend or even a stranger? Would you offer a kind word? Would you search long enough to find someone you love who was stolen away by fear and doubt? What good is faith without action?" I wish you enough !" J~Bob Perks~Good news-Bob Perks ' first book, ...

... In reality, the boy shows up for the game. The coach tells he and his mom afterwards that he had decided that if Johnny hadn't played he would have told him to turn in his uniform and kicked him off the team. I hated this ending. I was in need of a good real life happy ending story and was left empty. The only real joy is in knowing that the young man cared that much. It gives me hope. I only pray that the coach didn't squash his spirit. That evening I asked God to fan the spark that made Johnny care for his friend so that he will one day do even greater things in a world that needs more compassion and caring. Oh, yes. I was told this is the coach's last year.~Bob Perks~2believe @comcast.net [by: Bob Perks Copyright 2007 (2believe @comcast.net)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved ...

... be with me, I am more afraid of what lies ahead than what lies within those doors" The ground floor area remained empty, No one would join us as we stepped into the elevator. I looked down and she was wiping away tears." Who are you here to see ?" I asked." My husband has a pace maker. He is having a hard time breathing ," she replied." I promise you that I will see him in my prayers ," I said as I reached for the 6th floor button. Normally even a short ride on these elevators involves stopping at several floors on a busy day. This one was non stop. As we stepped off I asked," Do you know where you are going ?"" No ," she whispered." Does he have a room ?"" Yes, 676"" Let's go find him ," I said as I placed my left hand on her shoulder. We walked ...

... place and rest awhile ” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and His apostles didn't even have time to eat. They could not keep up the pace without stopping. The saying, “ If the devil can't make you bad, he will make you busy ”, is very true. But, sometimes our “ life racing ” causes us to become distant from God; because we are not getting the proper refreshment we need. The prayer, meditation, and study that keeps us hydrated, fed, and focused on running a winning race in this life. Bill Rodgers was stopping and refreshing to win a race. Jesus Christ was stopping and refreshing to win lives. May we learn from Jesus and Bill to stop splashing and dashing. Take the time to get refreshed, and live to win!" I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint" Jeremiah 31: 25 NIV~Tom Rogers~Copyright ...

... was until today. Marianne stopped me to tell me her printer wouldn't work. It had issues when we first connected it, but then they were resolved. I guess it was fine until today. I am normally not a patient man. God has given me many gifts and talents. Patience was not one of them. With all of this happening in one morning you would think I would be crazed. I'm not. My car still sits outside and I am praying that it will start a little later and it won't cost me much to correct the problem. My computer cannot be used, but I am told by the manufacturer that a service person will call me in 2-3 days to schedule a time to fix it. My wife's printer is now working. So, what's my point? Stuff happens. That's it. I could easily see all of this as my life falling apart or accept that sometimes a number of things happen all ...

... at one another and asked how she knew about this, we hadn't heard a thing! We knew about her son; but only that he had been wounded in the war, and didn ’ t live in the area." I guess she hasn't seen him for a while, he lived some place in another state, and I only knew about it because Renι ’ s Dad was helping her with the burial arrangements" Our daughter finished. I thought about the prayer chain that was used for everything from an illness with a newborn to someone who had been diagnosed with cancer, and yet nobody had shared a thing about Mrs. Mitchell and her son. As the meal ended I spoke with my husband, and he said he would call Renι ’ s Dad and talk with him. I knew Mrs. Mitchell wouldn't be at the evening service that night, she hardly ever ventured out after dark, but something was telling me I should ...

... would have kissed him." Yes, of course" People say it is like having the weight of the world lifted off your shoulders. It's the wrong description. It's like an elephant standing on your chest. The weight keeps you from breathing. My elephant stepped off. I can breathe again. It's time to get to work. I'm not going to miss this sofa. Note: I start on April 11th. Thanks to all of you for your constant prayers during these hard times for me. LOVE YOU ALL.~Michael T. Smith~< heartsandhumor @gmail.com >Michael lives in Ohio with his wife Ginny and his stepdaughter's family. You can see a list of Mike's stories here: http :// tinyurl.com / moud8u And you can get his stories emailed to you by signing up here: http :// tinyurl.com / ldjruh Let Michael know what you think of his story: Michael T. Smith [by: Michael T. Smith ...

