... written I swear it could have been used as one of the closing songs for the American Idol winner. And she wrote it. It was positive, hope filled and powerful beyond measure. Her pitch was perfect and all eyes were on her. When she stopped I walked up to congratulate her." I'm almost ... Promise? I was in a hurry. It was raining on their picnic and I had just set up my sound system on the front porch in hopes of getting them outside at least for awhile. I happened to hear one of the residents comment that it was too" cold and damp" to go out ... CD's I brought that just might have something they would like. I heard earlier that one young girl who lived there was a" professional" So I hoped I would get to hear her sing. We had finished a few songs and I approached her." Here, see if there is something you would like ...

... my eyes started to open. So, at the ripe old age of 47, I've learned that happiness is a state of mind. You can be hopelessly in love and decide you don't want to be happy. He still does things that drive me totally over the edge. But, I am receiving the nurturing ... every morning for the next 50 years, I choose to keep my family whole, to love with all my heart and please God and myself. I hope it comes through that I really love that man! I always have .I just appreciate him more now! [Sue Henley (doupray2 @charter.net)-from ... I can hold grudges over what he's not done or done badly .or I embrace all the fine things he does so well. So this morning, and hopefully every morning for the next 50 years, I choose to keep my family whole, to love with all my heart and please God and myself. I hope ...

... 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 ... 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 ...

... The Living Tree The small Canadian Hemlock shook her lacy branches in the wind, like a little girl swinging her petticoats. Like a small child, I had become alive with hope. We stood there, in the windy Christmas tree lot, and each of us was filled with the joy of Christmas. There was no way that we would say" no" to the small Canadian wonder. For she was beautiful. The perfect tree. Due to my deteriorating asthma ... to flourish. Then the needles began to drop. Hastily, my husband dug a huge hole in our back yard. Into the ground, with a mixture of perfect soil, went our little tree, along with all of my hopes and dreams. Was it too late? Was she dead? Would, by some miracle, she grow? The spring weather was raw and I could not visit her often. Each day, with more and more branches devoid of needles ...

... Kathleen's cancer was found to have spread to her pelvis and spine, while Annie's breast cancer had also returned. Through the demands of dealing with cancer and undergoing the rigorous chemo regimens to treat it, a story of pure love and hope is born amid the medical challenges. For Annie the desire to become a mother never faded though it seemed unlikely. Medications and cancer treatments would prevent her from becoming pregnant. And then, the" Powers of love" shone brightly on ... parents, Marilyn and Gene Powers, who can be so proud of raising such loving, caring and compassionate daughters. There is no denying the Powers of sisterly love.~Kathy Whirity~Kathy says," I wrote this in hopes that the story of the Powers family could, perhaps, inspire others who are going through the rigors of cancer and other diseases. I think their story is proof that even cancer cannot kill hopes and dreams if you believe strongly enough" ...

... 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. ... 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, loving concern and gentle touch brought me to life. They brought out the music in my soul. It was as though I had a sign on me that said" Hug me" I am a hugger, you know. ...

... Father's Day in Heaven I hope they celebrate Father's Day in Heaven Cause if there ever was a," special Daddy ", it was you! I remember not being able to wait for you to come home from work. Sometimes you were gone before I woke up and returned after I was already asleep in my bed. I remember crawling out of bed when I heard your voice, running and jumping into your arms, and smelling the fresh scent of pine. You ... it. With God's help, I raised my son to grow into a fine example of a man. Daddy, if you're looking down, you can see that he has grown to be the father and man; you would have hoped him to be and you would be very proud! So, if you're celebrating Father's Day in Heaven, I hope there's something extra special up there for you. Cause, if there ever was a," special Daddy ", it was ...

... " producers. Adam is a little further along in his aesthetic journey than Jon is, and a shot on this show could help propel him toward is ultimate dream: Broadway. So I can't help but pull for him, and hope the producers see all of the talent and potential that I see in this great young man On the other hand, every day is a big day for my son-in-law Brock, who is stationed with his Army unit in Baghdad. Brock is ... standing in front of an" American Idol" producer, singing his 16-year-old heart out. It will be the biggest 10 seconds of his life so far, and I can only support him in this dream from here, with my hopes and prayers. On the other hand, my son-in-law Adam is also awaiting his turn in front of the" American Idol" producers. Adam is a little further along in his aesthetic journey than Jon is, and a shot on this ...

... would listen to him, so he went to college to study botany. At the college he met a professor who was an expert in Utah's ecology. Unfortunately, Paul was told that the wasteland he wanted to bring back was beyond hope. He was told that his goal was foolish because even if he planted trees, and even if they grew, the wind would only blow the seeds forty feet per year, and that's all you'd get because there weren't any birds or ... hours he planted seedlings. He did it again a week later. And every week, he made his secret journey into the wasteland and planted trees and shrubs and grass. But most of it died. Like so many of our hopes and dreams. However, Paul had faith, and kept planting. For fifteen years he did this. When a whole valley of his fir seedlings burned to the ground because of a careless sheep-herder, Paul broke down and wept. Have ...

... Three Trees Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods. They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said," Someday I hope to be a treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. could be decorated with intricate carving and everyone would see the beauty" Then the second tree said," Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take kings and queens across the waters and sail to ... Three Trees Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods. They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said," Someday I hope to be a treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. could be decorated with intricate carving and everyone would see the beauty" Then the second tree said," Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take kings and queens across the waters and sail to ...

... 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 so doing, they have taught us not how to die, but how to live. They have emulated Christ by transmitting the power and authority of live. I sat by my best friend's bedside a few years ago as a ... the challenge of important questions. The moment you enter the Valley of the Shadow of Death, things change. You discover that Christianity is not something doughy, passive, pious, and 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 ...

... of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer. The melodies were fun, cute and lighthearted, but nowhere to be found was even the hint of an innocent babe, a manger, or Christ ’ s sacred gift of hope and joy. So, when my son's class rose to sing," Christmas Love ", I was slightly taken aback by its bold title. Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters ... exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and, of course, the true meaning of Christmas. My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six year old filled with hopes, dreams and laughter. For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's" Winter Pageant" I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke ...

... . For I suddenly realized that anyone can give their cast-offs away. True generosity is giving that which you cherish most. Honest benevolence is a three-year-old offering a treasured, albeit shabby doll to a little girl she doesn't know with the hope that it will bring this child as much pleasure as it brought her. I, who had wanted to teach, had been taught. The boys had watched, open-mouthed, as their baby sister placed her favorite doll in the box. ... . Taking the cue from my little one, I removed my old tan jacket with the frayed cuffs from the box of clothes. I replaced it with the new hunter green jacket that I had found on sale last week. I hoped the young woman in the picture would love it as much as I did. It's easy to give that which we don't want anymore, but harder to let go of things we cherish; isn't it? However, the true spirit of ...

