... Little Annie was no stranger to hardship. She was almost sightless herself (due to a childhood fever) and was, at one time, diagnosed as hopelessly" insane" by her caregivers. She was locked in the basement of a mental institution outside of Boston. On occasion, Little Annie would violently attack anyone ... came near. Most of the time she generally ignored everyone in her presence. An elderly nurse believed there was hope, however, and she made it her mission to show love to the child. Every day she visited Little Annie. For the most part, the child did not acknowledge the nurse's presence, but ... , they now noted an emerging gentleness and love. They moved her upstairs where she continued to improve. Then the day finally came when this seemingly" hopeless" child was released. Anne Sullivan grew into a young woman with a desire to help others as she, herself, was helped by the loving nurse. ...

... Reasons to Hope When You're Hurting God is truly in control. If God is God, then nothing happens apart from His knowledge and permission. While it is difficult to imagine why God allows some painful things to happen, His character, revealed in the Bible and through the testing of generations, leads us to the conclusion that He is willing and able to sustain you during the worst of times." We were crushed and completely overwhelmed, and we thought we would ... right up to the end, and He will keep you free from all blame on the great day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns" 1 Corinthians 1: 8 The story isn't finished yet. Time after time, the Bible records hopeless situations that ultimately ended in victory. Think of Job's sickness, Joseph's betrayal by his brothers, David's adultery and the many who were healed in mind, body and spirit." But Joseph told them, 'Don't be afraid of me. ...

... Happiness A -Accept Accept others for who they are and for the choices they've made even if you have difficulty understanding their beliefs, motives, or actions. B -Break Away Break away from everything that stands in the way of what you hope to accomplish with your life. C -Create Create a family of friends whom you can share your hopes, dreams, sorrows, and happiness with. D -Decide Decide that you'll be successful and happy come what may, and good things will ... you. The roadblocks are only minor obstacles along the way. E -Explore Explore and experiment. The world has much to offer, and you have much to give. And every time you try something new, you'll learn more about yourself. F -Forgive Forgive and forget. Grudges only weigh you down and inspire unhappiness and grief. Soar above it, and remember that everyone makes mistakes. G -Grow Leave the childhood monsters behind. They can no longer hurt you or stand ...

... Remember These Words Don't let go of hope. Hope gives you the strength to keep going when you feel like giving up. Don't ever quit believing in yourself. As long as you believe you can, you will have a reason for trying. Don't let anyone hold your happiness in their hands; hold it in yours, so it will always be within you reach. Don't measure success or failure by material wealth, but by how you feel; our feelings determine ... deepest joy. Don't wait for what you want to come to you; go after it with all that you are, knowing that life will meet you halfway. Don't feel like you've lost when plans and dreams fall short of your hopes. Anytime you learn something new about yourself or about life, you have progressed. Don't do anything that takes away from your self-respect; feeling good about yourself is essential to feeling good about life. Don't ever forget how to laugh or ...

... The Value of a Smile A Smile is nature's best antidote for discouragement. It brings rest to the weary, Sunshine to those who are frowning, And hope to those who are hopeless and defeated. A Smile is so valuable that it can't be bought, Begged, borrowed, or taken away against your will. You have to be willing to give a Smile away, Before it can do anyone else any good. So, if someone is too tired or grumpy ... flash you a Smile, Let him have one of yours anyway. Nobody needs a Smile as much, As the person who has none to give. Smile your smile for today. Pass it on to someone. Who needs some sunshine on a cloudy day. Remember, No matter how bad it seems at the time, It shall pass in a few moments, And. A Smile is simply a frown upside down. So, stand on your head and look in ...

... widows" dance with each other. What fun! 6 / 30 I have never felt better. It must be the exercise and the" little blessings" At the bottom she'd added a note:" I'm returning your journal in hopes you will write about this someday and share it with others. I love you. Bea" Yes, Bea, I will.... whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things ... the bills or make Scott well? What good will this do? And yet for the next few days, almost in spite of myself, I began looking for blessings -little ones, to be sure; anything to make me feel hopeful once more. Driving home from another long shift at the diner, I saw a short line for gas at the local station. Back then, in the '70s during the oil shortage, that was a real rarity. What good timing ...

... who gives me strength" (Phillipians 4: 13) Reach Up-For something higher. As Jiminy Cricket sings" High Hopes" Always try to better yourself. Have FAITH." Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" (Hebrews11: 1) Lift Up-Your Prayers." Do not worry about anything; instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING" (Phillipians 4: 6) [Author Unknown-from John ... (Galatians 6: 9-10) Look Up-To the Lord." I can do everything through Him who gives me strength" (Phillipians 4: 13) Reach Up-For something higher. As Jiminy Cricket sings" High Hopes" Always try to better yourself. Have FAITH." Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" (Hebrews11: 1) Lift Up-Your Prayers." Do not worry ...

... lay the issue in the hands of the Lord; knowing that where our earthly abilities may be limited, He alone is able to do all things! While man may tell us a situation is hopeless, with God there is always hope! And so, after doing everything possible to resolve my family's personal crisis on our own, I remembered my faith in God, and began to cleave to the Lord in a way that I have never before had to surrender in trust ... never go it alone, but to lay the issue in the hands of the Lord; knowing that where our earthly abilities may be limited, He alone is able to do all things! While man may tell us a situation is hopeless, with God there is always hope! And so, after doing everything possible to resolve my family's personal crisis on our own, I remembered my faith in God, and began to cleave to the Lord in a way that I have ...

... by the twin demons of hopelessness and despair. His very will to live was rapidly eroding." I got weaker day by day. I was broken nervously and physically, filled with despair, unable to see even a ray of hope. I had nothing to live for, I felt that I hadn't a friend left in the world, that even my family had turned against me" Alarmed by his rapidly deteriorating condition, Dr. Eggleston gave Penney a sedative. However ... . There, Dr. Elmer Eggleston, a staff physician, examined Penney, declaring that he was extremely ill." A rigid treatment was prescribed, but nothing helped ," Penney recalled. He was attacked by the twin demons of hopelessness and despair. His very will to live was rapidly eroding." I got weaker day by day. I was broken nervously and physically, filled with despair, unable to see even a ray of hope. I had nothing to live ...

... the gold. Nothing grows without some rain. Its not how you say it, but how it is understood that makes it right or wrong. You have to make a choice, you can't have everything at the same time. Hope helps, despair doesn't. Everyone has a river they need to cross. Some have physical, others mental, neither is easy. All need help, yet they need to do it alone. If you walk the edge, keep Jesus ... religious convictions!-Calvin Coolidge A hungry man sits a long time with open mouth waiting for roast duck to fly in! A diamond is a chunk of coal that made good under pressure No matter how difficult the challenge or how hopeless the task, if you are on course, just keep going! Maturity is the ability to do a job whether or not you are supervised, to carry money without spending it, and to bear injustice without wanting to get even! ...

... Hope If you can look at the sunset and smile, then you still have hope. If you can find beauty in the colors of a small flower, then you still have hope. If you can find pleasure in the movement of a butterfly, then you still have hope. If the smile of a child can still warm your heart, then you still have hope. If you can see the good in other people, then you still have hope. If the rain breaking on a roof top can still lull you to sleep, then you still have hope. If the sight of a rainbow still makes you stop and stare in wonder, then you still have hope. If the soft fur of a favored pet still feels pleasant under your fingertips, then you still have hope. If you meet new people with a trace of excitement and optimism, then you still have hope. If you give people the benefit of a doubt ...

... These things I wish for each of you. We tried so hard to make things better for our kids that we made them worse. For my grandchildren, I'd like better. I'd really like for them to know about hand-me down clothes and homemade ice cream and leftover meatloaf sandwiches. I really would. My cherished grandson, I hope you learn humility by being humiliated, and that you learn honesty by being cheated. I hope you learn to make your bed and mow the lawn and wash the car. And I really hope nobody gives you a brand new car when you are sixteen. I hope you have a job by then. It will be good if at least one time you can see a baby calf born and your old dog put to sleep. I hope you get a black eye fighting for something you believe in. I hope you have to share a bedroom with your younger brother. And it's all right if you ...

... Keeping Hope Alive We cannot live only on hope. But neither can we live without it. Nobody knew this better than John Chapman. John Chapman was a man of great hope. He was born in 1774 in Massachusetts. In the early 1800's he got in on the opening of land in the Northwest Territory, as it was then called, of the new United States. He found small plots of land suitable for farming and cleared them by hand. He bought fruit seed in Pennsylvania every year and carried it to his many apple orchards, usually on his back. When the trees were large enough to transplant, he sold them to settlers homesteading the West. Eventually, he had little apple orchards spread around what would become the states of Ohio, Michigan, Illinois and Indiana. Most people forgot, or never knew, his real name, and took to calling him Johnny the Apple Man or Johnny Appleseed. Johnny was a gentle ...

... live those years again I would do so with my arms, my heart, and my soul wide open. Thankfully, God in His love gives us a lifetime to learn from our mistakes. I can ’ t live those years again, but I can live today. I can love today. I can share a hug today. My Mom and Grandma may have left this world, but in my heart and soul my arms will always be around them. I hope that you share a few hugs yourself today. I hope that you hang a sign on your heart that says," two arms, no waiting" I hope that you give your love to all those around you. I hope that you shine a smile to everyone you meet. I hope that you fill your every phone call, letter, or e-mail with" heart hugs" as well. Life is short. Time flies. Our days here are brief. Don ...

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

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

... in yours. There are things you'd love to hear that you would never hear from the person whom you would like to hear them from-but don't be so deaf as not to hear it from the one who says it from their heart. Never say good-bye if you still want to try-never give up if you still feel you can go on-never say you don't love a person anymore if you can't let go. Love comes to those who still hope, although they've been disappointed, to those who still believe, although they've been betrayed, to those who still need to love, although they've been hurt before, and to those who have the courage and faith to build trust again. It takes only a minute to get a crush on someone, an hour to like someone, and a day to love someone-but it takes a lifetime to forget someone. Don't go for looks; they can deceive. Don't go ...

... Wedgwood Blessings Prologue-The following information comes from several people closely associated with Wedgwood Church. Rather you are a 'believer ' or not, I hope the following account of the events will be an inspiration to you. The facts presented support a popular verse in the Bible-" We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him, those whom He has called according to His purpose" (Romans 8: 28) It certainly is hard to imagine the out come of a human tragedy like this having so many positive effects, if it were not for divine intervention. I hope you too can see how 'good ' can come from something 'bad ' like this, and that it will provide encouragement for you. What God is doing at our church? By now almost everyone has heard of the tragedy that took place on September 15, 1999, when a gunman entered Wedgwood Baptist Church and killed 7 people and ...

... too complicated to tell ways, and was like a sparkling extra grandmother to my children. Zella had a wonderful, hearty laugh combined with a glimmer in her eyes. But I found myself beside her bed in an intensive care unit, holding her hand while her children took a break. A surgery the day before had revealed a huge mass involving most of her abdominal organs. There was nothing to be done. As she and her family hovered in that no-mans-land between hope and reality, I wanted to impart to her that God cared for her. I asked if she would like a prayer. She nodded yes. I had intended to recite the 23rd Psalm, but realized I could not-I was totally blank! I was able to stumble through one prayer, The Lords Prayer. As I sat beside her, a faint sparkle returned to her eyes along with a weak smile. I knew that in normal times Zella and I would ...

... and most of all a time of life. Being out there among it helped to stir the life and joy within me as well. It awakened my spirit, warmed my heart, enlightened my mind, energized my body, and uplifted my soul. It made me aware of just how precious each day is and just how priceless each moment of our lives can be. It showed me again that life is for living and for loving not just for existing. I hope that the spring of this year adds a spring to your own step as well. I hope that the new life bursting forth in nature awakens you to the endless life in your own soul. I hope that all the new growth and new beginnings around you help you to choose new growth in love and new beginnings in joy in your own life. I hope that all this wondrous glory of creation reminds you of the loving hand of God that created it. Have a ...

... , but while the pearl was heavy in his hands his heart was still heavy as well. After several days he returned again to the wise man ’ s hut. Placing the pearl in front of him the traveler said:" I no longer want this pearl, but I do want to know what you have inside of you that allowed you to give it to me without a second thought" Like that traveler I also have much to learn, but I still hope to one day live like that wise man. I hope to give without a second glance. I hope to share without a single thought of myself. I hope to make my own life a gift of love to everyone in this world. That I believe is how God wants us all to live. We were not just put here to follow the Golden Rule, but also to live with Golden Love. We were not just put on this world to follow God ’ ...

