Please Read for Inspiration Part 2

[Fluttering]

This is really beautiful... God is not sleeping.

Consumed by my loss, I didn't notice the hardness of the pew where I sat. I was at the
funeral of my dearest friend -- my mother. She finally had lost her long battle with cancer.
The hurt was so intense; I found it hard to breathe at times. Always supportive, Mother clapped
loudest at my school plays, held a box of tissues while listening to my first heartbreak, comforted me at my father's death, encouraged me in college, and prayed for me my entire life.
When mother's illness was diagnosed, my sister had a new baby and my brother had recently married his childhood sweetheart, so it fell on me, the 27-year-old middle child without entanglements, to take care of her. I counted it an honor. "What now, Lord?" I asked sitting in church. My life stretched out before me as an empty abyss. My brother sat stoically with his face toward the cross while clutching his wife's hand. My sister sat slumped against her husband's shoulder, his arms around her as she cradled their child. All so deeply grieving, no one noticed I sat alone.


My place had been with our mother, preparing her meals, helping her walk, taking her to the doctor, seeing to her medication, reading the Bible together. Now she was with the Lord. My work was finished, and I was alone. I heard a door open and slam shut at the back of the church. Quick footsteps hurried along the carpeted floor. An exasperated young man looked around briefly and then sat next to me. He folded his hands and placed them on his lap. His eyes were brimming with tears. He began to sniffle. "I'm late," he explained, though no explanation was necessary

After several eulogies, he leaned over and commented, "Why do they keep calling Mary by the name of Margaret?'"

"Because that was her name, Margaret. Never Mary. No one called her 'Mary,'" I whispered. I
wondered why this person couldn't have sat on the other side of the church He interrupted my grieving with his tears and fidgeting. Who was this stranger anyway?

" No, that isn't correct," he insisted, as several people glanced over at us whispering, "Her
name is Mary, Mary Peters."

"That isn't who this is."

"Isn't this the Lutheran church?"

"No, the Lutheran church is across the street."

"Oh."

" I believe you're at the wrong funeral, Sir."

The solemn ness of the occasion mixed with the realization of the man's mistake bubbled up inside me and came out as laughter. I cupped my hands over my face, hoping it would be interpreted as sobs. The creaking pew gave me away. Sharp looks from other mourners only made the situation seem more hilarious. I peeked at the bewildered, misguided man seated beside me. He was laughing, too, as he glanced around, deciding it was too late for an uneventful exit. I imagined Mother laughing. At the final "Amen," we darted out a door and into the parking lot. "I do believe we'll be the talk of the town," he smiled. He said his name was Rick and since he had missed his aunt's funeral, asked me out for a cup of coffee.

That afternoon began a lifelong journey for me with this man who attended the wrong funeral, but was in the right place. A year after our meeting, we were married at a country church where he was the assistant pastor. This time we both arrived at the same church, right on time.

In my time of sorrow, God gave me laughter. In place of loneliness, God gave me love. This
past June we celebrated our twenty-second wedding anniversary. Whenever anyone asks us how we met, Rick tells them, "Her mother and my Aunt Mary introduced us, and it's truly a match made in heaven."

Jesus said, "If you are ashamed of me, I will be ashamed of you before my Father. "Not ashamed? Pass this on only if you mean it. Yes, I do Love God. He is my source of existence and Savior. He keeps me functioning each and everyday. Without him, I am nothing, but with Him I can do all things, through Christ that strengthens me. (Phil. 4:13) If you Love God, and
are not ashamed of all the marvelous things he has done for you, Praise Him.
give glory to Him.

[stud0134]

Daddy's Poem

Her hair was up in a pony tail, her favorite dress tied with a bow.
Today was Daddy's Day at school, and she couldn't wait to go.
But her mommy tried to tell her, that she probably should stay home.
Why the kids might not understand, if she went to school alone.

