... we approach our prayer life as he did; trying to superimpose*our*will over that of our Heavenly Father. When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He taught them to ask for God's will (Matt. 6: 10 ), and the New Testament is simply filled with instances and examples of the occasions ... are like the overweight businessman? No, not that we've put on some weight, although I can certainly relate to that, but that we approach our prayer life as he did; trying to superimpose*our*will over that of our Heavenly Father. When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He taught them ... : 10 ), and the New Testament is simply filled with instances and examples of the occasions upon which Christ prayed. More numerous than the miracles are Christ's prayers. And in the Garden, shortly before He was betrayed, He prayed to the Father," may your will be done" Matt. 26: 39 ...

... 1. Your thumb is nearest to you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a" sweet duty" 2. The next finger is the pointing finger. ... Five Fingers Of Prayer 1. Your thumb is nearest to you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a" sweet duty" 2. The next finger ... the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers. 3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray ...

... to swim to a small desert like island. The two survivors, not knowing what else to do, agreed that they have no other recourse but to pray to God for help. However, to find out whose prayer was more powerful, they decided to divide the territory between them and stay on opposite sides of ... island. The first thing they prayed for was food. The next morning, the first man saw a fruit-bearing tree on his side of the island, and he was able to eat its fruit. The other man's parcel of land remained barren. After a week, the first man was lonely and he decided to ... with his wife and decided to leave the second man on the island. He considered the other man unworthy to receive God's blessings, since none of his prayers had been answered. As the ship was about to leave, the first man heard a voice from heaven boom-out," Why are you leaving your companion on ...

... swim to a small, desert like island. The two survivors, not knowing what else to do, agreed that they had no other recourse but to pray to God. However, to find out whose prayer was more powerful, they agreed to divide the territory between them and stay on opposite sides of the island ... The first thing they prayed for was food. The next morning, the first man saw a fruit-bearing tree on his side of the land, and he was able to eat its fruit. The other man's parcel of land remained barren. After a week, the first man was lonely and he decided to pray for ... with his wife and decided to leave the second man on the island. He considered the other man unworthy to receive God's blessings, since none of his prayers had been answered. As the ship was about to leave, the first man heard a voice from heaven booming," Why are you leaving your companion on ...

... taking his own life. That morning had been the day of" See You at the Pole ," when students gather around their flagpole in the morning to pray for their school and nation. What the media hasn't reported, however, is how God has been so evident, both during and after the shooting. He ... showed up to pray. Governor Bush and the Fort Worth mayor quietly came to our pastor's home while the staff were meeting and praying and joined in the prayer meeting. This was not political! Only those who are close to staff members heard about this; the media never knew. A caller to an area Christian ... Christian teachers all over North Texas have been able to share with their classes because the students are asking questions about their teachers ' faith. In Burleson, prayers and Scripture are being said over the intercom. On the east coast, where" See You at the Pole" was delayed because of the hurricane, record ...

... As they lived very hectic lives, I really desired a close friend. So a little over a year ago, I set my face like flint to pray and ask God to," Send me a friend" I thought this was an impossible request, since I couldn't get out to meet anyone, but regardless ... these circumstances, I continued to pray. I recorded these prayers in my prayer journal. One evening my stepdaughter and her soon-to-be fiancé stopped by. As we sat and talked, oddly, Michael mentioned the name of my old departed friend, Patrea. He said," She was good friends with my mother, ... this was an impossible request, since I couldn't get out to meet anyone, but regardless of these circumstances, I continued to pray. I recorded these prayers in my prayer journal. One evening my stepdaughter and her soon-to-be fiancé stopped by. As we sat and talked, oddly, Michael mentioned the name of my ...

... Awareness comes in waves, with glimpses of scenes from the night before: Joshua coughing up a storm quelled only with cough syrup, Benjamin sobbing for a prayer to soothe away a bad dream, baby Jonathan calling for his lullaby tape, Zachary's wet bed. And how could I forget being startled at three a.m. ... quiet time. I have never had any trouble finding God in my laundry room. He is always ready to receive my praise, my thanks, my prayers for family and friends, my joys and heartaches too. My four year old son, Jonathan, spent his first two years in and out of the hospital ... nowhere with the sustained privacy necessary for even a prayer shoe-box. One day, as I was unrolling a multitude of balled-up socks for the washer, I prayed," Lord, is there a prayer closet somewhere for me? And what about this thing they call 'quiet time ?"" Aren't you praying now ?" This ...

... Job 11: 13-19, NIV) Essentially they are saying to Job," Seek God, and trust in Him. Cleanse your heart from sin, pray, and God will restore you" Don't we say the same things when we comfort others? Are we better comforters than Job's friends? Or can we even ... In the next article ('The Ways of the Comforter ' ), we discuss practical ways in which we can become genuine comforters of those who are afflicted. Prayer: Lord Jesus, we acknowledge that we too are" miserable comforters". We do not even attain the level of Job's three friends. Teach us to ... . If your faith is so strong, then YOU should pray. The book of James specifically states that those who are sick should be healed through the prayers of OTHERS (James 5: 14-16). Should a doctor say to a patient:" Make yourself well "? But when another person is afflicted, spiritually ...

... needed to be done, not to live his life free from harm. Rabbi Harold Kushner speaks about such prayer. He reminds us that" people who pray for courage, for strength to bear the unbearable, for the grace to remember what they have left instead of what they have lost, very often find their ... A Better Prayer One man, too inebriated to drive, was walking home along railroad tracks when his foot suddenly became stuck. He pulled and tugged, but could not free it from the tracks. Then he heard a noise and turned around to see an oncoming train. In a panic, he prayed. ... looked toward Heaven and said," Never mind, Lord, I got it out myself" Does that kind of prayer sound familiar? How often are prayers, even when one is not in a state of emergency, concerned only about physical needs-health and safety? Mahatma Gandhi claimed to have never made even ...

... A Road Map For The Journey Gloria Pitzer quips," In parts of the world, people still pray in the streets. In this country they're called pedestrians" The late theologian and educator Henri J. Nouwen said about prayer," As we are involved in unceasing thinking, so we are called to unceasing ... " I've noticed that a lot of people believe in prayer, but they don't always believe in praying. For them, prayer is like a spare tire. They keep it in the trunk of their automobile and don't think about it most of the time. But it's there if they need it. When they have ... they turn to the spare to get them through the emergency. It's a bit like the soldier in a foxhole: bombs were bursting all around and he prayed," Lord, I haven't bothered you in twenty years. Get me out of this alive and I promise not to bother you for another twenty !" He ...

... down, but nothing seemed to help. Her six-year-old daughter was concerned about her Mommy's health, so the ailing woman asked her if she would like to pray for her. Little Leia said that she would. Leia put her hand on her mother's head and prayed the only prayer she knew:" Lord, thank ... for this food" I imagine that the words she uses are not important. In fact, I don't know if any words are really adequate to express our deepest spiritual desires. Moreover, what seems most crucial is not so much how" good" we are at praying, but that we simply pause regularly to ... ailing woman asked her if she would like to pray for her. Little Leia said that she would. Leia put her hand on her mother's head and prayed the only prayer she knew:" Lord, thank you for this food" I imagine that the words she uses are not important. In fact, I ...

... to me that those who profess to feel so strongly about their religion aren't approaching the government ban on praying at school functions correctly. If the need to pray is so fundamental, they should do something about it. Religious belief, usually, is the faith in a supreme being who is all knowing and all powerful ... support of something so profound as your religious faith, let's move on to something we can and are willing to do something about. Stop whining about no prayers at football games or graduation ceremonies. The world is moving in a direction that isn't in your favor. It will take a dramatic turn of events for things ... Dallas Morning News) I am not a guy who spends much time praying at football games or public school functions. I am the kind of guy who prays during aircraft landings and takeoffs. But it occurs to me that those who profess to feel so strongly about their religion aren't approaching the government ban on praying at ...

... books to read, no food to eat, no interference, and no interruptions. He had plenty of time to sit, think, meditate, and pray. When we're deep down in the midst of a difficult situation, God can talk to us. When He has our undivided attention, He can show us ... struggling and start listening, praying and trusting. He'll keep you right where you are until you can clearly hear Him say," I love you" Prayer: Father, forgive my unbelief. I know You Love me and will turn anything around to benefit me. You have planned nothing for me but victories and ... things about ourselves that we might not otherwise have seen. A Few of God's Holding Patterns: When you are sick in your physical body and you have prayed but God has not healed you yet, you are in a holding pattern When you are having problems with your children and you have put them on the altar ...

... ones who had no company, prayed with them and left them little Christmas canes and some candy. One lady, feeling really bad, asked us to pray for her. So we prayed with our hands on her body, and we felt a Power hard to describe. Second stop, Presbyterian hospital .cancer wing. ... we had to give, and it cost us about five hours of our time and about two dollars in pipe cleaners and candy. I said a silent prayer of thanks to my wife for teaching me to give. May we, in this crazy but special time of year learn from the Teacher of teachers, Giving ... gave them candy and our little Christmas canes, then we visited the dying and ill. How can one describe being humbled? The patients asked for our prayers. We visited with every patient in the wing. We left the patients with a smile. When we left the hospital, we had nothing else left to ...

... in Baghdad, I would expect to hear a Muslim prayer. If I went to a ping pong match in China, I would expect to hear someone pray to Buddha. And I wouldn't be offended. It wouldn't bother me one bit. When in Rome." But what about the atheists ?" is another argument ... Just Suppose Some people, it seems, get offended way too easily. I mean, isn't that what all this prayer hullabaloo is all about-people getting offended? Those of us in the majority are always tippy-toeing around, trying to make sure we don't step on the toes or hurt the feelings of the ... can and cannot do. I don't think a short prayer at a football game is going to shake the world's foundations. Nor do I believe that not praying will result in more serious injuries on the field or more fatal car crashes after the game. In fact, I'm not so sure God would even be at ...

... Doug Coe Testimony Doug Coe's friend, Bob Hunter, a new Christian, asked" Do you really believe what the Bible says about moving mountains when we pray ?" Doug thought about it and answered," Sure !" Bob was incredulous." Do you mean to say that if I prayed for a mountain to move ... it would move ?" Doug responded," Let me put it this way. I not only believe it, I'll make you a $500 bet. Bob, what do you know about Africa ?"" Nothing"" What do you think about when you think of Africa ?"" I think about monkeys swinging from ... him." Well,. sure !" The ground rules were: they had to pray every day, did not have to tell him what they were praying for, and at the end of 45 days it would be entirely up to them to decide if a mountain had been moved. After 45 days, Doug ...

... Section 5112 (D )( 1 )) Our Pledge of Allegiance cites" one nation under God" Both state legislatures and United States Congress employ paid chaplains to pray at the opening of all sessions. All military branches of the United States government have paid chaplains. The inscription on the Liberty Bell cites Leviticus 25: 10 ... ," Judgments of the Lord are righteous" The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is dedicated to a soldier" Known but to God" There is a prayer room in Congress. (Go tell your local school board you want the same thing that" our" Government has .a prayer room. Better yet, ask ... our Government removed. just for grins of course) This has to be the best one yet. The very branch of our US Government which ruled against prayers at a high school football game opens the Supreme Court Session with the words," God save the United States and this honorable court" They do this publicly ...

... PA System Message About Prayer Still another-a high school principal in Eastern Tennessee-chose NOT to pray over the PA system, but instead used the opportunity to remind the football fans that night why it is important that we SHOULD pray. Mr. Jody McLoud, Principal of Roane County High School in Kingston ... PA System Message About Prayer Still another-a high school principal in Eastern Tennessee-chose NOT to pray over the PA system, but instead used the opportunity to remind the football fans that night why it is important that we SHOULD pray. Mr. Jody McLoud, Principal of Roane County High School in Kingston ... I certainly do not need to add an intentional transgression. For this reason, I shall 'Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's, ' and refrain from praying at this time. However, if you feel inspired to honor, praise, and thank God, and ask Him in the name of Jesus to bless this ...

... Daddy's Empty Chair A man's daughter had asked the local minister to come and pray with her father. When the minister arrived, he found the man lying in bed with his head propped up on two pillows. An empty chair sat beside his bed. The minister assumed that the old fellow had been informed of ... said the man." But all of my life I have never known how to pray"" At church I used to hear the pastor talk about prayer, but it went right over my head"" I abandoned any attempt at prayer ," the old man continued," until one day four years ago, ... send me off to the funny farm" The minister was deeply moved by the story and encouraged the old man to continue on the journey. Then he prayed with him, anointed him with oil, and then returned to the church. Two nights later the daughter called to tell the minister that her daddy had died ...