... the rope entirely now. I cry out to my Father wondering why He's allowing this. Where is He? Why doesn't He fix this mess? Do I not matter enough to Him for Him to bring me just a glimpse of hope? Then I remember Moses. He spent 40 years tending sheep in the desert before God appeared in a burning bush and eventually revealed His plan for Moses ' life. What about Joseph? He was sold into slavery by his own brothers ... . I have medical bills I can't pay. I honestly don't know from one month to the next if I'm going to be able to pay any bills. I laugh at the 'me ' from last year for thinking things were so hopeless then. I thought I was at the end of my rope, but it seems I've lost my grip of the rope entirely now. I cry out to my Father wondering why He's allowing this. Where is He? Why doesn't He ...

... He would take her away, down south where the sunshine would bring color to her cheeks and a smile to her face. However, one night Jack's world caved in. The chaplain had tried to soften the shock with words of hope, but it was no use. Lily was dead. Pneumonia. Jack folded the telegram and stalked out of the chaplains office with head held low. From that night on he was like a man walking in his sleep. Nothing had ... shuffle of feet. Then he remembered. There was going to be a sunrise service in the chapel. It was still dark. No service for him he thought. Never! Lily was dead and with her had died all his hopes and dreams. There was only one thing left for him to do and that was to hang himself. As he walked toward the window Jack glanced down and froze in his tracks. The lily, which had lain in its grave for ...

... ! I quickly showered and jumped into the clothes I had picked out to wear weeks ago--a soft pink shirt and comfortable pants. Soon we'd be meeting the sweet little baby girl who has become so much a part of our hopes and dreams. Avery Lauren Wiselogel made her grand entrance into our world on a bright sunny afternoon, 4 days after her due date. She weighed in at a hefty 9 lbs, 1oz. Emotions ran high in that hospital room that ... by and our daughter's belly grew, so did our excitement. The fun of shopping for baby clothes and planning the shower took up some of the time. Then, when her due date came and went, I found myself asking hopefully if every ache and pain was a contraction. Big mistake! They say a watched pot never boils. We found out that the same is true when you're waiting for an overdue pregnant woman to" pop" The soon to be grandpa ...

... . This time she smiled a triumphant smile. He said," Excuse me" as he moved past her into the pew. She had hoped that her sitting forward in the pew would discourage him from trying this, but her hopes were soon dashed. As he sat down he turned and to return her smile, he found out her smile had already gotten tired and had been replaced by a bad case of persimmons. The service continued and concluded at the expected hour ... he noticed that the lady had scooted over to occupy the aisle seat once occupied by him. This time she smiled a triumphant smile. He said," Excuse me" as he moved past her into the pew. She had hoped that her sitting forward in the pew would discourage him from trying this, but her hopes were soon dashed. As he sat down he turned and to return her smile, he found out her smile had already gotten tired and had been ...

... rope, while hoping to be able to grab onto something that would enable him to climb to safety. Unable to see his true situation, the climber concluded, as most people would, that hanging onto the rope was his only hope. The following day, the rest of his climbing party discovered him frozen to death, still dangling from his rope-only eight feet above a large out-cropping of rock. Had the climber cut the rope, he would have dropped down ... a relatively safe area, where he could have built a fire, using some of 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 ...

... , riding on our walking horses up and down the path. The next day, we went up and down the magnificent hills and I was beginning to have fun, and my family was having fun too. We were beginning to hope that our time at the ranch would not end. Throughout my days of riding on CoCo, I could hear the bells ringing so often, fulfilling the Don K. tradition of ringing the bells anytime a guest did something special. It ... I had worked hard. However, this story is not so much about a dude ranch or a horse. It is about setting goals. Everyone needs to set goals-whether it's as simple as getting up in the morning, hopefully with a smile, or as complicated as studying physics theory, or learning ways to overcome one's obstacles. Everyone has his own obstacle. I believe that is the definition of being human. I thought of that as I smiled even more ...

... female youth leader had run down the aisle yelling, “ No, no close the door !” I knocked again and again. This time the terrified youth team sent out the biggest male youth leader. I told the big boy my hopeless story. I explained how very cold and hungry I was. I asked if I could ride with them and how bleak I felt at that moment. The big old heartless sponsor spoke in a deep and firm voice, He stated: ... I could talk to the youth pastor. The young pastor gathered all his youth sponsors in a circle and let me tell my sorry homeless story to the entire group. I did an academy award performance as I told a tale of hopelessness, hunger and cold. The youth pastor said “ We can ’ t leave him out in the cold, let ’ s take him to the camp and see what they can do for him ” His youth staff looked at him as ...

... told not to worry himself any more about the victimized man. Someone else has probably already come along and, seeing the man's plight, provided assistance. Not to be thwarted in his effort to get help for the badly injured and hopelessly stranded stranger, the Samaritan hurried off in the direction of the nearest town. With an air of expectancy he entered the first establishment he found, which was a" rental-car" agency. Although all he wanted to do was get the ... the Samaritan began his return journey on foot. The irony served to reinforce his determination to get back to the helpless man. On his way through town the Samaritan spotted a congenial looking community church. Thank God, he thought as hope sprang up in his heart. Here he knew he would find" like-minded people" who would lend a helping hand. The Samaritan hurried up the steps and knocked on the office door. With the pastor's help and the church's van, ...

... I sat down with the phone book and methodically called each of the mental health clinics listed in the Yellow Pages. I explained my problem to each of the sympathetic voices that answered. In vain. Just when I was giving up hope, one of the voices suddenly exclaimed," I just read something that might help you! Let me go get the article" I listened as she read. The article described a remarkable study done at a nursing home. All of ... were turned aside with sarcasm and insults. The number of visitors thinned, then finally stopped altogether. Dad was left alone. My husband, Dick, and I asked Dad to come live with us on our small farm. We hoped the fresh air and rustic atmosphere would help him adjust. Within a week after he moved in, I regretted the invitation. It seemed nothing was satisfactory. He criticized everything I did. I became frustrated and moody. Soon I was ...

... my rainbow. -George Matheson" Jenny said," Happy Thanksgiving, Sandra ," handing her the Special." I look forward to our knowing each other better" Sandra smiled. She turned, opened the door, and walked toward hope! [Author Unknown-from: Aniceprsn @aol.com, via Bill Rayborn] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ... so that we might know His love. Do not resent thorns" Tears rolled down Sandra's cheeks. For the first time since the accident she loosened her grip on resentment." I'll take twelve long-stemmed thorns, please"" I hoped you would ," Jenny said." I'll have them ready in a minute. Then, every time you see them, remember to appreciate both good and hard times. We grow through both"" Thank you. What do I owe ...

... A Morsel Of Hope Jean Kerr said," Hope is the feeling you have, that the feeling you have, isn't permanent" It is what we have when we know that we WILL eventually survive the night and bask in sunshine once again. It does not deny the present darkness, but it reminds us that dawn is coming. Brigadier General Robinson Risner (" Robbie ") spent seven years as a POW at the" Hanoi Hilton ," as prisoners of war called their North Viet Nam compound. There he discovered the power of hope. He spent four and a half years of that time in isolation. He endured ten months of total darkness. Those months were the longest of his life. When they boarded up his little seven-by-seven foot cell, shutting out the light, he wondered if he was going to make it. He had already been under intense physical and mental duress after years of confinement. And now, not a glimmer of ...

