... The Three Candles When I began this journey, I was presented with the most precious gift, three candles. These were the candles of Faith, Hope, and Love. Everywhere on my path of life I went, they were a light to my path. I enjoyed their warmth and basked in the glow of their light. As I traveled on this path of life, I faced many obstacles. There were mountains to climb: Sometimes I would run to the ... Tim Manzer~Background info:" I wrote this story while I was recovering from an awful motorcycle accident. As a pastor it was my greatest faith test. I broke 18 bones and did lots of internal damage. God was faithful" [By: Tim Manzer Copyright 2005-submitted by: Tim (tim @soulrehab.org)] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... . Be guided by the principle that you become a thread in someone else's pattern by how you interact with them. All of us woven together over a lifetime become the patchwork quilt generations after us must build on. If you have faith don't just apply it randomly. Often times we do the right thing when it doesn't take much effort. Making a life means being faithful. Have fun. Take time to be silly. God loves the child in us, not just ... children. Making a life means living fully. Laughing often. Love. Take time to love unconditionally. Our faith tells us to love one another not just a select few. Not just those who are like us. All people. Making a life means loving the life in others. Finally, sacrifice. Stop asking for what you can get, ask what you can give, what you can do. Making a life means giving life to others." You are ...

... The Faith of a Child Brings Answered Prayer It's a quiet summer day-the sun is brilliant against the sapphire sky and the slightest breeze gently rustles the leaves that dress the trees. Beneath the stately maple can be seen the small figure of a child-a little girl with curly blonde hair that is tussled who looks to be about 5 years old. She sits with her back against the trunk of the tree and looks up toward the sky." God ", ... a grown woman, locates the missing angels. Four children-two blond and two dark haired-are reunited with each other. And the missing ones with their mother! Yes, God DOES answer prayer. He has honored the faithful petition of a little girl who never gave up hope of finding the missing children. A little girl who always carried them deep within her heart. I now this to be true-for I am that little girl. In August of ...

... Faith Years ago, I was enthralled as I listened to a pastor who for several years had faithfully served the church. His executive responsibilities had taken him all over this country. As he concluded his message, he told of one of the most frightening yet thought-provoking experiences of his life. He had been on a long flight. The first warning of the approaching problems came when the sign on the airplane flashed on:" Fasten your seat belts" Then, after ... while, a calm voice said," We shall not be serving the beverages at this time as we are expecting a little turbulence. Please be sure your seat belt is fastened" As he looked around the aircraft, it became obvious that many of the passengers were becoming apprehensive. Later, the voice of the announcer said," We are so sorry that we are unable to serve the meal at this time. The turbulence is still ahead of us" And then ...

... story clearly illustrates," with God all things are possible" and more importantly, how God hears and answers the prayers of the faithful. After you read this, please pause and give God thanks for the beautiful gift of your faith, for the powerful gift of prayer, and for the many miracles He works in your own daily life. and then pass it on. [Original source unknown-from Denial] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ... towards Christ once again. Have a great day !** THE POWER OF PRAYER-as the above true story clearly illustrates," with God all things are possible" and more importantly, how God hears and answers the prayers of the faithful. After you read this, please pause and give God thanks for the beautiful gift of your faith, for the powerful gift of prayer, and for the many miracles He works in your own daily life. and then pass it on ...

... There's Something About The Wind I was trying to explain faith to a man who had no faith." How can you believe in something you can't see ?" he asked me. It was a fair question. I placed my hand upon my chin like the famous statue," The Thinker" Glancing back and forth, I tapped my foot for a moment. Then turning toward him, I pointed my finger as if about to respond. I stopped and returned my hand to my chin. He smiled that kind of smile that said," I've stumped you" Then looking back I said," There's something about the wind" He shook his head and said," What? The wind ?"" Oh, it's simple enough for me to explain my faith, but first I've got to explain yours ," I said." I have no faith !" he said." Sure you do"" Okay, go for it" ...

... of dying Can send adrenaline flooding through your system. A dizzy, unfocused panic seizes you. Your heart thumps; your head swims. You think of nothingness and swoon. You fear partings; You worry about the impact on family and friends. You fidget and get nowhere. To regain footing, remember that we were born not into death, But into life-and that the journey continues After we have finished our days on this earth. We accept this on faith, But that faith is nourished by a conviction That stirs even within many non-believing hearts-an institution that the gift of life, once given, Cannot be taken away. Those who have been stricken Enjoy the special privilege of being able to fight With their might, main, and faith To live fully, richly, exuberantly-no matter how their days may be numbered. Third, we can open our eyes and hearts. God relishes surprise. We want lives of ...

... this is what I assumed. It meant Jesus. Why? Because I know for a fact that she is Christian. We had that conversation. She works for my publisher, Thomas Nelson, a prominent Christian publisher. But then it started showing up in other messages, too. I had to really think about this one. In doing so I came to the conclusion that because I knew her to be Christian I assumed it meant Jesus. I call this" faith expectations" That's what a Christian lady would do. I would expect Jesus in her work. Adding a" J" would be a way to express that. That also got me to thinkin" as they say. Do I live up to the expectations of others? If someone thinks me to be a faith-filled person, do I fill those expectations. Do I act Christian? What ever your faith might be, do you live it so well that people have certain ...

... What will you take?" Time, faith and the love of my family and friends ," he said. How wonderful. Somehow, from the moment we met, I knew we would connect. His response was perfect. His answer was mine. It is that time of year when we reflect back on accomplishments and failures. It is a wrapping up and an unfolding all in one. The sentimental fool that I am keeps me deep in thought filling my days with mood swings easily compared to riding a roller coaster. Oddly, I love those ups and yes, even the downs. The happy thoughts remind me that life is good. The sad thoughts remind me that life is fragile. In the end I hope for more happy than sad, but still come out on top when the ball officially drops on New Years Eve, if I can at least find balance. You may think this strange, too, when I say ...

... was not long before the fair maiden and the butterfly formed a unique relationship. For some odd reason, the butterfly seemed to enjoy the maiden's company, and the fair maiden felt a sense of peace and comfort, knowing her winged companion would never leave her side. Many years passed, and one day, for some strange reason, the fair maiden recalled how she used to search for the elusive butterfly of love. In fact, the more she looked at her faithful winged companion, the more she wondered about the validity of the story of the elusive butterfly. Curiosity soon began to turn into discontentment with the butterfly she had devoted so much of her life to." Look at you ," she whispered to her faithful companion as he sat upon her finger," You are not beautiful emerald green. Now, especially after so many years, your wings are dull and frayed. Do not worry though, my little friend, you are ...

... years before they started producing seeds of their own. Therefore, it would take approximately twenty thousand years to revegitate that six-square-mile piece of earth. His teachers told him it would be a waste of his life to try to do it. It just could not be done. So he tried to go on with his life. He got a job operating heavy equipment, got married, and had some kids. However, as a good Christian, he knew that" faith by itself, if not accompanied by action, is dead" (James 2: 17). So, he kept studying about the subject, and prayed for guidance on the matter. Then one night he felt led to take action by faith alone. He would do what he could, and trust God to do the rest. This was an important turning point. Samuel Johnson wrote," It is common to overlook what is near by keeping the eye fixed on ...