... exist. Yes, a number of Christians had gone through the class but for 20 years, they were afraid to stand-up and say anything. A few years ago, there was a freshman who happened to enroll in the class. He was a Christian, and he heard the stories about this professor. But he had to take the class because it was required for his major. He too was afraid of the professor. So, for 3 months that semester he prayed every morning that he would have the courage to standup no matter what the professor said or what the class thought. Nothing the professor said could ever shatter his faith, he hoped. Finally the day came. The professor said ," If there's anyone here who still believes in God, stand up !" The professor and the class of 300 students looked surprised, as the young Christian student stood-up. The professor shouted," You FOOL! If God existed, he could keep ...

... Declaration of Independence" the American forces (greatly outnumbered) were fighting a against the British (the most powerful nation in the world). Some believe that only 3 %of the American people took part in the struggle for independence, and many aided the British cause by giving them housing etc. Prevalent in the hearts and minds of the American people, was apathy, self-interests, uncertainty, and fear. It is well known that George Washington was a man of prayer and great courage as he would ride and lead his own troops into battle. THE WORDS OF GEORGE WASHINGTON (THE FATHER OF AMERICA)" This afternoon, as I was sitting at this table engaged in preparing a dispatch, something seemed to disturb me. Looking up, I beheld standing opposite me a singularly beautiful female. So astonished was I, for I had given strict orders not to be disturbed, that it was some moments before I found language to inquire the ...

... us. (It's amazing how quickly children can learn) When Pa went to take the garbage to the dumpster, Hannah went along. She had a blast! She giggled as she told me how badly it smelled. She explained to me how Pa tossed the bags and they landed right where he aimed. We played with the dogs and cats. We fed the goldfish in our pond. Hannah said the blessing before each meal. Together, we recited her bedtime prayers. I rocked Katie to sleep. We took the girls to the zoo. They shuddered when they spied the alligators and giggled when they saw the monkeys. We drew pictures and colored. We did nothing special. But we had a great time doing it! Sunday came much too quickly. After four nights with Nana and Pa, it was time for the girls to return home. I expected them to be thrilled to get back to their toy room, their outside ...

... you lose consciousness ?" I asked. Michael continued," .the paramedics were great. They kept telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the ER and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared. In their eyes, I read 'he's a dead man ' I knew I needed to take action"" What did you do ?" I asked. It was then I recited the Lord's Prayer out loud for all to hear." Well, then there was a big burly nurse shouting questions at me ," said Michael. She asked if I was allergic to anything." Yes, I replied" The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for my reply. I took a deep breath and yelled," Gravity" Over their laughter, I told them," I am choosing to live and my guardian angels are all around. Operate on me as ...

... Author of change, and the Provider of forgiveness. He came to bring new meaning to ‘ life ’" Men and women squirmed as reality hit them like an electrical current. The stranger tugged at his knotted gray beard, and removed it." I ’ m here to tell you that we are loved with a Love far beyond human understanding, a Love that enables us to accept and love others in return" Then tenderly he added," Let ’ s pray together" That wise pastor-under the guise of a homeless" nobody"-did not preach a sermon that day, but every person left with plenty to think about. By: Bonnie Bruno" It is a sin to hate your neighbor. But being kind to the needy brings happiness" (Proverbs 14: 21) [By: Bonnie Bruno Copyright 1997-from KJ-{ Used with Permission}] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... knowing fully that I would get in trouble. But I had been there before. I knew trouble well. This moment was much more important. But today the rain had stopped and only memories of it remained. So I grabbed a chair and sat on the front porch. I challenged myself to sit still. I rocked and wiggled at first, nervously changing my position to find a comfortable spot. Then suddenly it happened. It wasn't the first time and I pray it won't be the last. I felt a part of everything around me. I immediately connected with the world. I felt at peace, rested and a part of something bigger. I tuned into the sounds of the birds sharing their early evening chatter. I watched each car pass and seeing the driver, wondered who they were and how their life was going. Was that red car a reflection of their personality? Did that expensive convertible shout" look at me, ...