But she was not afraid; she knew just what to say.
What to tell her classmates of why he wasn't there today.
But still her mother worried, for her to face this day alone.
And that was why once again, she tried to keep her daughter home.
But the little girl went to school eager to tell them all.
About a dad she never sees a dad who never calls.
There were daddies along the wall in back, for everyone to meet.
Children sq uirming impatiently, anxious in their seats
One by one the teacher called a student from the class.
To introduce their daddy, as seconds slowly passed.
At last the teacher called her name, every child turned to stare.
Each of them was searching, a man who wasn't there.

"Where's her daddy at?" She heard a boy call out.
"She probably doesn't have one," another student dared to shout.
And from somewhere near the back, she heard a daddy say,
"Looks like another deadbeat dad, too busy to waste his day."

The words did not offend her, as she smiled up at her Mom.
And looked back at her teacher, who told her to go on.
And with hands behind her back, slowly she began to speak.
And out from the mouth of a child, came words incredibly unique.

"My Daddy couldn't be here, because h e lives so far away.
But I know he wishes he could be, since this is such a special day.
And though you cannot meet him, I wanted you to know.
All about my daddy, and how much he loves me so.

He loved to tell me stories he taught me to ride my bike.
He surprised me with pink roses, and taught me to fly a kite.
We used to share fudge sundaes, and ice cream in a cone.
And though you cannot see him. I'm not standing here alone.

"Cause my daddy's always with me, even though we are apart
I know because he told me, he'll forever be in my heart"
With that, her little hand reached up, and lay across her chest.
Feeling her own heartbeat, beneath her favorite dress.

And from somewhere here in the crowd of dads, her mother stood in
tears.
Proudly watching her daughter, who was wis e beyond her years.
For she stood up for the love of a man not in her life.
Doing what was best for her, doing what was right.

And when she dropped her hand back down, staring straight into the
crowd.
She finished with a voice so soft, but its message clear and loud
"I love my daddy very much, he's my shining star.
And if he could, he'd be here, but heaven's just too far.

You see he is a Marine and died just this past year
When a roadside bomb hit his convoy and taught Americans to fear.
But sometimes when I close my eyes, it's like he never went away."
And then she closed her eyes, and saw him there that day.
And to her mothers amazement, she witnessed with surprise.
A room full of daddies and children, all starting to close their eyes.
Who knows what they saw before them, who k nows what they felt inside.
Perhaps for merely a second, they saw him at her side.

"I know you're with me Daddy," to the silence she called out.
And what happened next made believers, of those once filled with doubt.
Not one in that room could explain it, for each of their eyes had been closed
But there on the desk beside her, was a fragrant long-stemmed pink rose.

And a child was blessed, if only for a moment, by the love of her
shining star
And given the gift of believing, that heaven is never too far.

They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to
appreciate them, a day to love them, but then an entire life to forget
them.

Send this to the people you'll never forget and remember to send it
also to the person that sent it to you. It's a short message to let them& nbsp;
know that you'll never forget them

[rayofsunshine]

The story is told of an old man who lived on a farm in the mountains Of Kentucky with his young grandson. Each morning, Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading from his old worn-out Bible.

His grandson who wanted to be just like him tried to imitate him in Any way he could.

One day the grandson asked, "Papa, I try to read the Bible just like you but I don't understand it, and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close the book. What good does reading the Bible do?"

The Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and Said, "Take this coal basket down to the river and bring back a basket of water"

The boy did as he was told, even though all the water leaked out Before he could get back to the house. The grandfather laughed and said, "You will have to move a little faster next time," and sent him back to the River with the basket to try again.

This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before He returned home. Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was "impossible to carry water in a basket," and he went to get a bucket instead.

The old man said, "I don't want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water.
You can do this. You're just not trying hard enough," and he went out the door to watch the boy try again.

At this point, the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he got far at all.

The boy scooped the water and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty. Out of breath, he said, "See Papa, it's useless!"

"So you think it is useless?" The old man said, "Look at the basket."

The boy looked at the basket and for the first time he realized that the basket looked different. Instead of a dirty old coal basket, it was clean.