... The Angel Penny A few years ago I was involved in a Religious Encounter Weekend. These weekends provide many things to many people. To some, it may be an affirmation of their faith,-to others, it's just the beginning of their journey in Faith. A chance to start over or find a way to forgive someone or have their first true relationship with Christ. At these events there are many people involved on different levels. I had attended the previous year as a candidate. This year I had been asked to be a table leader, which only meant that I would help guide conversation, and keep everyone involved. In the weeks prior to the event we attended Sunday night meetings where we heard various talks on different aspects of faith and how we can apply faith in our own lives. At the close of the first meeting we gathered in a circle, held hands, bowed our heads and said," The Lord's ...

... come around, but I have someone I would like for you to meet who can help you with that. His name is Grace" Grace walked up to Soul and said," Hello Soul, I have been waiting for you. As a matter of fact all three of us have been waiting to meet you. I will help you take the way out of Temptation that God gives you as it comes up. The last person we want you to meet is Faith"" Hi Soul, I am Faith, and I will help you stay strong and keep your beliefs strong ," said Faith. Soul began to cry. When he began to cry Redemption said," This is what we were here for. Jesus redeemed you, saved you by Grace through Faith and gives you his Mercy. Jesus loves you Soul" Soul said," I love you, Jesus" [Author Unknown-from 'E-Mail Ministry ' (EMailMinistry @yahoogroups.com ...

... ! I thought about how growing flowers are much like growing happiness. Our lives are sometimes like the empty pot. Our days are filled with worldly tasks and possessions. But because worldly things are of such little importance, we lack a feeling of completeness. We sense there is something missing. The missing ingredients in my flower pot were the things that created life itself-seeds. The things that we may be missing in life are seeds of hope, love, faith, and determination. When we accept the fact that our life gardens will produce exactly what we plant, we become more concerned as to what we plant. I planted a variety of flower seeds that day. I understand that the zinnia seeds will produce zinnias. The morning glory seeds will produce morning glories. Likewise, if I plant happiness in my daily life, low and behold, I will find joy in everything I do. If I plant negative thoughts inside my ...

... -a married sister. The sister enrolled Mary this morning. I'm afraid we'll get little help from her. She's divorced, with three small children to support. Mary is just one more responsibility"" But what can I do ?" I stammered." I've never known a child like this before" I felt so inadequate." Give her love ," she suggested," lots and lots of love. She's lost so much. There's prayer, too-and faith, faith that will make her a normal little girl again if you just don't lose hope" I returned to my room to discover that the children were already shunning this" different" child. Not that Mary noticed. Even kindly little Kristie looked affronted." She won't even try ," she told me. I sent a note to the principal to remove Mary from the room for a short time. I needed to enlist the children's help before recess, before they could ...

... Fast Food Faith Too many times I had sat that same way-shoulders slouched, head in my hands, wearing despair like an old, familiar blanket. When you don't have enough money, all you can think of is money; how much you have, how far it will go, how many days until your next paycheck. The money litany becomes a leaky faucet of thoughts, a constant dripping of worry and stress. I sighed deeply, and sat up. It wasn't as though I wasn't trying. I did everything possible to provide for my two children. However, unlike my parents and siblings I had not graduated college, and finding a decent paying job without a degree had been difficult. So I sold shoes in an upscale department store by day, and used my experience as a beautician to do hair in my kitchen at night. The kids were used to the smell of perm solution mixing with their Spaghetti-O's. Most ...

... Faith Is Everything Michael is the kind of guy you love to hate. He is always in a good mood and always has something positive to say. He even has scripture memorized! When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply," If I were any better, I would have already been raptured !" He was a natural motivator. If an employee was having a bad day, Michael was there telling the employee how to look on the positive side of the situation. And give him a bible verse. Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up to Michael and asked him," I don't get it! You can't be a positive person all of the time. How do you do it ?" Michael replied," Each morning I wake up and say to myself, Mike, you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or you can ...

... like that? There are a few out there, and probably always will be! Perhaps that's why there is such an emphasis in the New Testament on growing up. In 1 Corinthians 14: 20, Paul says," Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil, be infants, but in your thinking be adults" And in Ephesians 4: 13 we're told that the goal of the Church is that we would" all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ" Finally, the writer of Hebrews says," Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity" (Heb 6: 1a). How important is growth and maturity in our Christian lives? Well, let me put it to you this way: the more we grow, the more we glorify Christ and fulfill His ...

... one who could answer to his need. He heard the one who will listen to him and not mock at him. He heard the one who will make him to see and not feel him to see. Now it is time for him to talk to the one who is everything. With great courage in his mind he said," Master, let me see" He heard for the last time in his life with blindness," You may go; your faith has healed you". His eyes were opened for the first time. As he was coming out from his mother's womb and giving out his first breath in the earth, he now opens his first sight and sees the King of Kings. He now saw; saw the beauty standing in front of him with a smile that will not go away from his sight. He heard the crowd again," Praise be to the King" from within he, shouted," ...

... been rescued! Colossians 1: 13 states for he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves At another time in my life I was riding alone and far from God. I needed to be rescued from my own sinful self-centered ways. I was doomed to eternal death. Jesus was the one who meet me at the road-side and rescued me from certain eternal death in hell. I prayed a simple prayer of faith that went like this; Dear God, Forgive me, I m a sinner. I place my faith in you to be my Lord and Savior. Amen. I invite you to join this eternally rescued biker and put your faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus sacrifice on the cross was the means for my access to eternal life and hope, peace and purpose in this life. How do I thank someone for such a great gift?~Tim Manzer~[ By: ...

... strength spent, thinking that you have failed. But, is that really so? Look at yourself. Your arms are strong and muscled, your back sinewy and brown, your hands are callused from constant pressure, and your legs have become massive and hard. Through opposition you have grown much and your abilities now surpass that which you used to have. Yet you haven't moved the rock. But your calling was to be obedient and to push and to exercise your faith and trust in My wisdom. This you have done. I, my friend, will now move the rock" At times, when we hear a word from God, we tend to use our own intellect to decipher what He wants, when actually what God wants is just simple obedience and faith in Him. By all means, exercise the faith that moves mountains, but know that it is still God who moves the mountains. You just P.U.S.H! When everything seems ...

... I could not give up smoking and I also knew that this broken promise to my son, would stay with both of us for years to come. So. I prayed and said" Look Jesus I am sorry for jumping the gun here but I made this promise to my child and now I need You to help me keep it". Suddenly I was filled with a deep sense of peace but I still didn't realize that, because I had stepped out in faith (led there by grace alone) I was on my way to a miracle. I jumped up and we all had a ball going from room to room gathering everything to do with cigarettes. There were packs hidden everywhere and five in the freezer alone. We took the cigarettes, lighters and ashtrays and either gave or threw them away. Then I went from room to room taking down curtains and cleaning them. I washed walls, ceilings, clothing and everything I could ...

... Faith and Evolution (boy prays for teacher) A boy named Bob, age 14, was a Christian. However, he was in a science class with a teacher that stated at the start of the year he was an evolutionist, and by the end of the school year he would have all the Christians believing in evolution. There were 5 other Christians in the class besides Bob. As the year went by in the science class, one by one the Christian students fell away from their belief. The teacher would challenge Bob with questions trying to get him to deny the existence of God. When questioned about God being real, Bob always said he had faith in God and believed the Bible. On the last day of school, the frustrated science teacher stood in the front of the class with a raw egg in his hand and said to the class: The school year is over, I have changed all the believers in God ...