... much you nurse a grudge it won't get better. Start living to beat hell. If some people lived up to their ideals they would be stooping. Pray up in advance. {Seen at an Arizona church in August} You think it's hot HERE? What on earth are you doing for heaven's sake? Aspire ... TELL YOU.-GOD LOVED YOUR" BUMPER STICKER"-HOWEVER, I'M THE PILOT, NOT THE CO-PILOT-GOD Life is fragile, handle with prayer. We're all invited to a heavenly feast but we must R.S.V.P! Don't put a question mark where God put a period. God loves everyone, but probably ... CALL ME-GOD MOTHER THERESSA SENDS HER REGARDS-GOD IF SOMEONE IS STANDING BETWEEN YOU & ME, GUESS WHO'S CLOSER TO ME-GOD I'M NOW PRAYING AT A CHURCH NEAR YOU, WON'T YOU JOIN ME?-GOD I'M A GOOD LISTENER-GOD I TOLD NOAH TO SWAT ONE OF THOSE TWO MOSQUITOES- ...

... He Wasn't Cured But He Was Healed Tony Compolo tells a story about being in a church in Oregon where he was asked to pray for a man who had cancer. Compolo prayed boldly for the man's healing. That next week he got a telephone call from the man's wife. She said," You prayed ... my husband. He had cancer" Compolo thought when he heard her use the past tense verb that his cancer had been eradicated! But before he could think much about it she said," He died" Compolo felt terrible. But she continued," Don't feel bad. When he came into that church that ... laughed. We've read Scripture. We prayed. Oh, they've been wonderful days. And I called to thank you for laying your hands on him and praying for healing" And then she said something incredibly profound. She said," He wasn't cured, but he was healed" (Tony Campolo," Year ...

... 4: 7 we are told" Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (NIV) Pray SAHMs, read His word, when you are feeling unsure about your decision to be at home, when you wonder if you heard Him clearly, ask Him ... , of course, ultimately refers to seeking Jesus and His wonder gift of salvation. But, God will hear us when we pray and will answer our prayers. He will listen to us when we seek His face about the tantrums our toddler has. He will listen to our pleas when we are just plain weary ... . This type of persecution is far and away more serious than anything we could ever experience as SAHMs. But, SAHMs who have made the thoughtful and prayerful decision to follow God's will for their lives and their families by being at home can feel persecuted and even lied about. We have discussed previously the woeful lack ...

... Cross said," Well, you can quit praying for me, it won't work. I'm not interested" Edith said," Well, I will pray and I have asked God not to let me go home until you come into the family" Phyllis Cross said," Then you will never die because that ... said," Oh I want to believe that with all of my heart, and I do want Jesus in my life" Right there, Phyllis Cross prayed and invited Jesus Christ into her heart. For the first time Phyllis Cross did not walk out of a hospital room, she was carried out on the wings ... she took a look at the doctor she said," Dr. Will, why are you so sad? Are you reading your Bible? Are you praying ?" Dr. Phillips said gently," Edith, I'm the doctor and you're the patient" With a heavy heart he said," Your lab report came ...

... Uncle John snickers and parrots the word" grace ," and laughter spills over the tension. Grandma steps in." Jennifer, why don't you say the prayer you learned in Sunday School when you were in kindergarten" She recites. The feast begins. Embarrassed silence replaces thanksgiving, gluttony displaces gratefulness. Thanksgiving -an expression ... Thanksgiving was never meant to be shut up in a single day" This habit of family thankfulness can begin 'round our tables this Thanksgiving -the first of many prayers of thanks to be offered, not just by Jennifer, but by her thankful mother and father as well. [by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson- ... the disciples" At the Last Supper Jesus took bread and gave thanks, lifted the cup, gave thanks and offered it to His followers. Jesus always prayed before meals. We can, too. A simple prayer of thanks at each family meal of the year will gradually restore thankfulness to us. As our children ...

... math. Count your blessings. Faith is the ability to not panic. Laugh every day, it's like inner jogging. If you worry, you didn't pray. If you pray, don't worry. As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home everyday. Blessed are the flexible for they shall ... be bent out of shape. The most important things in your house are the people. He who dies with the most toys is still dead. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry. When we get tangled up in our problems, be still so God can untangle the mess. [Author Unknown-from ... was suicidal Isaiah preached naked Jonah ran from God Naomi was a widow Job went bankrupt John the Baptist ate bugs Peter denied Christ The Disciples fell asleep while praying Martha worried about everything The Samaritan woman was divorced-more than once Zaccheus was too small Paul was too religious Timothy had an ulcer... AND Lazarus ...

... 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 ... On Monday September 11, 2001 (Tuesday)-For all victims of the terrorism tragedy in the United States of America. On Monday there were people fighting against praying in schools. On Tuesday you would have been hard pressed to find a school where someone was not praying. On Monday there were people trying to separate each other by race, sex, color and creed. On Tuesday they were all holding hands. On Monday we thought that we were secure. ...

... from contemporary culture. We need look no further than first President George Washington to understand the significance of godly acknowledgment by our forefathers. In September 1779, the House of Representatives, after passing a resolution calling for a day of national prayer and thanksgiving, received Mr. Washington's response:" It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for His benefits and humbly to implore His protection and favor. ... was the work of people who believed in God, and who expressed their faith as a matter of course in public prayer and other governmental practice" That, my friends, is our nation's true heritage. It is a birthright of prayerful endeavors by admittedly imperfect men who truly believed in an active and loving God. The politically-correct dictators, who require history to reflect their shameful efforts, cannot alter the truth of our splendid historic record. May the words and deeds of our ...

... being given one more chance at anew beginning." These girls must have been very hurt in their young lives to be so angry. Her mother said." The Bible tells us," Be kind to your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you. Edie, let's pray" Then they prayed for the girls and asked the Lord for a plan of action. A plan began to take shape." I can't go to school with you everyday, so ... will need to stay close to a teacher when you are at recess or in line to go into school" said Edie's mom." If the girls start to pick on you, tell them," I'd really like to be your friend Are you brave enough to do that ?" Edie's mother asked." The Lord asks us to be kind to our enemies, let's see what happens, okay? The tiny girl perked up, and with a smile, looked at ...

... without fear, then you are more blessed than over 1 / 3 of the world. If you have a yearning in your heart to parent a child, you are blessed because you still desire what you cannot see. If you pray today or any day, you are blessed because you believe in God's willingness to hear your prayer. If you pray for someone else, you are blessed because you want to help others also. If you have food in your refrigerator, ... on your back, a roof over your head, and a place to sleep; all at the same time; you are rich in this world. If you have a brother or sister in Christ that will pray with you and for you, then you benefit from a spiritual unity, bond, and agreement, which the gates of hell cannot stand against. If you have any earthly family that even halfway loves you and support you, then you are blessed beyond measure ...

... it well. Live it joyously. Don ’ t waste a second of it on unhappiness. Go to work with a smile on your face. Greet others with love in your heart. Exercise with pleasure. Play with delight. Pray with both peace and joy. Learn from your pain. Grow from your troubles. And always use every moment you are given to choose more love, joy, peace, happiness, and oneness with God.~Joseph J. Mazzella ... banks and in boats. Children were running and playing with their dogs. Families were setting up picnic dinners for later. Some people were just sitting in the grass looking blissfully out on the water. I even saw one young woman praying with a joyful smile on her face as she sat under a tree. Never had I seen so many people spending their time so well. The day after the great teacher and writer Leo Buscaglia died a note was found in his typewriter ...

... will take care of all our needs. We panic when we try do everthing on our own and are far away from HIM. So, get closer to HIM by going to HIS" waiting room ," through prayer. When we pray and" WAIT" upon the LORD we can definitely feel the peace and security that only HE can provide. JESUS is the only one who can truly help us. Besides that, HE knows our every" true need ," and HE ... knew that they were at the doctor's office and that their turn would come, and they had faith that the doctor could heal their child, or at least make them feel better. When I realized that, I said a little prayer, and I imediately started to feel more at peace too. Just knowing I was in the" waiting room" at the doctor's office, who I believed could make David bounce back to normal made me feel better, and calmed my ...

... . You can press it until your fingers bleed, but you will not succeed in changing it! Neither will you succeed in changing the heart of your father by force or manipulation. Hold your father's heart gently within your own and pray for him. You have no idea what forces shaped this rock. Neither do you know the forces that shaped the heart of your father. Hold your father's heart gently within your own and pray for him"" When did his heart ... rock in a safe place, laid down and went right to sleep. He had the best night sleep he'd had for a long time. And from then on whenever he recalled one of the curses of his father, he genuinely prayed a blessing on his father, and in time began to experience true healing and a strong peace within. One evening there was a knock on the front door and as he had raised his children to do, they welcomed in a blind ...

... gotten myself into frustrating situations and I've cried out for help, all the while hoping God would show up with a celestial broom and clean up the mess. What often happens instead is that God dances on my chips, answering my prayer in a completely different manner than I had expected, but in the manner that is best for me after all. Sometimes I can see right away that God's response was the best one after all. Sometimes I have to wait weeks or ... are even some situations that, years later, I'm still trying to understand. I figure God will fill me in sooner or later, either this side of Heaven or beyond. Do I trust Him? Even when he's answering my prayers in a way that is completely different from my expectations? Even when he's dancing and stomping instead of sweeping and mopping :? Can I embrace what He's offering? Can I let His joy adjust my attitude? Am I going to stand on ...

... your wallet, tape them to your bathroom mirror, stick them on the dashboard in your car. Have your Bible handy, and read it when your little ones are napping, or while you are waiting at the doctor's office. Pray with your children in the morning and at night, at meals. Read a Bible story to them, and see what YOU can learn from it! Grab time with God however you can! Once we seek to become closer to God ... for God ' As a SAHM I know how easy it is to come to the end of your day and realize that you have not read one word from the Bible, nor taken then time to really sit down and have focused prayer. It is imperative that we find a way to seek God, to be hungry for Him and His word. Write down your favorite scriptures and put them in your wallet, tape them to your bathroom mirror, stick them on the ...

... of what life held in store for him. I knew that it would be a mixture of both joy and fear, laughter and tears, growth and struggle, learning and difficulty, and love and pain. I said a silent prayer that he would learn quickly to choose the good things and not to dwell on the bad. I also prayed that he would always feel loved in this life. I knew that if he felt loved then he would also choose love and ... love with so many others as well. I then said this prayer for the rest of us too. We may be fathers, mothers, and grandparents now, but inside of each of us there is still a child needing love and wanting to be loved. Thankfully, we have a parent who loves us with a love that is both unending and unconditional. We are all Children of God and we are always held in His loving arms as we go through this life ...

... and I kept repeating that sentence. My sight came back. It felt like the longest twenty minutes of my life. However, I know it could have been much worse had I not been through it before and if I didn't pray. Is it possible that I was seeing things through such fearful eyes and seeing things that I didn't want to see, that I temporarily lost part of my sight? Could it be through that frightening experience-in which all my troubles ... fear for a very long time and letting it rule my life-even when I knew better. The waitress came and with feigned normality, I placed my order, feeling like I was on another planet. I kept repeating that prayer to the Holy Spirit." I am willing to see things differently" The more I said it, the calmer I got. It didn't stop the excruciating headache from happening, (typical of a classic migraine in which things like your ...

... Feeling More Thankful A man lay in a hospital bed worried about whether he would live or die. He called his pastor to come pray for him. He told her that if he got well, he'd donate $20, 000 to the church. The pastor prayed and the man eventually DID get well and returned home. But no check came to the church. So the pastor paid him a visit." I see you're doing quite well now ," she observed ... " I was just wondering about the promise you made"" What promise ?" he asked." You said you'd give $20, 000 to the church if you recovered"" I did ?" he exclaimed." That goes to show you just how sick I really was !" It is easy to give thanks-or to show it-when we feel grateful. But gratitude is not a feeling we can manufacture. Nor are we born feeling grateful. Children are ...

... 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, keeping alert, and always thanking God. Also pray for us that God will give us an opportunity to tell people his message" (Col. 4: 2-3a, NCV)" Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of ... 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, keeping alert, and always thanking God. Also pray for us that God will give us an opportunity to tell people his message" (Col. 4: 2-3a, NCV)" Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us ...

... let Me do my job. TALK TO ME I want you to forget a lot of things. Forget what was making you crazy. Forget the worry and the fretting because you know I'm in control. But there's one thing I pray you never forget. Please, don't forget to talk to Me-OFTEN! I love YOU! I want to hear your voice. I want you to include Me in on the things going on in your life. I want to ... you talk about your friends and family. Prayer is simply you having a conversation with Me. I want to be your dearest friend. HAVE FAITH I see a lot of things from up here that you can't see from where you are. Have faith in Me that I know what I'm doing. Trust Me; you wouldn't want the view from My eyes. I will continue to care for you, watch over you, and meet your needs. You only have to ...