"Son, that's what happens when you read the Bible. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, it will change you from the inside out." That is the work of God in our lives. To change us from the inside out and to slowly transform us into the image of His son. Take time to read a portion of God's word each day, and remind a friend by sharing this story.

"Live Simply, Love Generously, Care Deeply, Speak Kindly, Leave The Rest To God"

[rayofsunshine]

As you might know, the head of a company survived
9/11 because his son started kindergarten.


Another fellow was alive because it was
His turn to bring donuts.


One woman was late because her
Alarm clock didn't go off in time.


One was late because of being stuck on the NJ Turnpike
Because of an auto accident.


One of them
Missed his bus.


One spilled food on her clothes and had to take
Time to change.


One's
Car wouldn't start.


One went back to
Answer the telephone.


One had a child that dawdled
And didn't get ready as soon as he should have.


One couldn't
Get a taxi.

The one that struck me was the man
Who put on a new pair of shoes that morning,
Took the various means to get to work
But before he got there, he developed
a blister on his foot.
He stopped at a drugstore to buy a Band-Aid.
That is why he is alive today.


Now when I am
Stuck in traffic,
Miss an elevator,
Turn back to answer a ringing telephone ...
All the little things that annoy me.
I think to myself,
This is exactly where
I am supposed to be at this very moment ...

Next time your morning seems to be
Going wrong,
The children are slow getting dressed,
You can't seem to find the car keys,
You hit every traffic light,
Don't get mad or frustrated;
God is at work watching over you.

May God continue to bless you
With all those annoying little things
And may you remember their possible purpose.

[best]

and one I know personally...

She changed her flight out of Boston at the last moment to a later flight for that afternoon. Why? A friend was tired and rather then rush the friend and let the friend get some more sleep, she changed her plans.

[rayofsunshine]

Summer Break
by Lorrie Metzger

It's June and time for summer break. Can you remember as a child how welcome those words were? I can! After nine months of school, I looked forward to long summer days of bike riding, swimming, or just watching the clouds float by. I played outdoors from breakfast until dinner with just a quick stop for lunch. Then after supper the kids in the neighborhood would gather for a game of hide-and-seek until the streetlight came on and we all had to go home. After dark I'd sit with my family on the front porch and just relax or I'd chase fireflies (we called them lightning bugs) in the front yard with my brothers. Ahhh, the good old days of summer!

As adults we still need to take a break from the work and responsibilities of daily routines. It's like a cool glass of iced lemonade on a summer day to step out of the routine and regroup. We need to reconnect with our families, relax, and revitalize our relationships. Whether we take a five-minute break to hear from God in His Word, or we take a family camping trip to a national park, we are refreshed and ready to tackle the next task. God will encourage us to remember His great love for us, and to endure for the joy set before us. He often uses us to encourage each other with a kind word or deed. So today, let's offer a cool drink of lemonade to someone who needs to take a break.

[best]

Originally Posted by rayofsunshine

So today, let's offer a cool drink of lemonade to someone who needs to take a break.

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 He restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.

[rayofsunshine]

If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.
Every moment, thank God.

[best]

God doesn't call the Equipped. He Equips the called.

[Incognito]

The Four Wives

Once upon a time there was a rich King who had four wives.

He loved the 4th wife the most and adorned her with rich robes
and treated her to the finest of delicacies.
He gave her nothing but the best.

He also loved the 3rd wife very much
and was always showing her off to neighboring kingdoms.
However, he feared that one day she would leave him for another.

He also loved his 2nd wife.
She was his confidant and was always kind, considerate and patient with him.
Whenever the King faced a problem he could confide in her,
and she would help him get through the difficult times.

The King's 1st wife was a very loyal partner
and had made great contributions in maintaining his wealth and kingdom.
However, he did not love the first wife.
Although she loved him deeply, he hardly took notice of her!

One day, the King fell ill and he knew his time was short.
He thought of his luxurious life and wondered,
"I now have four wives with me but when I die, I'll be all alone."

Thus, he asked the 4th wife, "I have loved you the most,
endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you.
Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?"