... they soon become inevitable" Christopher Reeve Recently, for the first time in 5 years I simply went out back, put my cane down, and started walking. I made it 42 yards. Today I walked 5 miles. My medical team had said this would be impossible. My brain could no longer send the signals for walking because those nerves in my spinal cord had been destroyed. Though certainly unintentional, my doctors did take something very important away from me: hope. A while back, a psychologist pal of mine urged me to try to help myself. I was angry. I said," They're four of Boston's leading neurologists. They all said I'd never get any better"" They could have all been wrong"" They said there's nothing I can do! No rehabilitation. No physical therapy. I'm not putting any effort into trying to walk and then be miserable when I fail"" Trying is never failure" I'd ...

... 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 night before Christmas and all of a sudden I knew we were not alone any more. Now I knew there was hope and I had learned that Christmas comes in spite of all circumstances. Christmas is always within us all. Christmas came even to our village that night ...

... into one remarkable moment. One of the songs that I love to sing is called," This is the Moment" from Jekyle and Hyde. It is indeed very powerful. It supports that idea with these words:" This is the moment, this is the day. This the moment when I know I'm on my way. Every endeavor, I have ever made is coming into play is here and now today" I believe we all live our lives in hope that be get to see that moment. It continues" I'll gather up my past and make some sense at last !" I am often heard asking" God, why are you so good to me ?" I like being in that place of wonder and humility. I am humbled by the discovery of a tiny flower rooted in among the weeds. I am often physically and emotionally overwhelmed by a sunset. Seeing such seemingly insignificant things as enormously important, is both a gift ...

... the significance in that? I want to change the world. I am tired, worn out from weeping at the sight of still another death not just on the field of battle laid out by warriors, but in the streets of every city, in the fields of the impoverished, desolate reaches of the world. They are dying in my country and yours by bullet, by starvation, disease, arrogance, stupidity and pride. A tiny drop of water gave me hope. I am but one drop in the sea of humanity, but like the rain I can join together with others and wash away the hatred and pain I anguish over. One drop, then two, then thousands, millions and all together we can change the world. our world. I want to change my life. I am tired of being in debt. I am worn out from trying to keep pace with the world. I have tried my very best to ...

... Create Spring" Long after the cold, bitter and lost days the warmth of hope and ideals renewed still remain ," he said. It might seem strange to you. But I get the same relaxing feeling lying on my back in the snow as I do lying on the beach in summer. I close my eyes and listen to the world around me. I hear children laughing and the sun keeps me warm. I have learned to be where I want to be just by closing my eyes. We've had some snow here where I live. The kind of snow that calls the hearts of young and old alike." Come play! Ride the hill and slide down the mountain. Laugh and create tomorrow's memories while you can" So now that my children play no more beside me in the snow or on the beach, I have all I can do to remember. I bring them back into my life just by lying in the ...

... I Hope Your Box Is Empty! It was on the sixteenth day of the 12th month celebrating his 75th birthday when he decided it was time. Having been happily married, raising three boys, and continuing with great success, the family business handed down from generations before him, this now frail man had to make a decision. His health had not been good over the past few years and the stress of keeping the business on course was beginning to wear on him. The challenge was in deciding which one of his sons would take his place. Each boy had the experience. Each one was capable of helping it grow in the future. But each had different personal values. As they gathered together to celebrate Father's birthday, he quietly pulled them aside from the rest of the family to announce his retirement." Father, I can't imagine a day without you as the head of the business ," one said." We are sure ...

... them early this year. My two children and their families are going away for Christmas" Our search for the pork slowed down as our conversation progressed. Her husband, Jack, had passed away in the spring. The children wanted to cancel their holiday vacation and stay home, but she insisted they go, and made Christmas plans of her own." I'm not having a tree or putting up decorations. I've had more good Christmases than any one person could ever hope for. This year, I'm giving back" The week before Christmas, she's going to help a couple of organizations distribute food and gift baskets to the needy. On Christmas Day, she's going to serve food at the Downtown Mission. Her eyes were firm and clear as she spoke. No sign of the sadness you'd expect to see in the eyes of a person about to spend their first Christmas alone after forty-one years of marriage. I soon found out why." ...

... between my teeth while watching dead leaves, gum wrappers and other litter blow past me. Bees buzzed around my head, ants crawled up my shorts, and Japanese beetles tickled my thighs. Meanwhile, the sun grew hotter as it rose higher in the sky. I lay there for what seemed like 18 hours, and I didn't have on my 18-hour bra! After a while, I became painfully aware that the husband was not searching for me. Giving up any hope that my knight on horseback was coming to help, I muttered to myself," If I want to get home before the winter snows come, it's up to me to get myself there" When I felt some strength returning, I used the bike for leverage and pulled my woozy body up on quivering legs. Slumping over the handlebars for support, I trudged home while mentally rehearsing what I would say to Sir Galahad when I got there. Staggering into the front yard ...

... student was Robby. Robby was 11 years old when his mother (a single mom) dropped him off for his first piano lesson. I refer that students (especially boys !) begin at an earlier age, which I explained to Robby. But Robby said that it had always been his mother's dream to hear him play the piano. So I took him as a student. Well, Robby began with his piano lessons and from the beginning I thought it was a hopeless endeavor. As much as Robby tried, he lacked the sense of tone and basic rhythm needed to excel. But he dutifully reviewed his scales and some elementary pieces that I require all my students to learn. Over the months he tried and tried while I listened and cringed and tried to encourage him. At the end of each weekly lesson he'd always say," My mom's going to hear me play some day" But it seemed hopeless. He just did not have ...

... The Color Of Friendship Once upon a time the colors of the world started to quarrel. All claimed that they were the best. The most important. The most useful. The favorite. Green said:" Clearly I am the most important. I am the sign of life and of hope. I was chosen for grass, trees and leaves. Without me, all animals would die. Look over the countryside and you will see that I am in the majority" Blue interrupted:" You only think about the earth, but consider the sky and the sea. It is the water that is the basis of life and drawn up by the clouds from the deep sea. The sky gives space and peace and serenity. Without my peace, you would all be nothing" Yellow chuckled:" You are all so serious. I bring laughter, gaiety, and warmth into the world. The sun is yellow, the moon is ...

... what any of us deserves" Stepping out of the baggy old trousers, the stranger went on to describe a forgiveness that is available to each and every one of us. without strings attached. Unconditionally He loves us. Unconditionally He gave his very life for us. Unconditionally and forever, we can have the peace and assurance that no matter who we are, where we ’ ve come from, or how badly we may have mistreated others or ourselves, there is hope. In Jesus, there is always hope." You see, my friends, it is never too late to change ," the man continued." He is the Author of change, and the Provider of forgiveness. He came to bring new meaning to ‘ life ’" Men and women squirmed as reality hit them like an electrical current. The stranger tugged at his knotted gray beard, and removed it." I ’ m here to tell you that we are ...