... open, and I'm worn out just from dialing long distance. All this got me so upset recently that I decided to do something about it. So I started complaining. That not only didn't help the situation, but focusing on the negative made me feel even more miserable. Then I found this passage in the Bible about weariness. Isaiah 40: 29 says that God gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. It explains that those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength, run without growing weary, and soar on wings like eagles. Hmmm. I don't feel strong or powerful. I certainly don't soar, and I can't remember when I ran last. Some days it takes all the energy I can muster just to move from lying to a sitting position. So what gives? Where's all this power that the Bible promises? Here's a hint: God's not promising literal physical strength; but I'll bet ...

... physical trauma was one thing, but he also became depressed. And who wouldn't? He lost is former life, his healthy self. All of those exciting dreams and plans a young boy has for his future vanished, and in their place all he could see was somebody with cancer. Somebody who may or may not live long. Somebody whose life would be very different than before. He had a good hospital and good doctors. But it he did not have hope. And without it, he was in serious jeopardy. Douglas ' aunt called a florist close to the hospital. She wanted the sales clerk to be aware of the flower arrangement's significance." I want the planter to be especially attractive. It's for my teenage nephew who has leukemia ," she told the clerk." Oh ," said the salesclerk." Let's add some fresh-cut flowers to brighten it up" When the floral arrangement arrived Douglas opened the envelope and read the ...

... I smiled and wondered if she was going to head for a car or fly up to Heaven. That elderly angel in disguise reminded me once again to look for the inner angel in myself. She showed me one more time that doing good and spreading joy can be as natural here on Earth as it is in Heaven. She let me see that sharing God ’ s love is not only easy to do, it is what we are meant to do. I hope then that all of you take the time today to find the inner angel inside yourselves. I hope that you let that angel out to bless the world with your love. And I hope that you always remember that you don ’ t need wings to fly.~Joseph J. Mazzella~[ by: Joseph J. Mazzella Copyright 2010 (joecool @wirefire.com)-submitted by: Joseph Mazzella] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

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

... meant for us to become. We all need more adventures in loving, laughing, giving, and caring. We all need to share more smiles together, more hugs together, and more tears together. We all need more family dinners. We all need more simple evenings filled with talk and togetherness. We all need to spend more time remembering how we are all one family put here by God to love each other and to share joy with each other. I hope that all of your adventures are loving ones then. I hope that all of your adventures bring you closer to God. I hope that all of your adventures help you to share your heart's love and your soul's joy with your family, your friends, and the entire world.~Joseph J. Mazzella~[ by: Joseph J. Mazzella (joecool @wirefire)-from 'Inspired Buffalo ' (InspiredBuffalo @lighthouse.net)] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... I Wonder Every year about this time I WONDER what happened to the real meaning of Christmas. Store sales, Christmas lights, etc. In many ways we have marred the true meaning of Christmas. We all know the story of Christmas. On that night long ago, while the shepherds guarded the temple flocks at a place called Migdal-Eder, a ray of hope burst forth on a people and a world trapped in darkness. We're told an angel spoke words which have become somewhat famous the world over." Fear not ," he said," I bring you glad tidings of great joy !" The shepherds turned their attention heavenward, for they understood what these tidings might be. The angel continued." Unto you is born this day in the City of David, a savior, who is Christ (the chosen and anointed one) the Lord" Then the angel was joined by an entire company of heavenly beings, rejoicing and singing" ...

... in my heart" The surgeon had had enough." I'll tell you what I'll find in your heart. I'll find damaged muscle, low blood supply, and weakened vessels. And I'll find out if I can make you well"" You'll find Jesus there, too. He lives there" The surgeon left. Later, he sat in his office, recording his notes from the surgery," .damaged aorta, damaged pulmonary vein, widespread muscle degeneration. No hope for transplant, no hope for cure. Therapy: painkillers and bed rest. Prognosis :," here he paused," death within one year" He stopped the recorder, but there was more to be said." Why ?" he asked aloud." Why did You do this? You've put him here; You've put him in this pain; and You've cursed him to an early death. Why ?" The Lord answered and said," The boy, My lamb, ...

... meant to share love, great day after great day. We should not rest on our past either, but live fully today. After all, one of the greatest joys in life lies not in cherishing happy memories but rather in creating new ones. The wonderful speaker and author Mark Victor Hansen says that" We can live in a state of joy, bliss, and ecstacy if we choose. We ’ re meant to live a spirited, spiritual life" I hope that you have a great day today then. I hope that you have a great day tomorrow too even if it does make your face hurt. Great days lead to a wonderful life, and a wonderful life leads to a Heavenly afterlife.~Joseph J. Mazzella~[ by: Joseph J. Mazzella (joecool @wirefire.com)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... assistance, but he brushes her away. With determination, he conquers the curb and is off to laugh and play with his friends. I weep inside for his handicap, but I am inspired by his courage. And I smile as I watch the children play, totally accepting their friend for who he is, not judging him for what he lacks. It's just another day. My son proudly presents the report he did for school. He shares with me the hopes and dreams he holds for his future. His curiosity and excitement are contagious as we unfold the limitless possibilities that lay before him. I am encouraged that no dream is beyond our reach if we want it bad enough. It's just another day. My beloved wraps his arms around me and surrounds me in love. I turn to look in the eyes that share my innermost feelings. What a special friend I have. Someone who loves me for who I am. Someone ...

... you have to do is pack yourself full of the treasures of Heaven. Then you can travel light and share your wealth of love with everyone you meet. Then you can face everything that life throws at you and use it all to become better and to help others as well. Then you really can" take it with you" because what we learned and how we loved are the only things that will go with us into the greater life after this. I hope that you pack well then for all the adventures to come in this life and in the next. I hope that you fill yourself full to overflowing with love, joy, wisdom, light, and oneness with God. Remember all the things you own in this life will one day turn to dust, but what you carry inside of yourself will live on forever.~Joseph J. Mazzella~[ by: Joseph J. Mazzella Copyright 2008 (joecool @wirefire.com) ...

... I look at the challenges that she has overcome in hers. She may have lost her sight but she never lost her soul. She knows that the eyes that really see are the eyes of the heart, and she does her best everyday to follow the loving vision that they give to her. I am sure too that the eyes of the angels watching over her are always filled with tears of joy and that their faces are always full of shining smiles. I hope then that when you go through your own life you are not distracted by the murky view that this world so often gives you. I hope that you see it for the illusion it is and instead look at life with the clear vision of your heart ’ s eyes. God wants us to see this world and our lives through the eyes of love. It is only then that our sight will be pure. It is only then that our path will shine brightly before ...

... moment before fading again. In fact, I sometimes feel like a firefly myself. I try my best to shine long and bright with love, joy, and oneness with God, but it seems at times the most I can do is flicker. I am working hard, though, to leave my light on a bit longer each time and trying my best to make my moments of darkness less and less. I am asking God to help me everyday too and hope to one day shine more like a star and less like a blinker. I hope that you are doing your best as well to shine bright and leave your light on in this life. I pray too that if you can ’ t keep your light on all the time then you are at least blinking as much light, love, joy, kindness, goodness, peace, happiness, helpfulness, laughter, and caring as you can. Perhaps one day all of us ...

... of all. As a boy those hugs kept me warm even on those cold, Winter days when the house was drafty and everyone was crowded around the wood stove. As a man giving those hugs still brought a big, warm smile to my kids ’ faces even when my cooking left something to be desired. It is those hugs that I still share freely with my children even now that they are as big as I am. It is those hugs that I hope to share with my future grandchildren too. It is those hugs with their armfuls of joy that can help us all to share our love for each other. It is those hugs that I hope to share one day with my Heavenly Father as well." God is love" and I can think of no more loving way to greet Him when I finally make it" Home". In fact, I think His loving arms await us all. We need only to ...

... like my fingers did that time when I was a careless young boy. It is up to us, however, to not let ourselves stay flattened like an old, wet pair of pants. It is up to us to pick ourselves up and warm our hearts and souls again in the sunshine of God's love. It is up to us to choose the Heavenly scent of love and joy moment by moment to refresh our lives and to share with the world. I hope then that no matter how flattened you get by life at times you can still rise up to choose more joy and love. I hope that no matter how many times you are put through a wringer you can still come out stronger, better, and closer to God.~Joseph J. Mazzella~[ by: Joseph J. Mazzella (joecool @wirefire)-from 'Inspired Buffalo ' (InspiredBuffalo @lighthouse.net)] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... Today I Will Make A Difference Today I will make a difference. I will begin by controlling my thoughts. A person is the product of his thoughts. I want to be happy and hopeful. Therefore, I will have thoughts that are happy and hopeful. I refuse to be victimized by my circumstances. I will not let petty inconveniences such as stoplights, long lines, and traffic jams be my masters. I will avoid negativism and gossip. Optimism will be my companion, and victory will be my hallmark. Today I will make a difference. I will be grateful for the twenty-four hours that are before me. Time is a precious commodity. I refuse to allow what little time I have to be contaminated by self-pity, anxiety, or boredom. I will face this day with the joy of a child and the courage of a giant. I will drink each minute as though it is my last. When tomorrow comes, ...

... God ’ s Dresser There are many people in the world that have a problem with forgiving themselves of their past mistakes and the enemy of hell tries his best to add condemnation to worsen the feelings that they have. God is a God of love and compassion who wishes to forgive and restore all who come to Him. Never allow the enemy to make you feel as if you are beyond redemption. God is able to turn your mess into a miracle. I hope the following story will minister to you if you are having trouble forgiving yourself, or feel as if God will never forgive you of your past mistakes. A woman is dying of Aids. A minister is summoned. He attempts to comfort her, but to no avail." I am lost ," she said." I have ruined my life and every life around me. Now I'm going painfully to hell. There is no hope for me" The minister saw a ...

... trying. It is a fragile thread that binds us to each other. Do not be afraid to encounter risks. It is by taking chances that we learn how to be brave. Do not shut love out of your life by saying it is impossible to find. The quickest way to receive love is to give love; The fastest way to lose love is to hold it too tightly. Do not dismiss your dreams. To be without dreams is to be without hope; To be without hope is to be without purpose. Do not run through life so fast that you forget not only where you have been, but also where you are going. Life is not a race, but a journey to be savored each step of the way. [Author Unknown-from 'Aiken Drum ' (Aiken @AikensLaughs.com)] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... lights on the bushes and put up the yard displays. Also, he had to put Santa and his reindeer up on the roof. Mom was almost finished putting the ornaments on the tree. As far as she was concerned, all she had left was to put the icicles on it and spray it with snow. She could hardly wait until she finished, because she could get all of the presents out of the bedroom closet and start wrapping them. She sure hoped the kids would like all of the video games, computer software, and designer clothes she had gotten them, and that dad liked all of his new tools and hunting and fishing gear. After all, these things aren't cheap. It ’ s a good thing she had all of those credit cards. She had to wrap presents for all of their other friends and relatives, too. She sure hoped everyone spent as much on her family as she had on theirs, ...

... Leaf I was walking out my door yesterday when a strong gust of wind blew something into my face. Getting over the shock I pulled it off of my glasses. It was single red leaf that had gotten taken for a ride on that windy September day. I held this messenger of Fall in my hand and looked at it closely. It looked like it had lived its life well. It probably had first popped out on a cold April morning giving the first hope of Spring to some Winter weary soul who saw it. It must have given shelter to singing birds and shade to tired children too. From the holes in it I would guess that it gave more than one meal to a hungry insect during the hot Summer months. Now it was ending its life at its most beautiful with its radiant red adding to the glorious painting from God that covers the mountains during Autumn here. I knew too that its work wasn ’ t done ...

... law and struggled just to survive. But, despite the severity of his life, he never let go of his dream .to write a book. He wrote that book and in it he told a beautiful story which welled from his heart's deepest dreams and yearnings. It has moved generations of people the world over ever since. It is about a man who saw the world differently than everyone else. Though created in suffering, the book is an inspiring tale of irrepressible hope. This man's story has been put to music and film, translated into numerous languages and remains a literary classic after some 400 years. The author was Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra and the book is Don Quixote De La Mancha. Perhaps Cervantes himself believed, as did his character, that the world" sees people as they are-I see them as they can be !" For Cervantes may never have accomplished such a magnificent work had he not seen some potential within himself that ...