... I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I'll invite him to do so. Rather than complaining that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clenching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage. I choose kindness. I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid ... not come home. I choose gentleness. Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice, may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself. I choose self-control. I am a spiritual being. After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the ...

... So together we stand, scars and all, bound by the love of the Savior. I {Jesus} am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me because of their testimony. My prayer for all of them is that they will be one, just as you and I are one, Father -that just as you are in me and I am in you, so they will be in us, and the world will believe ... easily fall, but together, our lives woven and intertwined and through time strengthen each other and support each other. So together we stand, scars and all, bound by the love of the Savior. I {Jesus} am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me because of their testimony. My prayer for all of them is that they will be one, just as you and I are one, Father -that just as ...

... have to forgive. As perfect as your way is Lord, this one thing I cannot do, for I don't know how to forgive. My anger is so deep Lord, I fear I may not hear you, but I pray that you teach me to do this one thing I cannot do---Teach me To Forgive" As he knelt there in the quiet shade of that old oak tree, he felt something fall onto his shoulder. He opened his ... searching for answers he could not find, knowing all else had failed him, he knelt at the base of an old oak tree to seek the one he knew would always be there. And with tears in his eyes, he prayed:" Lord---You have done wonderful things for me in this life. You have told me to do many things for you, and I happily obeyed. Today, you have told me to forgive. I am sad ...

... yourself. Have FAITH." Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" (Hebrews11: 1) Lift Up-Your Prayers." Do not worry about anything; instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING" (Phillipians 4: 6) [Author Unknown-from John Traver] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ... Cricket sings" High Hopes" Always try to better yourself. Have FAITH." Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" (Hebrews11: 1) Lift Up-Your Prayers." Do not worry about anything; instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING" (Phillipians 4: 6) [Author Unknown-from John Traver] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... wait until Heaven before I can ever hug her again. A thousand times I've tried to forgive that man. A thousand times I thought I had. Maybe I did, but I need to do it again. Even now. Pray for me. Be careful. My son is all I have left. *** Bob Jack shifted uncomfortably in his trench coat. Then he twisted around to see Bob's car pull away and head down the road. Jack watched until it disappeared ... A full 15 minutes later, he too, pulled away and drove slowly home, praying for forgiveness and firmly hugging a surprised wife and kids when he arrived home. Epilogue: Lets ALL remember to ease-up on the accelerator. [By: Manfred Koehler-from Tom Ellsworth] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... it anchored. Their smiles and hearts fell, though, when they saw that the crowd was there to cheer a local politician on the same ship. The old man told his crying wife that he was going to ask God in prayer why after so many years of service not one person was there to greet them when they arrived home. He went into their cabin for several minutes then came out with a peaceful and joyous smile on his face. His wife asked him ... God had said anything to him as he prayed." Yes ," he replied." He said ‘ You are not Home yet !’" This is something we all should remember as we journey through this life with all of its challenges, pains, and struggles. We are not Home yet. Home is the place where our loving Father awaits us. Home is the place where our true reward lies. Home is the place where the love we learned, the good we ...

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

... ultimate in shaking the heavens and changing tragedy into triumph. Boldness, assertiveness, and courage to speak, live, and act upon the truth was the gateway to temporal as well as eternal freedom. I was taught to forgive and pray for my enemies. Because of my mean Dad, I have slept with only one beautiful woman that I married over 25 years ago, and because of his ways I don't want another one. I love to go to church and be ... but trash and scum when they didn't agree with me or do things my way. I don't know what it is like to get drunk or high. I wasn't allowed the thrill of a high-speed chase from the law. Dad taught prayer was the ultimate in shaking the heavens and changing tragedy into triumph. Boldness, assertiveness, and courage to speak, live, and act upon the truth was the gateway to temporal as well as eternal freedom. I was taught to forgive ...

... have to forgive. As perfect as your way is Lord, this one thing I cannot do, for I don't know how to forgive. My anger is so deep Lord, I fear I may not hear you, but I pray that you teach me to do this one thing I cannot do.Teach me To Forgive. As he knelt there in the quiet shade of that old oak tree, he felt something fall onto his shoulder. He opened his eyes. Out of ... searching for answers he could not find, knowing all else had failed him, he knelt at the base of an old oak tree to seek the one he knew would always be there, and with tears in his eyes, he prayed" Lord-You have done wonderful things for me in this life. You have told me to do many things for you, and I happily obeyed. Today, you have told me to forgive. I am sad, Lord, ...

... struggling, or even just a simple phone call just to let someone know that you care. It would mean so much to a single mother, father, or to a family that's struggling financially. You just might be that answered prayer in someone's life.*Ask God to show you today, who you can help bring the gift of Love to this holiday season. [By: Angie Shaw-from 'The Encourager '] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ... how she could possibly provide them with the Christmas gifts they wanted this year. It was all she could do just to manage to pay the bills each month. The holidays were hitting her especially hard. Weary and alone, she prayed," Father, I need your help. I don't know how I'm ever going to be able to do this by myself. I don't even know how to ask you this, Lord, but could you somehow help me make Christmas ...

... Next time? I forgive myself, forget the lesson," fudge" on the promise .find my way to Baskin Robbin's -or the freezer, and do it all over again. Isn't that just like sin? Think about it, pray about it -and have a good day! Scripture:" Submit yourselves, therefore, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you (James 4: 7)" Prayer:" Lord, chocolate's not the problem ... SIN is. I know I cannot keep thoughts from entering my mind; I CAN choose to entertain them NOT .You know the weakness, the habit, the sin I fight constantly in my life. Forgive me, and help me, by your Holy Spirit, to resist the temptation, to flee from the premises, to put on the Armor of God and to walk in Your Spirit each day, In Jesus ' Name, Amen" [by: Peggie C. ...

... the first whisper of spring, the rustling of the leaves beneath my feet, in the fall. When illness would hit me, I found that I actually enjoyed the solitude-a time to reflect, gather my thoughts, and pray, at leisure. I found that I was" experiencing" this mid-life season, and I was no longer missing every moment, shackled to the chains of worry, and what" might" be. I found that worrying about tomorrow ... no accident. I feed the birds and I take great delight in their multicolored hues, especially in the spring. I drag a chair to stand on so that I can fill the feeders to the brim. I say a little prayer, as I wobble, a little cock-eyed on the chair, and I laugh, at myself, and all the pretensions of my younger life. I take great delight in my life. I thank God for all the precious little things ...

... 16 old mother, not in school, living on her own in absolute squalid conditions. Although she was minor, I got very little help from the authorities trying to bring her home. But, God was faithful to answer my prayers. Just as suddenly as Heather became rebellious, she seemed to come to her senses! She had enough living the way she was, and returned to the family. She moved in with her dad, along with Ashley. Soon, ... crowd, got involved with drugs and ran away more times than I can count. For about two years we lived a constant nightmare. There were times we didn't know where she was, or if she was even alive. I prayed constantly," God, please protect her. I can't seem to reach her" Every time I thought things couldn't get worse, they did. Then, in the fall of 1996, when Heather was only 15, she told me ...

... find themselves, over booked, over doing and under listening. The bible study Experiencing God makes a point that we must look for where God is working and join Him there. Sometimes, as SAHMs it is easy for us to pray and read and seek God's will before we make the decision to stay at home, and then fly by ‘ the seat of our pants ' once we are there. We must take time-even a minute or two a day- ... read God's word and seek His will. Even a simple prayer such as" Dear Lord, please show me what YOU want me to do today ", will tap us into God's will. As a SAHM I often thought my life and menial tasks were too insignificant for God to actually have a plan for them. I mean, I'm not making government policy, or running a Fortune 500 company. I wiping noses and trying to get grass stains out of jeans. Can ...

... , hug them or even touch them on the shoulder, you are blessed because you can offer God's healing touch. If you prayed yesterday and today, you are in the minority because you believe in God's willingness to hear and answer prayer. If you believe in Jesus as the Son of God, you are part of a very small minority in the world. If you can read this message, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot ... , you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not. If you can hold someone's hand, hug them or even touch them on the shoulder, you are blessed because you can offer God's healing touch. If you prayed yesterday and today, you are in the minority because you believe in God's willingness to hear and answer prayer. If you believe in Jesus as the Son of God, you are part of a very small minority in the world. If ...

... no matter what I did, I could not get the needle into the hole. I had worked at this for nearly two hours before it occured to me that perhaps I should just give up. Just before quitting, I finally prayed:" Lord I cannot get the needle in. There is no way I can do it. I am going to take this needle and push it in one more time. I want You to guide it into the hole, because ... an area that I couldn't see. This resulted in vigorous bleeding. Because we couldn't see where the blood was coming from, it looked as though we might lose the patient. Without consciously deciding to do so, I just started praying for God's help. I have learned to act on intuition in such emergencies. Just then I did something that, in the telling, seems almost irrational. I placed the bipolar forceps into the pool of blood where the bleeding might be ...

... as a SAHM, comfort can come in many ways. First, and foremost, we must find time in our busy days to remain in a personal relationship with our God. Sneak a few minutes to read a scripture verse and pray between those late night feedings, or waiting at a doctor's appointment. If we seek God's will in becoming SAHMs, we must seek His guidance and comfort on a daily basis-even if it starts with just" stolen" moments. ... say goodbye to my job as a nursing home administrator. The day came, I gave my notice, I was at home .and I was miserable! How can you be miserable as a SAHM, when you and your husband have prayed and you know that this is God's will for your (and your child's) life? Think back to the stressors-think" mourn". We have to grieve the changes in our life. We used to get up every day ...

... kind of life is lived, but in particular how the Christian life works. One day at a time, every day, for the rest of your life." Give us this day our daily bread ," Jesus taught us to pray. I wonder if, up in Heaven, the Lord God ever looks at the six billion earthlings and goes," Oh no -I have to provide for all of them, every day, for the rest of their lives !" Probably ... , waking, and talking. But there is a long list of activities I have chosen to do on a daily basis and expect to repeat all the way home. These include brushing my teeth, bathing, reading my Bible, praying, taking my medicine, and getting some form of exercise. I expect to love my wife and family and work at obeying my Lord every day as long as I live. In no way do I find these restrictive or onerous. ...

... . Do not underestimate the capabilities of anyone. We need to be teachers not suppliers. Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day; teach him how to fish and he will eat forever. We should not pray that the problem would be removed, but that the Lord would be glorified through the problem. Quitters never prosper, cheaters only cheat themselves. You don't have to fight to be a man, but sometimes you have to fight when you ... is the first requisite to great undertakings. In the land of the blind, the one eyed man is king. Sometimes it costs more to run from your problems than it does to face them. Life is fragile, handle with prayer. Whenever a door closes something usually gets caught in it. If you pile up enough full tomorrows you will get a lot of empty yesterdays. Everyone is vulnerable it just depends if they want to show it. You never fail if ...

... Does Prayer Change Things? They say that prayer changes things, but does it REALLY change anything? Oh yes! It really does! Does prayer change your present situation or sudden circumstances? No, not always, but it does change the way you look at those events. Does prayer change your financial future? No, not always, but it does change who you look to for meeting your daily needs. Does prayer change shattered hearts 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 ...

... Opening Prayer at Kansas Legislature When Pastor Joe Wright was asked to open the new session of the Kansas Senate, everyone was expecting the usual politically correct generalities. But, what they heard instead was a stirring prayer, passionately calling our country to repentance and righteousness. The response was immediate; a number of legislators walked out during the prayer. In six short weeks, Central Christian Church logged more than 5, 000 phone calls, with only 47 of those calls responding negatively. Commentator Paul Harvey aired the prayer on the radio and received a larger response to this program than any other program he has ever aired. Central Christian Church is now receiving international requests for copies of this prayer from India, Africa and Korea. Pastor Joe's prayer is reprinted here as an encouragement and challenge for each of us to stand for the truth of the Gospel when God gives us the opportunity.*PRAYER*" Heavenly Father, we come before You to ...

... After blessing them the bishop asked," What do you spend all of your time doing here in this desolate place ?"" We spend our time seeking to better love God ," responded one of the hermits hesitantly." And what are you studying ?" queried the bishop. The puzzled hermits looked at each other and did not respond." Simpletons ," thought the bishop, and he decided to waste no more time with the hermits." Let us say the Lord's Prayer, and then I will be off ," said the bishop with a yawn. Again the hermits looked at each other in bewilderment. You mean you do not know the Lord's Prayer ?" the bishop cried in amazement. The hermits shook their heads no." Then how can you seek him ?" he muttered. The hermits lowered their heads apologetically and said, ?????" Oh sir, if it would help us to love God more, we would be pleased to learn" ...

... 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 be laughing, in a kind way, about my awkwardness at that moment, and how I had botched the prayer. ...