... you see me down here, miserable !"" Oh, I see you. I'm here, always and forever. Speak to me"" I am speaking to you! I want to have some peace in my life, you know, Lord .but I don't want you mad at me! He's driving me crazy !"" And he's doing what ?"" First of all .he's breathing my air !"" THAT'S NOT GOOD ENOUGH, SUE !" I spent so many years praying for God to change him. God doesn't play fair sometimes. It seems that all along God was changing me. I had to come face to face with the fact that 'submissiveness ' just isn't my best quality. (Not even close !) But, I spend a small part of each day working on it. I was so busy with my girls and my life that I didn't realize how little of myself I gave to him. I concentrated on the fact that we ...

... He comforted her in their yellow room, painted that way so that she could always be surrounded by sunshine, even when she was too sick to go out side. Now the cancer was again attacking her body. With the help of a cane and my grandfather's steady hand, they went to church every morning. But my grandmother grew steadily weaker until, finally, she could not leave the house anymore. For a while, Grandpa would go to church alone, praying to God to watch over his wife. Then one day, what we all dreaded finally happened. Grandma was gone." Shmily" It was scrawled in yellow on the pink ribbons of my grandmother's funeral bouquet. As the crowd thinned and the last mourners turned to leave, my aunts, uncles, cousins and other family members came forward and gathered around Grandma one last time. Grandpa stepped up to my grandmother's casket and, taking a shaky breath, he began to ...

... lit up the darkening skies, and within moments that great plane was like a cork tossed around on a celestial ocean. One moment the airplane was lifted on terrific currents of air; the next, it dropped as if it were about to crash. The pastor confessed that he shared the discomfort and fear of those around him. He said," As I looked around the plane, I could see that nearly all the passengers were upset and alarmed. Some were praying. The future seemed ominous and many were wondering if they would make it through the storm. And then, I suddenly saw a girl to whom the storm meant nothing. She had tucked her feet beneath her as she sat on her seat and was reading a book. Everything within her small world was calm and orderly. Sometimes she closed her eyes, then she would read again; then she would straighten her legs, but worry and fear were not in her world ...

... even more in the difficult times because that's when you shine and the world sees your best. I'm proud of you !" Now for you, my" friend I've never met"." You take time each day to search out and read positive, uplifting messages on the internet. Your love for people shows when you pass along special messages for your friends facing challenges. Your faith is strong and evident when you lift up others, offer spiritual support and encouragement and pray for people you don't even know. You are a part of the world's largest support group giving hope to those whose only connection to others may be the internet." I'm proud of you !" J~Bob Perks~[ by: Bob Perks Copyright 2009 (2believe @comcast.net)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... looked at Jay and said," Well, there ya'are" And with each progressive downturn in her health, she wouldn't moan or complain – it was just," Well, there ya'are" To me, the phrase doesn't suggest resignation or defeat. Once again, if you knew Patty you'd understand that. She was a fighter, and she battled her illness valiantly right up to the end. She fought, she worked, she tried, she suffered and she prayed. She fought so hard that there were some who knew her who wondered if she wasn't accepting the reality of her situation. But she did. Just a few days before she died, when it was clear that the end was coming, she looked at Jay and smiled weakly." Well ," she said, shrugging her shoulders," there ya'are" That wasn't surrender on Patty's part. That was acceptance of life as it is, with its sometimes frustrating, sometimes ...

