... 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 ... friend of mine observes that people suffering grave afflictions often acquire the faith of two people, while loved ones accept the burden of two peoples ' worries and fears. 'Learning How to Live. Most of us have watched friends as they drifted toward God's arms, not with resignation, but with peace and hope. In ... soft. Faith may be the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. But it also draws you into a world shorn of fearful caution. The life of belief teems with thrills, boldness, danger, shocks, reversals, triumphs, and epiphanies. Think of Paul, traipsing through the ...

... %of the American people took part in the struggle for independence, and many aided the British cause by giving them housing etc. Prevalent in the hearts and minds of the American people, was apathy, self-interests, uncertainty, and fear. It is well known that George Washington was a man of prayer and great courage as he would ride and lead his own troops into battle. THE WORDS OF GEORGE WASHINGTON (THE FATHER OF AMERICA)" This afternoon, as I ... learn ' At this the dark, shadowy angel placed a trumpet to his mouth, and blew three distinct blasts; and taking water from the ocean, he sprinkled it upon Europe, Asia and Africa. Then my eyes beheld a fearful scene: from each of these countries arose thick, black clouds that were soon joined into one. Throughout this mass there gleamed a dark red light by which I saw hordes of armed men, who, moving with the cloud, marched ...

... pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness ... that foreign place." The Lord is my Shepherd ," I reminded myself as I read." It is He Who led me to these particular 'green pastures ' at this precise time. He'll give me peace, and calm my fears. This path is the one He has chosen for me" The" shadow-of-death" verse was hardest. I could die during surgery! But I didn't want to die and leave my beloved family. Could they possibly cope without me? ...

... as God's answer fills me up, streaming through my blood and making my heart warm, my tears dry. Had I not reached this lowly state I would not have known. Had I not become so filled with pain that I feared bursting I would not have known. Had I not questioned, for the very first time my entire worthiness and reason for existence, I would not have known. I wouldn't have known the need to surrender, because I would not have ... Asking God" What do you want from me ?" I cry out to God in a moment of fear." What is it I'm not hearing ?" I know I'm not getting it, but I don't know what there is to get. I know it's wrong-wrong to drown in self pity; wrong to focus on what I don't have instead of what I do; wrong to be so wrapped up in me that I feel selfish and ashamed. Still, ...

... wanted using first one aide and then another. I've been down and depressed at times, I can't deny that. I've been scared to death of what tomorrow might hold and I still have those fears to this day. My biggest fear is that I may become a burden to my love ones. I fear to some extent I already have. Being a very independent person before my illness, dependence on another has always been my biggest concern. Through the years I have ... doing most of the things that I wanted using first one aide and then another. I've been down and depressed at times, I can't deny that. I've been scared to death of what tomorrow might hold and I still have those fears to this day. My biggest fear is that I may become a burden to my love ones. I fear to some extent I already have. Being a very independent person before my illness, dependence on another has always been my biggest ...

... had four. Then none. This year we only had one and it took off. My real fear was that a local cat ate it. That fear was supported by the fact that it was gone for months and so I feared it was consumed. My routine everyday is to feed the birds, the fish and talk to the frog. No frog, no balance." Have you seen froggie ?" my wife and I would ask each other. Then yesterday I ... has given me much stress. Our frog disappeared. This has happened before. One day we had a frog, another day we had four. Then none. This year we only had one and it took off. My real fear was that a local cat ate it. That fear was supported by the fact that it was gone for months and so I feared it was consumed. My routine everyday is to feed the birds, the fish and talk to the frog ...

... ~~~~~~~~~Quite abruptly and with only a few subtle signs, Shiloh was blind by the time Hank turned one year of age. My husband, Jerry, and I were overwhelmed with anxiety and fear. I read everything I could find about living with a blind animal and had lengthy visits with our vet. Regardless of all I learned, in my mind I knew Shiloh would never truly enjoy life again. She would eat, sleep ... inseparable. And, if it is necessary for them to be apart, you ’ d best wear ear plugs! They have unleashed sounds of anguish that I didn ’ t realize could be made by man or beast. Our one-time fears are now a thing of the past and Shiloh ’ s life is filled with joy, thanks to Hank! Together they have learned how to cope with her blindness, and to get past most any obstacle that comes their way. Hank ...

... as long as the meatloaf platter is good and the pies are homemade. The four-wheeler drivers were the ones who concerned me; the mouthy college kids travelling to school; the yuppie snobs that secretly polish their silverware with their napkins for fear of catching some dreaded" truck-stop germ ;" the pairs of white-shirted business men on expense accounts, who think every truck-stop waitress wants to be flirted with. It was these people that I was concerned might be uncomfortable around Stevie. So, ... His placement worker said he's been counting the days until the doctor said he could work, and it didn't matter that it was a holiday. He called 10 times in the last week, making sure we knew he was coming, fearful that we had forgotten him or his job was in jeopardy. I arranged to have his mother bring him to work, met them in the parking lot, and invited them both in to celebrate his being back at work. Stevie was ...

... the same way we love Him. I had sought to know Him with my whole heart and soul, and He had not disappointed me. He had restored in my spirit a willingness to forgive, because love cancels out anger, fear, resentment, and any other negative emotion you can imagine. I remembered that He had worn the crown of thorns in my vision. I now realize that they were meant to be symbolic, a reminder to me of how He loved ... sure that I never will as long as I m on the earth. There aren't adequate words in the English language to describe the magnificence of Him, but He was wonderful, and I just continued to gaze up at Him, fearful if I took my eyes off of Him He may vanish. He continued to smile at me like I was the only person in that room, like I was the only person on earth who mattered to Him, though I'm sure He ...