... truthfully" So the servants stood before him and he started to question them. To the first servant, he asked," What do you do for me ?"" Sir, I work in the fields all day long to grow wheat for my lord's granary ," the first servant replied." Then, at night, I go through the house and fill all the lamps so that my lord will have light. For this you pay me a wage, but I hope that one day that I may earn my freedom" The master nodded his head. He turned to the second indentured servant and asked," And what do you do for me ?"" Sir ," he replied," I am an educated man. I am well-versed in literature, music, mathematics and science. I teach your children all that I know so that one day they may leave your house and make a success in the world. And when they do, ...

... the first to see the sun. Keep in mind that there is a possibility that someone else is standing on a taller mountain. It really shouldn't matter. Eventually, even those down in the valley will see the light. If you want no part of the day, try staying in bed. Chances are the sun will find you, still. The sun waits for no one. At the back of my property, we placed a converted shed we call" Hope House" Long before I am ready the house up on the hill begins to glow ever so brightly. First the peak and then washing slowly over the top of the door, it reflects back toward where I am standing. Imagine a spot light on one single object on a darkened stage. There, now fully exposed, the house on the hill beckons me and I run up the pathway in a hurry to claim my spot in the sun before it even kisses the ...

... 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 some of my best years turned out to be the years when I struggled, lost, failed and retreated into the darkness of that final night of the old year. Job loss, car repossession, debt, divorce, a failed business, cancer in my ...

... " The" Spiritual Connection" remains a part of who we are forever. In a sense it stays on our" hard drive" and cannot be removed or deleted. It's God inside each of us. In the darkest of days it's the little spark that ignites within us a desire for a better outlook. It causes us to reach out for that bright spot on the horizon or to touch the beauty of the moment longing for a return to happier times or hope for a better future. While visiting a State Park recently I saw along the edge of the still ice covered lake, a red ladder, rope and a long stick mounted on two poles. At first I thought it odd. Could they be leftovers from summer days or maintenance tools for park employees? No, they were mounted there as rescue equipment for the possibility of someone falling through the ice. As I looked further down along a shoreline I saw others located within ...

... could make something grow! 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 ...

... The choir would stand, the church organ would begin to play." O holy night, the stars are brightly shining" was the intro sung by the 12 member choir. Then, as if Heaven had open its doors, the choir softly faded and the man began to sing." It is the night of the dear Savior's birth! Long lay the world in sin and error pining, Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope, the weary soul rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn" You could feel the excitement as music began to build to the refrain." Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices! O night divine, O night when Christ was born! O night, O holy night, O night divine !" By this time there was never a dry eye. After the service the man would blend into the crowd and exit the rear door. The ...

... Dear Mom Dear Mom. We're still in Bethlehem-Mary and I and little Jesus. There were lots of things I couldn't tell you about last summer. You wouldn't have believed me then, but maybe I can tell you now. I hope you can understand. You know, Mom, I've always loved Mary. You and dad used to tease me about her when she was still a girl. She and her brothers used to play on our street. Our families got together for supper. But the hardest day of my life came scarcely a year ago when I was twenty and she only fifteen. You remember that day, don't you? The trouble started after we were betrothed and signed the marriage agreement at our engagement. That same spring Mary had left abruptly to visit her old cousin Elizabeth in Judea. She was gone three whole months. After she got back, people started wondering out loud if she were pregnant. It ...

... . Every five minutes. every minute. But complications arise during delivery. After hours of labor a C-section is required. Finally, Michael's little sister is born. But she is in serious condition. With siren howling in the night, the ambulance rushes the infant to the neonatal intensive care unit at St. Mary's Hospital, Knoxville, Tennessee. The days inch by. The little girl gets worse. The pediatric specialist tells the parents," There is very little hope. Be prepared for the worst" Karen and her husband contact a local cemetery about a burial plot. They have fixed up a special room in their home for the new baby-now they plan a funeral. Michael, keeps begging his parents to let him see his sister," I want to sing to her ," he says. Week two: Still in intensive care. It looks as if a funeral will come before the week is over. Michael keeps nagging ...

... 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.~Bob Perks~2believe @comcast.net [by: Bob Perks Copyright 2008 (2believe @comcast.net)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All ...

... . I then walked around the corner to the table that the men had chosen as a resting spot. I put the tray on the table and laid my hand on the blue eyed gentleman's cold hand. He looked up at me, with tears in his eyes, and said," Thank you" I leaned over, began to pat his hand and said," I did not do this alone for you. God is here working through me to give you hope" I started to cry as I walked away to join my husband and son. When I sat down my husband smiled at me and said," That is why God gave you to me honey. to give me hope" We held hands for moment and at that time we knew that only because of the Grace of God that we had been given, that we were able to give. We are not church goers but we are believers. That day showed me ...

... The Football Player Bob Richards, the former pole-vault champion, shares a moving story about a skinny young boy who loved football with all his heart. Practice after practice, he eagerly gave everything he had. But being half the size of the other boys, he got absolutely nowhere. At all the games, this hopeful athlete sat on the bench and hardly ever played. This teenager lived alone with his father, and the two of them had a very special relationship. Even though the son was always on the bench, his father was always in the stands cheering. He never missed a game. This young man was still the smallest of the class when 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 ...

... and sister who have been gone for so very long.God always answers prayer-but in His time, not ours. And 43 years after being separated, the little girl who is now 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 1993, I found my missing brothers and sister. None of us are missing anymore! Praise God for His wisdom-for His mercy and for His love. [by: Donna Elaine Streeter (pacificblue7 @mac.com)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved ...

... adamant about it. I made my opinion known, as I had about her living arrangements, but it seemed to matter little to her. She went ahead with the process. Not once, not twice, but three times in one year! The pivotal place for me was when she asked me to come along with her, to be there during each procedure. I knew I could have stood my ground, insisting on having NO part in this decision, with hopes that she would see things my way, and wait till she had her own children first. But I didn't. The bottom line, I decided, was that she was my daughter, and I would love and support her no matter what she did in life, or who she lived with, or how different she was from me. I began to let go. Over a year and a half has passed since that Christmas Eve when I lost connection with my youngest ...

... under the building's sprinkler system, they held hands and ran through the flames to safety at Trinity Church, about two blocks away." I wanted to go to the church to thank God ," Stanley explained," As soon as I held onto the gate of that church, the building {World Trade Center Tower Two} collapsed" Stanley and Brian made their way safely out of the danger area. Before they parted, Stanley gave his business card to Brian in hopes of contact at a later time, and said," If I don't see you, I'll see you in heaven" Cut and bloodied, with clothes tattered and wearing a borrowed shirt, Stanley finally made it home hours later to his wife, Jennifer, and his two girls, Stephanie, 8, and Caitlin, 4." I held my wife and my two children and we cried ," said Stanley. After thanking God for sparing his life, Stanley told God ...