"No way!" replied the 4th wife
and she walked away without another word.
Her answer cut like a sharp knife right into his heart.

The sad King then asked the 3rd wife,
"I have loved you all my life.
Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?"

"No!" replied the 3rd wife.
"Life is too good! When you die, I'm going to remarry!" His heart sank and turned cold.

He then asked the 2nd wife,
"I have always turned to you for help and you've always been there for me.
When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?"

"I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!" replied the 2nd wife.
"At the very most, I can only walk with you to your grave."
Her answer struck him like a bolt of lightning, and the King was devastated.

Then a voice called out: "I'll go with you. I'll follow you no matter where you go."

The King looked up, and there was his first wife.
She was very skinny as she suffered from malnutrition and neglect.
Greatly grieved, the King said,
"I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!"


In truth, we all have The Four Wives in our lives:

Our 4th wife is our body .
No matter how much time and effort we lavish in making it look good,
it will leave us when we die.

Our 3rd wife is our possessions, status and wealth.
When we die, it will all go to others.

Our 2nd wife is our family and friends.
No matter how much they have been there for us,
the furthest they can stay by us is up to the grave.

And our 1st wife is our Soul .
Often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world.
However, our Soul is the only thing that will follow us wherever we go.

Cultivate, strengthen and cherish it now,
for it is the only part of us that will follow us to the throne of God
and continue with us throughout Eternity.



Thought for the day:

Remember:
when the world pushes you to your knees,
you're in the perfect position to pray.

[Incognito]

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

This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.

One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.

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

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

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver."

She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined.

The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy - when I see my image in it."

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

[ Author unknown ]

[cmc]

Thanks for sharing that...it was just what I needed today.

[Fluttering]

I needed that...THANK YOU!!!

[rayofsunshine]

God Wanted Me To Tell You
Everything that is going wrong in your life today shall be well with
you this year. No matter how much your enemies try this year, "they
will not" succeed.
You have been destined to make it and you shall surely achieve all
your goals this year. For the remaining months of this year (2007),
all your agonies will be diverted and victory and prosperity will be
incoming in abundance.
Today God has confirmed the end of your sufferings, sorrows, and pains
because HE that sits on the throne has remembered you. He has taken
away the hardships and given you JOY.
HE will never let you down!

I knocked at heaven's door this morning, God asked me... My child!
What can I do for you?

And I said, "Father, please protect and bless the person reading this
message"...

God smiled and answered... Request granted.

[rayofsunshine]

Good Morning

When I say G O O D M O R N I N G I mean:
G-od
O-ffers us His
O-utstanding
D-evotion to

M-ake us
O-bedient &
R-eady for a
N-ew day with Him.
I-nspire others please, and
N-ever forget
G-od loves you!

[best]

Most times when things are posted here, I read them and think..nice and uplifting. A bit of joy in what is life at times and I find rest for my soul if only for the moment.

Today as I came here to read, I glanced over a few posts that I have already read before, as well as the newest addition.

I found on the pages the things I needed...just for today.
Inspirations that match some of my thoughts of even just a minute before reading and inspirations that I know I will be needing over the next few days.

Thank you all who post here. What you share has helped me today.

[Fluttering]

“Peace is not something you wish for; It's something you make, Something you do, Something you are, And something you give away.”
Robert Fulghum quotes

[rayofsunshine]

While praying one day, a woman asked, "Who are you, Lord?"

He answered, "I Am."

"But who is I Am?" she asked.

And He replied, "I Am Love,
I Am Peace,
I Am Grace,
I Am Joy,
I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Light,
I Am the Comforter,
I Am Strength,
I Am Safety,
I Am Shelter,
I Am Power,
I Am the Creator,
I Am the Beginning and the End,
I Am the Most High."

The girl with tears in her eyes looked toward Heaven and said, "Now I
understand. But Lord, who am I?"

Then God tenderly wiped the tears from her eyes and whispered, "You
are Mine."