... Fear Not Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. Luke 12: 6-7 <>< When I was six years old we lived in Oklahoma City in a neighbor-hood where we always kept the doors locked and bolted at night. To get out the back door, Daddy had a special key that opened the dead bolt from the inside. One night I was wakened suddenly by the sound of thunder and lightning and a torrential downpour. I rushed down the hall toward my parents ' room, but was stopped by billowing smoke and flames coming from the living room. Our house had been struck by lightning. I had to get out, but how? I couldn't reach the front door because of the flames, and the back door was locked. ...

... . The difference is people have a choice. When we fall, we can stay right where we are, melt into the ground and watch our hopes and dreams be washed away. Or we can rise up to face the light of a new dawn and be a reflection of all the good in the world. Light brings our dreams to life. We naturally see light as hope, because in the light we can see the truth. We often see darkness as fear, because it represents the unknown. We fear what we cannot see. The light is perfect and although some claim to be, we cannot claim perfection ours. So, how then can we stand out? Like the snowflake, sparkling and beautifully unique, if we cannot be the light, be a reflection of it. The same light that makes the snowflake sparkle, the same light that brings truth to darkness and fear, made you to rise up in a crowd ...

... he wanted to, half Days that followed became more and more awesome between Lightning and myself and we developed a bond, a respect and love for each other. Then, one day, the couple who owned Lightning happened to step out on the porch as I was stroking his neck. Lightning heard their door close and his head snapped back and his nostrils flared. The gentle look in his eyes just a few minutes earlier had become a fiery glare of hatred and fear. This I did not understand, until one evening I stepped out of Susie's house onto her front porch. The owners of Lightning had captured him and saddled him up to ride him. He was tied between two posts, his body quivering as they saddled him. His hindquarters moved frantically back and forth. They grabbed the bit and pulled on his ears trying to get it into his mouth and Lightning screamed in pain as the owner with all his might, balled up ...

... I know I can" He persuaded me to take him swimming again the next evening. Like the night before, we happened to be the only swimmers." I'm going to do it this time ," he said emphatically." Watch me !" He climbed the ladder and walked to the end of the board as I watched. Again I encouraged him. Again he hesitated. As the previous night, his nerve failed. It seemed that he would never conquer his fear and leap. The lifeguards on duty helped me cheer him on." You can do it, Robby ," we all exhorted." Just do it! Don't think about it. Just do it !" For 30 minutes we encouraged him. For 30 minutes he started and stopped, he leaned and straightened and fought the fear that held him back. And then it happened. He extended his arms, bent over the edge and fell headfirst into the water! He emerged ...

... 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"~Bryan Soward~[ by: Bryan Soward Copyright 2009 (bryan @bryansoward.com)-Submitted by: Bryan Soward] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... canyon and shout," Hello !"" Hello" comes back to you. You can't yell," How are you ?" and get a reply," Fine. Thanks for asking !" 2008 is like a canyon. You stand on the edge on new years eve and what you put into it will come back to you. The more you put in, the more will come back. If you love more, you will get more love back. If you fear more, fear will come back. So, this new years eve when you find yourself reflecting on 2007 remember, it has nothing at all to do with memories. It's" The Echo" What will you get back next year?~Bob Perks~2believe @comcast.net [by: Bob Perks Copyright 2007 (2believe @comcast.net)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... Christmas songs. Every one sang in his or her own language. For the first time all the pain and agony of the past few months escaped. When morning finally came my sister was asked," What are you going to name the baby "? Would you believe for the first time since our village was burned and all the young girls and boys were taken away, she spoke. She said," His name is Gye Nyame, which means except God I fear none" And so we celebrated Christmas that night. Christmas really did come to our village that night, but it did not come in the cars or with the travelers. It came in the birth of my nephew in the midst of our suffering. We saw hope in what this little child could do. This birth turned out to be the universal story of how bad things turned into universal hope, the hope we found in the Baby Jesus. A miracle occurred that ...

... don't understand what just happened" Then there came a voice like no other she had ever heard. It seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere. It sang through the trees, and rumbled through the earth and sighed in the long grass" You prayed for help and help has come ," said the voice." You have been given back what you lost. Piece by piece I have patched you up" The voice continued," You cloaked yourself in anger, fear and sadness. Now you have been given something far better to wear. You have been given love and peace. Wear them well" Helena wrinkled her brow and shook her head." I asked for help and the sky fell ," she said." I was overwhelmed and knocked down" The voice came to her from all around and said," Sometimes having the sky fall on you is the greatest of gifts. You have learned that you can survive and find ...

... curse the wind and the way of things. Wind is old and you are young. Ask Wind sometime" The tree said no more. Leaf tried not to think about what Tree had said. Of course it had heard the stories of how leaves grow old and die, but still it would never be hateful. That very day, Leaf made a decision. It shouted to the world," I will Never hate Wind. I will not give in to fear or unhappiness" Still, the next time Wind came to call, Leaf could not help but ask." When I become old, dry and brittle will you destroy me as Tree says ," Leaf asked. Wind was silent for a long moment." I will not destroy you my dear one ," Wind said." All Earthly things grow old and dry. That is not my doing" Leaf was shaking and Wind could see the fear beginning to overtake Leaf. ...