... life. Only time will tell how good a one I have been. In this life we are all students and we are all teachers. What we learn and what we teach, however, is up to us. May you always learn in enthusiasm and in joy then. May you always teach with energy and with love as well. May you never stop learning what God needs you to learn and may you always teach what God wants you to teach. I hope that you graduate this life with honors as a Child of God and I hope that you spend all of your years here as a Professor of love and of life.~Joseph J. Mazzella~[ by: Joseph J. Mazzella (joecool @wirefire.com)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... run out to help get your priorities straight"" Now let me tell you one last thing before I sign-off with you and take my lovely wife out for breakfast. This morning, I took the very last marble out of the container. I figure if I make it until next Saturday then I have been given a little extra time. And the one thing we can all use is a little more time"" It was nice to meet you Tom, I hope you spend more time with your family, and I hope to meet you again here on the band. 75 year Old Man, this is K9NZQ, clear and going QRT, good morning !" You could have heard a pin drop on the band when this fellow signed off. I guess he gave us all a lot to think about. I had planned to work on the antenna that morning, and then I was going to meet up with a few hams to work ...

... can guide some erring one to truth, inspire within his heart a sense of duty; if I can plant within my soul of rosy youth a sense of right, a love of truth and beauty; if I can teach one man that God and heaven are near, I shall not then have lived in vain while here. If from my mind I banish doubt and fear, and keep my life attuned to love and kindness; if I can scatter light and hope and cheer, and help remove the curse of mental blindness; if I can make more joy, more hope, less pain, I shall not have lived and loved in vain. If by life's roadside I can plant a tree, beneath whose shade some wearied head may rest, though I may never share its beauty, I shall yet be truly blest -though no one knows my name, nor drops a flower upon my grave, I shall not have lived in vain ...

... Put Your Behind In Your Past I like what Miguel de Cervantes, the author of DON QUIXOTE, said," Love not what you are, but what you may become" There is hope that I can always change for the better. I can become more self confident, more in charge of my life, healthier, happier-you get the idea. And there is hope that I can change a situation-like finding a new career or going after a new life-style. If you're like me, making any big changes can be scary. We will have to COMMIT. And we may have to take a risk. Let me illustrate what I mean: Consider a performer on a trapeze. She swings back and forth. And then she encounters another trapeze bar. It is swinging toward her and it is empty. Now she has a decision to make. She may continue to hang onto her present bar, or let go ...

... A Loving Thought Here is my new article. It is about a loving thought that helped me change the course of my life. I hope that you enjoy it. Wishing you every joy... George Macdonald wrote that" If instead of a gem or even a flower, we should cast the gift of a loving thought into the heart of a friend, that would be giving as the angels give" I can remember one of the first loving thoughts that was cast into my own heart and the angel who placed it there. I was a young boy and my parents, brothers, and I were spending the afternoon at the home of a family friend. This friend was the hymn leader at our church as well as the music teacher at my grade school. I remember I used to sit and listen to her play songs on her guitar for hours at a time. On this day my dad was outside once again working ...

... thread that binds us to each other. Don't be afraid to encounter risks, It's by taking chances we learn how to be brave. Don't shut LOVE out of your life by saying it's impossible to find. The quickest way to receive LOVE is to give LOVE, the fastest way to lose LOVE is to hold it too tightly and the best way to keep LOVE is to give it wings. Don't dismiss your dreams. To be without dreams is to be without HOPE; To be without HOPE is to be without purpose. Don't run through life so fast that you forget not only WHERE YOU'VE BEEN-but also-WHERE YOU'RE GOING. Life isn't a race, but. IT'S A JOURNEY-TO BE SAVORED EACH STEP OF THE WAY. [Author Unknown-from 'Aiken Drum ' (Aiken @AikensLaughs.com)] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... sets on high, and those who mourn are lifted to safety. He thwarts the plans of the crafty, so that their hands achieve no success. He catches the wise in their craftiness, and the schemes of the wily are swept away. Darkness comes upon them in the daytime; at noon they grope as in the night. He saves the needy from the sword in their mouth; He saves them from the clutches of the powerful. So the poor have hope, and injustice shuts its mouth. Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. For He wounds, but He also binds up; He injures, but His hands also heal. From six calamities He will rescue you; in seven no harm will befall you" (Job 5: 8-19 NIV) Here is Bildad:" Surely God does not reject a blameless man or strengthen the hands of evildoers. He will yet ...

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

... up at his Grampa." Remember when I asked you why God makes the people that he knows won't get saved? And will get burned in hell ?"" Yes, I remember"" Well, I think he makes them anyway, knowing what they'll do so others can learn"" I don't think God makes bad people on purpose. It just happens that way. Man's will is free, he can choose what he likes. God gives him life and hopes he'll choose what's right. It's kind of like throwing a hand full of sand out on the ground. No matter how many times you throw it out, it's never going to land the same" Grampa throws a pretend handful." That's what happens when God makes people, they're all different"" God didn't give us a weakness to do bad ?" His grandson questioned." No, if anything He tries to get us to do good." I think if ...

... than words can describe. God's gift to the world: the Rose of Sharon! His fragrance fills our heart and especially during this season of the year, His warm, loving presence seems to even flood our world. People are kinder, gentler, more loving, more friendly, more giving than at any other time of the year. People are lonely too -more than at any other time of the year. I heard a story that touched my heart and I hope will touch yours. It's about an elderly lady named Rose. She lives alone -somewhere in our world -and apparently has no family .but there's a faithful Avon lady who calls on her regularly. The Avon lady relates, with sadness, how Rose selected and purchased an Avon item, then looked at her and asked," Could you wrap this up for Christmas for me -and write on a card, 'To Rose, from Santa ?" Our hearts break as we realize how many ...

... The Affluent Poor You cannot save yourself. Not through the right rituals. Not through the right doctrine. Not through the right devotion. Not through the right goose bumps. Jesus is crystal clear. It is impossible for human beings to save themselves. Jesus doesn't say improbable. He doesn't say unlikely. He doesn't even say it will be tough. He says it is impossible to save yourself. No chance. No way. No loopholes. No hope. Impossible. It's impossible to swim the Pacific. It's impossible to go to the moon on the tail of a kite. You can't climb Mount Everest with a picnic basket and a walking stick. And unless somebody does something, you don't have a chance of going to heaven. Does that strike you as cold? All your life you've been rewarded according to your performance. You get grades according to your study. You get commendations according to your success. You get money in ...

... ? Dr. Philip Humbert asks," What remarkable, extraordinary and amazing things will you do with this wild and wonderful miracle, your one and only life ?" I believe that the question should also be asked this way:" What will you do with this wild and wonderful miracle, your one and only DAY ?" For it's increasingly clear to me that the decisions I make every day, even little decisions, will decide how my life will eventually turn out. Hopefully, I won't wake up to read my own obituary. But I have already begun to write it – day by day, moment by moment. And if I live a life that matters today, then my obituary will already be written in the hearts of those who know me.~Steve Goodier~[ by: Steve Goodier-Copyright 2009-from Steve Goodier (LifeSupport @yahoogroups.com)] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... " my experience has shown me that thorns make roses more precious. We treasure God's providential care more during trouble than at any other time. Remember, it was a crown of thorns that Jesus wore so we might know His love. Don't resent the thorns" Tears rolled down Sandra's cheeks. For the first time since the accident, she loosened her grip on resentment." I'll take those twelve long-stemmed thorns, please ," she managed to choke out." I hoped you would ," said the clerk gently." I'll have them ready in a minute"" Thank you. What do I owe you ?"" Nothing. Nothing but a promise to allow God to heal your heart. The first year's arrangement is always on me" The clerk smiled and handed a card to Sandra." I'll attach this card to your arrangement, but maybe you would like to read it first" It read:" My God, I have never ...

... being alone and miserable especially when it was within his power to change my situation over night. How could He stand by and see me suffer, watch my heart break as I saw my friends one by one all marry and start families of their own. It became more than I could bear. How could He do this to me? Didn't He see how I ached inside, how I hurt? My heart was broken, my spirit crushed, I had no hope for the future. What I did have however was a distorted view of God. I felt as if He was withholding a mate from me because I wanted one so badly. It was as if He were saying to me," See, I'll give all of your friends husbands and children but not you, you're not worthy, you ’ re not good enough. You don't deserve a mate" I was truly at a crossroads in my walk with the Lord. ...

... you had to advise him, what would you have told him? Careful analysis would produce three possibilities: The son could refuse to take a pebble. The son could show that there were two black pebbles in the bag and expose the moneylender as a dishonest cheater. The son could pick a black pebble and sacrifice himself in order to save his father from his debt and imprisonment. Take a moment to ponder over the story. The above story is used with the hope that it will make us appreciate the difference between lateral and logical thinking. »»» (Page down to find out what the son decided to do) »»» The Son's Solution.... The son's dilemma cannot be solved with traditional logical thinking. Think of the consequences if he chooses the above logical answers. What would you recommend the son do? Well, here is what he did.... The son put his hand into the moneybag and drew out a ...

... praised! The powers of darkness fear when this sweet sound chant they hear May Jesus Christ be praised! To God, the Word, on high, the hosts of angels cry, May Jesus Christ be praised! Let mortals, too, upraise their voice in hymns of praise; May Jesus Christ be praised! Rev. E. Caswell (1800) When I read these words it warmed my heart and the void dissipated into thin air. Reading this hymn bought hope to my soul; even the saints of old felt the ever present void that sin brings. I, as the saint of old; stood in the market praising Jesus. Oh, how the dark world must have hissed at me when I filled the void with Christ. How are you filling the void within your soul? [Robin-from Kimberly] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

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

... for you as an occasion for testimony" (Luke 21: 12, 13, NKJV). When we are tested, will we stand up for what is right or shrink from potential pain? Will our beliefs have strong roots or shallow? Let's prepare our hearts to be fertile ground with deep roots. Let's be ready to stand up for life's uninvited guests. Mary Mullins, a former student missionary in South Korea, now lives in Lincoln, Nebraska. She hopes to pursue a career in international development. [By Mary Mullins, Source: Adventist Review-Submitted by Nancy Simpson, via 'WIT and WISDOM '] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... what he was going to do, he replied," Well, I've given it a lot of thought and I've decided I like what I've been drinkin ' so much better than what I've been hearin, I'm just gonna keep on gettin ' deaf" But there is still GOOD news aplenty. We can still hear encouraging words from friends. Any day we can witness numerous acts of generosity and kindness. And we can still spot signs all around us of love and hope. Sometimes we may have to look a little more closely, but the good news is there. Are you finding it? It's worth the effort.~Steve Goodier~[ by: Steve Goodier-Copyright 2009-from Steve Goodier (LifeSupport @yahoogroups.com)] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... peak from those around it. But in summer, any child could look at these mountains and easily choose" the one with the cross on it" The only real difference in this mountain and the all the others is the enormous image etched into its face. We spend much of our lives creating a thick layer of" achievements" We climb the career ladder, push our kids to excel, move to a better neighborhood, pursue another degree, all in the hope that we will somehow become more popular, wealthy, powerful, or influential. Like a thick blanket of snow our conquests and achievements cover us, deposited one tiny flake at a time until we are totally obscured. For many of us, self-esteem and self-worth come from what we have accomplished or how much we can buy or who we know. Yet one day we will awaken to a new reality, an endless day in which all our values will be turned ...

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

... Sweet Sarah When I married my husband, Stephen, I was age 34 and my biological clock had been ticking loudly for a few years. I was never one of those women who wanted to be pregnant at age 40. So, even though he was already" Dad" to two teenage boys, he married me knowing that God willing, he would be a father again. We hoped for a nice sentimental story-pregnant on the honeymoon, and our first child within a year. We were living with Stephen's boys at the time anyway, so it wasn't like a child of our own would wreck the romantic atmosphere of our peaceful home. We had two rowdy teenage boys banging around the house and keeping us from any meaningful privacy. God delivered. I was pregnant before we returned from the honeymoon, according to the home pregnancy test I took a couple of weeks later. We were elated. It felt like an affirmation of ...

... Singing The Blues At one time or another we all have periods of sadness in life. However, anyone who has experienced full-blown depression, otherwise known as" the blues ," will tell you there is a huge difference between the two emotions. When a person feels a little low or sad, there is usually the realization that a light exists at the end of the tunnel. However, clinical depression can be so severe that there is often a sense of hopelessness, and that there is no way out from the darkness. According to Miriam Rosenthal, M.D, one out of six adults have experienced symptoms of depression. The illness knows no difference between race, age or religious background, and about 25 %of all women have experienced it, and 12 %of all men. Many people think you can just tell a depressed person to" just snap out of it ," but the reality of depression is that its roots often reach deeper ...