... They Wont Let Me In It was a beautiful Sunday morning. People were filling the church to its full capacity! As they entered, each were given a bulletin filled with announcements, topic of today's sermon, what songs they would sing and who to pray for. At the end of the line stood an older man. His clothes were filthy and you could tell that he had not bathed in days. His face was covered with whiskers, for he had not shaved for a very long time. When he reached the usher, he removed his tattered old brown hat in respect. His hair was long, dirty, and a tangled mess. He had no shoes on his feet, and wore only soiled black socks to cover the sores upon his feet. The Usher looked at him turning up his nose at the old man and said," Uh, I'm sorry sir, but I'm afraid we can't let you in. You ...

... Thank You, Lord A newly arrived soul in Heaven was met by St. Peter. The saint toured the soul around Heaven. Both of them walked side by side inside a large workroom filled with angels. St. Peter stopped in front of the first section and said," This is the Receiving Section. Here, all the petitions to God said in prayer are received" The soul looked at the section, and it was terribly busy with so many angels sorting out petitions written on voluminous paper sheets from all the people of the world. They walked again until they reached the 2nd section, and St. Peter told the soul," This is the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here, the graces and blessings the people asked for are packed and delivered to the persons who asked for them down on earth" The soul saw how busy it was. There were so many angels working in that room, since so many blessing ...

... be reminded how important it was to listen to people if only for a few seconds, a few hours, or for a lifetime. He apparently never learned that lesson. I did worry about him the rest of the day. I worried that most people would not give him the opportunity. A few people on the train made derogatory comments to me because they felt sorry that we had to listen to him. Perhaps I was sent to him. Maybe he was praying to God to meet someone who would listen. It does work both ways. It is a fact, God gave us two ears and one mouth, because we need to listen twice as much as we speak. Thanks for listening!" I believe in You !" J~Bob Perks~[ by: Bob Perks Copyright 2009 (2believe @comcast.net)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... soil to know how dependent they were on God's Providence. They had learned to thank God in the midst of the bitterness of winter past. And they were quick to thank Him during abundant blessing, too. We teach our children to say" please" and" thank you" as the rudiments of courtesy, yet it is so easy to be rude and unthinking toward God. How often we forget to gratefully acknowledge His goodness towards us. This Thanksgiving let your prayers and expressions of love rise toward your Heavenly Father." What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord" (Psalm 116: 12-13) [by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... have tried to perfect myself, and I have failed. I have tried to believe the world ’ s message, but I have found no answers. I have followed the paths forged by others only to find disaster at every bend in the road. Only God has given me the answers that I have sought. Peace. Love. Fulfillment. The change in my life is not a complicated one. It ’ s not about how good I am or how I pray or how often I go to church. It ’ s not about money or fame or popularity. I cannot speak for others. They must decide for themselves. I only know that the world has given me no happiness. After searching my entire life, I have only been able to find the answers to my questions on my knees at the foot of the Cross.~Jaye Lewis~Jaye Lewis is an award winning writer, who looks at life from a unique ...

... offering." God bless you, Ma'am. I cannot thank you enough" A week later, a new Santa stood ringing the bell." What happened to the other Santa ?" She asked." He paused his ringing to inform her," I'm sorry to say, he's very sick today" She dropped her coins in the bucket and walked away with a heavy heart. Her hand and foot warmers were not enough to prevent Santa from getting sick. She prayed for his health. Later that day, a co-worker came into her office in tears." I don't know what I'm going to do"" What's wrong ?" she asked." It's my ex-husband" Her co-worker wiped a tear from her eye and continued." I don't have any money to buy my boys anything for Christmas. I called my ex-husband last night and asked if he was sending money for them. He told me that these were tough times. The ...

... always in perfect obedience to the Father's will. But then it came time for the cross. In the garden came the greatest battle of His life. He cried out to God and said," Take this cup from me" Jesus declared: I don't want to do this, I don't want to go to the cross, I don't want to finish what you sent me to do. Father, let's switch to plan 'B '-quickly. But as he prayed and struggled, He finally found the faith, the strength, the focus to say," Father, what I want doesn't matter. Not my will, but Yours be done" Would Jesus ' teaching have really had any eternal benefit for us today if He didn't take that last step of giving Himself completely to God by going to the cross? NO. Would it matter that he healed a few thousand people during His ministry? NO. Would it matter that He ...