... than these years. So she played with her children, she fed them and bathed them, and taught them how to tie their shoes and ride a bike and reminded them to feed the dog, and do their homework and brush their teeth. The sun shone on them, and the young Mother cried," Nothing will ever be lovelier than this" Then the nights came, and the storms, and the path was sometimes dark, and the children shook with fear and cold, and the mother drew them close and covered them with her arms, and the children said," Mother, we are not afraid, for you are near, and no harm can come" And the morning came, and there was a hill ahead, and the children climbed and grew weary, and the mother was weary. But at all times she said to the children," A little patience and we are there" So the children climbed, ...

... had ever imagined, but envied and detested by those less wealthy than himself. Soon a high official passed by, carried in a sedan chair, accompanied by attendants and escorted by soldiers beating gongs. Everyone, no matter how wealthy, had to bow low before the procession." How powerful that official is !" he thought." I wish that I could be a high official !" Then he became the high official, carried everywhere in his embroidered sedan chair, feared and hated by the people all around. It was a hot summer day, so the official felt very uncomfortable in the sticky sedan chair. He looked up at the sun. It shone proudly in the sky, unaffected by his presence." How powerful the sun is !" he thought." I wish that I could be the sun !" Then he became the sun, shining fiercely down on everyone, scorching the fields, cursed by the farmers and laborers. But ...

... the narrator began reading the words: “ Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women came unto the sepulcher, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said ” At the very moment that the narration ended, the choir broke into the joyful song “ Christ the Lord is Risen today, Al – le – lu – ia !” Afterward, everyone began filing ...

... Spider's Web A young soldier found himself in a terrible and hopeless battle. The enemy was soundly defeating this young man's army. He and his comrades found themselves hastily retreating from the battle field in defeat, running away in fear for their very lives. The enemy gave chase. This young man ran hard and fast, full of fear and desperation, but soon found himself cut off from his comrades in arms. He eventually came upon a rocky ledge containing a cave. Knowing the enemy was close behind, and that he was exhausted from the chase, he chose to hide there. After he crawled into the cave, he fell to his face in the darkness, desperately crying to God to save him and protect him from his enemies. He also made a bargain with God, one which I (and perhaps you too ?) have made before. He promised that if God saved him, he would serve Him for the remainder of ...

... a solo. You pause, only for a moment, confused and afraid you rise to your feet. The music of life continues as your moment to shine approaches. You are almost blinded by the light, but just beyond the edge of the stage you see familiar faces. Family and friends have gathered front row center. Through the years they have heard the music you have been writing. They, above all others, know you can play your part well. Fear and doubt, your greatest enemy, can silence you and steal away your debut. But look. There at center stage facing you, shadowed by the light, you see a look of confidence on the face of the Maestro. He knows very well that you can do this. His baton lifts and points at you. Almost magically you respond and begin to play. Oh, the song is so beautiful. The notes are divine. The timing is perfect. Those ...

... lying on the bed. It blew over me mixed with the sweet fragrance of fresh rain. My wife was lying silently at my side. Jenna was using my stomach for her pillow. She, too, was quiet. Our second child, only a month from birth, rested within the womb of her mother. They must have sensed it, for no one spoke. It entered our presence as if introduced by God himself. And no one dared stir for fear it would leave prematurely. What was it? An eternal instant. An instant in time that had no time. A picture that froze in mid-frame, demanding to be savored. A minute that refused to die after sixty seconds. A moment that was lifted off the time line and amplified into a forever so all the angels could witness its majesty. An eternal instant. A moment that reminds you of the treasures surrounding you. Your home. Your peace of ...

... . The turbulence is still ahead of us" And then the storm broke. The ominous cracks of thunder could be heard even above the roar of the engines. Lightening lit up the darkening skies, and within moments that great plane was like a cork tossed around on a celestial ocean. One moment the airplane was lifted on terrific currents of air; the next, it dropped as if it were about to crash. The pastor confessed that he shared the discomfort and fear of those around him. He said," As I looked around the plane, I could see that nearly all the passengers were upset and alarmed. Some were praying. The future seemed ominous and many were wondering if they would make it through the storm. And then, I suddenly saw a girl to whom the storm meant nothing. She had tucked her feet beneath her as she sat on her seat and was reading a book. Everything within her small world was ...

... . A station wagon was double parked next to the car in front of me. Pulling out would be tricky. The space was tight, the traffic was thick and now, I had to maneuver around the double-parked car. The kids had gained energy from the toy aisle and the back seat chatter was escalating. As I pulled out I heard a loud crunch. The car was suddenly silent. In the rear view mirror, three sets of eyes were wide with fear." It's okay ," I said calmly." I'm just going to take a look" I got out and winced when I saw the cracked taillight and scratched paint on the other car." Just a few more inches and I would've been clear ," I mumbled. Unbelievably, my Jeep was unscathed. A woman climbed out of the station wagon. She was in her mid-sixties, with a brown hat that matched her knee-length coat. She surveyed the damage. Before ...

... man who wouldn't know chivalry if it bit him in the you know. Lucky for me, the bear did not eat us. In fact, I didn't hear a peep from him for the rest of the night. Eventually I was able to fall back to sleep. At 6: 30 in the morning I awoke to an intense pain in my stomach. Now I REALLY had to go to the bathroom. By now day light had arrived and I had no fear about going to the bathroom alone. As I later regaled the guys with my harrowing escape from death as I was just inches away from the jaws of biggest bear known to man, they just smiled. To this day they insist it was probably just a raccoon or my imagination getting the best of me. But I know the truth. That bear better hope we don't meet again because next time, I will be prepared.~Jacquelyn Ligon~< myrealm23 at yahoo.com ...