... Faith and Deeds I am a mother of three (ages 14, 12, 3 ), and have recently completed my college degree. The last class I had to take was Sociology. The teacher was absolutely inspiring with the qualities that I wish every human being had been graced with. Her last project of the term was called" Smile." The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and document their reaction. I am a very friendly person and always smile at everyone and say, hello, anyway. so, I thought, this would be a piece of cake, literally. Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband, youngest son, and I went out to McDonald's, one crisp March morning. It was just our way of sharing special play time with our son. We were standing in line, waiting to be served, when all of a sudden everyone around us began to back away ...

... Faithful Friends Brownie and Spotty were neighbor dogs who met every day to play together. Like pairs of dogs you can find in most any neighborhood, these two loved each other and played together so often that they had worn a path through the grass of the field between their respective houses. One evening, Brownie's family noticed that Brownie hadn't returned home. They went looking for him with no success. Brownie didn't show up the next day, and, despite their efforts to find him, by the next week he was still missing. Curiously, Spotty showed up at Brownie's house alone, barking, whining, and generally pestering Brownie's human family. Busy with their own lives, they just ignored the nervous little neighbor dog. Finally, one morning Spotty refused to take" no" for an answer. Ted, Brownie's owner, was steadily harassed by the furious, adamant little dog. Spotty followed Ted about, barking insistently, then darting ...

... It's Never Too Late Who knows what the path of life will hold for us. Not even a crystal ball, fortune teller, or any other psychic being would have the answer. To get through this sometimes rough road called life I have personally found that you must have faith in your own personal strength. Pursue your dreams hoping they will become your reality, and never give up. Dreams are what reality is made of. At the age of 17 like many young women I had been mesmerized on a flight to Europe by a Stewardess. She looked like a goddess to me. I couldn't take my eyes off her. Watching her walk through the cabin performing her duties, impeccably dressed, coiffed, and manicured. My stay in Europe was for three weeks and all I could think about was the flight home, to watch another stewardess in action. At the age of 19 I was in my second year of college and not ...

... I heard! A grin broke out on my face and I said," Yes, of course !" He lead me to a table and, sure enough, there was a placard with my name written on it in a deep, dark red. As I browsed over a menu, I saw many delightful items listed. There were things like," peace ,"" joy ,"" blessings ,"" confidence ,"" assurance ,"" hope ,"" love ,"" faith ," and" mercy" I realized that this was no ordinary restaurant! I flipped the menu back to the front in order to see where I was at." God's Grace ," was the name of this place! The man returned and said," I recommend the 'Special of the Day. With it, you are entitled to heaping portions of everything on this menu" You've got to be kidding! I thought to myself. You mean, I can have ALL ...

... side walk, I can run over and lift him up. If my co-worker is sad, I can make him smile. If my heart feels the need to, I can sing, dance and be happy, right then, right where I am. If I think you need it, I can pray for you without asking for permission. If you want to pray with me, you can without rules, regulations or guidelines, in any language, in any faith, to the God we share or the God we each believe in. So what about the man who believes his life is like standing on the shore? He's right. Never again will I see myself" on the edge" I will stand firm and let life and all of its challenges come to me. I will let the stress of the day lap at my feet. If I wade in too far, I'll get wet but I can swim back. If ...

... one of these. Finally, after years of imprisonment, the iron doors swung open and Bishop Nicholas walked out, freed by decree of the new Emperor Constantine. As he entered his city once more, his people flocked about him." Nicholas! Confessor !" they shouted." Saint Nicholas has come home" The bishop was beaten but not broken. He served Christ's people in Myra for another 30 years. Through the prayers of this tried and tested soldier of faith, many found forgiveness of their sins through faith in Christ. Nicholas participated in the famous Council of Nicea in 325 A.D. He died about 343, a living legend, beloved by his whole city. St. Nick of yuletide fame still carries faint reminders of this ancient man of God. The color of his outfit recollects the red of bishop's robes." Making a list, checking it twice ," probably recalls the old saint's lectures to children about good behavior. Gifts ...

... of his house. Standing there were three beautiful cows! I asked Paw Phim where he got them, and his answer?" Where do you think I got them, Joe? God delivered them to me three weeks after you left !" No, I didn't buy those cows, but someone did! How God provided those three cows I'll never know, but I don't need to know! The point of this story is not about the cows, but about the faith and trust of a Thai Christian named Paw Phim who lives on the other side of the world, yet still teaches us that faith and trust will always win the day! Thank you Paw Phim! I'll see you soon.~By: Joe Bagby~Now I want to tell you, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done for the churches in Macedonia. Though they have been going through much trouble and hard times, their wonderful joy and ...

... he entered high school. His father continued to encourage him but also made it very clear that he did not have to play football if he didn't want to. But the young man loved football and decided to hang in there. He was determined to try his best at every practice, and perhaps he'd get to play when he became a senior. All through high school he never missed a practice nor a game, but remained a bench-warmer all four years. His faithful father was always in the stands, always with words of encouragement for him. When the young man went to college, he decided to try out for the football team as a" walk-on" Everyone was sure he could never make the cut, but he did. The coach admitted that he kept him on the roster because he always puts his heart and soul into every practice, and at the same time, provided the other team members with the spirit and hustle they ...

... junior year of high school. I found a note from my dad under my pillow one day. I still carry it with me, the tattered pieces a reminder of what God has done. My quiet father, who very rarely shared the depth of his emotions, said in that letter," I have watched you and I see that you have something that is of great worth, a treasure. I know that it is real and I admire you for your faith and your love for God" We have never spoken of that letter, but it came at a time when I prayed for a sign." God, show me that you hear my prayers. Heal my family. Let me know that you are listening" The folded piece of paper under my pillow was heaven sent and priceless. For years my mom and I have been best of friends. She is compassionate, loving, and whole, and the memories of our ...

... we change places, but life has not been the same since. When I had control, it was rather boring, and predictable... It was the shortest distance between two points. But when He took the lead, He knew the exciting paths to take, up mountains, and through rocky places at breakneck speeds-it was all I could do to just hang on! At times it seemed like madness. He said:" Pedal !" And by faith I did, although I worried and was anxious." Where are you taking me ?" He laughed, but no answer, and I started to learn to trust. I forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure. When I'd say," I'm scared ," He'd lean back and touch my hand. He took me to people that had gifts that I needed. Gifts of healing, acceptance, love, and joy. So many priceless gifts to take on my ...

... me throughout, but when the noise of the battle is so loud and the confusion is so great, I can neither see nor hear You. I feel so alone. I'm tired. I'm discouraged. I have Battle Fatigue. I would never ask You for a discharge. I love being in Your service. But I humbly request a demotion and transfer. I'll file papers or clean latrines. Just get me out of the battle-please, Sir. Your Faithful, but tired, Warrior. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ TO: Faithful, but tired, Soldier, Spiritual Armed Forces LOCATION: The Battlefield SUBJECT: Transfer Dear Soldier: Your request for transfer has been denied. I herewith present My reasons: You are needed in this battle. I have selected you, and I will keep My Word to supply your needs. You do not need a demotion and transfer. Besides, you'd never cut it on latrine duty anyway. You need a ...