... mull. Make time for play-the things you like to do. Whatever your age, your inner child needs re-creation. Watch and listen to the night sky. It speaks. Listen to the words you speak, especially in prayer. Learn to stand back and let others take their turn as leaders.There will always be new opportunities for you to step out in front again. Divide big jobs into little jobs. If God took six days to create the universe, can you hope to do any better? When you find yourself rushing and anxious, stop. Ask yourself" WHY ?" you are rushing and anxious. The reasons may improve your self-understanding. Take time to read the Bible. Thoughtful reading is enriching reading. Direct your life with purposeful choices, not with speed and efficiency. The best musician is one who plays with expression and meaning, not the one who finishes first. Take a day off alone; make a retreat. You can ...

... , however, found one way that you can change your life in just seven days. It doesn ’ t require that you buy an exercise machine, take a pill, invest your savings, or give out your credit card number either. All you need is yourself, and all you have to invest is your heart, soul, and mind. Just by doing four simple steps for seven days you can begin to turn your life into the joyous experience you always hoped it could be. The first step is simply to realize and know just how much God loves you. Once you see that God loves you and wants you to be happy then everything in your life will become better. You will begin to feel, in fact, just how glorious life can be. The next step is just to love God back. That is all God ever asks of us. By loving God back you will take the first step towards living the ...

... the end the autism is always there keeping him from being the person he could have been. One thing, however, that brings me joy is that everyday I can see his gentle spirit break through those autistic walls around him. Sometimes it is in a laugh, sometimes it is in a smile, sometimes it is in a hug, but it always lets me know that a loving soul still lives within him. One day in the life after this one I hope to get to talk to that sweet spirit and thank him for all the love he gave me and all that he taught me about patience, compassion, and life. I am going to try and look at those old pictures more often now. I want them to remind me of who my son truly is: a Child of God, a Being of Light, and a Spirit full of Love. The next time then that you see a person trapped in a handicapped ...

... manage the whole thing-how about you? The Message makes it clearer, 'You're blessed when you're content with just who you are-no more, no less. That's the moment when you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought ' (Italics mine) That makes much more sense! We accept our role as SAHMs, we hit our stride, find a groove, and stick with it, and then we realize we have more than we ever hoped to have! Our paradigm has shifted-successfully! We have acquired the inner peace that comes with trusting God and doing his will for our family, our children, and ourselves. We have accepted ourselves, and our role as a SAHM, and have become comfortable. We come to that moment of realization that the money is not what it is all about. Sure, it's nice to have, but it can never replace being there when your baby takes her first ...

... rules like never going to meet anyone they have met only through the Internet. After you have read everything you can read on child safety and helped them understand the things they need to know, then relax and trust God, knowing that you have prepared them well. You will continue to look out for them as much as possible, but everyone has moments when they weren't as careful as they should be and children get hurt. Things happen. We can prepare, hope and pray-and then there comes a time when you have to let them venture out from your protective watch. [Melodie Davis (Melodie @mennomedia.org)-from 'Sermon_Fodder '] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... Vitamin V." Vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one. (Acts 5: 16) W ondering what to do? Take Vitamin W." What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God ?" (Micah 6: 8) e X hausted? Take Vitamin X." Exercise thyself rather unto godliness" (1 Timothy 4: 7) Y earning for hope? Take Vitamin Y." Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you art with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me" (Psalm 23: 4) Z apped? Take Vitamin Z." Zealous for good deeds" (Titus 2: 14) [Author Unknown-from 'E-Mail Ministry ' (EMailMinistry @yahoogroups.com)] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... pick up the receiver gently to make sure noone else was taking on the party line, and then slowly dial each number on the rotary wheel. These days my home is wireless and yet has more wires than I can count. I have a mobile phone, cell phone, and computer. I have two televisions and a hundred cable channels. I have CD and DVD players. My daughter has an i-pod and a cell phone with more functions than she could ever hope to use. I am connected with friends and family all over the globe and can communicate at the speed of light. I am a part of the vast electronic web that encircles our world. I know too that there is no going back to the simpler age that I grew up in. Still, there are times each day when I shut down my computer and turn off my televisions and cell phone. I do so to spend some quiet time in prayer, to ...

... that God gives us all a wonderful walking stick called our thoughts and that we all can use it to help us travel joyously through this journey called life. Either that or we can beat ourselves over the head with it. The choice is ours. That retreat remains the most fun I ever had 30 years after the fact. I guess sometimes it just takes us a bit longer to get what people, life, and God are trying to teach us. I hope you use your walking stick well, live your life with love, and watch the sunrise every chance you get.~Joseph J. Mazzella~[ by: Joseph J. Mazzella Copyright 2009 (joecool @wirefire.com)-submitted by: Joseph Mazzella] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... create abundant power that helps millions of people everyday. He saw as well it used to build bombs that could kill us all a hundred times over. Every invention and every piece of technology can be used to help us grow better and closer together or it can be used to distance us and destroy us. The choice is in how we use it. The key I feel is love. God ’ s greatest wish is for us to love each other. I hope you make all of your calls and e-mails joyous gifts of love then. But if there is someone right beside you who needs your love don ’ t be afraid to turn off the electronics, look them in the eye, and give them a hug.~Joseph J. Mazzella~[ by: Joseph J. Mazzella Copyright 2009 (joecool @wirefire.com)-submitted by: Joseph Mazzella] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... As he drove me to the rink, I asked why he had changed his mind." Sometimes we make up rules just to keep from having to make decisions ," he said. Our resolve not to forgive serves the same purpose. Then we do not need to re-think a decision, re-do a relationship or re-live a hurt. Sometimes we refuse to allow*ourselves*a second chance because we lack the courage to try, to risk failing again. We lack hope. A second chance made sense to Paul, and he offered it. It meant everything to Mark, and he took it. Both found that it is never too late to be what you might have been. [By Dr. Michael A. Halleen-from Mikey's Funnies (funnies-owner @lists.MikeysFunnies.com)] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... relationships, it's vital to remember the basics: Remember that the people of your life are more valuable than the things. That is basic. Remember that there's a difference between inconveniences and hardships. That is basic. Remember that the" little things ," if left unattended, can hurt a relationship as much as the big ones. That, too, is basic. And remember that love between individuals-friends or family-is the most precious possession we humans can hope to attain. Above all, other people should be cherished. It's basic-all of it. But it's the stuff of happy lives.~Steve Goodier~[ by: Steve Goodier Copyright 2007 (LifeSupport @yahoogroups.com)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... from under you, and you will start sliding down ' I don't like precipices. When I am on the edge of a cliff, my instincts are to lie down and hug the mountain, to become one with it, not to lean away from it! But that was what my good friend was telling me to do. I looked at him real hard. Was there any reason, any reason at all, that I should not trust him? I certainly hoped not! So for a moment, based solely on what I believed to be the good will and good sense of my friend, I decided to say no to what I felt, to stifle my impulse to cling to the security of the mountain, to lean out, step out, and traverse the ice to safety. It took less than two seconds to find out if my faith was well founded. It was" To save us, God often tells us to ...

... has its place. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life. Write thoughts and inspirations down. Everyday, find time to be alone. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until its time to go to bed to try and pray. Make friends with Godly people. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a Good" Thank you Jesus !" Laugh. Laugh some more! Take your work seriously, but yourself not at all. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can). Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most). Sit on your ego. Talk less; listen more. Slow down. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe. Every night before bed, think of one ...

... industrial to an information and service society. A terrific increase in the rate of change. Globalizations in every area of business and life. Re-spiritualization of society (reversing the secularization trend of recent centuries ), tying knowledge to vision and direction. Early in the 21st century we have already seen these trends evolving. I find all four fascinating, but the last one particularly intrigues me. My friend Oak Soo from Korea sent me this quote from anthropologist Jane Goodall (REASON FOR HOPE, Warner Books, 2000). Goodall, a scientist, said this about spirituality:" Thinking back over my life, it seems to me that there are different ways of looking out and trying to understand the world around us. There's a very clear scientific window. And it does enable us to understand an awful lot about what's out there. There's another window; it's the window through which the wise men, the holy men, the masters of the different and ...

... . He lives the way we all should live. He sees the beauty of the world, the miracle of life, and the love of God in all things. He awakens the Christmas Spirit in me and everyone else he meets. I could never be a Scrooge myself, because I have the Spirit of Christmas Love and Joy sleeping down the hall from me. I only wish that the whole world could see Christmas and life through his eyes. My simple Christmas hope then is that all of you try to see life with the same joy, love, kindness, peace, happiness, wonder, and delight that my son does. If you do this you truly will be giving yourself a glorious gift. If you do this God and His angels will always be smiling down on you. If you do this everyday will be Christmas.~Joseph J. Mazzella~[ by: Joseph J. Mazzella (joecool @wirefire.com)- ...

... faith. We have a future and a promise. God has a plan for our good. He ’ s preparing a place just for us. He ’ s promised to come back for us. We, more than all others, have the greatest reason to bubble over with this most joyous anticipation. It is because of the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus ’ that we have been given yet another wonderful gift from the hand of God Himself. That gift is hope.-Glenn A. Hascall-[ by: Glenn A. Hascall Copyright 2004 (cmi @prairieweb.com)-submitted by Glenn Hascall] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... know, time has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of the passing years. It seems just yesterday that I was a young girl, 19 yrs old just married and embarking on my new life with my husband. And yet in a way, it seems like eons ago almost 45yrs, and I wonder where all the years went. I know that I lived them all. And I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams. But, here it is .the winter of my life and it catches me by surprise .How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and where did my babies go? They are grown up now & families of their own. And where did my youth go? I remember well .seeing older people through the years and thinking that those older people were years away from me and that winter was so far off that I could not fathom it ...

... begging," Throw it again, please !" And she did, over and over and over, forgetting that she was actually working quite hard. What possessed God to make dogs anyway? Certainly there are exceptions, and certainly people can breed dogs to bring out the worst in them, but in general, there is nothing more selfless, loving or patient than a dog. Mistreat it and it comes back to you anyway. Ignore it and it never gives up hope that you will be its friend again. Make it wait days to go play, and it will still be ready. It offers you friendship and companionship and in return asks only for food, water and an occasional scratch behind the ears. Why would God bother to make such a creature? I suppose that if dogs were like people they would eventually give up on us. but they never do. A dog ’ s love is almost impossible to destroy, because it ...

... little bulldog struts around our backyard as if he owns it" That bulldog inspires me when it comes to managing problems. Not that think I have to fight and impose my will on whatever is in my way. But I appreciate that little dog's perseverance. He persisted with his problem until it disappeared. Dale Carnegie made this observation:" Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all" In the end, it's the persistent bulldog that will own the backyard.~Steve Goodier~[ by: Steve Goodier Copyright 2008 (LifeSupport @yahoogroups.com)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... life gives us, we miss what is really important. We may fail to say hello, please, or thank you, congratulate someone on something wonderful that has happened to them, give a compliment, or just do something nice for no reason. As you go through this week, this month, this year, recognize people who pack your parachute. I am sending you this as my way of thanking you for your part in packing my parachute !!! And I hope you will send it on to those who have helped pack yours! Have a great day! You have many opportunities to pack some parachutes today! [Author Unknown-from chaplain @bdadvertising.com] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... fact, we became the son or daughter of the one and only awesome God. That's why we can have total confidence in knowing that our destiny will be a reflection of Him-in other words, awesome! The truth of this is in God's promise to the children of Israel in Jeremiah 29: 11" For I know the plans I have for you, ' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" As adopted children into the family of God, we can take hold of that promise for our lives as well. God's desire for each of His children is only ever for good. We can be assured that the destiny we have ahead of us is going to be one that is rich because of His unfailing love toward us. Somewhere along the line though, we've equated prominence in ministry as being a measure of true success. We may never say ...

... sometimes a risk is called for. As the late William Arthur Ward wisely said: To laugh is to risk appearing a fool. To weep is to risk appearing sentimental. To reach out for another is to risk involvement. To expose feelings is to risk revealing your true self. To place you ideas, your dreams, before a crowd is to risk rejection. To love is to risk not being loved in return. To live is to risk dying. To hope is to risk disappointment. To try is to risk failure. But risks must be taken, because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing. Those who risk nothing, do nothing, have nothing, and become nothing. They may avoid present suffering and sorrow, but they will not learn, feel, change, grow, love, or live. Chained by their fear, they are slaves who have forfeited their freedom. Only a person who risks is free ...