... time) By the time that Helen entered her third semester, it was obvious that she was unhappy. She was under terrible stress. She was making all A's, but very unhappily. And I believe that we should not only do what we love, but we should also love what we do. It would have been easy for us to say," Stick it out. Go forward and don't let anything stop you. Stay at Virginia Tech and conquer your fears" However, in my many visits with Helen, I began to feel an intense pressure of unease. What was wrong with me? Why couldn't I quench a burning desire to bring her home? I began to ask Helen what she really wanted out of school and her life. I talked with my husband and her. I prayed. Over and over I felt as though God were saying," Helen doesn't belong here. Bring her home" Before the next semester ...

... something shrieking, the sound sending chills down their spines. Determined to learn what was crying, the mother crawled near, through the vines. She stopped at the scene of the ruckus. She gasped, taking in a quick breath, for there in a trapper's cruel leg-trap, was a mink facing ultimate death. He was snapping, and snarling, and struggling, his eyes flashing terror and hate. The mother knelt down by the ermine, speaking softly, his fears to abate. She wiggled and worked at the leg-trap, till at last she pried open its jaws. With a leap he jumped free of his prison, unharmed, but for one of his paws. The mink, in his white coat for winter, slithered swiftly away from the site. Then he stopped. He looked back at the mother, his beady-eyes black as the night. The children have now grown, and left her. That mother's had much time to ...

... in WWII. Watching him, we worried that although he had survived WWII, he may not make it through our changing uptown neighborhood with its ever-increasing random violence, gangs, and drug activity. When he saw the flyer at our local church asking for volunteers for caring for the gardens behind the minister's residence, he responded in his characteristically un-assuming manner. Without fanfare, he just signed up. He was well into his 87th year when the very thing we had always feared finally happened. He was just finishing his watering for the day when three gang members approached him. Ignoring their attempt to intimidate him, he simply asked," Would you like a drink from the hose? The tallest and toughest-looking of the three said," Yeah, sure ", with a malevolent little smile. As Carl offered the hose to him, the other two grabbed Carl's arm, throwing him down. As the hose snaked crazily over the ground, dousing everything ...

... ." I plan to ," I answered. Thanksgiving was only a couple days away. Everyone in our family would be coming to our house. My funds were limited, therefore my box of coupons awaited me in the car. I knew I had to be creative in my shopping that day. I had to stretch every dollar. For a few seconds, Roy sat silently on the other end of the line." Why do you ask ?" I uttered, fearing what he might say." Nancy, there's a family with a half dozen kids that will not have anything to eat for Thanksgiving. The little one is only five-years-old"" So what are you saying ?" I whispered." While you're at the store could you possibly buy something for them ?" Roy's words echoed in my heart. GroceriesŠ a five-year-oldŠ eight in the familyŠ My head began to spin thinking about the fifty dollars I had reserved for our family's Thanksgiving dinner. ...

... . You hardly notice me, but without me you all become superficial. I represent thought and reflection, twilight and deep water. You need me for balance and contrast, for prayer and inner peace" And so the colors went on boasting, each convinced of his or her own superiority. Their quarreling became louder and louder. Suddenly there was a startling flash of bright lightening thunder rolled and boomed. Rain started to pour down relentlessly. The colors crouched down in fear, drawing close to one another for comfort. In the midst of the clamor, God began to speak:" You foolish colors, fighting amongst yourselves, each trying to dominate the rest. Don't you know that you were each made for a special purpose, unique and different? Join hands with one another and come to me" Doing as they were told, the colors united and joined hands. God continued:" From now on, when it rains, each ...

... to me over and over." I've never cared for anyone but you. I've never cared for anyone but you" How I wished I could believe her! I don't know when I finally fell asleep. Mom, I had a dream from God. An angel of the Lord came to me. His words pulsated through my mind so intensely I can remember them as if it were yesterday." Joseph, Son of David ," he thundered," do not fear to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit" I couldn't believe my ears, Mom. This was the answer! The angel continued," She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins" The angel gripped my shoulders with his huge hands. For a long moment his gaze pierced deep within me. Just as he ...

... choice. It's because my wife isn't with me. If it's a place we have not seen together, I feel empty inside. Me looking at the world and her not there beside me. When I return and tell her of some of the things I've seen I know she is happy for me, but I'm not. On that day, in that city, I did choose to see the Arch. It was a test for me. I have developed this fear of heights. Not so drastic that I will not stand on my front roof, but enough to make me aware that the only thing that separates me from down there may be a pane of glass or a handrail. I don't avoid it, I simply approach it very slowly. Very slowly. I took the ride to the top of the Arch. It was worth the test and the time it took to convince myself. But it was my walk back to the ...

... as he placed Noah's tiny, weak hand on top of his. We had taken Noah to the doctor more times than I can remember. It had been a week and a half and Noah's fever remained very high and very dangerous, despite everything the doctor or we had tried. I knew in my soul the way only a mother can know, that Noah was in trouble. I gently touched my husband's shoulder and we looked into each other's eyes with the same fear and knowledge that Noah's wasn't getting any better. I offered to take over for him, but he shook his head, and once again, I was amazed at this wonderful man who is the father of my children. When many fathers would have gladly handed over the parenting duties for some much needed sleep, my husband stayed stubbornly and resolutely with our child. When morning finally came, we called the doctor and were told to bring him in again. We already knew ...

... REPUBLIC: Republic. a state in which sovereign power is invested in representatives chosen by the people to govern. And government is the people and it's from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people. [FOR WHICH IT STANDS] ONE NATION: One Nation. meaning, so blessed by God. INDIVISIBLE: incapable of being divided. WITH LIBERTY: which is freedom, the right of power to live one's own life, without threats, fear, or some sort of retaliation. AND JUSTICE: the principle or qualities of dealing fairly with others. FOR ALL:. which means, boys and girls, that it's as much your country as it is mine. And now boys and girls let me hear you recite, the Pledge of Allegiance … Since I was a small boy, two states have been added to our country, (Alaska and Hawaii) and two words have been added to the Pledge of Allegiance ...