... Memory Lane By Kristi Powers (From the book: Heart Touchers" Life-Changing Stories of Faith, Love, and Laughter ") One morning, when I was twenty-two years old, I jumped out of bed and ran to the window to gaze out over" The Lane ," as I called it. I loved everything about my walks down this special path, for my journeys were full of beauty, solitude, and communion with my Maker. This particular morning, as the sun peeked her head over the horizon, I was overcome with emotion and memories. I had a favorite Calico cat named Missy, who was my constant companion. More than anything, we shared a love for taking strolls down The Lane. I would gently pick her up, and she would make her way up to my shoulders to wrap herself around the back of my neck. Oh, how I loved those beautiful summer days, feeling the lush soft grass under my ...

... looked at the small bundle of rags by the bed. Suddenly the beggar remembered the prince's words and he realized that his bundle of rags had cost him a lifetime of true royalty. He wept bitterly at his folly. And the king wept with him. We have been invited into a royal family-the family of God. To feast at God's dinner table, all we have to do is shed our old rags and put on the" new clothes" of faith which is provided by God's Son, Jesus Christ. We cannot hold onto our old rags. When we put our faith in Jesus, we must let go of the sin in our life, and our old ways of living. Addendum-2 Corinthians 5: 17 (GNB)" Anyone who is joined to Christ is a new being; the old is gone, the new has come" [Author Unknown-from chaplain777 @hotmail.com-Ed: Anon.] ...

... my dad would have to agree: He was" different" He worked as a pipe-fitter for the Canadian Pacific Railway for nearly fifteen years. He was scoffed at by his fellow-employees; yet he never let that bother him. Whenever any one of them had a problem, it was to him they turned. His nick-name was" Preacher Splane" My father taught me to trust in the Lord at all times. He taught me that money is not important, that faith is. He taught me to hide God ’ s Word in my heart. My father passed on to me, generosity, faith and perseverance. He taught me that “ where duty lies, or danger, be never wanting there ” One time when I was working at a summer job, the whole family was going to do something fun, but I had to go to work. I suggested that maybe I could take a ‘ sick day ’ That ’ s when ...

... Everybody Knows Everybody PROLOG (SkyWriting.Net ): The following is a true story. No editing was done, so you could experience the overall tone of the story about a Father and the unconditional love of his young son. Enjoy... Today was a special day, the type of day which restores a faith of sorts. And in that faith I found a lesson, taught to me by my 6-year-old son, Brandon. I watched him at the kitchen table carefully packing his lunch-bag. I was going to take him along with me to work. As he put it," I'm going to be a worker-man" Carefully laid out before him was a arrangement of everything he required to get him through the day-a small coloring book, crayons, small box of smarties, blueberry muffin, egg-salad" samich" (as he called it) and 3 small Easter eggs. To know Brandon is to understand that time has no meaning ...

... , and noisemakers of the people around the world celebrating the coming of the new year. We've come far enough in life to wonder what it will bring this time. Permit me to remind you that one year ago, I was sitting in my living room scared out of my mind. Marianne had just found out she had breast cancer and 2005 was frightening. Now look how far we've come. The year I feared turned out to be a year of hope, faith and love. Hope for the future, strengthened by faith and encouraged by the love of thousands of friends I've never met. You. I can also remember all too many new years when I saw nothing but emptiness ahead. I was hopeless and lost. I thought there was no music left in me. But God knew better. He always sent someone into my life who sensed that need to connect. Pausing for a moment on their own journey, their kind words ...

... God's Geese There was once a man who didn't believe in the incarnation of Christ or the spiritual meaning of Christmas, and was skeptical about God. He and his family lived in a farm community. His wife was a devout believer and diligently raised her children in her faith. He sometimes gave her a hard time about her faith and mocked her religious observance of Christmas." It's all nonsense-why would God lower himself and become a human like us ?! It's such a ridiculous story !" he said. One snowy Christmas day, she and the children left for church while he stayed home. After they had left, the winds grew stronger and the snow turned into a blinding snowstorm. He sat down to relax before the fire for the evening. Then he heard a loud thump, something hitting against the window. And another thump. He looked outside but couldn't see. So he ventured outside. In the field near his house ...

... , there was a freshman who happened to enroll in the class. He was a Christian, and he heard the stories about this professor. But he had to take the class because it was required for his major. He too was afraid of the professor. So, for 3 months that semester he prayed every morning that he would have the courage to standup no matter what the professor said or what the class thought. Nothing the professor said could ever shatter his faith, he hoped. Finally the day came. The professor said ," If there's anyone here who still believes in God, stand up !" The professor and the class of 300 students looked surprised, as the young Christian student stood-up. The professor shouted," You FOOL! If God existed, he could keep this piece of chalk from breaking when it hit the ground !" He proceeded to drop the chalk, as he had done before, but as he did, it ...

... to speak to the gentleman." Thanks for sharing the history of that piece with me. I am a writer and love the stories of life. If I may add something to it. In studying the missing keys I realized there was something bigger there. I am guessing in his despair and anger removing those particular keys would prevent him and others from ever writing about" love" and" life" It also stopped the writer from finding" God ,"" Faith" and" Hope" in his work. Maybe that was the real loss" If you don't have faith in God, you'll never find hope or love in your life. One more thing. A year later I found another typewriter. This one still had all the right keys. It's in my office as I write this." I wish you enough !" J~Bob Perks~Good news-Bob Perks ' first book," I Wish You Enough ," ...

... " I Continued." Here's A Better Song. 'Love. Love Will Keep Us Together"" Don't Tell Me. You're A Preacher" She Said." No. But I Was Told That I Am A 'Fisher Of Men" I Replied." Well, I Believe My Daddy Sent You Here. Good Catch !" She Said As She Smiled." What Bait Do You Use ?"" A Little Caring, A Bit Of Trust, And A Lot Of Faith, I Guess" I Replied." Well, I'm A Believer" She Said." So Am I. 'I Believe In You!"~Bob Perks~2believe @comcast.net [by: Bob Perks Copyright 2008 (2believe @comcast.net)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... "" Yes ," the master of the house replied." You do work in my fields, and do all the other things that you said. But this man wants only to serve me, not himself. He waits patiently until I tell him what I want him to do. His faithfulness has never failed him. He now has his reward-his freedom. And I will place him as overseer, and you will be his servants. Because of his faithful service to me-though he was once a lowly slave-he is truly the greater" Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free. (Ephesians 6: 6-8 NIV ...

... glasses had slipped out of his pocket unnoticed and fallen into one of the crates, which he had nailed shut. His brand new glasses were heading for China! The Great Depression was at its height and Grandpa had six children. He had spent $20 for those glasses that very morning. He was really upset by the thought of having to buy another pair." It's not fair ," he told God as he drove home in frustration." I've been very faithful in giving of my time and money to your work, and now this" Months later, the director of the orphanage was on furlough in the United States. He wanted to visit all the churches that supported him in China, so he came to speak one Sunday at my grandfather's small church in Chicago. The missionary began by thanking the people for their faithfulness in supporting the orphanage." But most of all ," he said," I must thank you for the ...

... We had plenty to eat. We even had enough food left over for the evening meal. That afternoon, when I had time to think about what had happened, I imagined a home, not far from where I lived. There was a mother and a father and six children sitting around the kitchen table, laughing and rejoicing. They enjoyed the same meal that our family had shared together that day. Then I realized that miracles happen when we step out in faith and in steps God. For with us, some things are impossible. But with God, all things are possible.~Nancy B. Gibbs~Daiseydood @aol.com Nancy is an author, a religion columnist, and an inspirational speaker. She speaks at many women and senior events. Nancy's newest book, Under the Mistletoe, consists of 25 Christmas Love Stories-one to read every day from December 1st to December 25th. You can learn about it at Nancy's website ...