... . They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart. A woman can make a romantic evening unforgettable. Women come in all sizes, in all colors and shapes. They live in homes, apartments and cabins. They drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you. The heart of a woman is what makes the world spin! Women do more than just give birth. They bring joy and hope. They give compassion and ideals. They give moral support to their family and friends. And all they want back is a hug, a smile and for you to do the same to people you come in contact with. Women have a lot to say and a lot to give. This is a note of appreciation to some wonderful women. [Author Unknown-from 'Sermon Fodder ' (Keith Todd)] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... Are You Having Fun Yet? Plato said that work should be play. Some airline employees have taken his injunction seriously. After landing, one flight attendant announced," Thank you for flying Delta Business Express. We hope you enjoyed giving us the business as much as we enjoyed taking you for a ride" There's a flight attendant who knows how to turn her work into play. She may have been the same one who, as the passengers disembarked from the aircraft, announced," Last one off the plane must clean it" A British insurance agent has fun with the accident reports he reads from some of his clients. Like the one who wrote:" I started to slow down but the traffic was more stationary than I thought" You know, stationary traffic can be like that. Another client reported," Windscreen broken. Cause unknown. Probably Voodoo" Voodoo would be a worry. Before he became an actor, Ray ...

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

... You're all good friends to me, and I am truly grateful to you. Forward this to all your friends on-line to show them you are friends. If you send this to: person-you are lonely. people-you need more friends. people-you have a few friends. people-you have some friends. people-you have several friends! people-you have many friends! people-you are sooo loved! This is nice-I hope I get it back! [Author Unknown-Ed: anon.-from the" The Wrights"-via Linda L.] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... and help others to do the same. You are happy.... when you see a flower and give it your blessing. You are loving.... when your own pain does not blind you to the pain of others. You are wise.... when you know the limits of your wisdom. You are true.... when you admit there are times you fool yourself. You are alive.... when tomorrow's hope means more to you than yesterday's mistake. You are growing.... when you know what you are but not what you will become. You are free.... when you are in control of yourself and do not wish to control others. You are honorable.... when you find your honor is to honor others. You are generous.... when you can take as sweetly as you can give. You are humble.. ...

... 5 Seconds Every morning I spend an hour exercising this aging body of mine. I do so in hopes of keeping this collection of blood, skin, muscle, and bones healthy and strong for the rest of my time here. When it comes to exercising my soul, however, I know that a daily morning workout just isn ’ t enough. Our souls are ageless and eternal. They can fill us daily with energy, vitality, love, joy, and light, but to keep them in shape we need to exercise them often. Don ’ t worry, though. Exercising your soul doesn ’ t require heavy weights, expensive machines, or gym club memberships. It just requires a willing heart and a giving spirit. In fact, some of the best soul exercises I know can be done in 5 seconds or less. They always leave you feeling better than when you started them and they can be done anytime of the ...

... at home. As she turned to leave, she said," By the way, I promised Amy that if she went to bed, you'd buy her a pony in the morning" Ouch. (I understand that she is unemployed these days …) It doesn't take long for parents to learn that, if they want their children to trust them, they will have to keep some promises. So a good parent will model the importance of keeping trust in the hopes of teaching their children to be trustworthy. When people trust us, it is like having money in the bank. In an actual bank account, we will first make deposits if we expect to later make withdrawals. When we keep our word, it's like making a deposit into a trust fund. The more deposits we make, the larger our balance becomes. And the opposite is also true. Whenever we break our word and lose trust, it is like withdrawing money ...

... until the 1940s as a" picker-upper" (www.cadburyschweppes.com). The original Coca-Cola formula also included a" picker-upper"-cocaine. Today, people not suffering from serious depression understand that they usually don't need mood-altering drugs to cope with daily life. But most folks struggle with bouts of mild depression, despondency or" the blahs" from time to time. How do you pick yourself up when you're feeling down, without the aid of Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Soda? I hope I'm not telling you anything new when I say that talking about the reasons you're down, making needed changes, watching your diet, getting enough exercise and sleep, developing a positive mental outlook and utilizing spiritual resources are all important pieces of our emotional puzzles. But one important strategy for feeling better (and one that's LEAST used) is as important as the rest. It is helping others in need. Visit a shut-in neighbor. Write a letter. Call a friend who ...

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

... the beauty of an aging hand, For it is through their teachings we learn to love. To believe. is to find the strength And courage that lies within us. When it is time to pick up the pieces and begin again. To believe. is to know we are not alone, That life is a gift and this is our time to cherish it. To believe. is to know that wonderful surprises Are just waiting to happen, And all our hopes and dreams are within reach. If only we believe. [Author Unknown-from 'Aiken Drum ' (Aiken @AikensLaughs.com)] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... be simple, 'tis the gift to be free, 'tis the gift to come down where you ought to be, And when we find ourselves in the place just right, It will be in the valley of love and delight. When true simplicity is gained, To bow and to bend we shan't be ashamed. To turn, turn will be our delight, 'Til by turning, turning we come round right. Turning, I believe it is one of the most hopeful words in our language. We human beings, by turning, can do something about the course we've taken. We may not be able to change what we've already done; and we may not be able to fully escape the consequences of past choices. But we need not continue in the same, destructive path. We can turn. We can find our way again! Are you headed the wrong direction? Don't give up .you can always start over. You can always ...

... -illness, job loss, financial worries, doubts about our abilities, the state of our economy or the world's environment. But if we keep a positive attitude, we discover the light that God has put in our hearts to overcome the darkness. For most of my life I've been telling people that they can do it and watching them succeed in ways as positive as their attitudes. Rich DeVos is chairman of Gospel Communications. He is also the author of" Hope From My Heart: Ten Lessons for Life ," co-founder of Amway Corp, and owner and chairman of the NBA's Orlando Magic. [by: Rich DeVos-from 'Daily Wisdom '] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... -a hummingbird! (Coaxing a hummingbird out of the house is a little like pushing a rope. Mostly, whatever you do doesn't work) You, too, have a light that attracts .an inner light. Not visible to the naked eye, but apparent just the same. We speak of a" twinkle" in the eye or a" flicker" of warmth in the heart. Some people shine with a light of kindness. Others emit a light of hope. There are those who glow with enthusiasm and still others who radiate love. Almost all creatures are drawn to light, including humans. Do you want to attract people to you? Positive and life-affirming inner qualities can attract people like a warm fire on a cold night. What will draw other people to you best cannot be purchased in any department store. They will respond to that which radiates from within. You may not always see it, but your light is shining ...

... its place. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life. Write down thoughts and inspirations. Every day, find time to be alone. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray. Make friends with Godly people. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good" Thank you Jesus" Laugh. Laugh some more! Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can). Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most). Sit on your ego. Talk less; listen more. Slow down. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe. Every night before bed, think of one ...

... Time To Feel Good Think about them one at a time BEFORE going on to the next one. hopefully it'll make you feel good. Falling in love. Laughing so hard your face hurts. A hot shower. No lines at the supermarket A special glance. Getting mail Taking a drive on a pretty road. Hearing your favourite song on the radio. Lying in bed listening to the rain outside. Hot towels fresh out of the dryer. Chocolate milkshake. (or vanilla or strawberry !) A bubble bath. Giggling. A good conversation. The beach Finding a 20 dollar bill in your coat from last winter. Laughing at yourself. Midnight phone calls that last for hours. Running through sprinklers. Laughing for absolutely no reason at all. Having someone tell you that you're beautiful. Laughing at an inside joke. Friends. Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you. Waking up and realising you still have a few hours left to ...

... . And again he jumped. This time he flapped all four of his limbs, but still plummeted to the hard ground. The persistent turtle tried again and again with the same results. A couple of birds perched on a branch nearby watched his futile efforts. One of them turned to her mate and said," Dear, don't you think it's time to tell him he's adopted ?" There are simply some things we cannot do. Turtles can't fly. Comedian Bob Hope once thought of pursuing a career in boxing. Later in life he quipped about it:" I ruined my hands in the ring" he said." The referee kept stepping on them" Fighting is something he could not do well. But he became a great comedian. Lots of people have ability and talent. And most people have an idea about what they think they can do. So why do some excel but many do not? The famous American caricaturist Al ...

... world (1 John 4: 4 )? Why should I accept defeat when the Bible says that God always leads me in triumph (2 Corinthians 2: 14 )? Why should I lack wisdom when Christ became wisdom to me from God and God gives wisdom to me generously when I ask Him for it (1 Corinthians 1: 30; James 1: 5 )? Why should I be depressed when I can recall to mind God's lovingkindness, compassion, and faithfulness and have hope (Lamentations 3: 21-23 )? Why should I worry and fret when I can cast all my anxiety on Christ who cares for me (1 Peter 5: 7 )? Why should I ever be in bondage knowing that there is liberty where the Spirit of the Lord is (2 Corinthians 3: 17 )? Why should I feel condemned when the Bible says I am not condemned because I am in Christ (Romans 8: 1 )? Why should I feel alone when Jesus said ...

... Joy amidst the rubble of life. Laughter amongst life's ruins. We cannot avoid pain, however hard we try. But we can avoid joy. We cannot escape hardship and trouble, but we can miss out on much of life's peace and laughter. If you feel as if you could use more joy, try this: Spend time daily doing something you enjoy. Do those things that bring inner peace. Learn to laugh heartily and frequently. Cultivate an attitude of hope. Fill each day with as much love as it can possibly hold. You'll still have plenty of problems, but through it all, you'll find all the joy you will ever need.~Steve Goodier~[ by: Steve Goodier Copyright 2008 (LifeSupport @yahoogroups.com)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... person whose difference they fear, but to fear that kind of hate. When they learn that there is pleasure in the power of lifting others up, not in the pseudo power of pushing them down. When they learn that praise from others is flattering but meaningless if it not matched by self-respect. When they learn that the value of a life is best measured not by the years spent accumulating possessions, but by the moments spent giving of one's self-sharing wisdom, inspiring hope, wiping tears, and touching hearts. When they learn that a person's beauty is seen not with eyes but with the heart; and that even though time and hardships may ravage one's outer shell, they can enhance one's character and perspective. When they learn to withhold judgment of people, knowing everyone is blessed with good and bad qualities, and the emergence of either often depends on the help given or hurt inflicted by others. When they learn that every person has been ...

... problems to PERFECT you. Problems, when responded to correctly, are character builders. God is far more interested in your character than your comfort. Your relationship to God and your character are the only two things you're going to take with you into eternity." We can rejoice when we run into problems they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of Character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it; until finally our hope and faith are Strong and steady" Romans 5: 3-4 (LB) Here's the point: God is at work in your life-even when you do not recognize it or understand it. But it's much easier and profitable when you cooperate with Him. Print this out and read this regularly. Some of you could probably use this right now!" YOU ARE BLESSED-THERE'S NO NEED TO BE STRESSED !" [Author Unknown-from 'inspirational_msgs '] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights ...

... or realize their presense, but I know that they are there helping us, protecting us, and loving us. There are other angels in this world too. These are angels that we can see everyday. They are what I call angels in disguise. They are the people around us whose love, joy, goodness, and light brighten our lives. They are the people whose very presense makes our lives better, more enjoyable, and happier than we could ever hope. They are the people who live in the Kingdom of God even while they are here on earth. Yes, I do believe in angels. I believe angels are all around us. I believe some of them fly down from heaven and some of them are people you know.~Joseph J. Mazzella~[ by: Joseph J. Mazzella (joecool @wirefire)-from 'Inspired Buffalo ' (InspiredBuffalo @lighthouse.net)] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... apples, put them into the baskets, and helped set the display up once more. As he did this, he noticed that many of them had become battered and bruised; these he set aside in another basket. When he had finished, he pulled out his wallet and said to the girl," Here, please take this $20 for the damage we did. Are you okay ?" She nodded through her tears. He continued on with," I hope we didn't spoil your day too badly" As the salesman started to walk away, the bewildered blind girl called out to him," Mister" He paused and turned to look back into those blind eyes. She continued," Are you Jesus ?" He stopped in mid-stride, and he wondered. Then slowly he made his way to catch the later flight with that question burning and bouncing about in his soul:" Are you Jesus ?" Do people mistake you for Jesus ...

... We wonder why the picture of a godly man or woman somehow looks different than what we see in the mirror. WHAT WENT WRONG? God put together a plan that helps us have a life that is rich in His success. He provided detailed instructions for living a life that is pleasing to Him. And we too often leave the manual (Bible) sitting idle and unused-comfortable with the status quo. We throw together a few spiritual sounding phrases with the hope that somehow this takes care of our problems. BUT NOTHING SEEMS TO FIT! Maybe it ’ s because the life was put together with the wrong pieces. Perhaps you ’ re using pieces that don ’ t fit. Maybe you're trying to hold it all together using dozens of nails that just aren't doing the trick. Besides, if we only use our 'gut level instincts ' we ’ re already in trouble cause what we may be feeling might very well be acid indigestion ...