... forget to join in. Help those in need and thank those who help you too. Take a nature walk, but take the time to sit still and watch the sunset. Play fetch with a dog until your arm feels tired but your heart feels light. Laugh loud and long even when your face hurts and you have tears in your eyes. Wake up saying" Good morning God !" and throw in a" Thank you for my life !" as well. Pray all day long. Pray when things are going bad and when things are going great. Pray to always grow in love, joy, and oneness with God because that is what the feeding your soul is all about. This world is a never ending banquet of loving, sharing, giving, and living. Pull up a chair and enjoy the feast.~Joseph J. Mazzella~[ by: Joseph J. Mazzella Copyright 2008 (joecool @wirefire.com)-submitted ...

... . By the good life I mean the" good" life. For me it is the only type of life worth living. I even have a list of good suggestions that have helped me along the way. Here are just a few of them. Never pass up an opportunity to hug your kids, pet your dogs, or hold your cats. Take the time to watch the sunrise, the sunset, and to notice the moon smiling down on you. Pray. Hold all the hands you can, pat all the backs you can, and give all the compliments you can. Always say" Please and thank you" Pray some more. If a kind word comes to your lips speak it, if a kind thought comes to your mind think it, and if a kind deed comes to your heart do it. Take your time. Open doors for others, let cars pull out in front of yours, and let people ...

... soon back at my brother's side. In a few minutes another trucker stopped to pay his respects and to listen to the story of my Father's life and passing. A few minutes later two more truckers stopped to lend their support. Within fifteen minutes there were more than thirty rigs parked along the interstate. The truckers stood in a semicircle around my Father's remains and quietly paid their respects. One of the truckers took off his cap and said," Let's have a prayer" All of the other truckers took off their caps and bowed their heads as a prayer was spoken. After the prayer each of the truckers had a word of encouragement or strength. One of the truckers said," Come on friend. Follow us into town" The truckers all turned on their lights and escorted my brother the rest of the way into the Metroplex. I owe a debt to those unknown truckers. Those men stopped to help what they thought might be ...

... to you that you cannot handle, do not attempt to resolve it. Kindly put it in the SFJTD (something for Jesus to do) box. It will be addressed in MY TIME-not yours. Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold on to it or remove it. Holding on or removal will delay the resolution of your problem. If it is a situation that you think you are capable of handling, please consult me in prayer to be sure that it is the proper course of action. Because I do not sleep nor do I slumber, there is no need for you to lose any sleep. Rest my child. If you need to contact me, I am only a prayer away. Addendum-Proverbs 30: 5 (NKJ)" Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him" [Author Unknown-from Barbara J. Jackson ...

... Stress Reducers Pray Go to bed on time. Get up on time so you can start the day un rushed. Say No, to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health. Delegate tasks to capable others. Simplify and unclutter your life. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many) Allow extra time to do things and to get to places. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together. Take one day at a time. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you to do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra ...

... up singles. But in a disclaimer near the end, the ad reminded listeners that finding a mate" must depend on God ’ s perfect timing" So if God ’ s timing is so perfect, why does it sometimes seem to be so slow? I never hear people complaining that" God has blessed me with so much, so quickly that I just can ’ t handle it all" I do hear people lamenting how slow God seems to be in answering prayers or dealing with problems in their lives. We want God to deal with things A.S.A.P. and we can't understand why he sometimes takes so long. Consider the situation with God ’ s people in the book of Exodus. God was leading them into the Promised Land, and he was describing how easy it would be for them to take it over:" I will send my terror ahead of you and throw into confusion every nation you encounter. I will make all your ...

... Can't Help But Be Happy Some people never need help. One man caught his foot in railroad tracks. He tried to pull it out, but his efforts only seemed to make matters worse. He heard a noise and turned around to see a train coming. In a panic he prayed," Dear God, please get my foot out of these tracks and I'll stop my heavy drinking and smoking !" Nothing happened. He was still stuck, and the train showed no sign of slowing. So he prayed again," Oh, Lord, please get my foot out and I'll stop drinking and smoking and carousing and cussing !" Still nothing. He tugged and pulled as the train bore down. In sheer desperation, he pled for help a final time." Lord, please, if you get my foot out of the tracks, I'll do anything! I'll. I'll. I'll become a minister! Suddenly his foot shot out of ...

... problems. It is bending down to pet a dog, scratch a cat, or talk to a child. It is saying," please, thank you, your welcome, and I love you" It is passing on a few kind words, an honest compliment, and a bit of encouragement to those around us. It is taking a few moments everyday to say," I love you God and I thank you for my life" It is saying a prayer for a friend and doing all you can to help God make that prayer come true. It is doing what you are able, with what you are given, to make this world a bit more like Heaven. It is little things like these that make our days good and the world better. It is little things like these that make our hearts swell and our spirits sing. It is little things like these that put the life in living. To paraphrase the wise ...

... 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 to reach out and give to someone, whether it be volunteering some ...

... A Christian's Way To Reduce Stress An Angel says," Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice" Pray. Go to bed on time. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health. Delegate tasks to capable others. Simplify and unclutter your life. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many) Allow extra time to do things and to get to places. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together. Take one day at a time. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and ...

... tired, spindly little legs could walk no more. Mom and Dad had no car -their wheels were two-legged ones, and so the young family walked A LOT! And Dad" carried" a lot -I know, because I was that little girl. I watched my minister dad" carry" lots of people -the sick, the grieving, the lonely, the troubled -with compassion, tenderness, and understanding. I have memories of a godly father, a man of prayer and the Word, giving a lifetime of service to the Lord he loved. Perfect? By no means. Loving? By all means. And so, when I relate to God, my Heavenly Father, I have a role model of an earthly father, who loved, taught, and nurtured me in the ways of the Lord. You may not -the father you remember may have been abusive, unloving, unjust, unforgiving -he may even have deserted you. That's ...

... the mothers who bite their lips until they bleed when their 14 year olds dye their hair green. For all the mothers of the victims of recent school shootings, and the mothers of those who did the shooting. For the mothers of the survivors, and the mothers who sat in front of their TVs in horror, hugging their child who just came home from school, safely. This is for all the mothers who taught their children to be peaceful, and now pray they come home safely from a war. What makes a good Mother anyway ?? Is it patience? Compassion? Broad hips? The ability to nurse a baby, cook dinner, and sew a button on a shirt, all at the same time? Or is it in her Heart ?? Is it the ache you feel when you watch your son or daughter disappear down the street, walking to school alone for the very first time ?? The jolt that takes you from sleep ...

... Time To Give Thanks-Time To Remember Others DEAR ABBY: A year ago, you printed a beautiful Thanksgiving prayer that I used as the grace before our meal. Unfortunately, I didn't save the clipping. Could you please run it again?-ELEANOR ALARCON, UNION, N.J. DEAR ELEANOR: With pleasure! O heavenly Father: We thank thee for food and remember the hungry. We thank thee for health and remember the sick. We thank thee for friends and remember the friendless. We thank thee for freedom and remember the enslaved. May these remembrances stir us to service, that thy gifts to us may be used for others. Amen. «:*´`³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`³ ³´`*:»§«:*´`³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`³¤³´`*:» «:*´`³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`³¤³´`*:» Since today is Thanksgiving, take just a moment to reflect upon all of the things for which you are thankful. How's your health? Not so good? Well, thank God you've lived this long. A lot of people haven't. You're hurting? Thousands- ...

... Live For Today Have you ever wished, when a day went wrong a wish that's quite in vain that it were only possible to live that day again You'd start out in the morning with the prayers you should have said and through the days your actions with tolerance be led The many little instances that tried your patience, true if only you could start again you'd know now what to do You'd kneel and say your evening prayers and thank the lord above for all the pleasant hours past your heart at peace with love But since this is a wish in vain and never can be true there's only one alternative just one thing you can do To live today in such a way that when tomorrow comes the memories of yesterday will all be cherished ones.~Nita Wheeler~[ By: Nita Wheeler-from 'Aiken Drum ' (Aiken @AikensLaughs.com)] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... Challenging The Lord's Prayer I cannot say OUR if I live only for myself. I Cannot say FATHER if I do not endeavor each day to act like His child. I cannot say WHO ART IN HEAVEN if I am laying up no treasure there. I cannot say HALLOWED BE THY NAME if I am not striving for holiness. I cannot say THY KINGDOM COME if I am not doing all in my power to hasten that wonderful event. I cannot say THY WILL BE DONE if I am disobedient to His word. I cannot say ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN if I will not serve Him here and now. I cannot say GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD if I am dishonest or seeking things by subterfuge. I cannot say FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES if I harbor a grudge against anyone. I cannot say LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION if I deliberately place myself in its path. I cannot say DELIVER US FROM EVIL if ...

... Thanksgiving Prayer Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings each morning, thank you, Lord, that I can hear. There are many who are deaf. Even though I keep my eyes tightly closed against the morning light as long as possible, thank you Lord, that I can see. There are many who are blind. Even though I huddle in my bed and put off the effort of rising, thank you, Lord that I have the strength to rise. There are many who are bedridden. Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned, and tempers are short, thank you, Lord, for my family. There are many who are lonely. Even though our breakfast table never looks like the pictures in magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced, thank you, Lord for the food we have. There're many who have no job. ...

... the angels in Heaven to see. It felt good walking back to my house after a job well done. It felt even better looking around at this wonderful world of white. But it felt best of all knowing that God and His angels were watching over me with a love that passes all understanding. I don ’ t know why life sometimes gives us Spring days and sometimes dumps a ton of snow on us. I do know, however, that we can pray, laugh, love, and choose joy through it all. God loves us always. He comforts our souls and warms our hearts on the coldest Winter days. He laughs with us when our snow shovels break and smiles down on us when we make a snow angel. He is with us forever and that is the greatest Christmas present of all.~Joseph J. Mazzella~[ by: Joseph J. Mazzella Copyright 2008 (joecool @wirefire.com)-submitted by ...

... thanked God for this glorious sight. My mood, however, was not shared by the driver behind me. Just as we were nearing some curves the snowplow started to pull off to let us pass. The driver behind me didn ’ t even wait for it to get off the road before speeding past us both. His car slid in the snow and almost off the road as he went around us. As I watched him speed up again I said a quick prayer that God would keep him alive until he learned to slow down his car and his life. It seems like far too many people in this world are like that driver. They seem in a constant rush to get somewhere. They rush to work. They rush home. They rush off to their vacations and then rush back. They rush through every part of their lives. No matter how much they rush, though, they never seem to get anywhere. That is ...

... that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. He has sent Me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lords ' favor has come, and with it, the day of God's anger against their enemies. To all who mourn in Israel, He will give beauty for ashes, joy instead of mourning, praise instead of despair. For the Lord has planted them like strong and graceful oaks for His own glory. Isaiah 61: 1-3 Your prayers are heard. You parents-if your children ask you for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask Him?~Matt. 7: 9, 10 You are not facing this alone. For ...

... are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrong doing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up or out and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and it is now time to move on. When people come into your life for a SEASON, it is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They may bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy .Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season. LIFETIME relationships teach you ...

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

... gentle laughter has brightened my day many times over the years. Her optimism and faith have strengthened my own as well. Her kindness, caring, and happiness have helped so many people, touched so many souls, and done so much good in this world. When it comes to the treasures of Heaven she will forever be one of the wealthiest people I know. When it comes to finding the joy in living she will always be rich beyond compare. I only pray that one day we all can live with such priceless love. Leo Buscaglia once wrote that," We find the greatest riches where we find the joy in living; since we serve God and ourselves best in joy, it seems to be the only sensible goal in life" My dear aunt learned this a long time ago and she has spent her whole life teaching it to others as well. I am proud to have been one of her students and taken her course ...

... ourselves, our families, our lives, and our world. They are love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, and oneness with God. Don ’ t keep looking for the spare change that this world gives you when you have a treasure box of priceless gems within yourself. If you want to be set for life then get yourself set to live. Give your love, share your joy, and shine your light to everyone you meet. Pray and thank God for your life everyday. Smile, laugh, sing, hug, and help everyone you can. Enjoy the true treasures of your soul and let others do the same. Then you will be set for this life and the next.~Joseph J. Mazzella~[ by: Joseph J. Mazzella (joecool @wirefire.com)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... 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. ...

... constantly thronged by people, but He always found time to stop what He was doing at the moment. This is hard for us to do because we are so busy, but it is a lesson we must learn if we are really going to show people we care about them. Jesus always acknowledged the person he was helping. He cared enough to do this. This is a type of how God cares about each of our needs no matter how small when we pray to Him. We must learn to acknowledge others who are hurting and in need of our help so we may be a good example as ambassadors of God's love. Listen to the person who needs help. You won't get very far if you have preconceived ideas about what they need without listening. You will miss the mark of what they really need unless you care enough to listen. This was one of the hardest lessons I had to learn as a hospital chaplain -to listen ...