... 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 ...

... 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: Tim Manzer Copyright 2008 (tim @soulrehab.org)-submitted by: Tim Manzer] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... reminded the wearer just what a burden the shackles were. One particularly warm summer, rumors began circulating through Shackleburg that a key had been found. Reports came from the south side of town that people had been seen walking without leg irons. Many dismissed such a story as wishful thinking or a hoax. Many" keys" had been found in the history of Shackleburg, all of them later shown to be ineffective at unlocking the irons. Still, many held out hope that, at last, a true key existed. Some suspected that there indeed was a key; they just weren't sure where to look for it. One day during that summer, around noon, a stranger entered town. Around his neck, on a string, hung an iron object. It looked remarkably like a key. The stranger walked, not shuffled, through town, with un-calloused ankles. No metallic clink could be heard as he strolled down the main avenue ...

... know that the world has given me no happiness. After searching my entire life, I have only been able to find the answers to my questions on my knees at the foot of the Cross.~Jaye Lewis~Jaye Lewis is an award winning writer, who looks at life from a unique perspective, celebrating the miraculous in the everyday. She lives and writes in the beautiful mountains of Virginia. Jaye is currently editing her book, Entertaining Angels, which she hopes to submit to a publisher before the first of the year. Feel free to email her or click the link below to visit her website. [By: Jaye Lewis Copyright 2004-submitted by: Jaye Lewis (jayelewis @comcast.net)] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... make you stronger. Or, as Ernest Hemingway put it," Life breaks us all, but afterwards, many of us are strongest at the broken places" The next time you're in Beulah, Michigan, look for that beautiful elm. It spans 60 feet across its lush, green crown. The trunk is about 12 feet in circumference. Look for the wound made by the chain. It serves as a reminder that because of our wounds, we can have hope! Our wounds can give us resources we need to cope and survive. They can truly make us strong.~Steve Goodier~[ by: Steve Goodier Copyright 2007 (LifeSupport @yahoogroups.com)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... trusting. These contented folks share at least two traits. The first is that they are trustworthy. They are known to be honest and true to their word. And the second trait these happy and satisfied people share is that they easily trust others. Sometimes their trust is misplaced, but they've discovered that the benefits of trusting usually outweigh the risks of disappointment. I expect I'll get taken in plenty of times yet by friends and strangers I believed in. But I hope the next time I trusted when I should have been more cautious, I can learn from the good folks of Wetumka and laugh at myself. Because I'd rather let others into my heart than shut them out. I'd rather be a sucker for a day than unhappy for a lifetime. And I'd rather believe there is goodness in most people, for that is the only way to find it.~Steve Goodier~[ by: Steve Goodier Copyright 2009 (LifeSupport @yahoogroups.com ...

... many feet, you can't tell which end is which and my color is boring. What good am I ?" sighed the caterpillar." I am tired, my friend. Please go about your business and leave me alone" The caterpillar crawled off and curled up inside a big leaf near the end of a nearby branch. His friend the spider felt so sorry for him as he watched the caterpillar close himself off from the world. Everyday the spider would return in hope that his friend would reawaken. He would stand next to him and whisper" There is more to you than you know" Then one day after repairing his web, the spider returned to visit his friend. He was shocked. The leaf he had curled up in was wide open. He was gone. The spider was sad." I have lost my friend. I did all I could"" Spider, look up here. It's me, the caterpillar. ...

... faith might be, do you live it so well that people have certain expectations of you? If I had seen that in a message from anyone else would I immediately think it meant Jesus or would I see it as a typo? I shared this with my wife and guess what? She now emails me and adds" J" at the end. The big question for me now .should I begin doing this in an effort to show Jesus in my life or hope that others would see it anyway? By the way, the conversation I had with my editor when we talked about faith was this." Bob, would you have a problem with having God in your stories ?" I was stunned. I was quiet for moment." I would like to add a bible quote here and there throughout the book ," she added. I then immediately replied," I would love that !" When I hung up the phone I headed to ...

... question, and with one quick movement brought forth a miniature toy bag from behind the tree. As I stood bewildered, Santa said," Teach the children! Teach them the old meaning of Christmas. The meaning that now-a-days Christmas has forgotten" Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a FIR TREE and placed it before the mantle." Teach the children that the pure green color of the stately fir tree remains green all year round, depicting the everlasting hope of mankind, all the needles point heavenward, making it a symbol of man's thoughts turning toward heaven" He again reached into his bag and pulled out a brilliant STAR." Teach the children that the star was the heavenly sign of promises long ago. God promised a Savior for the world, and the star was the sign of fulfillment of His promise" He then reached into his bag and pulled out a CANDLE." Teach the children that the candle symbolizes that ...

... old man and his obsession with the apple basket. As they talked and laughed about the situation the wife came in carrying the basket of apples. They looked kind of stunned as she asked if she could see her husband and deliver his basket. Sure, they agreed as they watched her slip past into his room. Curiosity consumed them over the next few weeks as they tended to the elderly man. He was eaten with cancer and the doctors had given him no hope of survival. He turned out to be a very calm, happy man once he had his basket. His wife, they noticed, would come in with apples and go out with apples and the curiosity grew even more till one nurse couldn't stand the suspense. One night as he was nearing the end, the nurse sat down in a chair by the wife" May I ask why do you have that apple basket? I just don't understand the significance"" I ...

... You can do something or nothing at all. But this again isn't about a place. It's about the path to get there. Marianne and I have this unspoken understanding that sometimes we need to wander up the path by ourselves. Such is life. I never even suggested it, we never even discussed it. It just has been understood. It was on such an occasion recently that I discovered something. I watched my wife walk slowly up the pathway, into Hope House and close the door. I had no idea how long she would be, but I stayed right where I was looking out the window from our living room. Why? Because I wanted to see her come back. It was then I realized that I often speak about the road of life, the path I am on and the steps to get me there. Today I realized that roads and paths aren't always one way. It helped me to remember many times ...

... isle seat. Why? They are the first person to land on Boardwalk. Three mom's scurry away to calm previously sleeping children-the game is forgotten. And as comfortable as this family Inn has been, it is not home. I try to sleep but every noise is distinct and pronounced in its unfamiliarity. I notice the flushing of the communal restroom facility and the creaking of the floor and the faint whisper of others seeking elusive slumber (or more turkey in hopes for a triptophan encore). Suddenly it hits me; Jesus came to a packed house and wasn't allowed in. The joyful celebrating on that first Christmas refused to acknowledge a newborn babe. I imagine women joking and sharing stories of the agony and ecstasy of being moms. I imagine games that the men insisted on winning. Children alternately delighting and exasperating their parents with everyone looking forward to going home. I seek out a quiet spot and bring my Bible." And ...