... computers, and televisions to keep us connected and entertained so we can live a better life. There are cars, clothes, and fancy homes to keep us feeling wealthy so we can live a better life. There are schools, classes, and colleges to get our kids ready to live an even better life than we do. There are also jobs, cash, and credit cards to keep us spending for all of these things so that we can one day, hopefully, have that better life we dream about. I want a better life too, but I don ’ t think that any of these things will help me to get it. I have tried a lot of them over the years and while they may make you feel better for a moment they don ’ t bring you the lasting happiness you want. I have found for myself that the only way to have a better life is to live a better life, and only ...

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

... , One flower can wake the dream. One tree can start a forest, One bird can herald spring. One smile begins a friendship, One handclasp lifts a soul. One star can guide a ship at sea, One word can frame the goal. One vote can change a nation, One sunbeam lights a room. One candle wipes out darkness, One laugh will conquer gloom. One step must start each journey, One word must start each prayer. One hope will raise our spirits, One touch can show you care. One voice can speak with wisdom, One heart can know what's true. One life can make the difference, You see, IT'S UP TO YOU! [Author Unknown-from 'Aiken Drum ' (Aiken @AikensLaughs.com)] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... " Well, I'm going to tell you anyway because you need to hear it" When you do share your opinions, er, wisdom, asked for or not, do so with unmistakable Love. Love they can hear all the way to their so often frightened, confused, topsy-turvy heart. In your own life, think how many times that would have made all the difference in the world. So, after all of my screw-ups (translation: experience) I hope you can gain something from this opinion (translation: wisdom)-keep your opinions and problem solving to yourself .at least for a while. Especially if no one is asking for them. The longer you are able to keep your own ideas out of the conversation, the more you will be able to focus on what is going on deep down inside this precious person you love. You will also be making several powerful statements to the one you are listening to: I ...

... , as I would have done then, had I dared. I have not only composed many stories, but I have written a book, and I write poetry, stories and articles on a regular basis. In the tenth grade my typing teacher told me I would never make a typist. Wrong again. Not only have I worked as a secretary, I am typing now, am I not? Where are you, Mrs. Yand? In heaven, I hope. I could go on, but the point of this essay is not to tell the world about my accomplishments: they are few. It is to encourage anyone reading this that YOU CAN DO IT. Don't let anyone discourage you from fulfilling your dreams. If I CAN DO IT, so Can You! When life throws its daggers and arrows your way, Never stagger, nor falter, nor weakness display. Stand up to your foe. Look him straight in the ...

... as though I ’ m with you. There ’ s a new life to be found" It is then, when all is darkness, and life ’ s at its very worst, You can feel his words of comfort, like a rain cloud that has burst, Start to heal your heart that ’ s broken. As with tears your soul ’ s awash, There ’ s a stillness creeping through you. It is then you hear THE HUSH. I hope this little talk will help us as Christians to support our brothers and sisters who are grieving over the loss of a loved one, no matter how long it takes for them to get over it. Remember, there is no time limit on grief.-Helen Dowd-EDITOR: If in doubt about about the well being of anyone, don't hesitate to seek professional guidance for the person. [by Helen Dowd Copyright 2004, (helendowd @shaw.ca)-submitted by ...

... to look at this face of a tiny baby sleeping happily in her mother ’ s arms. I could see that sweet baby growing up before her mother realized it. I could see her crawling, walking, and saying her first words. I could see her attending school, becoming a teenager, and then setting out on her own. I could see her having a family, raising her children, and then holding her grandchildren in her arms one day. I hoped, though, that she would remember this moment of being held so lovingly in her own mother ’ s arms. I think too that she will remember it, if not in her mind then in her heart and soul. Seeing this reminded me as well of the loving arms that once held us all before we came into this world. It reminded me of the loving arms that though invisible to our eyes still hold our hearts and souls now. The loving arms of ...

... Intertwining Roots-The Redwoods Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. (Jeremiah 17: 7-8) You probably know that the giant redwood trees grow only on the West coast of America. No place else on this earth. My wife and I drove out o one of those groves while traveling between Sacramento and San Francisco. The strength and size of those trees are stunning. They are giants. standing so close together that their branches seem to filter the sun right out of the day, and their towering tops brush the clouds from the sky. If that seems too poetic. go stand there yourself ...

... , Forgiveness, Miracles, Healing, Power, Eternity in Paradise, and much more! (All rated" G" so bring your family and friends). R.S.V.P. Very Important! He must know ahead so He can reserve a spot for you at the table. Also, he's keeping a list of His friends for future reference. He calls it the" Lamb's Book of Life "). The Party Is Being Given By His Kids (that's us). Hope To See You There!" Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear" (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints). 'Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!" Revelation 19: 7-9 (NIV) FOR THOSE OF YOU WHOM I'll SEE AT ...

... wanted to breathe" Socrates, now illuminated by his own huge smile, looked at the boy comfortingly and said," Ah! When you want wisdom and insight as badly as you wanted to breathe, it is then that you shall have it" Jesus wanted us to have" life, and to have it more abundantly" When we were unable to breathe because of the drowning effect of our sin, He rescued us even as He breathed His last. I hope that we want to breathe as much as He wanted to let us. [Jim Schinnerer-from 'Guidewords '] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... , 200 volume library, a hand-organ, china place settings for officers and men, cut-glass wine goblets and sterling silver flatware, beautifully and intricately designed. Years later, some of these place settings would be found near a clump of frozen, cannibalized bodies. The voyage was doomed when the ships sailed into frigid waters and became trapped in ice. First ice coated the decks, the spars and the rigging. Then water froze around the rudders, and the ships became hopelessly locked in the now-frozen sea. Sailors set out to search for help (possibly delirious from lead-poisoning from the cans which preserved their food ), but soon succumbed to severe Arctic weather and died of exposure to its harsh winds and subfreezing temperatures. For the next twenty years, remains of the expedition were found all over the frozen landscape. Dillard reports that the crew did not prepare either for the cold or for the eventuality of the ships becoming ice-locked. On a voyage that was ...

... or broken bodies? No, not always, but it will change your source of strength and comfort. Does prayer change your wants and desires? No, not always, but it will change your wants into what God desires! Does prayer change how you view the world? No, not always, but it will change whose eyes you see the world through. Does prayer change your regrets from the past? No, not always, but it will change your hopes for the future! Does prayer change the people around you? No, not always, but it will change you~the problem isn't always in others. Does prayer change your life in ways you can't explain? Oh, yes, always! And it will change you from the inside out! So does prayer REALLY change ANYTHING? Yes! It REALLY does change EVERYTHING! [Teressa Vowell-from Aiken Drum] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... Led Around By Your" Gotta Haves" Two women who had just met at a health spa were talking about their lifestyles and how they hoped to stay healthy. One asked the other to detail her daily routine." I eat moderately ," she replied," I exercise moderately, I drink moderately, and I live moderately"" Is there anything else you do ?" her new friend asked." Yes ," she said," I lie extensively" I sometimes say I subscribe to the precept that all things should be done in moderation. Trouble is, I often follow THAT principle in moderation, too. Not that we should be overly rigid. But self-imposed discipline is an absolute necessity if we are to be in control of our lives. And success and happiness is simply not possible without inner control. A few years back, two Tennessee convicts dug under a fence and escaped to freedom. Within hours they were recaptured and returned ...

... with the ear piercing sound from an alarm clock? You just want to sleep a little longer. Just ten more minutes. You can't hit the snooze button because, afterall, that only gives you seven more minutes of rest. Suddenly you awake and realize forty-five minutes have passed. You should have been out the door and on your way to work by now. You scramble around the house muttering how stupid you are. Run out the door to your car and hope traffic is light. Only to end up behind a car whose driver insists on going five miles below the speed limit. Now you are really upset. You mutter words that you would punish your child for saying. You think to yourself," the whole day is shot". You spend all day trying to make up for those forty-five minutes of rest. By day's end you are exhausted, and wonder was the extra sleep worth it. I've had days like that ...

... the elevator she noticed two men already aboard. Both were black. One of them was big. Very big. An intimidating figure. The woman froze. Her first thought was: These two are going to rob me. Her next thought was: Don't be a bigot, they look like perfectly nice gentlemen, But racial stereotypes are powerful, and fear immobilized her. She stood and stared at the two men. She felt anxious, flustered, ashamed. She hoped they didn't read her mind but knew they surely did; her hesitation about joining them on the elevator was all too obvious. Her face burned. She couldn't just stand there, so with a mighty effort of will she picked up one foot and stepped forward and followed with the other foot and was on the elevator. Avoiding eye contact, she turned around stiffly and faced the elevator doors as they closed. A second passed, and then another second, and then another ...

... had just come from the car wash and was waiting for my wife. Coming my way from across the parking lot was what society would consider a bum. From the looks of him, he had no car, no home, no clean clothes, and no money. There are times when you feel generous but there are other times that you just don't want to be bothered. This was one of those I" don't want to be bothered times"" I hope he doesn't ask me for any money" I thought. He didn't. He came and sat on the curb in front of the bus stop but he didn't look like he could have enough money to even ride the bus. After a few minutes he spoke." That's a very pretty car ," he said. He was ragged but he had an air of dignity around him. His scraggly blond beard keep more than his face warm. I said," thanks ," ...

... dig. And that is what following a dream is about – our best dreams point us where we want to go and then nudge us in that direction. In other words, they set us to digging. But you know how it goes – you just won't achieve everything you attempt. You may shoot for the moon and only hit the neighbor's window. You may fully intend to be in love for a lifetime. But not every relationship will endure. Not every hope will come to pass. Not every endeavor will be completed. Not every dream will be realized. But here is the wonder of it all … when you fall short of your aim, perhaps you can say," Yes, but look at what I found along the way. Look at the wonderful things which have come into my life because I tried to do something" I think those boys got it right. It is in the digging that life is lived. ...

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

... say they would do the second time around. But why wait for a second time around? Every new day is a second chance! important. Risk more today-take a chance on making that dream come alive. Get involved with something which makes a difference in this world-and a beautiful legacy is what you will leave behind. Like Leo Buscaglia, I want to live fully and with passion. And if all my plans don't work out as I had hoped, I'm still betting that I will have more fun!~Steve Goodier~[ by: Steve Goodier (LifeSupport @yahoogroups.com)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

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

... 1 John 4: 16 And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. 1 John 3: 1 For every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. James 1: 17 I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. Matt 7: 11 Because I am the perfect Father. Matt 5: 48 And I am the provider who meets all your needs. Matt 6: 11-33 My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. Jer 29: 11 My thoughts toward you are as countless as the sands on the seashore. Psalm 139: 17, 18 And I rejoice over you with singing. Zeph 3: 17 I will never stop doing good to you. Jer 32: 40 For you are my treasured possession. Exodus 19: 5 Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37: 4 For it is I who gave you those desires. Phil ...

... only God doesn't yell at you all the time" (Beth, 9)" When you die, they bury you in the ground and your soul goes to heaven, but your body can't go to heaven because it's too crowded up there already" (Jimmy, 8)" Only the good people go to heaven. The other people go where it's hot all the time like in Florida" (Judy, 9)" Maybe I'll die someday, but I hope I don't die on my birthday because it's no fun to celebrate your birthday if you're dead" (Jon, 9)" I'm not afraid to die because I'm a Boy Scout" (Kevin, 10)" Doctors help so you won't die until you pay their bills" (Stephanie, 9) I've observed that the loss of a loved one can be one of the most difficult things we humans can face. And one of our greatest needs as we experience such ...

... Going Up? A preacher once visited a dying man in a last ditch effort to win him over to God." Renounce Satan ," the preacher shouted." No !" the dying man cried." Renounce Satan ," the preacher thundered again." No !" the dying man repeated." You're on your death bed, Jack ," the minister pleaded." There's no hope for you at all. Why won't you renounce Satan ?"" Because ," the dying man said," I'm not aiming to make anyone mad until I find out where I'm going !" ~~~~~~~~~~~~ The sad part about this little story is that so many people who call themselves Christian really are unsure of their final destination after death. Whether they believe that good works are the key to salvation, or even the frequency of their church attendance, they are doubtful of whether they have successfully fulfilled their mission on earth. Or maybe they're just worried if they've been good enough ...