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

... was gnawing at me, all I could do was praise Jesus. What a crazy insane thing to do when the void is gnawing: Praise Jesus! I was in the grocery store waiting for my children when a thought came to open up the little hymnal I carry with me. I opened it up and began to read the words upon the page: When morning gilds the skies, my heart awaking cries, May Jesus Christ be praised! Alike at work and prayer to Jesus I repair; May Jesus Christ be praised! Wnene'er the sweet church bell peals over hill and dell, May Jesus Christ be praised! O hark to what it sings, as joyously it rings, May Jesus Christ be praised! When sleep her balm denies, My silent spirit sighs, May Jesus Christ be praised! When evil thoughts molest, with this I shield my breast, May Jesus Christ be praised! Does sadness fill my mind? A solace here ...

... so shallow that they would believe a one million dollar car is essential? My first car cost me only 500 dollars and it still got me wherever I needed to go. When did 50 million dollar yachts and 100 million dollar houses become so vital to a person ’ s happiness? My tiny home has more joy in it than the biggest mansion in the world and I can walk the shore of the local lake here and delight in its beauty for free. I pray that at some point our society says" Enough !" and wakes up from this nightmare of materialism. Each of us only has one life. Let ’ s not waste it on the watches we wear and the cars we drive. Each of us only has one soul. Let ’ s not lose it trying to gain the whole world. God put us here to love each other, to help each other, and to make this world a better place together. No ...

... no one else can fulfill. The Will of God will never take you to where The Grace of God will not protect you. We are responsible for the effort, not the outcome. We set the sail; God Makes the wind. Begin to weave and God Will Give you the thread. When God Says" no ", it's because He Has something better in store for you. The task ahead of us is never as great as The Power behind us. Prayer: don't bother to give God instructions, just report for duty. It's my business to do God's Business, and it's His Business to take care of my business. Serenity is not freedom from the storm, but peace amid the storm. How come you're always running around looking for God? He's not lost. The will of the majority usually is not be The Will of God. [Author unknown-from Bill Doorman] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... In God we Trust ?"" Yes !"" And ?"" And if I trust in God, the name of God is holy, even on a coin. Whenever I find a coin I see that inscription. It is written on every single United States coin, but we never seem to notice it! God drops a message right in front of me telling me to trust Him? Who am I to pass it by? When I see a coin, I pray, I stop to see if my trust IS in God at that moment. I pick the coin up as a response to God; that I do trust in Him. For a short time, at least, I cherish it as if it were gold. I think it is God's way of starting a conversation with me. Lucky for me, God is patient and pennies are plentiful !" When I was out shopping today, I found a penny on the sidewalk. ...

... " I love you" Those beautiful words sang in my ears and flew into my heart. It was the sweetest sound I had ever heard. At that moment I fully saw with my eyes, ears, and heart the wonderful, bright, shining soul that lives within my son. May you always bless your life with the sweet sound of" I love you" as well. Fill your home with its beautiful music. Let it float to Heaven on your prayers to our Father. Share its glorious, healing words with the world. Use it to touch the lives and brighten the hearts of all those you love. It truly is the song of the angels and the very voice of God.~Joseph J. Mazzella~[ by: Joseph J. Mazzella Copyright 2008 (joecool @wirefire.com)-submitted by: Joseph Mazzella] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... me than all the others. I can pry open and get inside people's hearts with that when I cannot get near them with my other tools. Once I get inside, I can make them do what I choose. It is badly worn because I use it on almost everyone, since very few people know that it belongs to me" Addendum-Luke 18: 1 (GNB)" Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to teach them that they should always pray and never become discouraged" {Luke 18: 1-8 'The Parable of the Persistent Widow '} [Author Unknown-from chaplain777 @hotmail.com-Ed: Anon.] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... . Those who went along with the order had a much easier time. Those who did not, faced harsh persecution. In almost every family of those who resisted, someone died in a concentration camp. When the war was over, feelings of bitterness ran deep between the groups and there was much tension. Finally they decided that the situation had to be healed. Leaders from each group met at a quiet retreat. For several days, each person spent time in prayer, examining his own heart in the light of Christ's commands. Then they came together. Francis Schaeffer, who told of the incident, asked a friend who was there," What did you do then ?"" We were just one ," he replied. As they confessed their hostility and bitterness to God and yielded to His control, the Holy Spirit created a spirit of unity among them. Love filled their hearts and dissolved their hatred. When love prevails among believers, ...

... What if, GOD didn't send His only begotten Son because He wanted us to be prepared to pay the price for sin. What if, the door of the church was closed because we did not open the door of our heart? What if, GOD stopped loving and caring for us because we failed to love and care for others? What if, GOD would not hear us today because we would not listen to Him yesterday? What if, GOD answered our prayers the way we answer His call to service? What if, GOD met our needs the way we give Him our lives ??? What if, We fail to share this message. ??? [Gabriela-from Rhonda and David] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... Whoa !!! Whoa !!! What in the world is happening with our kids today? Let's see. I think it started when Madalyn Murray O'Hair complained that she didn't want any prayer in our schools, and we said Okay. Then someone said you had better not read the Bible in school-the Bible that says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said, Okay. Remember Dr. Benjamin Spock, who said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave, because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem? And we said, Okay, we won't spank them. Then someone said that teachers and principals better not discipline our children when they misbehave. And our school administrators said, no one in this school better touch a student when they misbehave because we don't want any bad publicity, and we surely don't want to be sued. Then someone said, ...

... look the same until they're squeezed. Christians are the same way. As life squeezes us, different things come out-anger from one, a need for revenge from another, tears from one, remorse from yet another-also greed, untruth, lust-and finally, from one saint, pours forth the love of Christ. Just like the sponge, we can only squeeze out what is put in-stay in the Word daily, and be in continuous prayer, so that when life puts the squeeze on you (and it WILL ), Jesus, and Jesus ALONE will shine forth from you! Have a blessed, squeaky clean day! [Author Unknown-from 'E-Mail Ministry ' (EMailMinistry @yahoogroups.com)] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... dom in a few short sentences:" Enrich your life by becoming a better per ­ son, a better student and an individual worthy of trust and faithful in your commitments. Aspire to help and not hinder in all your good and worthy undertakings. Use these words often: 'thank you, ' 'please, ' 'I'm sorry ' Af ­ ter living 100 years, I admonish you to think deeply, speak gently, work hard, give freely, pay promptly, pray earnestly and be kind" Wisdom doesn't come much better than that.~Steve Goodier~[ by: Steve Goodier (LifeSupport @yahoogroups.com)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... still carry the wisdom of that lesson with me even now. I know that whatever we drink into our hearts and minds will sooner or later come back out of us. If we are always drinking down shots of anger, frustration, jealousy, envy, fear, and hate then sooner or later that is what is going to come spewing out of us as well. If we watch what we drink, however, and gulp down glasses of love, peace, prayer, kindness, goodness, and closeness with God everyday then that is what will pour out of our souls and bless all those around us. May all of your drinks then be divine ones that bring you only joy and wonderful oneness with God. Cheers.~Joseph J. Mazzella~[ by: Joseph J. Mazzella Copyright 2008 (joecool @wirefire.com)-submitted by: Joseph Mazzella] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... and the skies above filled with twilight, small campfires were lit. It was probably one of the most beautiful things I'd seen. All of us were given candles and were to sit in silence-reflecting. One by one we were called into a small area where Father Barry was. Before him and God it was a time to confess our sins. I'd been to confession before, but it never really meant more to me than a closed up room and some prayers when I was done. My heart didn't feel connected to God's. This time, it did. When I felt ready, I went to Father Barry and sat in front of him. He just smiled. There were no walls, no curtains, no church. For the first time, I felt naked and fearful in front of God. I now understood that He was part of me and knew of my lies, my shortcomings, my selfishness-yet he loved ...

... they love you, the laughter of a child, a puppy licking your hand, a kitten purring on your lap, a new baby ’ s smile, and the first songs of the birds in the Spring. There are also the delightful smells of Spring flowers and Fall leaves, plus warm sweaters, warm hearts, and hot chocolate on cold, Winter days. Let ’ s not forget either inspiring books, encouraging words, beautiful music, and the peace that prayer brings. We are also blessed with caring friends, good-hearted neighbors, and compassionate strangers who bring us comfort in times of need. Then we have all those obstacles that make us steer off the wrong road and onto the right path as well as all those problems that make us stronger, better, and more loving people. God ’ s wondrous love flows through all of these things and through our own hearts and souls as well. That is why I find the best ...

... Strong Woman vs. a Woman of Strength A strong woman works out every day to keep her body in shape. but a woman of strength kneels in prayer to keep her soul in shape. A strong woman isn't afraid of anything. but a woman of strength shows courage in the midst of her fear. A strong woman won't let anyone get the best of her. but a woman of strength gives the best of her to everyone. A strong woman walks sure footedly. but a woman of strength knows God will catch her if she falls. A strong woman wears the look of confidence on her face. but a woman of strength wears grace. A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey. but a woman of strength has faith that it is in the journey that she will become strong. Addendum-Philippians 4: 3 (NKJ)" And I urge you also, true companion, help these ...

... I did not expect to live to see the dawn" Penney awakened the next morning, surprised to find himself alive. Making his way down the hallway of the hospital, he could hear singing coming from the little chapel where devotional exercises were held each morning. The words of the hymn he heard being sung spoke deeply to his condition. Going into the chapel, he listened with a weary heart to the singing, the reading of the Scripture lesson, and the prayer." Suddenly something happened ," he recalled." I can't explain it. I can only call it a miracle. I felt as if I had been instantly lifted out of the darkness of a dungeon into a warm, brilliant sunlight. I felt as if I had been transported from hell to Paradise. I felt the power of God as I had never felt it before" In a life-transforming instant Penney knew that God, with His love, was there to help ...

... , and peace. You are safe in the Father's arms .if you will run there today. Going through a hurricane of the heart today? Hassles? Hurts? Heavy stuff? No emergency aid of any federal government can help; no person can know your pain -but God does. And HE will be there to hold you and to see you through -flee to the EYE OF THE STORM today and know His peace! Scripture: Psalm 91-The Safety Psalm. Prayer:" Lord, I'm in the middle of a hurricane right now. The hassles, hurts and heavy stuff of life are about to overwhelm my spirit, soul, and limit of endurance. Help me, Lord .I run to the Eye of the Storm; I remain in Your secure, still, sovereign presence, and I know Your peace; I claim it today, In Jesus ' Name, Amen"~Peggie C. Bohanon~All rights reserved. [ ...

... with energy, adventure and joy. Like her I am going to try and find enthusiasm and delight in everything that comes my way. Like her I am going to do all I can to share my love happily with everyone everywhere no matter what I get in return. It doesn ’ t matter, after all, if you get hugged by" Charlie Brown" or yelled at by" Lucy". All that matters is that you continue to Love. I pray that Snoopy Girl continues to bless me with her happiness and vitality for years to come. She not only has a love of living, but also a life a loving. I think that God in His loving wisdom must have given us animals like her for a special reason. In the midst of our daily work, struggles, and details of living they remind us of what life is truly about: giving love and sharing joy. May we always clearly see the lessons ...

... of a bird; the complete song. Music and nature are gifts, but only if you are willing to receive them. Take time just to think. Action is good and necessary, but it's fruitful only if we muse, ponder, and 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 ...

... 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 will shine together and with God ’ s help will create a summer light show that never ends. Perhaps we will not just help make everyday feel more like Christmas, but make everyday be Christmas. ...