... . I can get it to fly ," he answered, as he hurried out the back door. I peeked through the slats in the venetian blinds to watch determination in action. Up and down the yard he ran, pulling the kite attached to a small length of string. The plastic kite, proudly displaying a picture of Batman, remained about shoulder level. He ran back and forth, as hard as his ten year old legs would carry him, looking back hopefully at the kite trailing behind. After about ten minutes of unsuccessful determination, he came back in. I asked," How did it go ?"" Fine ," he said, not wanting to admit defeat." I got it to fly some" As he walked past me to return the kite to the closet shelf, I heard him say under his breath," I guess I'll have to wait for the wind" At that moment I heard another Voice speak to ...

... , and with one quick movement brought forth a miniature toy bag from behind the tree. As I stood bewildered, Santa said," Teach the children. Teach them the real meaning of Christmas. The meaning of Christmas that nowadays has been forgotten" Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a FIR TREE and placed it before the mantle. Teach the children that the pure green color of the stately fir tree remains green all year round, depicting the everlasting hope of mankind. All the needles point Heavenward, making it a symbol of man's thoughts turning toward Heaven. He again reached into his bag and pulled out a brilliant STAR. Teach the children that the star was the Heavenly sign of promises long ago. God promised a Savior for the world, and the star was the sign of the fulfillment of His promise. He then reached into his bag and pulled out a CANDLE. Teach the children that the candle symbolizes that Christ ...

... it was difficult to pack up eight years into shipping crates and footlockers, get on a train which would take us to an airplane, and just leave! But we did! However, before we left, we spent several weeks traveling all over the country saying good bye to those we loved so much. It was a difficult assignment, but God provided the grace we all needed. I remember one particular good bye that will stay with me forever, or I hope it does. His name was Paw Phim. Paw in the Thai language is a term of respect and endearment for older men. It is equivalent to our" Father" Paw Phim had become like a second father to me, for it was in his village that I preached my first sermon in Thai. On that particular day, I knew no one understood, but Paw Phim took my hand after the sermon and told me it was one of the finest sermons he ...

... had NOT been in jail, I would have been with you"" And we know that 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 ...

... " 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? (Now I hope you will not see me as totally self-centered here; I'm not claiming to be" Perfect Mom" Some other time we may look at the other side of the coin, but these were my thoughts that day in Sunbury Community Hospital) I'm the Mom, the one who abandons the dishes in the sink to go look at a horrible bug with Billy. I trim and arrange myriad bunches of wildflowers and weeds picked by Carol. Bill and I walk through our green, ...

... The computer failed. She didn't" I turned back and she was smiling." I'm so glad I had you when this happened ," she said softly. After a few minutes everything was up and running. She totaled the sale, I handed her money and as she began to give me my change I reached out with both hands and held hers. She appeared slightly startled as she looked up at me." Thanks, you did a great job. I hope things get better" Her eyes welled with tears as she whispered" Thank you"" What can I do ?" The timing was perfect. I was struggling with my own issues and God gave me the perfect chance to touch someone else who was struggling, too. Someone is in pain and hurting today. Someone's marriage is falling apart. Someone just found out they have cancer. Someone is dying." What can I do ?" Stop and ask them that. It's ...

... and became a hero. I went on to write many stories which last week saved the life of a teenage boy. In turn that makes the person who sent me the card a double hero. I suppose that is why I fight so hard to help the children now living in orphanages. Most children come out of these institutions with a very hard and vindictive attitude against the world. The gifts we send them let them know that they have not been forgotten. Hopefully, most of them will never hurt anyone because of the kindness shown to them by those of us who cared. If it works we will also become “ heroes ” Gee, who would have every thought that anyone can become a hero, and possibly save a life, just by being kind and courteous to others? The best part of all is that becoming a “ hero ” is free to all who wish to wear such and honor.~Roger Dean Kiser~ ...

... how easy the act would be. How graceful I would look. I was wrong! Looking on, while Brenda had effortlessly climbed a pole balanced on Carlos ' shoulders to do various poses twenty-five feet above the ground, and doing it myself, were two different things! Carlos ' voice jolted me back to the here and now." Are you ready? We're on after the clowns" It was show time! Mentally rehearsing the routine one last time, I hoped all eyes would stay glued to the aerial act above center ring. During the announcement, Carlos and I parked our bathrobes we wore over our circus costumes on a chair in the corner. He reached for my hand. Next thing I knew, we were sailing out to greet the audience. Our audience! The rhinestones on my new costume sparkled under the brilliant lights flooding the arena. Magically, the routine unfolded like clockwork and all too soon we were taking final bows ...

... Then God steps in and says" look .you are a masterpiece. You are a bright shining example of my work. Lift up your head and hold it high! Your gifts may not be obvious to the world, but who are they to judge my creation !" Today, break the bonds that tie you down. Loosen the grip you have held on words like" not good enough ,"" failure ,"" ugly ,"" useless ,"" unworthy ," and" hopeless" You may indeed need to work harder. You may have to fight prejudice. You may be ridiculed and mocked for even thinking you can succeed. But you are His child. You are better than all of that. You are more than you ever imagined and greater than all you believe. Stand up! Get moving! Start planning! Discover today what God sees in you, by asking Him to reveal it in all of its glory. You need not stand ...

... end of a crack-the-whip of older boys. My friend watched them until they disappeared over the tips of the farthest trees. Only then, in the dusk, which was suddenly deep, did she realize that tears were running down her cheeks and had been-for how long she didn't know. This is a true story. It happened. I do not try to interpret it. I just think of it in the bad moments, and from it comes only one hopeful question:" If so for birds, why not for man?" Bear ye one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ" Galatians 6: 2 [Author Unknown-submitted by: Helen Dowd (www.occupytillicome.com)] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... today" It got very quiet as all three scruffy heads swung around toward Dad and the newsworthy clock radio. No School? Could it be? They sat still. Not even breathing... Oh please-please-pleeease, they silently prayed in unison as the announcer read the long list of school closings. Why did our town, an S, always have to be at the end of the long list? Even the dog had a wistful look of hope on his face as his ears tilted forward in anticipation. Andy sat with eyes closed and fingers double-crossed on each hand. Ohhh !!-A reprieve from that Spelling! PLEEEASE !!!!!! Then, the happiest words on earth! He said it! Schofield... all schools closed! Ohhhhh! A Snow Dayyyy !!!!! The cheers went up! They yelled with the sheer joy of only the young! Whoooppeee !!!! Watching from a safe distance, the cat sat with a haughty ...

... Who's Your Daddy? A number of years ago a seminary professor was vacationing with his wife in Gatlinburg, Tennessee where they were eating breakfast at a little restaurant, hoping to enjoy a quiet family meal. While they were waiting for their food, they noticed a distinguished looking, white-haired man moving from table to table visiting with the guests. The professor leaned over and whispered to his wife:" I hope he doesn't come over here" But sure enough, the man did come over to their table." Where are you folks from ?" he asked in a friendly voice." Oklahoma ," they answered." Great to have you here in Tennessee ," the stranger said." What do you do for a living ?"" I teach at a seminary ," he replied." Oh, you teach preachers how to preach? Well, I've got a really great story for you" And with that, the gentleman pulled up a ...