-Author Unknown

[rayofsunshine]

Spider's Web
A young soldier found himself in a terrible and hopeless battle. The
enemy was soundly defeating this young man's army. He and his comrades
found themselves hastily retreating from the battle field in defeat,
running away in fear for their very lives. The enemy gave chase. This
young man ran hard and fast, full of fear and desperation, but soon
found himself cut off from his comrades in arms.

He eventually came upon a rocky ledge containing a cave. Knowing the
enemy was close behind, and that he was exhausted from the chase, he
chose to hide there. After he crawled into the cave, he fell to his face
in the darkness, desperately crying to God to save him and protect him
from his enemies. He also made a bargain with God, one which I (and
perhaps you too?) have made before. He promised that if God saved him,
he would serve Him for the remainder of his days.

When he looked up from his despairing plea for help, he saw a spider
beginning to weave its web at the entrance of the cave. As he watched
the delicate threads being slowly drawn across the mouth of the cave,
the young soldier pondered its irony. He thought, "I asked God for
protection and deliverance, and he sent me a spider instead. How can a
spider save me?"

His heart was hardened, knowing the enemy would soon discover his hiding
place and kill him. And soon he did hear the sound of his enemies, who
were now scouring the area looking for those in hiding. One soldier with
a gun slowly walked up to the cave's entrance. As the young man crouched
in the darkness, hoping to surprise the enemy in a last-minute desperate
attempt to save his own life, he felt his heart pounding wildly out of
control.

As the enemy cautiously moved forward to enter the cave, he came upon
the spider's web, which by now was completely strung across the opening.
He backed away and called out to a comrade, "There can't be anyone in
here. They would have had to break this spider's web to enter the cave.
Let's move on."

Years later, this young man, who made good his promise by becoming a
preacher and evangelist, wrote about that ordeal. What he observed has
stood by me in times of trouble, especially during those times when
everything seemed impossible.

He wrote: "Where God is, a spider's web is as a stone wall. Where God is
not, a stone wall is as a spider's web."

[best]

The Inconceivable Works of God
or
( A story for the Birds)

One day I went to the garage to do some cleaning. As I begin to do my chores I saw movement out of the corner of my eye. Laying on the floor of the garage was a humming bird , he had little life. He had become entangled with a small amount of saw dust and lent which had disabled him to fly.
Ecclesiastes 9:12 (NIV) 12 Moreover, no man knows when his hour will come: As fish are caught in a cruel net, or birds are taken in a snare, so men are trapped by evil times that fall unexpectedly upon them.

I called to my wife and with her help we carefully begin to clean the sawdust and lent from the humming bird. His eyes were shut but we could tell he was alive by his faint breathing.
Psalms 111:7 (NIV) 7 The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy.

My wife went into the house and made sugar water and brought it to the garage in a small bottle cap. As I held the bird in my hand my wife held the bottle cap with sugar water to his beak. He immediately begin to feed on the sugar water.
John 4:14 (NIV) 14 but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

We have a humming bird feeder on our deck and enjoy watching the birds feed, but this was a new experience we had a humming bird in hand,watching him feed. It was an amazing sight. You could see his small tongue reaching into the bottle cap and drinking in the life giving fluid. His eyes begin to blink and you could see life returning to this little body. He soon gained enough strength to stand in my hand.

My wife and I went to the deck hoping that he had gained enough strength to fly away. As we sat there for a few minutes waiting for something to happen I noticed that the claws of his feet were entangled in the rag that we laid him on when we first picked him up in the garage. His legs were so tiny that I was afraid to try to untangle them for fear of breaking them. I managed to free his legs, he sat there for a split second and then his wings begin to flutter and hum and suddenly he was off darting about (as only hymning birds can) flying as strong and beautifully as ever. It happened so quickly that my wife I were taken by surprise. As we looked at each other in satisfaction she said " It makes you feel good doesn't it" I agreed.

I thought about what had happened with the humming bird and how appropriate it relates to God and man. God so loved the world (you and me) that he sent his Son so we could be free from the entanglements of this world.