... outside? You have to make room for Jesus. And that may be the issue for you this Christmas. What will you do with this Son of God who came to earth to find you? Jesus is the One who trades a throne room for a stable, and the praise of angels for human mockery. This is the Creator who gives Himself on a cross! The Bible gives us the only appropriate response:" The life I now live I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Gal. 2: 20) You look at what Jesus did to pay for your sin on that cross, and you say those life-changing words-" For me" Jesus is at YOUR door this Christmas. Maybe He's been knocking for a long time. Maybe He won't keep knocking much longer. All your life-even the events of the last few months-have been to prepare you ...

... are with me in a tangible way. Help me trust You. Other passengers were now beginning to fill the bus. I looked up just as two young men entered. One was carrying a guitar and both had a lapel pins. As they came closer, I could see one pin read" Trust God" and the other was a cross within a fish. Were they Christians? In the Philippines, many people are outwardly religious, without any depth of personal faith. Often religious symbols are used for good luck. However, these pins seemed genuinely Christian. Finding seats directly in front of us, the two men turned around to greet us. They knew English well." Are the two of you with SIL ?" asked the younger man." Yes. How did you know ?" I asked, shocked that we could be so easily identified in a city of 20 million people. How had they heard of SIL, the Bible ...

... dormitory seem cold and empty. The unappetizing smell of disinfectant replaced my visions of cookies and cocoa. Standing in front of the mirror, I conversed with my reflection." You wanted to be a nurse didn't you? Well, you're almost a nurse. Now is your chance to find out what Christmas spirit really means" Determined to make the best of it, I turned in early." I'll be home for Christmas. You can count on me" My faithful clock-radio announced reveille as I slowly dragged myself out of a toasty-warm bed. I trudged across the snow-filled street and grabbed a quick breakfast in the cafeteria before reporting for duty on the medical-surgical unit. As I prepared to take vital signs on my first patient, I was startled by a robust voice that came from behind." Merry Christmas to you. Want anything from the cafeteria? I'm headed that way Missy" As I took the stethoscope out of my ears and turned ...

... , shaking his head as he walked away. I never saw him again. I'm sure I never will. And interestingly, he probably thinks I helped him out that day. But that is not the way it was. I didn't help him, he helped me. He helped me to believe in people again. He helped me to once again WANT to do something for those who are in need. I wish I could thank him for restoring some of my faith in the basic goodness of others and for giving me back a little of the optimism I had lost somewhere along the way. Because of him I once again felt part of a golden chain of kindness that binds us to one another. I may have fed his body that day. But he fed my soul.~Steve Goodier~[ by: Steve Goodier (LifeSupport @yahoogroups.com)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... darkness. Much like a baby takes its first steps holding tight to his father's hand, my dad held onto God as he stepped from the comfort of our hometown in Bolivia to the unknown in a foreign land. I did the same as I stepped into the unfamiliarity of a sightless world. Holding onto God's hand, I gained confidence and learned the language of gratitude. With profound appreciation for my father's example, I learned how he had applied a powerful blend of faith and tenacity-the same blend I used to fulfill my own role as a wife, mom, Sunday school teacher, Spanish court interpreter, inspirational speaker and writer. What I inherited from my father helped me to see my life with a more radiant and meaningful glow.~Janet Perez Eckles~< jeckles at cfl.rr.com >Janet Perez Eckles is a conference speaker, free lance writer, contributor to ten books including the Chicken Soup for the Soul series and Guidepost books. ...

... a surgeon, specializing in neuro-surgery. The operation was completed without charge and it wasn't long until Andrew was home again and doing well. Mom and Dad were happily talking about the chain of events that had led them to this place." That surgery," her Mom whispered." was a real miracle. I wonder how much it would have cost ?" Tess smiled. She knew exactly how much a miracle cost. one dollar and eleven cents. plus the faith of a little child. A miracle is not the suspension of natural law, but the operation of a higher law. [Thanks to Lady Alberta-from Aiken Drum] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... picked up the phone my eyes were filling with tears and when I heard sweet little Betty's voice on the other end, my own voice shook as I said," Betty, do you still want to help me with my laundry ?" My tears quickly turned to laughter at her ready response of," Bring it on over, Honey, bring it on over !" Our clothes were never cleaner, brighter, or less wrinkled than during the almost two years that Betty faithfully and lovingly did our laundry. Then when our little foster daughters were placed in their" forever home" through adoption, we both knew it was time for me to resume the task, and although she no longer does our laundry, our friendship remains strong. She laughed one day when I told her I wanted to be just like her when I grew up. I still do. [by: Ronni Wintermote (MountainWings.com)-from Margrit, via InspiredBuffalo @lighthouse.net ...

... Where 'Ya Been? The story is told of a man named John who had once been faithful to attend his church regularly, but had grown lackadaisical recently. The Pastor knew that he hadn't seen the gentleman in a while, so he went for a visit. John greeted the Pastor and welcomed him in, directing him to the chair beside the fireplace. He asked the Pastor what brought him to visit, but the Pastor didn't say a word. .he simply grabbed the fireplace tongs, picked up a hot coal from the fire, and set it away from the fire, out on the hearth. Both men then watched the coal. While the fire roared on, the coal which had been red hot began to lose it's heat. It gradually lost it's red color, and then cooled off so that it became cool to the touch. The Pastor picked up the coal, and handed it to John for a moment. neither man ...

... because she would have been confirming her dedication to God first of all instead of at the end. At any rate, we can gain wisdom from “ the mouths of babes ”. I learned several things from Amanda and her “ Amen Crackers ”. I learned that prayer should be a priority. I learned that whatever is on my “ plate ” I should be thankful for it. I learned I should keep it simple and be specific. I learned to have faith and trust God even when all I have is three crackers. I learned it is best to tend to my own crackers that have been provided for me and allow God to fill my plate. I learned to be patient. Even if I ’ m sitting in a high chair, I can ’ t see what is going on in God ’ s kitchen from where I sit. I learned to thank God for the small things, and not complain, even if all ...

... religious holidays, like Christmas, were a lot of childish fairy tales. He said that religion was a crutch for people who were too stupid to figure things out for themselves or too fearful to live by their own strength. If God were real He sure wouldn't do some of the dumb things people said He did. His wife, however, did believe in God and was always quick to say that she was born again. She raised their children to also have faith in God despite his disparaging comments. One snowy Christmas Eve, his wife was taking their children to a Christmas Eve service in the farm community in which they lived. She asked him, as always to come, but he refused." What a lot of nonsense !" he said." Why would God lower Himself to come to Earth as a man? That's ridiculous !" So she and the children left, and he stayed home. While they were gone, the ...

... came closer to the castle and the gate-keeper watched them approach. The Man looked down and winked at the boy. The boy really thought the Man might be crazy. until he looked back at the gate-keeper-who was smiling now! The big gate in front of the castle was swung wide open. The little boy was amazed!" Who are You ?" asked the little boy in astonishment." Why, I'm the King's Son. By placing your trust and faith in Me, you can enter the Castle and be with the King ," said the Man. The little boy had a huge smile on his face." Can I go home and tell my parents about You ?" asked the little boy." So they can come to visit and praise the King, too !" Jesus threw His head back and laughed. He thought that was the best thing that anyone could do. Would you like to see the King? Let me ...