... ? It is actually the only thing that follows us wherever we go. Perhaps it's a good idea to cultivate and strengthen it NOW rather than to wait until we're on our death bed to lament. <>< For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Matthew 16: 26 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5: 23 [Author unknown-submitted by OurCherokeeRose, via Charlotte (GAgirl @flash.net)] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... dozens. Maybe you don't see them at all. Maybe it really doesn't mean a thing to you. Maybe you see them as your next meal. I see the little things as big. I see the asking for one being multiplied ten times over. I see that moment as God's way of affirming He listens. I see that if He will do that for me, imagine what He and I will do together for you." I'll see you in my prayers !"" I wish you enough !" J~Bob Perks~Good news-Bob Perks ' first book," I Wish You Enough ," Embracing Life's Most Valuable Moments. is now available for ordering. Here's the" Link" to get your copy of Bob's book: I Wish You Enough from Amazon.com. [by: Bob Perks Copyright 2011 (2believe @comcast.net)-{ used with permission}] Cartoons Daily Inspiration HOME Humor Messages Poems Quotes Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All ...

... toy? a stuffed bunny he'd inexplicably named Malcolm? and tried to be very brave. So did I." You're going to have a wonderful time !" I remember saying too cheerfully. He didn't look convinced. He kept rubbing his finger across Malcolm's head, something he did often to comfort the rather emotional rabbit." It makes Malcolm feel better ," he'd once explained to me. I think it probably made my little man feel better, too. I remember praying silently on that drive that he would like school and that the other kids would be nice to him and that his teachers would be smart enough to see how utterly special this blue-eyed child was? head and shoulders above any other kid in the school or any other kid in the world for that matter. Maybe I was a little biased. But only a little. When we arrived at the preschool, he got out of the car with Malcolm tucked under his arm. ...

... Day" he said, stopping suddenly as he searched his inside pocket of his sport coat." Do you need something ?" I asked." Oh, no. Here. I think I have it right here. I always carry them with me ," he said. Then pulling out a hand full of papers he shuffled through them and handed me a business card that read:" John A. Pomicter Friend to all .enemy to no one! I said a prayer today and you were the answer. Thank you !"" That's for you ," he said." Thanks for stopping to help an old man"" My friend, you helped me. I discovered that I was unhappy with the world and I was part of the problem. Now I'll be part of the solution. No more with me !"" Then this was meant to be ," he said smiling." You know God sends me gifts every day and always at ...

... years of that time in isolation. He endured ten months of total darkness. Those months were the longest of his life. When they boarded up his little seven-by-seven foot cell, shutting out the light, he wondered if he was going to make it. He had already been under intense physical and mental duress after years of confinement. And now, not a glimmer of light shone into his cell-or into his soul. Robbie spent hours a day exercising and praying. But at times he felt he could nothing but scream. Not wanting to give his captors the satisfaction of knowing they'd broken him, he stuffed clothing into his mouth to muffle the noise as he screamed at the top of his lungs. One day Robbie got down on the floor and crawled under his bunk. He located a vent that let in outside air. As he pressed against the vent, he saw a faint glimmer of light reflected on the inside wall of ...

... dog ’ s old jacket. The reason we have outdoor dogs is that I am allergic to dogs, especially dog hair. So I slept on a cold mattress in a cold cabin in the winter with only that dirty dog jacket for my source of heat. As the evening progressed I had a full allergic reaction, watering eyes, itching and deep choking fits. I looked the part of a drug user. I was told that the girls ’ cabin had a prayer service for their safety. The kid in the bunk next to me stayed awake all-night. Later, He told me that he knew karate and planned to use it on me if I got out of bed. What sweet kids! The theme of the youth speaker ’ s messages where What Would Jesus Do? During each chapel I acted bored and pretended to sleep. The youth pastor had placed the exact number of chairs as kids in the chapel, plus two extra chairs ...