We were dying, caught in the web of our sins. Jesus found us in our entanglement and though his death on the cross sit us free.
If the little bird had not taken the nourishment when given to him he would have died, so also Jesus has provided living water for us to drink , but we must drink, we must accept his provision, we must accept his love or we die.

The feeling that my wife and I felt after watching the humming bird fly free can not be compared to how God feels after we have accepted his love and sacrifice that paid for our sins. God's ultimate gift, through his Son Jesus Christ has provided for us freedom from our sin and one day we too will take that momentous flight .
1 Corinthians 2:9 (NIV) 9 However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"

[rayofsunshine]

"Worry looks around, Sorry looks back, Faith looks up."

[Incognito]

I'm invisible.

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, "Can't you see I'm on the phone?"


Obviously not. No one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible.

Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this? Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, "What time is it?" I'm a satellite guide to answer, "What number is the Disney Channel?" I'm a car to order, "Right around 5:30, please."

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa *** laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going she's going . she's gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled up in a banana clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut butter in it. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, "I brought you this."

It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: "To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees."

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work: No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, "Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it."

And the workman replied, "Because God sees."

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, "I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become."

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder.

As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.


When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, "My mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table." That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, "You're gonna love it there."

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

author unknown

[rayofsunshine]

I shook my head in disbelief. This couldn't be the right place. After
all, I couldn't possibly be welcome here. I had been given an
invitation several times, by several different people, and had finally
decided to see what this place was all about. But, this just couldn't
be the right place.

Quickly, I glanced down at the invitation that I clutched in my hand.
I scanned past the words, "Come as you are. No jacket required." and
found the location. Yes, I was at the right place. I peered through
the window again and saw a room of people whose faces seemed to glow
with joy. All were neatly dressed, adorned in fine garments and
appeared strangely clean as they dined at this exquisite restaurant.

Ashamed, I looked down at my own tattered and torn clothing, covered
in stains. I was dirty, in fact, filthy. A foul smell seemed to
consume me and I couldn't shake the grime that clung to my body. As I
turned around to leave, the words from the invitation seemed to leap
out at me... "Come as you are. No jacket required."

I decided to give it a shot. Mustering up every bit of courage I could
find, I opened the door to this restaurant and walked up to a man
standing behind a podium. "Your name, sir?" he asked me with a smile.
"Jimmy D. Brown," I mumbled without looking up. I thrust my hands deep
into my pockets, hoping to conceal their stains. He didn't seem to
notice the filth that I was covered in and he continued, "Very good,
sir. A table is reserved in your name. Would you like to be seated?"

I couldn't believe what I heard! A grin broke out on my face and I
said, "Yes, of course!" He lead me to a table and, sure enough, there
was a placard with my name written on it in a deep, dark red.

As I browsed over a menu, I saw many delightful items listed. There
were things like, "peace," "joy," "blessings," "confidence,"
"assurance," "hope," "love," "faith," and "mercy." I realized that
this was no ordinary restaurant! I flipped the menu back to the front
in order to see where I was at... "God's Grace," was the name of this
place!

The man returned and said, "I recommend the 'Special of the Day'. With
it, you are entitled to heaping portions of everything on this menu."
You've got to be kidding! I thought to myself. You mean, I can have
ALL of this! "What is the 'Special of the Day' I asked with excitement
ringing in my voice. "Salvation," was his reply. "I'll take it," I
practically cried out.

Then, as quickly as I made that statement, the joy left my body. A
sick, painful ache jerked through my stomach and tears filled my eyes.
Between my sobs I said... "Mister, look at me. I'm dirty and nasty.
I'm unclean and unworthy of such things. I'd love to have all of this,
but, but, I just can't afford it.

Undaunted, the man smiled again. "Sir, your check has already been
taken care of by that Gentleman over there," he said point to the
front of the room. "His Name is Jesus."

Turning, I saw a man whose very presence seemed to light the room. He
was almost too much to look at. I found myself walking towards Him and
in a shaking voice I whispered, "Sir, I'll wash the dishes or sweep
the floors or take out the trash. I'll do anything I can do to repay
you for all of this."