... Forgotten Dog's Christmas 'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse The stockings were hung by the chimney with care In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there The children were nestled all snug in their beds With no thought of the dog filling their head And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap Knew he was cold, but didn't care about that When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter Away to the window I flew like a flash Figuring the dog was free of his chain and into the trash The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow Gave the luster of mid-day to objects below When, what to my wondering eyes should appear But Santa Claus-with eyes full of tears He un-chained the dog, once so lively and quick Last year's Christmas present, now painfully thin and sick ...

... to lavish my love on you simply because you are my child and I am your father. 1 John3: 1 I offer you more than your earthly parents ever could. Matthew 7: 11 For I am the perfect Parent. Matthew 5: 48 Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. James 1: 17 For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. Matthew 6: 31-33 My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. Jeremiah 29: 11 Because I love you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31: 3 My thoughts towards you are countless as the sand on the seashore. Psalm 139: 17-18 And I rejoice over you with singing. Zephania 3: 17 I will never stop doing good to you. Jeremiah 32: 40 For you are my treasured possession. Exodus 19: 5 I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul. Jeremiah 32: 41 And ...

... in life when you miss someone so much that you just want to pick them from your dreams and hug them for real! Dream what you want to dream; go where you want to go; be what you want to be, because you have only one life and one chance to do all the things you want to do. May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human, enough hope to make you happy. Always put yourself in others ' shoes. If you feel that it hurts you, it probably hurts the other person, too. The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. Happiness lies for those who cry, those who hurt, those who have searched, and those who have tried, for only they can appreciate the importance of people who have touched their ...

... their's. Still, when I look inside myself afterwards I find that the love within me has increased once again. I still smile everyday at this wonderful miracle although it must drive the mathematicians crazy. I rejoice in this special law of giving that God has blessed our hearts and souls with. I thank God for the ever increasing joy, love, peace, happiness, goodness, and delight that flows back into my life whenever I share it with others. I hope too that one day the entire world realizes this glorious truth and lives it as well. Norman Vincent Peale said," Joy increases as you give it, and diminishes as you try to keep it for yourself" Never stop giving your joy away then. Never stop sharing your love with the world. You will be amazed at just how much love you can bless others with. You will be delighted at just how much joy you can spread. And most of all ...

... because of it." No ," said the man," but I sure do get thirsty" Isn't it wonderful when we get thirsty-not for water, but thirsty to chase a dream or to so something different? I think it is those people who crave something with an unquenchable thirst who, in the end, are likely to be most satisfied with their lives. Author Napoleon Hill said," Desire is the starting point of all achievement, not a hope, not a wish, but a keen pulsating desire which transcends everything" He is really talking about a deep thirst. Alan C. Elliott tells in his book A DAILY DOSE OF THE AMERICAN DREAM about a five-year study that was undertaken to discover what made some people extraordinarily successful. The study consisted of detailed research into the lives of 120 of the nation's top artists, athletes, and scholars. He reports that the researcher was surprised to find that natural abilities played only ...

... scrawled a curt rejection note on a manuscript that became" Gone With The Wind" He had no vision for the success that movie would enjoy. Orville and Wilbur Wright felt excited. On December 17, 1903, they had finally succeeded in keeping their homemade airplane in the air for 59 seconds. Immediately, they rushed a telegram to their sister in Dayton, Ohio, telling of this great accomplishment. The telegram read," First sustained flight today fifty-nine seconds. Hope to be home by Christmas" Upon receiving the news of the successful flight, their sister was so excited that she rushed to the newspaper office and gave the telegram to the editor. The next morning the newspaper headed the story:" Popular Local Bicycle Merchants To Be Home For Holidays" The hapless editor saw what was obvious, but missed the real story. Vision is never about seeing the obvious. It's about looking ahead; about seeing what is not there-YET ...

... Enjoying What You Do Plato said that work should be play. Some airline employees are taking him seriously. After landing, one flight attendant announced," Thank you for flying Delta Business Express. We hope you enjoyed giving us the business as much as we enjoyed taking you for a ride" (I like the honest approach) As a plane touched down and was slowing to a stop in Washington, a lone voice came over the loudspeaker:" Whoa, big fella. WHOA !" (Who says you can't have fun with your job ?) One pilot made this weather announcement:" Weather at our destination is 50 degrees with some broken clouds, but they'll try to have them fixed before we arrive"" As you exit the plane ," a flight attendant said," please make sure to gather all of your belongings. Anything left behind will be distributed evenly among the flight attendants. Please do not leave children or spouses" And ...

... thick Italian accent. Then she laughed, smiled, and gave me a pinch of dough to nibble on. Nanny was right. Today I buy my bread at the store and it isn ’ t as good. It is factory made and lacks all the taste, warmth, and love that Nanny put into hers. I think that Nanny knew way back then that the best way to bake bread or to make joy was by cutting out the middle man. I hope that one day all of us realize the same thing. Store bought happiness is a sad substitute for homemade joy. All the pleasures made and sold by the middle men of this world are bland, fleeting, and temporary at best. If you want lasting love, permanent peace, and unending joy then you have to follow God ’ s cookbook and bake them in your own soul. Remember, God loves us and invites us everyday to His table for a feast of ...

... have known all along-that getting healthy is about more than medicine and treatment. It also involves a healthy outlook on life. Various studies have validated the mind / body connection. Cancer is often diagnosed within months of the death of one's spouse. People who are cynical or angry have been shown to be more prone to heart attacks than those with a more positive outlook. And former Saturday Evening Post editor Norman Cousins has demonstrated for years how humor, laughter and hope can aid the healing process. Not only is a healthy mental outlook necessary, but a healthy spiritual outlook seems to be equally important. Noted psychologist Carl Jung (1865-1961) made a telling observation about the connection between one's mental health and spiritual outlook." During the past 30 years, people from all civilized countries of the earth have consulted me ," he said." Among all my patients in the second half of life-that is to say, over 35- ...

... two elderly widows in a Florida adult community, are curious about the latest arrival in their building-a quiet, nice looking gentleman who keeps to himself. Shirley says ," Sophie, you know I'm shy. Why don't you go over to him at the pool and find out a little about him. He looks so lonely" Sophie agrees, and later that day at the pool, she walks up to him and says," Excuse me, mister. I hope I'm not prying, but my friend and I were wondering why you looked so lonely"" Of course I'm lonely, he says," I've spent the past 20 years in prison"" You're kidding! What for ?"" For killing my third wife. I strangled her"" What happened to your second wife ?"" I shot her"" And, if I may ask, your first wife ?"" We had a fight and she fell off a building ...

... joy. Remember then that every loving act you do, smile you share, and hug you give teaches all those around you as well. The lessons they share are priceless. Little by little, time after time, and year by year they teach the minds, hearts, and souls of all you touch. They spread God's love and life's joy everywhere. They show all who are watching how to love, how to give, and how to live. I hope that someone was watching when my son gave out his own lesson in hugging. A single hug can warm a hundred hearts. Hugs like love, joy, laughter, and smiles travel from heart to heart and from soul to soul until they circle the world. They make us more like the angels and Earth more like Heaven. They help us to give lessons in God's love and wisdom each time we simply open our arms and wrap them around another.~Joseph J ...

... stop it! Get up and go out and rake the leaves! The Holy Spirit is a good supervisor and He will help you do the job! Bag them -and bring them to the Cross -every hurt, misunderstanding, past grievance, long-held bitterness; old, hanging-on hate; every fear, fault and failure. Let each die a proper death -at the Cross. Then arise with new determination to welcome a new season of your life, one that's alive with the hope of the victorious Lord who lives in your home. One as clean as the white, falling snow soon to appear. He's the manager of the leaf disposal department of your life, and if you'll just bring those bags to Him, you'll begin to live, really live! Rake it, bag it, bring it to the Lord -and you will have a wonderful day! Now, if you live in a four-seasoned sanctuary, go out and rake those falling leaves in ...

... After all, we were meant to love. We were meant to share joy. We were meant to give kindness to everyone we meet. Mother Teresa of Calcutta said:" Let noone ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God ’ s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile" That is how my wonderful neighbor and her" adopted" family live and that is how I hope to live as well. May the same be true for you.~Joseph J. Mazzella~[ by: Joseph J. Mazzella Copyright 2008 (joecool @wirefire.com)-submitted by: Joseph Mazzella] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... children had solid families. On Tuesday they were orphans. On Monday the president was going to Florida to read to children. On Tuesday he returned to Washington to protect our children. On Monday we emailed jokes. On Tuesday we did not. It is sadly ironic how it takes horrific events to place things into perspective, but it has. The lessons learned this week, the things we have taken for granted, the things that have been forgotten or overlooked, hopefully will never be forgotten again. On Monday-pray and be thankful On Tuesday-pray and be thankful On Wednesday-pray and be thankful On Thursday-pray and be thankful On Friday-pray and be thankful On Saturday-pray and be thankful On Sunday-pray and be thankful GOD BLESS AMERICA [Author Unknown-from 'E-Mail Ministry '] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

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

... of reality? When you die, will your life have resulted in more loving or more hurting? More comfort or more pain? More joy or more sadness? Each one of us has the power over the balance of the love in the world. Use it wisely !" Don't miss an opportunity to nudge the world's scale in the right direction! Pass this lesson of love on to those you love and those you have hurt, and those that have hurt you, hopefully with each person that receives this, there will be far less evil and a great deal more love! [Author unknown-ASB Hilma (Alhstorz @aol.com ), via Andy Chap] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... did just this and I look forward to reading them from end to end. Whether we know it or not each of us is writing a book right now. It is called our life story and we pen it every day we live and with every choice we make. Some people spend a lot of time working on their covers. They throw all their efforts into making them as attractive as possible. Other people spend their time writing and rewriting their introductions. They hope that a great introduction will lead to a great life. What all of these people don ’ t realize is that life is the pages that follow. Life is the thoughts we think, the love we share, and the good we do everyday. Life is the joyous times we create as well as the pains and trials we learn from. Life is work, play, kindness, laughter, family, and friendships. Life is living. When it comes to your ...

... think you can do it. I'll help you. I heard you call me, here I am. How can I help you? If we both work together, we can get this done. I know you can do it by yourself, but I'm glad to help since you asked. What do you wish for? Even if it's not yet time for birthday candles and we don't have a wishbone, it's still fun to hear about what you wish for, hope for, and dream about. [Author Unknown-from E-Mail Ministry] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... , the words that came from Eugene Lang's mouth may have even astonished him!" If you graduate from high school ," he told the youth," I will send you to college" Send you to college! For the next four years he worked with the school and kept the dream alive. And the results were phenomenal: all but two of the 60 teenagers finished high school! True to his word, he sent them to college." He gave us hope ," one student said, no doubt speaking for the majority. Another one of the students, upon meeting Lang later, said to him," Mr. Lang, we did the impossible" Not every seemingly unrealistic idea is a pipe dream. When that beautiful dream is combined with hard work and great expectation, then the impossible can be achieved. For when you believe enough in that magnificent dream, most anything can happen.~Steve Goodier~[ by: Steve ...

... instead of shutting ourselves up in dull, aching, and lonely hearts. These days I cry a lot more often. Sometimes the tears are sad. Sometimes the tears are joyous. But always the tears are full of love. I do my best to follow the advice of Leo Buscaglia who said," Crying is good! It cleans out your eyeballs !" My eyeballs are a lot cleaner now than they used to be and my heart is as well. I hope then that every boy and girl out there realizes that tears are a gift from Heaven. They wash away the pain and water the seeds of love in your soul.~Joseph J. Mazzella~[ by: Joseph J. Mazzella Copyright 2009 (joecool @wirefire.com)-submitted by: Joseph Mazzella] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... see the others online, in newspapers, on television, in books, and even on the street. Some have become rich and famous for the work they have done, but most like me are just delighting in freely sharing the wisdom, joy, love, and light that God has given them. Now I find myself happy to be a part of a new choir that is doing all it can to bring the glorious music of love to this world. I hope that you will join it as well. You may be just one voice among many, but if you share your soul ’ s song you can add so much to the choir. It doesn ’ t matter either if your voice or life is less than perfect. If you sing your song and live your life with love, you can help to make the Earth sound a lot more like Heaven.~Joseph J. Mazzella~[ by: Joseph J. Mazzella ...