... the battlefield ready to give his life for ours. White may be the color of angels who ultimately guide our nation ’ s heroes to the next and final frontier. A frontier where there are no battles. Highways and bi-ways moan and groan under the weight of thousands of motorists as they journey home in a never ending rhythm of gleaming steel and metal. Malls full of shoppers haggling over goods and rushing to sales. The farmer plowing a field in endless rows, praying for rain. The roar of the buses and trains and planes. Tiny windows glittering amber light within the towering skyscrapers overlooking it all. Our land. Our freedom. Our country. Home after home I passed, as I commuted to my destination. Maybe someone in that endless row lost a father or brother or son or even a daughter. A life given so I could have mine. A century of lives given so we could have futures Thousands of soldiers who now ...

... is my specialty"" I can get them fighting over all kinds of different beliefs and idea's. I have many, many people walking around with hate in their hearts who once loved"" It is really easy, I can get them angry over money, positions, knowledge. It is almost like they are ready to get upset over how someone else lives or believes"" Just yesterday I had 2 men who are neighbors and are Christians fighting over healing and prayer. You should have seen them, I had God crying over those two. I am really glad I came when I did because one of the men's boys got to see the argument and he was really close to asking Jesus into his life, that was a close one"" Then the other day {I should get a medal for this} this 'fella Jack took one of his friends at work to church with him. This man almost decided to ask Jesus into ...

... to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly Fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also been Trials of illness, and wealth, and false accusations that took from me my World, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with The temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and Begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and Guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured Painfully, each time offering it U p to the Father in hopes that I would Not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly Judged Me. And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to Accept it for what it was. I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares ...

... . We were rugged outdoor kids who simply loved adventure. We didn't sit indoors like most kids today, playing video games and surfing the Net; we were too busy out playing ball, swinging on grapevines, catching crawdads and minnows, hiking, swimming or fishing at the old pond, camping, or anything else that would get us out of the house. Had our parents only known a fraction of what we were doing, they would have surely maintained a fuller prayer life. We especially loved to play games. We'd play hide-and-seek, tag, and tackle-the-man-with-the-football, as well as make-believe games like cowboys and Indians or cops and robbers. In the world of make-believe, guns were created by sticking your thumb straight up and extending your index finger straight out while curling the other three fingers around a make-believe pistol grip. If someone pointed his" gun" at you and shouted" Bang !" or" Pow !" you were considered dead and were ...

... nurses aides, and the janitors, and the residents and even the families who had also lined the halls. Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me, I once was lost, but now I ’ m found Was blind, but now I see … His heart filled with joy as he watch the stretcher slowly pass. Residents patted her leg, or stroked her hair as she was slowly wheeled into the glittering sunlight. Lips mouthed soundless prayers, as others sang proudly for her, and to the heavens above. Twas Grace that taught my heart to fear And Grace, my fears relieved How precious did that Grace appear The hour I first believed … Soon, she was gone. His heart sang as he wished her well on her next journey. He eased himself back into his walker, and slowly began making his way down the long hall. He had the urge to turn back once more, gazing at ...

... where to call home. Some had pillows over their heads as they slept. Others tossed and turned, trying desperately to find comfort which didn ’ t exist in a place like this. Nor, would comfort come when they were turned back into the city at sunrise. Comfort was not something that was a part of their existence. Comfort only came in the form of a blanket and pillow and warm meal within the shelter, come nightfall. I whisper a silent prayer as I quietly slip away into the moonlight. As I make my way back home, I realize the search for my father had, in essence, opened my eyes to the world around me. Perhaps a divine force had driven me to seek him out in the homeless shelter. For now, I see with clarity that the homeless are one of us. They could be your old friend. They might have been your minister, or your co-worker. They might have ...