He opened His arms and said with a smile, "Son, all of this is yours
if you just come unto me. Ask me to clean you up and I will. Ask me to
take away the stains and it is done. Ask me to allow you to feast at
my table and you will eat. Remember, the table is reserved in your
name. All you must do is accept this gift that I offer you."

Astonished, I fell at his feet and said, "Please, Jesus. Please clean
up my life. Please change me and sit me at your table and give me this
new life."

Immediately, I heard the words, "It is finished."

I looked down and white robes adorned my squeaky clean body. Something
strange and wonderful had happened. I felt new, like a weight had been
lifted and I found myself seated at His table.

"The 'Special of the Day' has been served," the Lord said to me.
"Salvation is yours." We sat and talked for a great while and I so
enjoyed the time that I spent with Him. He told me, me of all people,
that He would like for me to come back as often as I liked for another
helping from God's Grace. He made it clear that He wanted me to spend
as much time with Him as possible.

As it drew near time for me to go back outside into the "real world,"
He whispered to me softly, "And Lo, I am with you always." And then,
He said something to me that I will never forget. He said...

"My child, do you see these empty tables throughout this room?"

"Yes, Lord. I see them. What do they mean?" I replied.

"These are reserved tables... but the individuals whose names are on
each placard have not accepted their invitations to dine. Would you be
so kind as to hand out these invitations to those who have not joined
us yet?" Jesus asked.

"Of course," I said with excitement as I picked up the invitations."
"Go ye therefore into all nations," He said as I turned to leave.

I walked into God's Grace dirty and hungry. Stained in sin. My
righteousness as filthy rags. And Jesus cleaned me up. I walked out a
brand new man... robed in white, His righteousness.

And so, I'll keep my promise to my Lord. I'll go. I'll spread the
Word. I'll share the Gospel... I'll hand out the invitations. And I'll
start with you.

Have you been to God's Grace? There's a table reserved in your name,
and here's your invitation... "Come as you are. No jacket required."

"For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves;
it is the gift of God -- not of works, lest any man should boast."
(Ephesians 2: 8, 9)

[rayofsunshine]

Be Thankful

PSALM 107:1 NKJ
1 Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy
endures forever.

It seems the more people have the less thankful they become.
Today complaints are abundant, but thank you's are few.

COLOSSIANS 3:15 NKJ
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also
you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Being thankful is not a choice for a Christian. If it was
impossible, God would not have told us to do it.

So, why are people not thankful?

Gratitude is a mark of maturity. Ingratitude is a mark of
immaturity. Babies are never thankful.

Neither are proud people thankful. Why? Because their mindset
is that they deserve not just everything they have, but even
better. "Why be thankful for something less than what you
deserve?" describes their thinking.

A funny thing you will notice if you consider it: unthankful
people are never happy. In fact, the more thankful a person is,
the happier they are.

(This is an example of how acting on God's Word is for our
benefit. God didn't invent commands just to be bossy.)

You will never be bothered with depression if you act on the
Word of God and "be thankful." The cure for unhappiness is
being thankful. Try it.

But how can you overcome the bad habit of ingratitude? Only by
changing your core beliefs. As long as you believe you are
getting a raw deal, or less than you deserve, you will never
become a thankful person.

But if you realize that you deserved punishment and eternal
separation from God -- yet in His mercy God instead gave you
what He deserved, and EVERYTHING you have -- including every
breath you breathe -- is a gift -- then you will become a
thankful person.

SAY THIS: I give thanks to the Lord for He is good, and His
mercy endures forever. I will be thankful for all God does for
me.

[rayofsunshine]

God's Cake

A little something to sweeten your day.

4



Sometimes we wonder, 'What did I do to deserve this?' or 'Why did God have to do this to me?' Here is a wonderful explanation!

A daughter is telling her mother how everything is going wrong: she's failing algebra ; her boyfriend broke up with her and her best friend is moving away.

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

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

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

'Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?'

'Mom, those are all yucky!'

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

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

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

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

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

I hope your day is a piece of cake!