... horrendous day. Mercy might exhibit itself by not yelling and berating when we discover the crayon mural on the freshly painted living room wall. Or laughing instead of going off when we find that the cat now sports a brand new Mohawk haircut! I am not saying that discipline should be thrown out the window. But, I do think that God wants us to temper our discipline with mercy. If He had not done this for us, we would certainly be without hope, wouldn't we? What is our reward for being merciful? We will be shown mercy. We know that if we have accepted Jesus are our Savior we have been shown the ultimate mercy. But, what does being shown mercy mean on a daily basis as a SAHM? The Message puts it this way," At the moment of being ‘ care-full, you find yourselves cared for" Think about when you have hugged your child instead of ‘ hollered ' at them ...

... ? How many folks do you know who offer their services, time and emotions, simply because they have a real heart to help a fellow man? I wish I could say I knew many such people, but, the reality is, few individuals I know give out of a cheerful and loving heart expecting nothing from man or God in return. Even in my own life, while my heart may be acting in love, a small subtle part of me sometimes hopes that God will offer me something in return, such as a prayer answered. Unfortunately, God does not work this way. When a prayer is answered or a blessing bestowed, our Creator does not issue it as some sort of reward system or trophy for a job well done. No, my friends, God is above such juvenile behavior, and when the Lord gives, He gives because it is good and right to do so. The next time you are moved ...

... open grave. He tried to climb out but the walls were too slippery. Again and again he fell back into the grave. Finally, in exhaustion, he settled in a corner to wait for sunlight-to be rescued. A few minutes later another man cutting through the cemetery fell victim to the same grave. He, too, tried desperately to climb and claw his way out, and he was equally unsuccessful. As he was about to give up in hopeless resignation, he heard a voice from the darkness of his pit:" You'll never get out of here" He did !!! He just needed the proper motivation! And in this case, a shot of fear did the trick! But when it comes to finding the motivation to do most worthwhile things, his example is the exception. I am learning that the best motivation, whether I want to accomplish a task, go back to school, start something new or kick ...

... coming to? You're tired of the struggle and just want to phone it in? You long for life to be simple-the way it's supposed to be-rather than so complicated? You wonder if a life like yours is really worth God paying attention to-or better yet, saving? Your capacity for wrong-doing scares you? God knew we would have feelings like this. That's why He sent Jesus into the world. so that these realities wouldn't leave us hopeless. Yes, we are human. Yes, we are sinners. And yes, we are bent. But the good news is that God's grace covers our condition. His grace not only enables us to face life here, but it also promises that one day-in the kingdom of heaven-we will be put back together. we will be whole. [Author Unknown-from 'Aiken Drum ' (Aiken @AikensLaughs.com)] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... can help us to live. beautifully, meaningfully, passionately. It is a matter of embracing every day as if it were your last. Saying what needs to be said today. Making plans to do today what you've been putting off. And taking some time maybe just to do nothing but appreciate life. Like Emily says in Thornton Wilder's play" Our Town ":" Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it-every, every minute ?" I hope that I can say," Yes, at least a few times, I think I really did"~Steve Goodier~[ by: Steve Goodier-Copyright 2009-from Steve Goodier (LifeSupport @yahoogroups.com)] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... how I would always be there for him no matter what. Then I saw his sweet eyes gazing up at me and the smallest of smiles form on his lips. It was a moment of pure joy that I wished would never end. Over the next 21 years I watched my son grow into a wonderful young man. In spite of having to deal with Autism he has still spread more joy, shared more love, and shined more light than I could ever hope to. He has brightened up every room he has ever walked into and he has filled my life with so many happy moments. My only regret is that I let far too many of them go by without cherishing them as I should have. Still, no matter how much we may wish it life doesn ’ t come with a rewind or a pause button and can only be lived moment by moment. Do your best then to embrace each moment as it comes. ...

... . The longer one carries a problem, the heavier it gets. Don't take things too seriously. Live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets. Remember, that a little love goes a long way. Remember, that a lot of love goes forever. Remember, that friendship is a wise investment. Life's treasures, are people. together. Realize, that it's never too late. Do ordinary things, in a extraordinary way. Have health, hope and happiness. Take the time, to wish upon a star. And don't ever forget. For even a day. How very special you are. [Author Unknown-from 'E-Mail Ministry ' (EMailMinistry @yahoogroups.com)] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... a lifetime of challenges, but he will still be teaching the world about love and joy everyday of it. Having these two sons has shown me just how much God loves us and just how much God wants us to love each other. I try then to share my love and my joy everyday with them, with my beautiful daughter, with my loving family, with my wonderful friends, and with all of you special souls who read my simple words. I hope that you all do the same.~Joseph J. Mazzella~[ by: Joseph J. Mazzella (joecool @wirefire.com)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... . What good is pain, suffering, and even death if we don ’ t use them to grow more loving, more giving, more compassionate, more peaceful, more joyous, and more at one with God? I think my Mother knew this as she battled cancer in her final years and faced death at such an early age. She blessed us all with her love, her joy, and her gentle laughter right up until her dying day. I only hope and pray that I can live my own answers as beautifully and wonderfully as she lived hers. May all of you lovingly live your own answers then in this life and in the next.~Joseph J. Mazzella~[ by: Joseph J. Mazzella (joecool @wirefire.com)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... Living" I don ’ t really know what I want to do with my life yet" I overhead this as I was walking by a group of teenagers the other day. I didn ’ t interrupt them, but deep inside me I heard my own soul saying," I hope that you live it" So many people these days seem to think that their lives are only their careers and nothing else. Life is so much more. Our jobs are just a drop in the ocean of our true lives. Life is also catching snowflakes on your tongue, smelling the flowers in the Spring, and watching the sunset in the evening. Life is also riding a bike, swimming in the ocean, and walking in the woods. Life is also singing a joyous song, reading a good book, and enjoying a delicious meal. Life is also laughing through your pain, learning from your problems, and loving through all the difficulties ...

... about the world. And it was me who spent the second day thanking God for my life, sharing my love with everyone I could, and giving my joy to the world. I am glad that God forgives me for all the day ones I have had in my life. Thankfully, they are becoming fewer and fewer as time goes on. I am so delighted too that God has given me so many day twos to enjoy and share with others. I hope as well to make every single day I have left in this world a day two kind of day. What kind of day do you want to live today? What kind of day do you want to live for the rest of your life? Each day here is a glorious gift from God. It is up to us, however, to" rejoice and be glad in it" Don ’ t just idle through your days then when you can really live them. ...

... gaze at the stars then you are just too busy period. We can create Heaven on Earth or we can create Hell on Earth. It is our choice. I much prefer Heaven on Earth myself. One last thing that I have learned is that God loves us more than we will ever know and that God wants us to be happy in our lives. Why else would we be down here learning these little lessons about life, love, and joy? I hope that you have a lifetime of happiness learning yours and sharing them with others.~Joseph J. Mazzella~[ by: Joseph J. Mazzella (joecool @wirefire.com)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... of jealousy. Do you know who is the most difficult person to love? It is easy to love friends and not too difficult to love those less fortunate than ourselves. It certainly isn't easy loving enemies, but sometimes the person most difficult to love is the one who is MORE fortunate than we are. The one who receives the promotion we deserved. The one who gets the recognition we desired, the honor we sought or the affections of the lover we had hoped to win. It is easy to resent those who seem to be more fortunate. But as one person said to me," Let go, or get dragged. Unless you let things go, you should be prepared to have that thing drag you around until you do let it go" Even envy. Let it go or get dragged. Besides, if you ever want to grab onto something good, you'll need a free hand.~Steve Goodier~[ by ...

... the past be past? It is for me. Nearly impossible sometimes. I'm a little like the elderly Virginian woman who lived to see her beloved Richmond occupied by Union troops after the American Civil War. The matron was walking down a Richmond street when she tripped over a step and fell. A Union soldier courteously helped her up." How very kind of you, young man ," she said acidly." If there is a cool spot in hell, I hope you get it" Maybe it was still a bit early for her to let go of those deep-seated resentments. But angry and bitter lives are never happy lives. A beautiful legend tells of an African tribe that ritualizes forgiveness. When a tribe member acts irresponsibly or unjustly, he / she is taken to the center of the village. All work ceases and every man, woman and child in the village gathers in a large circle around the accused. Then the ...

... She called her curfew unreasonable and said it was because we didn't trust her. She finally got something right. EDITOR: Humorous story-but the lack of communication and mutual respect in this family diminishes the humor for me. As someone that has worked with teens, and adults, I've found as a manager that people (regardless of age) tend to respond in the way that they are treated. That's right. I don't know your teens-but I sure hope YOU will get to known them, before it's to late." For others will treat you as you treat them. Whatever measure you use in judging others, it will be used to measure how you are judged" (Matthew 7: 2 NLT)" Teach children how they should live, and they will remember it all their life." (Proverbs 22: 6 GNB) [Robert Kirby, The Salt Lake Tribune-from Andy Chap-Ed: Anon ...

... egg or left the nest. Perhaps you are standing on the edge of the branch squawking in excitement and fear preparing to jump. Maybe you have just soared and it surprised you. Perhaps you are like the mother magpie, knowing you can soar and that it is your duty to encourage others. Where ever you are in your walk, know that we are called to soar and are empowered to soar, all for the glory of God." but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint" Isaiah_40: 31_NIV Do not grow tired of the attempt-know that the Father has prepared a ministry for you to excel at; to soar and bring Him glory. May you find that ministry and soar in His presence, as He intended, according to his plan. God bless. [by Kevin ...

... day you need to learn this important lesson" She looked down at me like only a mother can. I saw her eyes well up with tears. She said," Son the most important body part is your shoulder" Was it because it held up my head? She replied," No, because it can hold the head of a friend or loved one when they cry. Everybody needs a shoulder to cry on sometime in life my son. I only hope that you have enough love and friends that you will always have a shoulder to cry on when you need it" Then and there I knew the most important body part was not selfish, it was sympathetic to the pain of OTHERS. You are a friend and whenever you want you can cry on my shoulder !!! People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did, but People will never forget how you made them feel. [Author Unknown-from ...

... dozens of digital watches there. There were watches that not only told the time and date, but also glowed in the dark, showed me the time zones, and even doubled as a stop watch. I looked at them all and then settled on an old-fashioned, clock-face watch with numbers and a second hand on it. I think that it reminded me of simpler times when change wasn ’ t quite so constant and life wasn ’ t quite so hectic. I hope it lasts me for the rest of my time here. I have never been one who enjoyed change. I have often had to be dragged into it by those around me. Still, though all the changes in this life I am reassured by the one thing that never changes: God loves us and wants us to be happy. I keep this truth shining bright in my heart and soul everyday. With this truth I am able to accept the fact that life is ...

... a third time. A smile came across his face. This was the weakest, scrawniest little bull he had ever seen. This one was his bull. As the bull came running by, he positioned himself just right and jumped at just the exact moment. He grabbed. but the bull had no tail! Life is full of opportunities. Some will be easy to take advantage of, some will be difficult. But once we let them pass (often in hopes of something better ), those opportunities may never again be available. The same thing is also true of opportunities to serve Christ. God often opens doors-opportunities to speak up for Him, opportunities to minister to someone who is hurting or in need, opportunities to make an influence on the world around us. If we allow them to pass by (perhaps because we are waiting for something easier to come along ), we may miss out on them altogether." Continue praying ...

... the point. Love stops the cooking to hug the child. Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband. Love is kind, though harried and tired. Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens. Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way. Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can't. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust. But giving the gift of love will endure. [Author Unknown-from 'E-mail Ministry '] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... Christ Jesus! Just as marriage provides us with a fresh start, a new phase in life, so too, does God offer you an even greater gift; eternal salvation! As does the husband and wife wear a wedding band upon their fingers, the Lord's name is engraved upon the hearts of those who believe in Him. No longer do we look back to the hurtful past which previously was sinful, but we are called to start anew and look to the hope of a righteous present and future! A husband is a wonderful life-partner, indeed, but an intimate relationship with God is even greater! [Melanie Schurr 1998 (http :// www.angelfire.com / mi / melschurr)-from 'Daily Wisdom '] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... be on our way. So with sweating hands-not from the heat of the casserole, but from nerves-and a racing heart, I was off to our first potluck dinner. This was our first, not only as husband and wife, but also at our new church in the city. And, since it was in the city, I thought scalloped would be better to take than just plain mashed potatoes. When we got to the basement, I hoped that I could sneak my casserole in. But no such luck! One elderly man wanted to check out what was in my pot, as he teasingly told us he only eats food when he knows what it is, as well as who made it. Then there were the ladies with their laundry baskets of food. Many of them carrying their beautiful baked goods in the prettiest baskets I had ever seen. I was so embarrassed that I only brought the potatoes, as ...

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