... the surrounding scrub brush, and probably survived the night. From this tragic, hopefully fictional story, we can learn about trusting God. Do you look for security in a “ rope ” of some form? Or, are you willing to trust God with the many things in life beyond your knowledge or control? Try to always remember: “ For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you ” Isaiah 41: 13. [By: R. W. Miller (editor @SkyWriting.Net)-based on a story account by Stephanie] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... blue glove and one tan glove. His coat was about two sizes too small. The zipper was held in place with a big safety pin. As he walked away from me, I saw his shoes. They looked like they'd outlived their usefulness a couple hundred miles ago. I rolled down my window and called him over. He came, sort of. He left a good distance between us, standing hesitantly-poised for flight. I could tell by the fearful look on his face that he half expected me to yell and chase him off. My heart hurt. I asked him if he needed some money. His reply was instantaneous." No, no. That's okay" The parking lot was wet and slushy. I could tell his feet were cold by the way he kept shifting his weight from one foot to the other." Please ," I insisted, holding out a five dollar bill." It's not much, ...

... and would often be careless in how he did things, he was not sloppy. He believed in keeping things neat, as neat as was possible in the humble home in which we lived. I will never forget this about my father. I used to have very bad nightmares. I would be afraid that Jesus had come and I was left. I would stand at the top of the stairs in the middle of the night, afraid to go down, for fear that Mom and Dad had been raptured, and I had been left behind. Finally I would get the nerve to call timidly for Dad. He always heard me and came up to my room, kneeling with me and praying, until I had the assurance that Jesus had truly saved me, as I had asked Him to do, at the age of 8. My father had a great big heart! He would literally give the shirt off his back to help out ...

... Why Chistmas Is Important There was once a man who didn't believe in God and he didn't hesitate to let others know that he felt religion and 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 ...

... broad creek high above the house, moving steadily to the east. As my friend watched, the leader swung to the right, then the white string of birds became a white circle. It floated from the top of the sky downward. At last, as easy as feathers coming to earth, the circle landed on the ice. My friend was on her feet now, with one unbelieving hand against her mouth. As the swans surrounded the frozen goose, she feared what life he still had might be pecked out by those great swan bills. Instead, amazingly instead, those bills began to work on the ice. The long necks were lifted and curved down, again and again. It went on for a long time. At last, the goose was rimmed by a narrow margin of ice instead of the entire creek. The swans rose again, following the leader, and hovered in that circle, awaiting the results of their labors ...

... and be generous so I knew that in MY time of need, someone would step up to the plate and help me. This lady was miles from home and stranded. Yet God knew exactly where she was and used me to answer her prayer. I left home thinking I was going on vacation. I got off the exit thinking I was buying writing tablets, but God had another assignment for me that day. Suppose I had listened to the gas attendant for fear that I was being taken advantage of? Suppose she really was taking advantage of me? I may never know. This I do know: If you have never been in that place in your life, it's easy to dismiss a person who is reaching out for help. But if you have been at a low place in life, you will always rise to the occasion because you remember" when" and the old saying" there but for the grace of God go ...

... to do. I decorate the sands with these beautiful brushstrokes as I pull my tail along. Buy you? You do nothing but get uglier every day" And so it went on, year after year. At last the cactus grew old, and it knew its time was short." Oh, Lord ," it cried out," I've wondered so long, and I've tried so hard. Forgive me if I've failed to find something worthy to do. I fear that now it's too late" But just then the cactus felt a strange stirring and unfolding, and it knew a surge of joy that erased all despair. At its very tip, like a sudden crown, a glorious flower suddenly opened in bloom. Never had the desert known such a blossom. Its fragrance perfumed the air far and wide and brought happiness to all passing by. The butterflies paused to admire its beauty, and that night even the moon smiled when it ...

... material. There were A-lines, straight lines and mermaid styles for the slimmest of the slim. Organza, tulle, satin, silk and lace were just the tip of the fashion fabric iceberg. Patiently, I sat and watched as my darling daughter modeled a medley of gorgeous gowns, one prettier than the next. Any one of them could have been the perfect one. Whether fancy lace or simple satin-they all looked flawless on her petite size 6 frame. Fear of commitment seemed to be what spurned her on to visit other bridal salons. It wasn't too long ago I had been in a similar situation, but that was senior prom and I thought that was cause for an ultimate Tylenol moment! I can tell you now that shopping for a prom gown pales in comparison, and rightly so. This is a big day; one that will not only live on as a memory in our hearts but that will also live forever on ...

... lame. If perchance they should spy a jack rabbit or mole, they would stand still and watch it run into its hole. Neither one would attempt to catch, or to kill. They both were alike-Grandpa Rice and old Bill. The word spread around to the" animal folk" that the pair ’ s hunting habit were merely a joke. One day out of nowhere came a massive buck-deer. He held his head high, showing no trace of fear. He watched as the man cocked his rusty old gun. He heard him tell Bill," Now, this ’ ll be fun !" Grandpa Rice, through the sight, looked the buck in the eye, then he lowered his gun, with a long weary sigh. The deer gave a snort as he trotted away;" G ’ bye Gramps and Bill; there ’ ll be no meat today !" Grandpa Rice said," C ’ mon, Bill, ...