... . Forgiveness truly is the sweetest revenge. It can turn an enemy into a friend. It can free a heart from the chains of anger, hatred, and pain. It can open a soul to the sweetness of love and joy once again. It can help you to live by the Golden Rule and to create a Golden Life. It can bring you back to oneness with God in everything you think, feel, and do. That is why I often pray," God help me to forgive, help me to give, and help me to love" May your life always be full of sweet forgiveness then. May you always delight in its Heavenly charms.~Joseph J. Mazzella~[ by: Joseph J. Mazzella Copyright 2008 (joecool @wirefire.com)-submitted by: Joseph Mazzella] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... -is there a" Rose" in your community, your church, your neighborhood? Let's share the fragrance of Christ -a smile, a hug, some warm baked cookes, a small gift -something that says," Smile .God loves you .and I do too. Think about it -do it -and you will have a WONDERFUL day!~Peggie C. Bohanon~All Rights Reserved Scripture: Matthew 25: 34-40-Ministering to the" Rose's" of Our World! Prayer:" Lord, You have blessed me with a family, friends, and the fragrance of Your love outpoured to me. Help me to share that fragrance with a lonely person this Christmas, In Jesus Name, Amen" [by: Peggie C. Bohanon Copyright 2005-from 'Fun-n-Faith ' news letter {used with permission}] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... bike, read a good book? When was the last time you had a belly laugh that actually came from your belly, a heartache that brought healing, a physical pain that made you slow down and really see others-maybe for the first time? When was the last time you quietly sipped a cup of tea, watched the dance of birds just outside your window, remembered old friends? When was the last time you greeted the day with a smile, prayed for your enemy, sang a song of praise? When was the last time you thought about Good Friday, Easter Sunday, a risen Savior? When was the last time you thanked God for the incredible blessings that make for a wonderful life? Glenn A. Hascall [by: Glenn A. Hascall Copyright 2003 (cmi @prairieweb.com)-submitted by Glenn Hascall] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... education regardless of the extent of their mental or physical handicap. And I am to communicate regularly with the parents by letter, telephone, newsletter, and report card. All of this I am to do with just a piece of chalk, a computer, a few books, a bulletin board, and a big smile AND on a starting salary that qualifies my family for food stamps! You want me to do all of this, and you expect me NOT TO PRAY ?" [Author Unknown-submitted by: Queenie-from 'Arizona Humor '] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... Take Time Take time to laugh It is the music of the soul. Take time to think It is the source of power. Take time to play It is the source of perpetual youth. Take time to read It is the fountain of wisdom. Take time to pray It is the greatest power on earth. Take time to be friendly It is the road to happiness. Take time to give It is too short a day to be selfish. Take time to work It is the price of success. Take time to love and be loved It is a God-given privilege. [Author Unknown-from 'E-Mail Ministry ' (www.emailministry.org)] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... control the music we hear in this world we can always control the songs that we sing. What song is going to come from your spirit today? What lyrics are you going to sing? What notes are you going to play? Are you going to add to the sweet morning music that is so often around you or are you going to lend your voice to the disharmony that often comes your way? The choice is yours. You can start your mornings with prayerful lyrics of love and thanks to your Heavenly Father who made you. You can fill your days with a melody of kind words for family, friends, and strangers alike. You can send a silent chorus of well wishes to every soul you pass on the street. You can share the harmony of help and happiness with your neighbors and the whole world. You can make your entire life such a sweet song of love that every angel in Heaven will want to sing along ...

... how do we existentially experience this truth? How do we move our knowledge down from our head to the core of our souls? How do we silence the voice of insignificance that screams in our heart when life is tough and doubt colors each breath? That's where the Psalms can come to the rescue. While we may intellectually accept the proclamations of Scripture that we are important to God, we often need to experience this truth. The Psalms are a collection of Spirit-inspired prayers, praises, complaints, and cries for help. They cover the gamut of human emotions. Most importantly of all, they give us words to let our current emotional and physical conditions find articulation before God and with others. We can be honest with God in the presence of others while being connected to the great line of faithful witnesses who have said these words before. In addition, we get to say many of these Psalms from a first person perspective, driving home ...

... and take the guff that comes with it. Obligation sends the children to bed on time, but love tucks the covers in around their necks and passes out kisses and hugs (even to teenagers !). Obligation can cook a meal, but love embellishes the table with a potted ivy trailing around slender candles. Duty writes many letters, but love tucks a joke or a picture or a fresh stick of gum inside. Compulsion keeps a sparkling house. But love and prayer stand a better chance of producing a happy family. Duty gets offended quickly if it isn't appreciated. But love learns to laugh a lot and to work for the sheer joy of doing it. Obligation can pour a glass of milk, but quite often love will add a little chocolate. [Author Unknown-from 'Aiken Drum ' (Aiken @AikensLaughs.com)] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... to you as I whispered to Eve:" Do as you please" To the youth I would whisper," The Bible is a myth" I would convince them that man made God instead of the other way around. I would confide that what's bad is good and what's good is" square" In the ears of the young married I would whisper that work is debasing, that cocktail parties are good for you. And to the old I would teach to pray after me:" Our Father, who art in Washington" And then I'd get organized; I'd educate authors in how to make lurid literature exciting, so that everything else would appear dull and uninteresting. I'd threaten television with dirtier movies and vice versa. I'd peddle narcotics to whom I could; I'd sell alcohol to ladies and gentlemen of distinction; I'd tranquilize the rest with pills. If I were the Devil I'd soon have families at war with themselves, churches at ...

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

... child have been made in My image. I love you dearly, unconditionally and completely. I understand every emotion that you have. I've been there. I count every tear that you cry. I know every hair on your head. And do you know what? I even know your weaknesses and your failures and your fears. I know those hidden parts of you that you wish would go away. Those dark corners of your world that you stuff deep down, praying that no one will ever see. I have already seen them and they will not change my love for you. Nothing will. I love you, heart and soul. I just wanted to remind you today of how beautiful you are, and how precious you are to Me. With Unmeasurable Love, Your Heavenly Father [Author Unknown-from 'E-Mail Ministry ' (www.emailministry.org)-Ed: anon.] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... 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. Don ’ t just exist in a day one when you can love, laugh, sing, dance, pray, enjoy, and delight in a day two.~Joseph J. Mazzella~[ by: Joseph J. Mazzella (joecool @wirefire.com)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... I were discussing miracles. It is interesting to note how some people, when faced with a miraculous situation, interpret the events as nothing more than pure coincidence. While events that result from pure chance may occur, it is an injustice to God to chalk up all miraculous events as such. In my own life, especially as a younger, single woman, there were times that I needed a virtual miracle to pull me out of a desperate situation. When these prayers were answered, some of my friends rolled their eyes, insisting the only astounding thing to happen was that good luck had fallen my way. However, deep in my heart, I knew the miraculous truth. I had no tangible evidence to prove that God had His hand in these events. I'm certain that even if God did choose to offer me something tangible, such as a boulder crashing through my living room bearing the engraved inscription," This is God ," the ...

... As beautiful as this Summer light is, however, it still can ’ t compare to the soul light that I see everyday. This light burns just as brightly in the Winter too. I see it shining from my youngest son ’ s smile and hear it in my oldest son ’ s laugh. It glows warmly in my daughter ’ s eyes and it leaps out from the words of an inspiring book. It travels from soul to soul on the laughter, prayers, gentle words, and caring hearts of friends, family, neighbors, and even strangers. It sails on the winds of good deeds, encouragement, and loving kindness. It sings in our music, shines in our thoughts, and brightens every part of our lives. It connects us with Heaven. May all of your days be full of light then. May the sun shine down on you and may your own soul shine within you. May God ’ s light ...

... didn't move. Panic consumed her. My God, she thought, I'm trapped and about to be robbed! Her heart plummeted. Perspiration poured from every pore. Then one of the men said," Hit the floor" Instinct told her: Do what they tell you. The bucket of quarters flew upwards as she threw out her arms and collapsed on the elevator carpet. A shower of coins rained down on her. Take my money and spare me, she prayed. More seconds passed. She heard one of the men say politely," Ma'am, if you'll just tell us what floor you're going to, we'll push the button". The one who said it had a little trouble getting the words out. He was trying mightily to hold in a belly laugh. She lifted her head and looked up at the two men. They reached down to help her up. Confused, she struggled to her feet." When I ...

... those days get here I will embrace them with all of my heart, soul, and mind. I will look to the Heavens as well and thank God for once again bringing new life to this world. Most of all, though, I will seek out the Springtime within myself and continue to share it with everyone I meet. You see, God blesses the world with Spring once a year but blesses us with Spring everyday of our lives. Each time we pray, share our love, spread our joy, stop to help another, or do a single act of kindness it is once again Springtime in our souls. Embrace the Springtime in within you then no matter what the season. Live from the eternal Spring of life, goodness, and love that God gives you and help Him renew this world each and everyday. Spring is the season of new life. May your Springtime last forever.~Joseph J. Mazzella~[ ...

... with your appearance. Never stop learning but don't allow your education to become a point of pride. God doesn't use you because of what's in your head: He uses you because of what's in your heart. Realize that your talents are a gift, not something you have manufactured yourself; never look down on people who can't do what you do. Don't despise your weaknesses they keep you dependent on God. Now there's something to think about!" Seven days without prayer makes one weak" [From:" Douglas Bebout" (dbebout @ziggycom.net ), via Keith Todd] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... . They brightened you up, warmed you up, and lighted a fire in your own soul as well. My hymn leader, music teacher, and friend moved away before I was old enough to truly appreciate all that she meant to me. I never got to really thank her for lighting a candle inside of me with her generous fire. I never got to let her know that she started a song in my heart that still goes on today. I just pray that where ever she is that she gets to read this and knows how grateful we all are to her for burning so bright. The most important thing that my friend taught me was that Heaven ’ s fire doesn ’ t just burn in the hearts of certain people. It is available to us all when we choose it. You can be full of Heaven ’ s fire too. You can light yourself up with love, joy, optimism, enthusiasm, energy, ...

... 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 a loss is for simple, human comfort. I've known friends of sick and dying people to sit by a bedside or in a hospital room for hours, even days, at a time. I've sometimes heard them offer words of prayer. I've seen food in homes of people who are dying overflow from kitchen to dining room-food brought by comforting friends from church and concerned neighbors. And I've observed friends to just listen for as long as it takes. Caring friends are needed medicine in such times. When U.S. Congressman Sam Rayburn (1882-1961) discovered that he was ill, he announced to the House of Representatives he was going back home to Bonham, Texas for medical tests. Some wondered why ...

... neck. I have gotten the back slapper hug where the hugger gives you the bam, bam on the back. I have even gotten the leg hug which toddlers all over the world use to melt your heart. The most memorable hug I ever got, however, came when I was a teenager. I was visiting a monastery in the Midwest with several other boys. Our guide took us through the simple rooms where the Priests and Monks lived, worked, and prayed. As we entered a small kitchen one of the Brothers walked in. To say he was intimidating would have been an understatement. He was a giant of a man. He stood well over six and a half feet tall. He must have weighed over three hundred pounds as well. He looked like a lineman for a professional football team dressed in a brown, wool robe. As we talked, though, his kind spirit and delightful sense of humor put us all ...

... it-only faith in God can supplant it. Blaise Pascal's scientific mind has affected the world even to this day. Yet he pointed to Jesus Christ, who can fill our vacuum, our being, in order that we may have the final assurance that our lives may have order-not chaos, full and not empty, pressurized, not a vacuum. Yes, God understands our make-up, our chemistry and yearns to have a relationship with you. A suggested prayer:" God, I ask You to come into my life today, and fill this thin flask that I am. Give this outer and inner shell of mine strength, comfort and the assurance that I am in harmony with You. Forgive me for being impure against a perfect God. Take control of my life so that I can live for You. I realize that reasoning has it's limits but faith in God has no limits. I thank You for supplying an answer ...

... Bring them to church C-Challenge them to high goals D-Delight in their achievements E-Exalt the lord in their presence F-Frown on evil G-Give them love H-Hear their problems I-Ignore not their childish fears J-Joyfully accept their apologies K-Keep their confidence L-Live a good example before them M-Make them your friends N-Never ignore their endless questions O-Open your home to their visits P-Pray for them by name Q-Quicken your interest in their spirituality R-Remember their needs S-Show them the way of salvation T-Teach them to work U-Understand they are still young V-Verify your statements W-Wean them from bad company X-eXpect them to obey Y-Yearn for god's best for them Z-Zealously guide them in biblical truth [Author Unknown-from 'E-Mail Ministry ' (emailministry @emailministry.org)] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All ...

... are to their friends. Blessed are they who love their mates more than any other person in the world, and who joyfully fulfill their marriage vow of a lifetime of fidelity and mutual helpfulness to one another. Blessed are they who attain parenthood, for children are a heritage of the Lord. Blessed are they who remember to thank God for their food before they partake of it, and who set apart some time each day for the reading of the Bible and for prayer. Blessed are those mates who never speak loudly to one another, and who make their home a place" where seldom is heard a discouraging word" Blessed are the husband and wife who faithfully attend the worship service of the church, and who work together in the church for the advancement of Christ ’ s kingdom. Blessed are the husband and wife who can work out the problems of adjustment without interference from relatives. Blessed is the couple which has complete understanding about financial ...

... those who are actively involved in making peace. Christ Himself was the ‘ Prince of Peace ' (Isa 9: 6). He came to bring reconciliation between God and mankind and between individuals. Those who, through Him, are at peace with God can join Him in His work of reconciliation ' As SAHMs, we must first come to a peace within ourselves. Do we struggle with being SAHMs-of course we do. But when we sit down a prayerfully consider it, are we at peace with the decision to be at home? We must first achieve this inner peace from God before we can become actively involved in making peace. Once we are at this point, then, how do we go about ‘ making peace ' As a SAHM, we have chosen the road to be at home and to make a home for our children and our husbands. We must seek to make that place a haven of peace, a ...