... ," that's just the way you are ," and stopped listening. From that point on I had the most incredible day. It may be hard to understand this, but I don't have a lot of great days. Oh, the days are always great, but my attitude toward them isn't. Shocked to hear me say that? It's true. Monday through Friday I watch ABC News. At the end of the news cast Charlie Gibson always says," I hope you had a good day" Some days tears run down my face. That day I rushed into the living room just to hear him say it." I did, Charlie! I did !" I shouted. When the darkness of night came blanketing my bedroom, lying there I tried to figure out why this one particular day was so incredible. It was because Ann Marie said," that's just the way you are" I realized that she saw me as one ...

... time soon" And she was right. Sort of. Because it was one whole week before Hugh Philbert walked proudly up to the two of us in the bustling cafeteria, a smile on his dirty face and a skinny, clutched fist full of sweaty change, mostly nickels." Man, Mr. Fischer, you don't know how many trips down the candy aisle I skipped after school last week to save this up ," he told me-loud enough, I hoped, for my betting partner to hear. Of course, in the grandest of all junior high traditions, Hugh needed to borrow the dollar right back, then and there, the very same day, so that he could eat some lunch. But since I had won the bet, I gladly let my" partner" foot the bill!~Rusty Fischer~In over a decade of ghostwriting full-time, Rusty Fischer and his clients have been published by industry leaders such as ...

... and trickling down her little face, making it even harder to focus on her desperate search. She was 10 years old and had lost her mitten and could not come into the house until she found it. The crisp biting wind and cold caused her to shiver through her thin jacket. Never had she ever felt more abandoned or alone and as the sad tears streamed rivers down her face she searched and searched. But the mitten could not be found. With little hope and no one's help she knelt in the halo of a street lamp. And on her knees she cried out to the one person she had heard truly loved her. Her simple prayer" Jesus I cannot find my mitten. I cannot go in without it. If You love me, please help me find it .please" must have melted the Father's heart of God. But for her, it seemed even He was silent, no one cared, and she had been ...

... my fiance said," and I told her that she should be ashamed of herself and she just looked angry and rolled her eyes" She never said thank you. That's not what I wanted. I just wanted her to CARE. The Universal Law says: What you give you get back. Sadly, someday the daughter will be the one struggling with a cane, unable to get into a car, and there will be no one to help her. I hope she thinks of that and makes some changes before it's too late." For others will treat you as you treat them. Whatever measure you use in judging others, it will be used to measure how you are judged" (Matthew 7: 2 NLT) [by Ellen M. DuBois Copyright 2001-submitted by: Ellen M. DuBois] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... dirt"~Margaret Atwood~There ’ s nothing quite like the fragrance of the earth on a warm Spring day when plants begin to blossom. It is the time of year when many trees and shrubs look as if they are most certainly dead but then suddenly they spring to life. It is the miracle of Spring. We begin watching for signs of Spring even as early as February 2nd when we look to see if the groundhog sees his shadow, and we hope he doesn ’ t because the legend says that if he does, he will be frightened back into his den and we will experience yet another six weeks of winter. I thought maybe any old groundhog would do for the shadow test but according to the inner circle in Punxsutawney, PA. any ground hog other than Phil are simply weather predicting imposters. The word “ Spring ” itself is from Old English meaning “ the place of rising or issuing as in a wellspring, ...

... so light and so fine that I can carry you anywhere with me" And so Wind did carry the dust of Leaf and scattered it over fields, onto the backs of birds that flew to mountains and into streams that led to oceans. Finally Wind seeded the clouds with the last few tiny grains that were once Leaf and Leaf came back to Earth with rains and snows. Everywhere it fell the remains of Leaf brought a grain of pure joy, a drop Of hope and touch of love for wind and life. One day in springtime Wind rustled past Tree and heard Tree telling all the young leaves about the Leaf that had loved the Wind and perished in the dirt. Wind came back through Tree singing a breezy tune," Listen my children, but not to those who tell you that your fate is in the dirt. Listen to me instead. I will tell the tale of how you will become Heaven's Dust. Believe and you ...

... policeman continued to try and remove the small purple sack from the old man ’ s hands. The small gold rope finally broke as the officer pulled it free from the homeless man ’ s grasp. Spreading open the top of the bag, he turned on his flashlight and looked inside. The officer stood there slowly shaking his head, back and forth. Dropping hands to his side, he called for the other officers to come and take a look. I had hoped that the policeman would take the “ key of life ” out of the bag so that I could see what it looked like. One at a time, the officers looked into the bag and as they did each one slowly shook their heads. I saw the ambulance lights turn into the alley so I moved behind the large trash cans and continued hiding from view. Several attendants, dressed in white, quickly took a small bed from the back of the vehicle and rolled ...

... son. Oh, how great is the love of God that He should do the same for us !" With that, the old man turned and sat back down in his chair as silence filled the room. Within minutes after the service ended, the two teenagers were at the old man's side." That was an awesome story ," said one of the boys," but I don't think it was very logical for a father to give up his son's life in hopes that the other boy would become a Christian"" Well, you've got a point there ," the old man replied, glancing down at his worn Bible. A big smile broadened his narrow face, and he once again looked up at the boys and said," It sure isn't very logical, is it? But I'm here today to tell you the fact THAT story gives me a glimpse of what it must have been like for God to give up His Son for ...

... If you had to advise her, what would you have told her? Careful analysis would produce three possibilities: The girl should refuse to take a pebble. The girl should show that there were two black pebbles in the bag and expose the money-lender as a cheat. The girl should pick a black pebble and sacrifice herself in order to save her father from his debt and imprisonment. Take a moment to ponder over the story. The above story is used with the hope that it will help us appreciate the difference between lateral and logical thinking. The girl's dilemma cannot be solved with traditional logical thinking. Think of the consequences if she chooses the above logical answers. What would you recommend to the Girl to do? Well, here is what she did.... The girl put her hand into the moneybag and drew out a pebble. Without looking at it, she fumbled and let it fall onto the pebble-strewn path where it immediately ...

... bear cones, never to see young ones grow up between his toes. All he can look forward to are the cracks and fissures that come with dryness and age. He will feel the water of snow storms melt and trickle down those cracks into to his feet. It is there, underground, that he will eventually rot and decay 30 to 40 years hence. When he can, the pole lives in the fragrant memories of his past, not in the stark hopelessness of his present. My life hasn't exactly gone as I had planned either. But I realize that the telephone pole silhouetted against the sky has found a new meaning to his life that he had no reason to expect. Birds flutter near his top. Now, one of them inches down the pole and suddenly inflicts a new violence upon him. Bang, bang, bang. The woodpecker drives his sharp bill deeper and deeper into the pole's fibrous tissues. Bang, bang ...