... that my original idea of flipping the cold and hot lines would not work because of the switches on the front of the machine. But what does he hear-bad English! Finally after several minutes of intense discussion we realize I am saying one thing but he has heard another. There are times I think we are going to have to get an interpreter in the near future to save our sanity. I am without a shadow of a doubt a trial to his faith, especially when I decide I want to take care of something around the house and then need him to help finish it up. Like when the bathroom sink was draining really slow and I knew the trap needed to be cleaned. But I didn't get the ring quite tight enough, and then forgot to tell him to recheck it-oh well you get the picture. Or the time when we purchased a new push mower. I wanted to surprise him and have the ...

... enough money to take care of yourself. You shouldn't be doing this"" She looked at me and said, 'My son, you know I am a Christian. I go to church every Sunday. I cannot read a word in that Bible, but I know what it says. On every page, the Bible says 'love ' And 'love ' means we must share" I would have driven all the way across town just to hear that story of his mother's faith. I have no idea whether he told it because the following Sunday was Mother's Day. On Saturday, Margaret and I drove to Eutaw, Alabama, to bury her Aunt Winona Franklin in a plot beside her husband of 40 years who died some 15 years ago. Winona and Cornelius were always two of my favorite in-law relatives. Cornelius drove an oil delivery truck in that part of rural Alabama, while Winona worked at Banks & Co. department store in Eutaw. They ...

... When I walk I have a Frankenstein-style gait. I get embarrassed so I explain. I met a gal who said," Stop excusing yourself. Walk proud !" She's just one of the many who've taught me that if I open my heart to acceptance, the world is filled with support teams. I've also resolved to open my obstinate mind and really listen to others, experts or not. This not only fosters my own sometimes-frail belief in my abilities; it fosters faith in miracles. One morning my husband, Bob, said there was a huge present for me in our driveway. He had researched" bicycles for disabled people" It was a 300 pound cycle for two. The seats were side by side. He could pedal while I sat by him and enjoyed the outdoors again. Um... did I mention it came assembled with a set of pedals for me too? Now, hundreds of miles later, after exhaustive hours ...

... life's important events, I give you a sapphire stone, For the time and love you spent"" For untying the strings that held them, When they grew up and left home, I give you this one for courage" Then the Lord added an amethyst stone." I'll place a stone of garnet ," He said," For all the times you spent on your knees, When you asked me to take care of your children, And them for having faith in me"" I have a pearl for every little sacrifice, That you made without them knowing, For all the times you went without, To keep them happy, healthy, and growing"" And last of all I have a diamond, The greatest of all gems, For those mother's who lost their children, When they came home to heaven before them"" This is the most precious sacrifice, So I give the most precious stone, For I know ...

... surreal. I couldn't focus on anything, couldn't think, couldn't stop crying. My husband reassured me that he felt in his heart that Noah would be okay. We admitted Noah and were taken to his room right away. It was a tortuous night, filled with horrible tests that made my son's tiny little voice echo though the halls as he screamed over and over. I felt as if I were shattering from the inside out. My husband never wavered in his faith. He comforted me and Noah, and everyone who called to check on Noah. He was a rock. When the first batch of tests were done, the nurse informed us that a spinal tap would be performed soon. Meningitis was suspected. Marty and I had prayer together with Noah. Our hands intertwined, we held our son and the love of my life lifted his voice to the Lord, telling him how grateful we were for this awesome little spirit with whom ...

... all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose" (Rom. 8: 28) Situations may not always seem pleasant while we are in them, but the promise of God is clear. If we love Him and live our lives according to His precepts, even that which seems to be bleak and hopeless will be turned by God for His glory and our benefit. Hold on, God is faithful! May God bless you this week as you seek His will in every situation. Addendum-Genius 50: 20 (NIV)" You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" [Author Unknown-from Pat (patr @bayou.com ), Bill Champion (Tidbits Devotional)] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... year Mom measured the height of her children and then the height of her trees, but in time the trees easily cascaded over all our heads and were producing fruit. A lone tree soon rose to distinction, and became the pride and joy of Mother's orchard. It was her 'Early June ' apple tree, which produced beautiful light yellow-greenish apples that were much too tart to eat right off the tree, but were perfect for cooking and baking. Each season this little faithful apple tree would produce hundreds and hundreds of apples for Mom to use for baking to spoil her family. My mom's apple pie and applesauce are undeniably the best. And Mom gives all the credit to her 'Early June ' apple tree. My mother modestly says," The reason my pies are so good is because of 'Early Junes ' apples, without her apples my pies would just be average". For over forty years heavy winds, ice storms, lightening hits, ...

... world ," she confided," but, right now, Jim would consider himself the richest man in Idaho" With loving gentleness she lifted the lifeless fingers of her deceased husband. Resting underneath were three, magnificently shiny, red marbles. Moral: We will not be remembered by our words-but by our deeds. Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath, as we help others."... faith without works is dead" (James 2: 20 NKJ) [by W. E. Petersen (Ensign magazine October, 1975)-from (Marilyn Graham, Wit and Wisdom, Thelly, John Traver)] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... it. Therefore, he is the one who will be the new Chief Executive !" If you plant honesty, you will reap trust. If you plant goodness, you will reap friends. If you plant humility, you will reap greatness. If you plant perseverance, you will reap contentment If you plant consideration, you will reap perspective. If you plant hard work, you will reap success. If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation. If you plant faith in Christ, you will reap a harvest. So, be careful what you plant now; it will determine what you will reap later. Two thousand years ago Paul wrote to the church at Galatia the same story but with fewer words," What you sow, so shall you reap" (Gal. 6: 7)." We are grass that will wither and die but the incorruptible seed of God's Word will live forever-sow it daily into the life ...

... You'll See God Looking Back Standards. Guidelines. Rules. For some reason we often times just toss them all away when we make everyday decisions. That's why we need something bigger than ourselves. Something to compare ourselves to every time we are faced with a choice. The obvious is our faith." God is bigger than everything ," you might say. If we accept God as the ultimate guide and nothing or no one is bigger than God, why do we still do wrong? Why do we make bad choices? Even knowing that God is present in everything we do, we still do things against God's will. Without meaning to offend anyone, I suggest that we do it because we can't see God. Of course one can be quick to list a thousand ways God is seen in their life. I agree. But, to me, I do those things because I am not looking him in the eye. We are ...

... will pick it up and lift it high above the storm. While the storm rages below, the eagle is soaring high above it, gliding with ease. The eagle does not escape the storm, it just simply uses the storm to lift it higher. It rises on the winds that bring the storm into its world. When the storms of life come upon us-and all of us will experience them-we can rise above them by setting our minds and faith toward God !!! The storms do not have to overcome us. We can allow God to lift us above them. God enables us to ride the winds of the storm that brings sickness, pain, tragedy, failure and disappointments in our lives, and make something good come from it. We can soar above the storm. Remember, it is not the burdens of life which weigh us down, but it is how we handle them that counts. In Isaiah 40: ...