... one more time. Like doing one more thing. Like pushing one more inch to reach the goal, the dream I long to touch and make reality. All my little efforts make big changes. The little stream that ran down my driveway, never having been there before, began as one single drop, until one drop after another, trying again and again, washed the soil away and moved the tiny pebble and eventually the rock. I cannot push away the fear nor change my life overnight, but if I dedicate myself to one single effort each and every day, I will see the power of changing little things to make a big difference. A tiny drop of water gave me hope. I am just one drop in the sea of humanity. But I have the power to change my life and the sacred obligation to move the world in the right direction. How? One drop, then two, then thousands, millions and ...

... . On their flight to the earth, the snowflake highs were very high indeed. It was almost like a symphony as they floated along together when none of their enemies were nearby. The sound of snowflake laughter and singing were delightful to the ear. But, as quickly as they had begun, these delightful times became a memory, as worries and trials became their portion once more. Each time these difficult periods came 'round again, the music ceased and tension, fear, and strife shoved aside the joy and began to rule. Christiana and her peers lived only for the times of joy, pouting and resisting those that kept them from their fun. At one particularly dark and trying hour, Celeste and Chaucer, who had been on this flight much longer and had learned to take things more in stride, hovered near their lovely and delicate daughter." How do you manage to remain so calm when our enemies are near ?" Christiana asked ...

... . I screamed in sorrow as the candle blew out. The evil voice raged once again telling me that all was lost. I reached out for the candle of Faith and held on with all my strength. But the whirlwind spun harder and faster and my weak, broken hands could hold on no longer. The candle of Faith blew out too. The voice from within the whirlwind laughed heartily and said," Give me the candle of Love !" I shook with fear. Hopelessness and confusion swirled around in my mind, but at this darkest moment a mighty voice spoke to the whirlwind," No. The candle of Love is not for you to take. Go away! This child is MINE! Then He leaned down to this broken vessel and said," Be calm, My child. Your journey is not over yet" He lifted up the candle of Love, still burning, and lit the candles of Hope and Faith again ...

... what ?" I asked." Maybe God knows that the only way He can get to some of them is to use people like you, writers, poets and speakers. Your words, His thoughts ," she said." Yes, and through you, my friend. He sent you here. You gave me my story for today. You were my spark of lightening. We are each other's light in a world that has been dimmed by negativity, doubt and fear. Be the light and listen. That's God Talk"~Bob Perks~2believe @comcast.net [by: Bob Perks Copyright 2006 (2believe @comcast.net)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... on each side. Both tears and joy filled the maiden's heart, and her story was thus passed down by the old fishermen sitting down by the sea. Real life application: Aren't we all guilty to some degree of searching for or desiring something that, in most cases, is right under our very noses? Thankfully, unlike the above fictional story, love is not elusive at all, and in fact, it is all around us, if we would only fearlessly trust, not only God, but the power of love. [by Melanie Schurr 1998-from 'Daily Wisdom '] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... her? Does she ever talk to you? No! We invented the mother when we were young because it satisfied a need in us. It made us feel secure and happy" Thus, while the one raved and despaired, the other resign himself to birth and placed his trust in the hands of his mother. Hours turned into days, and days into weeks. And soon it was time. They both knew their birth was at hand, and they both feared what they did not know. As the one was first to be conceived, so he was the first to be born, the other following. They cried as they were born into the light. The coughed out fluid and gasped the dry air. And when they were sure they had been born, they opened their eyes-seeing life after birth for the very first time. What they saw was the beautiful eyes of their mother, as they were cradled lovingly 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 kind of innocence, praying after dark and soaking up the Goodness and Love of The Lord. And one day, when the mysteries of heaven are opened, and we are all amazed at how close God really is to our hearts, I'll realize that ...

... dependence upon the overruling power of God: to confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations are blessed whose God is the Lord." We know that by His divine law, nations, like individuals, are subjected to punishments and chastisements in this world. May we not justly fear that the awful calamity of civil war, which now desolates the land, may be a punishment inflicted upon us for our presumptuous sins, to the needful end of our national reformation as a whole people?" We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven; we have been preserved these many years in peace prosperity; we have grown in numbers, wealth, and power as no other nation has ever grown." But we have forgotten God. We have ...

... doesn't mean that much. It seems too mechanical. Like" Thank you" and" You're welcome" It's polite and proper, but expected. So here's what I've come up with. Touch a little more. A hand on a shoulder, a gentle touch on a chin. If you are sitting near each other, play" footsies" gently bumping, nudging your loved one's foot. In this new society of keeping our distance, not invading one's space for fear of misunderstanding the gesture, the human spirit longs for touch. Smile a little more. In a passing glance, return a soft, gentle smile. Practice it in the mirror and you'll see how your eyes are involved in this expression of love. They seem to sparkle and brighten as they tell the person you bring joy to my life. Offer to do a little more." Can I get you something ?"" Let me get that for you"" No ...

... . Mary or Jim would go to Lucky's toy box in the basement and there the treasure would be, amid all of Lucky's other favorite toys. Lucky always stashed his finds in his toy box and he was very particular that his toys stay in the box. It happened that Mary found out she had breast cancer. Something told her she was going to die of this disease .in fact, she was just sure it was fatal. She scheduled the double mastectomy, fear riding her shoulders. The night before she was to go to the hospital she cuddled with Lucky. 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 ...