... inside you. Create a place in your home .At your work .in your heart .where you can go for quiet and recollection. You deserve it. Take time to think Action is good and necessary, but it's fruitful only if we muse, ponder and 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 do any better? 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 ...

... in silence; all except for Erik, who was running through his repertoire for the admiring skid-row bum, who in turn, reciprocated with his cute comments. We finally got through the meal and headed for the door. My husband went to pay the check and told me to meet him in the parking lot. The old man sat poised between me and the door." Lord, just let me out of here before he speaks to me or Erik ," I prayed. As I drew closer to the man, I turned my back trying to side-step him and avoid any air he might be breathing. As I did, Erik leaned over my arm, reaching with both arms in a baby's pick-me-up, position. Before I could stop him, Erik had propelled himself from my arms to the man's. Suddenly a very old smelly man and a very young baby consummated their love relationship. Erik in an act of total trust, love and ...

... be under him, nor were you taken from his head, to be above him. You were taken from his side, to stand beside him and be held close to his side. You are My perfect angel. You are My beautiful little girl. You have grown to be a splendid woman of excellence, and My Eyes fill when I see the virtues in your heart. Your eyes-don't change them. Your lips-how lovely when they part in prayer. Your nose, so perfect in form, your hands so gentle to touch. I've caressed your face in your deepest sleep; I've held your heart close to Mine. Of all that lives and breathes, you are the most like Me. Adam walked with Me in the cool of the day and yet he was lonely. He could not see Me or touch Me. He could only feel Me. So everything I wanted Adam to share and experience with Me, ...

... up! O pen the door wide when opportunity knocks. P ractice patience. Promote peace. Q uit bad habits by replacing them with good habits. R ead God's Word and other profitable material every chance you get. S hare the Gospel whenever and wherever possible. T ake time to appreciate everything and everyone God has given to you. U se your God given common sense. V isualize your dreams and stretch to reach for them. W atch, listen and pray without ceasing. X amine your motives on a regular basis. Y ield to the Holy Spirit when He prompts you. Z oom in on God's real purpose for your life. [Author Unknown-from 'E-Mail Ministry ' (emailministry @emailministry.org)] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... difference between having a good day and having a bad day. I thought about it a long time and I think that I finally figured it out. The difference is about 15 minutes. Think about it. Just how long does it take to really live the way that God always meant for you to live? How long does it take to say," I love you God. Thank you for my life "? How long does it take to say a little prayer for someone you care about? How long does it take to tell a friend," You are looking good today "? How long does it take to stop your child in the hallway and give them a hug? How long does it take to bend down and smell a flower as you walk down the street? How long does it take to scratch your cat ’ s chin or pet your dog ’ s head? How long does it take to share a warm smile ...

... There is no limit to what you can do to build a healthy soul. You can: give someone a hug, share a smile, hold a purring cat, pet a friendly dog, glance joyfully at the sun setting over the hills, hum a happy song, read an uplifting passage from an inspiring book, smell a flower, listen to a bird sing, jump in a pile of Autumn leaves, share a kind word, think a positive thought, pray for someone, wave at a neighbor, laugh at a good joke, tell someone you love them, tickle a child, smell a baby ’ s hair, put some money in a Salvation Army kettle, touch a loved one, look them in the eye, and listen to them. Most of all you can take those 5 seconds to say," I love you God and I thank you for my life here" Have fun exercising your soul then. Five ...

... 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, In Jesus ' Name, Amen"-Peggie C. Bohanon-[ by Peggie C. Bohanon. Copyright 2004 ...

... to work. I now have a special envelope stuck between the car seats where I keep a small supply of gift certificates to McDonalds, Burger King and a restaurant and grocery. And when I'm driving, I keep an eye out for someone who looks like he might need a meal. It doesn't cost much or take much effort, and I no longer have to look the other way as I pass by. I think of him now and then and remember to pray that the Father of all would touch his life. I wish he could know how he touched mine, and changed me forever. ** WARNING **-Use common sense and caution when passing out meal certificates, or any other type of help for the needy. [Submitted by Jill Burnett (Jill @AtTheWell.com)-from '2THEHEART '] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... , uptight and frazzled and your plagued by anxiousness, there's a simple diagnosis. You are suffering from stress. You are taxed by unmet deadlines. You are driven by demands. You're a mess of frayed emotions like some stretch-out rubber bands. It's a low-grade chronic sickness that will leave you nearly dead, if you don't address the symptoms. First of all, go straight to bed. When you wake up, eat your breakfast. Spend some time with God in prayer. Let the Lord review your date book. Offer up your angst and cares. Take a walk or jog three miles. Don't neglect your exercise. Watch your diet. Drink much water. Boycott burgers, Cokes and fries. Make the most of meals with family. Share your feelings. Make amends. View each day as priceless treasure. Count your blessings. Laugh with friends. Learn the art of saying" Sorry! While I'd love to I just can't" ...

... Lord. You shall not take your husband's name in vain, through gossip, slander, criticism, complaint, or mockery; but you shall bless him both privately and publicly. You shall work heartily as unto the Lord and as directed by Him and your husband, not by your own ideas of what should be done. You shall not be so busy working, however, that you neglect to get alone with God everyday. During this quiet time, you shall pray diligently for your husband. You shall also be willing to put aside work in order to 'play ' when your husband asks you. You shall honor your mother and father, but you shall not elevate their position or opinions above your husband's. You shall not resent, revile, or hate your husband, but you shall grant him grace, forgiveness, and mercy. You shall not commit adultery, nor shall you think lustfully toward another man; but you shall thank God ...

... that Heaven must have been smiling down when this picture was taken. It was one of those glorious moments of love that God meant for us to live. Life is a series of pictures. It is moments of love chosen and cherished. It is wonderful memories created and enjoyed. It is instances when we share laughter, bring joy, offer kindness, give goodness, and deliver delight from our hearts and souls. It is times when we think, learn, pray, and grow. It is seconds when we finally begin to realize what we are truly here for and what life is really about. May all of your pictures be happy ones then. May they all be taken with love. And may you always feel Heaven smiling down upon them.~Joseph J. Mazzella~[ by: Joseph J. Mazzella Copyright 2008 (joecool @wirefire.com)-submitted by: Joseph Mazzella] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... and there are still a few assets to distribute. But in the meantime I'm enjoying being a cow-not a pig. Epilog: The above article caused me to stop and think-am I a cow or a pig? What and to whom am I giving? Often our time and energies are given to worldly and material things. We mean to spend time with our kids, we mean to call our mothers, and we mean to read the Word and pray. Before we know it our day is spent and we're just too tired; we'll do it tomorrow. Mother Teresa said," There is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world than for bread." In our fast-paced, materialistic world, hearts are crying out to be loved. Love isn't necessarily measured by the 'things ' we can give-love is measured by the time and attention we invest in one another. <>< .Thou shalt love the Lord thy ...

... at it, then wrote something on the edge and the bill was sent to her room. She feared to open it, for she was sure it would take the rest of her life to pay for it all. Finally she looked, and something caught her attention on the side of the bill. She read these words: PAID IN FULL WITH ONE GLASS OF MILK. (Signed) Dr. Howard Kelly Tears of joy flooded her eyes as her happy heart prayed: Thank You, God, that Your love is shed abroad through human hearts and hands. Addendum: Luke 6: 38 tells us if we give, it will be given back to us, pressed down, shaken together, and overflowing. We however, look to God and not the person to return the gift. God uses those whom He chooses and those who will be obedient to Him to return the blessings to us." He which soweth sparingly shall reap ...

... was walking past his home and he held up the two fingered salute made famous in the 1960's. I hadn ’ t realized that it had survived the last 40 years to find its way into the hearts of a new generation. The last time I saw it widely used was when I was a young boy. Seeing those two fingers did make me smile, though, because they reminded me of the two truths that can bring peace to us all. I only pray that one day we all can welcome them into our hearts, souls, minds, and lives. The first of these simple truths is that God loves us. God loves us when we do good and He loves us even when we mess up. God loves us enough to forgive us, guide us, and help us through all the mistakes me make, choices we face, and difficulties we must overcome. God loves us from the second of our birth to our ...

... God to give you the right words to say. Then say them without hesitation." But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1: 8 NIV) Ask God right now to give you the power of effective witnessing so that you will be able to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to others. PRAYER: O Lord and Everlasting Father, bring down your Holy Spirit upon us so that we may be effective witnesses for you. Give us the words to speak to spread the Good News of Salvation throughout the world. We ask this in Jesus name. Amen. [by Charles Edwin Price-from 'Themestream '] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... I cannot force you to show honor. I can advise you about friends, but cannot choose them for you. I can advise you about sex, but I cannot keep you pure. I can tell you about alcohol & drugs, but I cannot say" no" for you. I can tell you about lofty goals, but I cannot achieve them for you. I can teach you about kindness, but I cannot force you to be gracious. I can pray for you, but I cannot make you walk with God. I can tell you how to live, but I cannot give you eternal life. I can love you with unconditional love all of my life. and I will. [Author Unknown-from 'Aiken Drum ' (Aiken @AikensLaughs.com)] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... frequently with each student's parent by letter, phone, newsletter, and grade card. I am to do all of this with just a piece of chalk, a computer, a few books, a bulletin board, a 45 minute or less plan time, and a big smile on a starting salary that qualifies my family for food stamps in many states. Is that all? You want me to do all of this, and YOU EXPECT ME TO DO IT WITHOUT PRAYING? AMEN! [Anonymous school teacher.] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... for help." I have been knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years !" I said." Of course I will show you the way home .only believe in Me now" I was at the base of the building with the Priest ministering to the injured and devastated souls. I took him home to tend his flock in Heaven. He heard my voice and answered. I was on all four of those planes, in every seat, with every prayer. I was with the crew as they were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the believers there, comforting and assuring them that their faith had saved them. I was in Texas, Kansas, London. I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news. Did you sense Me? I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew every name .though not all know Me. Some met Me for the first time on the ...

... the hands of the Lord; knowing that where our earthly abilities may be limited, He alone is able to do all things! While man may tell us a situation is hopeless, with God there is always hope! And so, after doing everything possible to resolve my family's personal crisis on our own, I remembered my faith in God, and began to cleave to the Lord in a way that I have never before had to surrender in trust. Daily I pray about the matter, then I hand the matter over to God, knowing that I have done my part, and now it is time for Him to take over. As hard a period as this has emotionally been, it has ironically also been the richest in wisdom. No longer do I feel overwhelmed by the problem, because I now know that all the worry in the world will not help resolve the matter, and in fact, will only add to my own ...

... , but you just complained about the crime rate. I was naked, and you debated the morality of my appearance. I was sick and you thanked God for your health. I was homeless and you preached to me about the shelter of God's love. You seem so holy and so close to God; but I'm still hungry, lonely, cold and in pain. Does it matter ?" Addendum-The last two sentences above are true for me. I have prayed, and ask many for help. Where are those that" could" help me? Sadly, I'm sure I am not the only one in this type of situation. Please read: 1 John 3 in the Bible." Walk-the-talk"-Christians! Show in Context 1 John 3: 17 (NLT) But if anyone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need and refuses to help, how can God's love be in that person ...

... would have them do unto me"-with everyone I encounter. TODAY I WILL RAISE THE SPIRITS OF SOMEONE WHO IS DISCOURAGED: My smile, my words, my expression of support, can make the difference to someone who is wrestling with life. TODAY I WILL NURTURE MY BODY: I will eat less; I will eat only healthy foods. I will thank GOD for my body. TODAY I WILL GROW SPIRITUALLY: I will spend a little more time in prayer today: I will begin reading something spiritual or inspirational today; I will find a quiet place (at some point during this day) and listen to GOD's voice !!!" But since we belong to the day, let us be self controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and hope of salvation as a helmet" 1 Thessalonians 5: 8 [Author Unknown-from Aiken Drum] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... school. Then the rules changed one day, Against the law, it became. To bring the Lamb of God to school, Or to even speak His Name. Every day got worse and worse, And days turned into years. Instead of hearing children laugh and play, You hear them crying tears. What must we do to stop the crime, That's in our schools today? Let the Lamb of God come back to school, And teach our kids to pray. [Anonymous-from Kimbal] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... have to ford. But because of the darkness and the rain, he couldn't see well enough to know just where to cross. Lightning flashed and he saw his way for the briefest moment. But the man was perplexed because there seemed to be more thunder than lightning. He was convinced that every lightning flash was followed by several loud peals of thunder. The poor man just stood at the edge of the stream in his confusion about how to proceed. He finally prayed," O Lord, if it is just the same to you, give me more light and less noise" The delegation clearly got the point that the president needed more solutions and less complaining-more light and less noise. Some people are more like light and others are more like noise. Some people shed light on solutions. Others only make a din about the way things are. Some people help us to see the situation more clearly. Others just sound off ...