... A thought struck her. what would happen to Lucky? Although the three-year-old dog liked Jim, he was Mary's dog through and through. If I die, Lucky will be abandoned, Mary thought. He won't understand that I didn't want to leave him. The thought made her sadder than thinking of her own death. The double mastectomy was harder on Mary than her doctors had anticipated and Mary was hospitalized for over two weeks. Jim took Lucky for his evening walk faithfully, but the little dog just drooped, whining and miserable. Finally the day came for Mary to leave the hospital. When she arrived home, Mary was so exhausted she couldn't even make it up the steps to her bedroom. Jim made his wife comfortable on the couch and left her to nap. Lucky stood watching Mary but he didn't come to her when she called. It made Mary sad but sleep soon overcame her and she dozed. When Mary woke for a ...

... kind of loss. That is the definition of being human. Kevin Everett and so many others are trying to show the world that life is not over when one sustains a major loss. In fact, perhaps, for many it is just beginning. Perhaps the reason Kevin Everett healed so miraculously was because of the care he received in the ambulance, or in the hospital, or in the rehab hospital, or because of his excellent conditioning, or because of his faith, or because of so many other reasons, or a combination of the above. Today, he is doing great and helping others. Many people, who have sustained a spinal cord injury, as well as those who have not, possess the desire to get better. For many, that equates to being more independent. People want to believe that getting better is possible. People enjoy stories with happy endings. And people want to be positive. Kevin Everett's story reminds ...

... , I worked hard to learn more hymns to add to the list. I knew number 111 well by then and so did the congregation! By the time I was a teenager, I was often playing for the worship service as well as for Sunday school. I am thankful for Willie, a Sunday school Superintendent, who believed in a little girl who he had never heard play a note. It probably wasn ’ t so unusual for Willie who had lived by faith for many years. Although it was written in 1895, by William R. Newell, it ’ s melody and message is timeless and as needed today as much as ever. The refrain still plays in my mind as I often go back to number 111, back “ At Calvary ” where “ mercy there was great and grace was free ”. As Willie would say, “ Take your hymnbooks and turn with me to Number 111 ”~Pamela Perry Blaine~August ...

... don't you think that if God gave you that miracle that you would make it a priority in your life to use it in such a way as to please Him? Well, my friend, this isn't some foolish idea. This isn't some ethical question in a college course. It is indeed reality. YOU are that miracle created, born with great expectations and given unto the world as the miracle of life. You are capable of all those things and obligated by faith to use this miracle. Wake up to this reality. Step up to the challenge. Live up to expectations. Be the miracle!" I believe in You !" J~Bob Perks~[ by: Bob Perks Copyright 2009 (2believe @comcast.net)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

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

... pool and by Sunday had actually sat on the bottom of the pool while I watched him through my goggled eyes smile at me underwater because he had just knocked down his second opponent. We face adversity each and every day. That is the Devil's plan. God's plan is for us to get up, show up, knock 'em down, and knock 'em down again. You have a goal and that is to be the best in all that you do. In faith, family and work, be the best that you can be. There are opponents in your way. Find out who or what is in your way and knock them down one at a time. But first, knock down the opponent in your mirror named Fear. Without taking that one out, the rest will simply run by you. Stand and believe on the words written and repeated more than any other throughout the best selling book ever written," Fear Not" ...

... each and every moment that God has granted me. I am deserving of all the joy and happiness that this day has to offer. There is nothing that God and I can't accomplish. I will nourish my body with the best and purest food. I will nourish my mind with nothing but the most positive thoughts. I will feed my soul the Word of God and know that when my time on this earth is over I will have lived purely, fully and faithfully" So what life have you created? Are you living fully or dying slowly? Begin to live again. Take control of your life" The only thing that wasn't broken was my will to live !" he said." Learn to Live !"~Bob Perks~2believe @comcast.net [by: Bob Perks Copyright 2006 (2believe @comcast.net)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... and not just at Thanksgiving and Christmas. We need to take care of our brothers and sisters every day of the year. So if you feel led in your heart to pass this on to anyone just say a prayer for your brothers and sisters when you send it, and God will pour out his blessings on their family and your family too. Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray and confess your word over my family and surround them with my faith. I believe and confess that you give your angels charge over my family to accompany and defend and preserve them in all their ways. You, Lord, are their refuge and fortress. You are their glory and the lifter of their heads. O Lord, my Lord, how majestic and glorious is your name in all the earth. You have set your glory on or above the Heavens. You have established strength because of your foes, that you might silence the ...

... see it to its completion. I helped them gather the equipment: a box for nesting, a couple of hot water bottles, a calendar to keep track of the incubation days. Of course, that would just be a guess, as we had no idea when the dead hen had begun sitting on the eggs. The boys set the water bottles into the box on top of the heating pad, covered them with a cloth, and nestled the eggs in. Faithfully for days, they checked the water bottle temperature, and turned the eggs, often getting up in the night to make sure the eggs were all right. At about the fifteenth day they became impatient. They saw the other children go off to the slough for a swim, but they wouldn't go. Their chicks might hatch while they were gone. Even though I assured them that it would be all right for them to go off for a couple of hours, they ...

... fester beneath the surface, choosing not to deal with them and rid myself of the negative thoughts. I won't get into the details. I don't want to whine about it any more. It all came to a head in the parking lot of a store I was about to enter. I called my wife and told her how overwhelmed I was but just couldn't explain why. I've been here before, but I have developed thinking skills, mixed them with a strong faith and have always learned to rise above it all. I have to. I have a job to do, a life I love and since I believe I chose to be overwhelmed with life, I can also choose to put it all in perspective. I headed home. As I was preparing dinner it started to rain. I had just started the charcoal grill and I could easily have added this silly little coincidence to my collection of problems for the day. But I ...

... an eloquent speaker and for several years the chaplain of the United States Senate, used to love to tell the story of" The keeper of the spring ," a quiet forest dweller who lived high above an Austrian village along the eastern slopes of the Alps. The old gentleman had been hired many years ago by a young town council to clear away the debris from the pools of water up in the mountain crevices that fed the lovely spring flowing through their town. With faithful, silent regularity, he patrolled the hills, removed the leaves and branches, and wiped away the silt that would otherwise choke and contaminate the fresh flow of water. By and by, the village became a popular attraction for vacationers. Graceful swans floated along the crystal clear spring, the millwheels of various businesses located near the water turned day and night, farmlands were naturally irrigated, in the view from restaurants was picturesque beyond description. Years passed. One evening the town ...

... . How they live speaks volumes. They may not come from a story book family or have a perfect marriage, but they see them as a mosaic portrait of God's plan for their life. They remember the joy of playing with an old rag doll or stick of wood for hours because their parents could not afford better. They have witnessed love in the eyes of the elderly because they stopped to say hello and share their time. They have fallen down but their faith has never let them down. Although at times, happiness may be short lived, the door they exit always leads them to another and another, for when God opens one door .oh, you know the rest. You find happiness there, too, right?" I believe in You !" J~Bob Perks~[ by: Bob Perks Copyright 2009 (2believe @comcast.net)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... , Clarity & Carat-weight. The answer to my pondering was right there! The diamond receives a substantial portion of it's value from the way a person cuts it. The work of man's hand! The only natural gemstone that has more value when it is found than when men finish with it is the PEARL. Like the pearl, men can add nothing to the value of out salvation, through Jesus Christ. Eph 2: 8 For by grace are we saved through faith; and that not of yourselves-it is the gift of God-'Eph 2: 9 ' Not of works, lest anyone should boast. The pearl is formed when a foreign object somehow enters the inside of the oyster, and instead of ejecting the object or irritant out, as most humans would try to do, the object is covered by the oyster with layer upon layer of a substance secreted from it's own body. The object that came into the life of ...