... For God sent not his son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned, but he that believeth not is already condemned because he has not believed. I had sought to know him with my whole heart and soul, and he had not disappointed me. He had restored in my spirit my willingness to forgive all who had wronged me, because love cancels out anger, fear, resentment, and any other negative emotion you can imagine. I remembered that he had worn the crown of thorns in my vision. I now realize that they were meant to be symbolic, a reminder to me of how he loved us all enough to be lifted up, and crucified on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. The crown of thorns are a symbol of his love that he feels for each one of us. He had truly shown me how ...

... had to take this picture and place it somewhere where I can be reminded everyday. Reminded of what? Everything does not have to be perfect. Nothing has to make complete sense. All the parts don't have to be in place. All plans don't have to be made nor the timing absolute. You hear" no" but feel," yes "; You want to" go" but feel the need to" stop "; You want to" win" and fear you might" lose" Take a moment to realize that everything God wants for you, everything God sees in you, everything you are and everything you will be is already ready inside. Like the seed, wherever you land you can" grow" When the seed ended up in the handle of my hot tub, it did not waste a moment to moan, complain, whine, cry or curse. Right where it was, God provided everything it needed to become ...

... to make this work. Not only for me but to show everyone in the class that if you put your mind to something it really can be done. After everyone else had climbed up and down, I went over to one of the ropes. The coach was about to make a snide remark but thought better of it and remained silent. I pulled myself up a few feet off of the floor and let the rope wind loosely around my left leg. Still fearful, I stepped hard on the rope and eased myself up. And ease it was! As Jimmy had said it was like climbing a flight of stairs. Step and ease up, step and ease up, little by little I went, not wanting to get in a hurry and not make it. The sweaty crowd watched in awe unable to comprehend what they were seeing. Then words of encouragement spewed forth from the onlookers-now all were hoping that I would make ...

... didn't accomplish. We listen to the sirens, horns, 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 ...

... up, I never knew what to expect. Would it be the mom who brought home suckers to surprise us, or the woman who spouted horrific things as she ran out the door and threatened to kill herself? There was physical abuse and apologies. There were humiliating punishments, harsh words, and tearful requests for forgiveness. Please don't get me wrong. It wasn't always bad in my home, but when it was it was loud and chaotic and frightening. I feared one day that my mom would pull the trigger or hurt herself. I hated the words that came out of her mouth when she was angry. One day my mom chased me through the house, brandishing an umbrella as she screamed at me. I ran out the door and into the rain. I was wearing a T-shirt and jeans and no shoes. The cold rain pelted me as I ran down Latimer Street. I pushed through the wetness, pumping my arms as ...

... now the mother of a mother and I hear that nothing in life is as special or fulfilling. As Katie cradles her in her arms I see Avery attempt to focus as she looks right into her mommy's eyes. I am so proud and elated to see my daughter in this new role. I can't help but notice that Avery cuddles up in the crook of her mother's neck the same way Katie use to cuddle in mine. Safe and secure, no worries or fears. What a blessing we can raise our own little ones and then, when they are grown with babies of their own, we have the opportunity to cherish those days as we experience them once again, this time in a grand way. Thank you God for the awesome gift of grandchildren. Thank you for this second chance to welcome another generation where new life is born to our family-re-birthing all of us to the miracle of your love.~Kathy Whirity~ ...

... devastated. Afterward, all the local newspapers carried many human-interest stories featuring some of the families who suffered the hardest. One Sunday, a particular picture especially touched me. A young woman stood in front of a totally demolished mobile home, an anguished expression twisting her features. A young boy, seven or eight years old, stood at her side, eyes downcast. Clutching at her skirt was a tiny girl who stared into the camera, eyes wide with confusion and fear. The article that accompanied the picture gave the clothing sizes of each family member. With growing interest, I noticed that their sizes closely matched ours. This would be a good opportunity to teach my children to help those less fortunate than themselves. I taped the picture of the young family to our refrigerator, explaining their plight to my seven-year-old twins, Brad and Brett, and to three-year-old Meghan." We have so much, and these poor people now have ...

... The barn would be a great place for them to stay! It's warm and safe; surely they could spend the night and wait out the storm" So he opened the barn doors for them. He waited, watching them, hoping they would notice the open barn and go inside. But they didn't notice the barn or realize what it could mean for them. He moved closer toward them to get their attention, but they just moved away from him out of fear. He went into the house and came back out with some bread, broke it up, and made a bread trail to the barn. They still didn't catch on. Starting to get frustrated, he went over and tried to shoo them toward the barn. They panicked and scattered into every direction except toward the barn. Nothing he did could get them to go onto the barn where there was warmth, safety and shelter. Feeling totally frustrated, he exclaimed," ...

... amazement, he discovered that all of the haystacks had been covered with tarpaulins. The cows were in the barn, the chickens were in the coops, and the doors were barred. The shutters were tightly secured. Everything was tied down. Nothing could blow away. The farmer then understood what his hired hand meant, and he returned to bed to also sleep while the wind blew. Where to take it from here. When you're prepared, you have nothing to fear. Can you sleep when the wind blows through your life? The hired hand in the story was able to sleep because he had secured the farm against the storm. We secure ourselves against the storms of life by grounding ourselves firmly in the Word of God. [Author Unknown-from Gr8nMighty @aol.com, via WFLife1 @aol.com] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... of pine. You always had that big old grin, when I would say," I missed you, Daddy". Then you would give me a big old squeeze and sit down and hold me on your knee. You would bounce me a couple times and ask me, how my day was. Then you would hold me tight against your chest and say," I missed you too, honey". During all my growing years I never had any fears, for I knew you would always be there for Momma and Me. You were my tower of strength; you were the invincible one! Whenever I was in need, you were always there for me! And as I grew into womanhood, you were there still. When I gave birth to my son, you were there to drive me to the hospital, you lovingly kissed my cheek and said," Honey, I can't help you with this one" but ...