... . It helps me to keep my arms, hands, and face in good shape by giving me plenty of time to hug my kids, pet my dogs and cats, and smile at all of life ’ s simple pleasures. It allows me to take long walks on warm evenings and feel the breeze on my face. It lets me read uplifting books, listen to beautiful music, and dare to sing along myself. Most of all it gives me time to pray. It gives me time to thank God everyday for my life. It gives me time to ask for His help in loving others, spreading joy, and growing in oneness with Him. Being on the slow track helps me to be the person I was meant to be, to do the things I was meant to do, and to learn the wisdom I was meant to learn. That to me is what true success in life is all about. The slow track ...

... , Threw 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 ...

... that's the way it should work in our spiritual lives. As we grow and mature in Christ, we continue to add virtue upon virtue." But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love" (2 Peter 1: 5-7). Wherever you are in your spiritual life, I pray that you'll take a step up today, adding something that will make you a little more in the image of Jesus Christ. As you add one thing to another, you'll be closer to that goal by the end of the year. Have a great day! [Alan Smith (www.TFTD-online.com)-from Barbara, via InspiredBuffalo @lighthouse.net] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... new and improved" on lifeless predictability isn't going to make it spiritual renewal. Changing the menu without changing the cook is not going to leave us with anything other than a prettier environment to eat the same old stuff. The Lord wants us to have genuine freshness in our lives. So instead of distracting ourselves by changing cosmetically, let's really pursue an encounter with the Living God! How do we do that? We seek him! We yearn for him! We pray for him to enter our lives! We offer ourselves to be used by him! We minister in his name, sharing and sacrificing to bring him glory. But rather than me listing a quick little Phil-formula for you to try, why don't you join me in opening up the Word of God each day between now and the end of the year. Let's look for the Lord's will to enter our world, encounter us in special ways, and make us new. Get ...

... so I sit self consciously and listen. My kids feel the beat and move to it. They sing out the words. If they don't know them, they make up their own. When I feel wind on my face, I brace myself against it. I feel it messing up my hair and pulling me back when I walk. My kids close their eyes, spread their arms and fly with it, until they fall to the ground laughing. When I pray, I say thee and thou and grant me this, give me that. My kids say," Hi God! Thanks for my toys and my friends. Please keep the bad dreams away tonight. Sorry, I don't want to go to Heaven yet. I would miss my Mommy and Daddy" When I see a mud puddle I step around it. I see muddy shoes and dirty carpets. My kids sit in it. They see dams to build, rivers ...

... apartment and living expenses for my son and myself. On top of it all, I was now a single parent, having to put meals on the table, look after my son's medical needs, jockeying my son hither, tither, and yon, and all the other domestic chores. Well, one night when I hit the hay, I sat on the edge of my bed and" talked to God" (which is what I did in lieu of formal praying). And I only got the name" God" out of my mouth when I began crying... real hard! And yes, I was raised in the 50's, when we learned that men just do not cry! I hadn't cried since burying the last of my grandparents. But here I was, unable to speak to God Himself because I was blubbering like a fool! Well, eventually I did recover enough to continue my talk with God." ...

... 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. ...

... bare as the top of my head. It seemed like it November ’ s gloom was everywhere. It was then, however, that I saw it. A single yellow butterfly was floating in the breeze and feasting on the few remaining dandelions left in my yard. It was a little miracle that filled my soul with delight. I smiled and thanked God for this message of joy and for all the little miracles in this world. So many people in this life pray for big miracles but fail to notice the little miracles that are all around them. Every sunrise and sunset is a little miracle. Every flower that blooms and leaf that changes is one as well. I have seen little miracles in the loving hearts and beautiful smiles of handicapped children. I have seen them in the shopping carts of people living paycheck to paycheck, who still buy something extra to donate to the local food drive. I have seen them in my community where ...

... I Am A Soldier I am a soldier in the army of my God. The Lord Jesus Christ is my Commanding Officer. The Holy Bible is my code of conduct. Faith, Prayer, and the Word are my weapons of Warfare. I have been taught by the Holy Spirit, trained by experience, tried by adversity, and tested by fire. I am a volunteer in this army, and I am enlisted for eternity. I will either retire in this Army or die in this Army; But, I will not get out, sell out, be talked out, or pushed out. I am faithful, reliable, capable, and dependable. If my God needs, me, I am there. I am a soldier. I am not a baby. I do not need to be pampered, petted, primed up, pumped up, picked up, or pepped up. I am a soldier. No one has ...

... I Could Not Find It I just couldn ’ t find it. I looked everywhere. I read through my Bible again and again. I looked in all the inspirational books I own. I checked out the other sacred texts as well. I walked through the woods looking for it. I even closed my eyes in meditation and prayer and looked for it deep within my own heart and soul. I could not find it anywhere. There was not a word, not a hint, and not even a feeling of it. Nowhere could I find a single drop of evidence that God is hate. I know that a lot of people out there must think that God is hate. The protestors that hold up the signs about how God hates us at the funerals of miners and soldiers must think so. The people who say that earthquakes, tsunamis, and hurricanes are sent by God to punish us must think so. The terrorists who ...

... immortal. I've learned.... that one sincere apology is worth more than all the roses money can buy. I've learned.... that words harshly spoken are as difficult to retrieve as feathers in a gale. I've learned.... that being kind is more important than being right. I've learned.... that you should never say no to a gift from a child. I've learned.... that I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way. I've learned.... that no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with. I've learned.... that sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand. I've learned.... that simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did ...

... spark a moment, 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. ...

... swing of his oak tree sized arms." This fool will be easy prey ", Goliath thinks to himself, as he salivates for the taste of warm blood. Running across the valley floor with the speed of a cat, David loads his sling shot skillfully. He chooses a small marble sized stone, smooth, hard and round. As Goliath advanced down the valley ridge, David arches his arms, his eyes locked on Goliath's forehead. In a split second he prays" In the name of the I AM that I AM I Conquer Goliath this day !" The stone spins from the sling shot, propelled with the accuracy of a laser. Within the blink of an eyelash, the flesh between Goliath's eyes splits open, the stone burying itself in the darkness of his brain. Deeper the stone goes, grinding bone as it drills into the giants skull. A force surrounds the stone, burying it with nuclear force. As Goliath prepares to ...

... ones, they very quickly push them away; and by letting go of those whom they love, they will be side by side forever. To learn that even though the word" love" has many different meanings, it loses value when it is overstated. To learn that they can never do something extraordinary for Me to love them; I simply love them as my children. To learn that the shortest distance they could be from Me is the distance of a prayer. Addendum-1 John 3: 23 (GNB)" What he commands is that we believe in his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as Christ commanded us" [Author Unknown-from Amy and others.] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... most of public life. We surrendered without a fight. Now, we are told that we have gone so far that we are the first non-Christian generation in the life of the United States. In other words, there are now more non-believers than believers. I'm convinced the reason God has blessed America above any nation in history, is because it was founded upon Godly principles. Even with all the individual failures that we can point out, the majority of this country prayed and believed in God and placed Him first in our hearts. Even as late as the 1950's, it was the right thing to honor God both publicly and privately. All through history, God has dealt with nations in relation to the way His people in that nation responded to Him. Time and time again, throughout the Bible, we find recorded accounts of how God blessed His people when they obeyed God. and on the other hand, how He even let ungodly ...

... love. Yes, it's just another day, I sigh. The stars dance in the velvet sky as a full yellow moon smiles cheerfully down. The house is quiet and still. The only sound is the soft even breathing of my spouse. I recall the scripture:" This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118: 24) And as I lay at the side of my soul mate I pray that God will let me see" just another day "! [By Charlotte" Charlie" Volnek-from 'andychaps_the-funnies ' As posted in: (the-inspired-buffalo @yahoogroups.com)] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... , if you live in a four-seasoned sanctuary, go out and rake those falling leaves in your REAL back yard, ya'll come help me do mine -and then, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow !! Scripture:" .forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3: 13, 14)" Prayer:" Lord, my yard's in bad shape; I need Your help. I WILL pick up the rake, begin to gather all the dead" stuff" that needs discarded in my life; I WILL bag it and bring it to You, and by Your grace, begin to live daily a life that pleases and glorifies You, In Jesus ' Name, Amen" [by Peggie C. Bohanon. Copyright 2002, Springfield, MO-{ used with permission ...

... catchers mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back. Age 64 I've learned if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, the needs of others, your work, meeting new people, and doing the best you can, happiness will find you. Age 65 I've learned whenever I decide something with kindness, I usually make the right decision. Age 66 I've learned that everyone can use a prayer. Age 72 I've learned that it pays to believe in miracles. And to tell the truth, I've seen several. Age 73 I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. Age 82 I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch-holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. Age 85 I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. Age ...

... so I sit self consciously and listen. My kids feel the beat and move to it. They sing out the words. If they don't know them, they make up their own. When I feel wind on my face, I brace myself against it. I feel it messing up my hair and pulling me back when I walk. My kids close their eyes, spread their arms and fly with it, until they fall to the ground laughing. When I pray, I say thee and thou and grant me this, give me that. My kids say," Hi God !!! Thanks for my toys and my friends. Please keep the bad dreams away tonight. Sorry, I don't want to go to Heaven yet. I would miss my Mommy and Daddy" When I see a mud puddle, I step around it. I see muddy shoes and clothes and dirty carpets. My kids sit in it. They see dams to ...

... asked what they do for a living, he is quick to reply," She makes drugs and I sell them" I believe it was Lord Byron who said," Always laugh when you can. It is cheap medicine" And they're finding that to be true-quite literally. A woman diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis wrote to me and talked about how painful the disease had become. Debra said that no drugs would touch the devastating pain." At times I prayed to die because I did not think I could go on this way ," she said. But in two and a half years she weaned herself from most of her medication, which had reached a high of 21 pills a day. This is how she did it." I began seeing a doctor who gave me the most important prescription that I ever could have received ," she said." He excused himself from the room. I watched him walking back and forth in ...

... It felt good being able to help another soul. It felt great being able to share a little kindness in this world. I drove away feeling like the richest man in the universe. I was remembering this time again while the news was talking of the latest financial scandal. It made me think of what the great journalist Charles Kuralt once said:" The everyday kindness of the back roads more than makes up for the acts of greed in the headlines" I pray that one day we all will be able to put being kind, helping people, and loving each other over making money. When we do, this world will be a giant step closer to the paradise that God meant for it to be. Jesus said," My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you" May we always love each other in our hearts, in our souls, and in our lives then. May we share our love ...

... at him and see him as less than human. To me he is more than human. He is an angel whose messages are ones of unconditional love and unlimited joy. He may not say many words but his soul speaks volumes. He may appear handicapped in the eyes of Earth, but in the eyes of Heaven his light is among the brightest. I know as well that angels are watching over his every move and joining in his every laugh. I only pray that my own heart will remain open to the lessons he teaches and that my pen will allow me to share them with you. May the laughter of angels always bless your life as well.~Joseph J. Mazzella~[ by: Joseph J. Mazzella Copyright 2008 (joecool @wirefire.com)-submitted by: Joseph Mazzella] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... own sundaes. Mom's Tip #286: Don't show their dates naked baby pictures. Mom's Tip #287: Traditions are important. Mom's Tip #288: Don't forget, each new kid is a tax deduction. Mom's Tip #289: Teach them to love libraries. Mom's Tip #290: Help start a stamp collection. Mom's Tip #291: Give pennies for piggy banks. Mom's Tip #292: Learn to love Trolls. Mom's Tip #293: Pray for a chicken pox vaccine. Mom's Tip #294: Don't insist on combing your daughter's hair in public. Mom's Tip #295: Try to get some breakfast in them. Mom's Tip #296: Ice cream still solves most problems. Mom's Tip #297: You can't praise a kid too much. Mom's Tip #298: Buy them a good dictionary. Mom's Tip #299: Let them have an aquarium. Mom's Tip #300: Shiny thing in driveway ...

... you know it, they're talking. Good news & bad: Before you know it they're in college. Keep a first-aid kit handy. You and Dad need a" Date Night". Let them make their own sundaes. Don't show their dates naked baby pictures. Traditions are important. Don't forget, each new kid is a tax deduction. Teach them to love libraries. Help start a stamp collection. Give pennies for piggy banks. Learn to love Trolls. Pray for a chicken pox vaccine. Don't insist on combing your daughter's hair in public. Try to get some breakfast in them. Ice cream still solves most problems. You can't praise a kid too much. Buy them a good dictionary. Let them have an aquarium. Shiny thing in driveway is your kid's new retainer. Always look before sitting. Have a snowball fight. Hold hands while crossing. Let them visit where you work. No matter what, they'll bring home ...