... short"" too fat"" too thin"." my parents"" my family"" ever since my divorce"" ever since we had children" and on and on. All scars that never heal because we keep picking at them. I swore I would never do that, yet, today I didn't even hesitate to show Doc my scar. It's okay. I see it as reverting back to my childhood. If you are of the Christian faith, I suggest that you turn to the One who bore the scars of death for you. Then you will have no excuse. What scars do you have?" I believe in You !" J~Bob Perks~[ by: Bob Perks Copyright 2009 (2believe @comcast.net)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... attention, saluted, ran back to his car, and drove off. I'll never forget that incident. That soldier, whose name I will never know, taught me more about duty, honor, and respect than a hundred books or a thousand lectures. That simple salute-that single act of honoring his fallen brother and his flag-encapsulated all the Army values in one gesture for me. It said," I will never forget. I will keep the faith. I will finish the mission. I am an American soldier" I thank God for examples like that. And on this Memorial Day, I will remember all those who paid the ultimate price for my freedom, and one private, soaked to the skin, who honored them.~Captain John Rasmussen~[ by: Captain John Rasmussen (Army News Service, May 22, 2002)-from Bill Rayborn (bill @billrayborn.com)] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights ...

... . “ We are in His care ,” I said. My third novel, Lumby ’ s Bounty, will be released in January, and I will once again sit at my mother ’ s bedside where I will read her the first words of my novel. I will rest my head on her shoulder, say a soft prayer, and so deeply wish that she was still with me. But I will also feel so grateful for the life we shared and the faith we had, and I will always remember how she helped my find Lumby and my life of blessed meaning.~Gail Fraser~Author of the Lumby series ABOUT THE AUTHOR Prior to changing her life and becoming a novelist, Gail Fraser had a successful career in corporate America holding senior executive positions in several Fortune 500 corporations. A few years ago, she gave it all up to move to the rural landscape of upstate New York, and became a full-time novelist, writing ...

... the way. Amber has moved into her own apartment for the first time in her life and she is self supporting. She has provided a quality lifestyle for her and her daughter. She has every reason to be proud of the life that she lives today. Yet she finds herself at another crossroad in her life and I don't have any question that if she keeps doing what she's been taught that she'll get through this one just fine too. I have all the faith in the world!~Trish~Trish is from California, and says," I am a grateful woman in recovery, living a life beyond my wildest dreams. I'm happily married with two grown daughters, a fabulous grandson with a second grandchild on the way" [By: Trish, Copyright 2008-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... Do you believe in Saint Nick? The child asks," Is there a Santa? Is he really real ?" I must reply," He is my dear, so let your heart be still. You see I know he did exist, a man of flesh and bone, he loved the Lord and felt the call to protect the faith and the ones the Lord calls His own. He lived in small town in what is now Turkey. He was a Bishop of a small town, called Myra. It was so many years ago many say his story can ’ t be found. But it can be found in records, if you will look and see. At the Counsel of Nicaea, in 300 A.D, he stood the test you see. When months of fighting between the bishops began to take it ’ s toll, brave Nicklaus stood up to fight for God and right and all. He told all that would ...

... need be, a friendship began between Karen and I. Tracy was so sweet and a loving child toward her family. I commented on this to Karen, and then she told me Tracy had leukemia and was in remission. She wanted more than anything to play softball with the league that year, and so the doctor gave her permission. Karen was afraid it was too much, but she had to believe that Tracy would beat this catastrophic disease, and placing her faith in God, wanting as normal of a life for Tracy as possible, she allowed her to play. They went to her games at the school field, which were held at an earlier time than her brothers. One evening after a winning game our families went out to eat. Over pizza and salad, Karen told me Tracy was going to the children's hospital the next day for her yearly check up. We wished them well, expecting things to be just fine. ...

... you say, the disciples stole it. There is the matter of the Roman guards, and the disciples ' initial disbelief when the women brought them the news early that Easter morning. This brings me to my third point. If the disciples had stolen the body, you wouldn't expect them to risk their lives. People don't die for what they know is not true. But the disciples put their lives on the line, and nearly all were eventually martyred for their faith. They certainly believed it. Followers of Jesus in the city of Jerusalem grew from a few dozen to thousands upon thousands soon after Jesus ' resurrection. They believed it was true. Even contemporary documents refer to the event. Thallus the Samaritan, Suetonius, Tacitus, Pliny contain references to Jesus. Jewish historian Josephus writes about Jesus ' crucifixion and resurrection. They knew something had happened. Jesus ' resurrection from the dead is actually more plausible than any other explanation. That's ...

... exactly. It happened to a pastor who was very young. His church was very old. Once, long ago, it had flourished. Famous men had preached from its pulpit, prayed before its altar. Rich and poor alike had worshipped there and built it beautifully. Now the good days had passed from the section of town where it stood. But the pastor and his young wife believed in their run-down church. They felt that with paint, hammer, and faith they could get it in shape. Together they went to work. But late in December a severe storm whipped through the river valley, and the worst blow fell on the little church-a huge chunk of rain-soaked plaster fell out of the inside wall just behind the altar. Sorrowfully thee pastor and his wife swept away the mess, but they couldn't hide the ragged hole. The pastor looked at it and had to remind himself quickly," Thy will be done !" ...

... angry or sorry. He is always transparent, always sincere. And he trusts God. Not confined by intellectual reasoning, when he comes to Christ, he comes as a child. Kevin seems to know God-to really be friends with Him in a way that is difficult for an" educated" person to grasp. God seems like his closest companion. In my moments of doubt and frustrations with my Christianity, I envy the security Kevin has in his simple faith. It is then that I am most willing to admit that he has some divine knowledge that rises above my mortal questions. It is then I realize that perhaps he is not the one with the handicap-I am. My obligations, my fear, my pride, my circumstances-they all become disabilities when I do not submit them to Christ. Who knows if Kevin comprehends things I can never learn? After all, he has spent his whole life in that ...

... silent. I swear you couldn't hear anything but the rain. We all stood silently. No one came or left in the next few minutes. Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say. Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child's life. A time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith." Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through the rain. If God let's us get wet, well maybe we just needed washing ," Mom said. Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes, through the puddles. They held their shopping bags over their heads just in case. They got soaked. But they were followed by a few who screamed and laughed like children all the way ...

... A moment that tenderly rebukes you for spending so much time on temporal preoccupations such as savings accounts, houses, and punctuality. A moment that can bring a mist to the manliest of eyes and perspective to the darkest life. Eternal instants have dotted history. It was an eternal instant when the Creator smiled and said," It is good" It was a timeless moment when Abraham pleaded for mercy from the God of mercy," But if there are just ten faithful" I was a moment without time when Noah pushed open the rain-soaked hatch and breathed in the clean air. And it was a moment in the" fullness of time" when a carpenter, some smelly shepherds, and an exhausted, young mother stood in silent awe at the sight of the infant in the manger. Eternal instants. You've had them. We all have. Sharing a porch swing on a summer evening with your grandchild. Seeing her face in the glow ...

... the crosses, row on row That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.~By John McCrae, 1915~Waregem, Belgium WW1-368 Americans buried there. Memorial Day was first observed after the Civil War but at that time it was known as “ Decoration Day ”. There was understandably a great need across our land for families to honor the soldiers who had died in the war. There were groups of people both in the North and the South who ...