... " He will ," Kathy said with quiet conviction. She always saw beyond the joking, and knew it was my way of not wanting to impose on her by crying instead." You're in my prayers, you know. Every night"" I know Kathy. Thank you so much. I don't know what I'd do without you" And it was true. Everyone should be so lucky to have a friend they can pour their heart out to, without any fear or hesitation. Somehow, someway, it would turn out. I had a best friend and she was praying for me. And so I let it all go again-I sent all those desperate concerns back to heaven." God, you know I only have a dollar fifty-six left ," I told him, as if we were sitting having coffee together." I need your help; I can't do it alone anymore" There was no bolt from heaven, no ...

... sank. I brought him to the attention of my friends and noticed that others around us had stopped eating to focus on him. Heads moved in a mixture of sadness and disbelief. We continued with our meal, but his image lingered in my mind. We finished our meal and went our separate ways. I had errands to do and quickly set out to accomplish them. I glanced toward the town square, looking somewhat halfheartedly for the strange visitor. I was fearful, knowing that seeing him again would call for some response. I drove through town and saw nothing of him. I made some purchases at a store and got back in my car. Deep within me, the Spirit of God kept speaking to me:" Don't go back to the office until you've at least driven once more around the square" And so, with some hesitancy, I headed back into town. As I turned the square's third corner, I saw ...

... Quite a Character I can remember when I was a child in grade school, my parents would attend the Parent Teacher Association meetings. I stayed at home shaking in my boots, fearful of what my teachers had to say about me. I don't know why. Most of the time when they returned home, my father would say," I asked how you were doing in class. She said" Bob's a charmer" I'd smile and sigh with relief." You're quite a character, Bob ," my mother would tell me. So, for most of my life I thought being a character was the most important thing. Being a" charmer" didn't hurt either. Then one day when I had been much too long in adulthood, I heard someone talk about my reputation. It wasn't very flattering. Most likely truthful to some extent, but not something I'd want my parents to hear at PTA. Being a charmer doesn't always ...

... Parable Of The Merchant And His Wives Once upon a time there was a rich merchant who had four wives. He loved the fourth wife the most and adorned her with rich robes and treated her to delicacies. He took great care of her and gave her nothing but the best. He also loved the third wife very much. He was very proud of her and always wanted to show her off to his friends. However, the merchant is always in great fear that she might run away with some other man. He also, loved his second wife. She is a very considerate person, always patient and in fact is the merchant's confidante. Whenever the merchant faced some problems, he always turned to his second wife and she would always help him out and tide him through difficult times. Now, the merchant's first wife is a very loyal partner and has made great contributions in maintaining his wealth and business as well as taking care ...

... me you live and move and have your being. Acts 17: 28 For you are my offspring. Acts 17: 28 I knew you even before you were conceived. Jeremiah 1: 4-5 I chose you when I planned creation. Ephesians 1: 11-12 You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. Psalm 139: 15-16 I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. Acts 17: 26 You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139: 14 I knit you together in your mother's womb. Psalm 139: 13 And brought you forth on the day you were born. Psalm 71: 6 I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me. John 8: 41-44 I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. 1 John 4: 16 And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. 1 John 3: 1 Simply because ...

... , his face and hands, too, so that he looked sort of like a big friendly panther by the time to start home. It was July 4, 1944, and Willis, Jay and I had ridden our bicycles the two miles north on highway 39 to Copeland's store to buy our fireworks, and now we had walked barefoot down the railroad tracks to Archie's pond. No self respecting eight year old boy in Miller would dare wear shoes in the summertime for fear of being called a sissy, and we certainly were not sissies, though we walked carefully on the burning hot rails heated by the July sun. After an hour or so, we reached the pond and walked through the weeds to the water. We wrapped the fuses of two or three cherry bombs together, tied the bundle to a rock, lit the fuses with a kitchen match, and threw the bomb out into the pond-the perfect depth charge to sink one ...

... his footing, you could see how troubling this was for him." I'm sorry. Please forgive me! I don't mean to hold you up ," he said as he struggled to get off the escalator. I suddenly saw this in a whole new light. It was like I was watching my future. I felt sorry for him. I felt sick to my stomach because this man was apologizing to everyone, when we should have been helping him and calming his fears. One by one, people zipped around him. I heard a few angry comments whispered as one lady passed by him. I saw me. By the time I got to him he was just about steady on his feet." Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know there was more ," he said." No, sir. No more with me ," I said. This really hit me hard. I realized right then how sad it was that the world ...

... How about a pocket watch? It's in good condition. I fixed it myself ," he said proudly. The little girl didn't answer. She had walked to the doorway and put her small hand on the door. She wiggled the door gently to ring the bell. Pappy's face seemed to glow as he saw her smiling with excitement." This is just right ," the little girl bubbled." Momma says grandpa loves music" Just then, Pappy's expression changed. Fearful of breaking the little girl's heart, he told her," I'm sorry, missy. That's not for sale. Maybe your grandpa would like this little radio" The little girl looked at the radio, lowered her head, and sadly sighed," No, I don't think so" In an effort to help her understand, Pappy told her the story of how the bell had been in his family for so many years, and that was why he didn't want to ...

... spare change in a dish someplace. you are among the top 8 %of the world's wealthy. If you woke up this morning with more health than illness. you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week. If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation you are ahead of 500 million people in the world. If you can attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death. you are more blessed than three billion people in the world. If your parents are still alive and still married. you are very rare,. If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful. 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 ...