... there would be no color in your life. But, it was the second oven that gave you the strength to endure. Now you are everything I intended you to be-from the beginning" And I, the teacup, heard myself saying something I never thought I would hear myself saying," Master, forgive me, I did not trust you. I thought you were going to harm me, I did not know you had a glorious future and a hope for me. I was too shortsighted, but I want to thank you. I want to thank you for the suffering. I want to thank you for the process of pain. Here I am! I give you myself-fill me; pour from me, use me as you see fit. I really want to be a vessel that brings you glory within my life" Comment-And all God's people said AMEN. [Author Unknown-from Gerard J. ...

... The Shadow and the Chick This story, about one of our numerous pets, happened many years ago, but it is one of those unforgettable events that leave a lasting impression. I hope you enjoy it. My shadow fell at an eighty-five degree angle behind me as I passed the gravel pit, but I barely noticed. I was exhausted after having climbed the two-kilometer hill from where my car had decided to go on strike." And to think, I still have two or three more kilometers to hike before I reach home" I sighed. My mind was already on flopping down in my lazy-boy chair, a large glass of ice water in my hand, kicking off my shoes, and closing my eyes. Thinking about it, my eyelids drooped. As I shuffled along the gravel road, I had a creepy feeling that someone was following me. My eyes popped open; I spun my head around; I froze. After ...

... death, and false accusations that took from me my world as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I had spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully; each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me. And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it had been. I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light. An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with eyes wide. Then, I looked upon the ...

... , but because the pieces aren't exact, I have some rough edges, which I cherish, because they remind me of the love we shared. Sometimes I have given pieces of my heart away, and the other person hasn't returned a piece of his heart to me. These are the empty gouges-giving love is taking a chance. Although these gouges are painful, they stay open, reminding me of the love I have for these people too, and I hope someday they may return and fill the space I have waiting. So now do you see what true beauty is ?" The young man stood silently with tears running down his cheeks. He walked up to the old man, reached into his perfect young and beautiful heart, and ripped a piece out. He offered it to the old man with trembling hands. The old man took his offering, placed it in his heart and then took a piece from his old scarred heart ...

... 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, and as they climbed they learned to weather the storms. And with this, she gave them strength to face the world. Year after year, she showed them compassion, understanding, hope, but most of all. unconditional love. The days went on, and the weeks and the months and the years, and the mother grew old and she became little and bent. But her children were tall and strong, and walked with courage. And the mother, when she lay down at night, looked up at the stars and said," This is a better day than the last, for my children have learned so much and are now passing these ...

... in a new appreciation of what surrounds me. Even in blindness, I can see the world with more passion and gusto. Knowing who is God, gratitude lifted my veil of gloom as it shone emphasis on what I can do, what I have, on the treasures that enrich my life, and on the potential that is yet to be explored. Most of all, the spirit of gratitude sparked soothing contentment, trickled in joy, and rekindled the beauty of hope. My wish for you is that you take a look at the simpler season — Jesus did — a manger housed his birth, but His life determined our destiny. This Christmas, leave out your shoes. The gift you find might determine a more profound outlook, yet simpler and uncomplicated.~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 ...

... Our attitude is something we can control. We can establish our attitude each morning when we start our day. In fact, we do just that whether we realize it or not" And that's the point, isn't it? If I realize that I am already choosing my attitudes every day, I can make better choices. If I realize that I am already choosing my face, I can put on different face. If I face the day with a little more hope and confidence, more generosity and love, I'll be happier for it. And who knows? Maybe a modern day Lincoln will say he likes my face.~Steve Goodier~[ by: Steve Goodier Copyright 2008 (LifeSupport @yahoogroups.com)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... , and although baseball resumed its place in our lives, we had an open house for our graduating senior, and invited Tracy and her family. Tracy looked a little thinner but wanted her picture taken at the open house as she was wearing a new blond wig! Everyone was going in so many directions that fall. I tried my best to keep up with Karen and how Tracy was doing. Her good days were getting to be fewer, yet they clung to hope and prayed God would spare her. On a sunny January day, Tracy gave up her battle with cancer, and the Lord took her to her new Heavenly home. While attending the funeral service we were happy to see Tracy's little friends were singing favorite songs she had liked. They wanted to make this a celebration of Tracy's life. It was a beautiful tribute to a sweet little girl from a loving Church family. The burial took place across from the school Tracy attended ...

... Except For Six Strangers It was extremely hot and humid. Any movement at all caused perspiration to form on my brow eventually running like a fresh rain down my face. I had arrived early and was standing in the parking lot. After a few minutes I wandered inside to find a place out of the sun and hopefully into the cool air being generated by the small window air conditioner facing the lot. I was out of the sun, but far from cool. The only other time I was ever in a funeral home by myself was when my Gramps died. The director always let me arrive early so I could spend some private time with him. I loved my Gramps so much. This time, however, I didn't even know the man and I was about to participate in his funeral. A man walked in and thanked me for being there." We have him ready. There will be no viewing, of course. ...

... have had people who were sick come up to us when we are out, and Freedom has some kind of hold on them. I once had a guy who was terminal come up to us and I let him hold her. His knees just about buckled and he swore he could feel her power coarse through his body. I have so many stories like that. I never forget the honor I have of being so close to such a magnificent spirit as Freedoms. Hope you enjoy this. Jeff Guidry Jeff Guidry and Freedom are at Sarvey Wildlife Center: http :// www.sarveywildlife.org Send E-Mail for Jeff to: jeff @sarveywildlife.org or eaglewalker @comcast.net [by: Jeff Guidry-from Pastor Harold Brown (hbrown777 at earthlink.net)] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... family." Thanks again for the clams, the pumpkin, the candle !" It is the following morning and I am struggling to email my aunt. How can I show my appreciation for it all-the glorious weather, the delectable food? Finding next year's calendar, I flip ahead to October, making sure to highlight the first Sunday in bright orange marker. Perhaps the best sort of thank you involves simply being present for cherished traditions. Next year, and hopefully for many years to come, I will be there, feasting with family at the little cottage by the lake.~Stefanie Wass~< swass @adelphia.net >Stefanie writes from her home in Hudson, Ohio. A member of the International Women's Writing Guild, Stefanie's essays have been published in The Christian Science Monitor, The Akron Beacon Journal, Chicken Soup For The Beach Lover's Soul, and Chicken Soup For The New Mom's Soul. Additionally, her stories have appeared in ...

... left me depressed, bewildered and prone to emotional excess." You could cut the apron strings without slicing through my heart, you know ," I whimper in one of my calmer moments." Mom ," he mumbles in that teenage tone of voice," why can't you just act normal ?" Normal is, of course, a relative term. In about 10 years, I will magically return to normalcy as my pubescent boy turns into an adult. At least I hope I do. In the meantime, I'm going to hang on to those severed apron strings. I may need them to strangle him.~Jackie Papandrew~2008, All Rights Reserved Jackie Papandrew is an award-winning writer, syndicated humor columnist, coffee addict and mom to a motley crew of children and pets who provide a steady stream of column ideas and dirt. She's also wife to a very patient man who had no idea, years ago when he still had time to ...

... through his mind. What would have gone through your mind? Perhaps, shock would have crippled you as it did the other parents who were walking around dazed, clutching at their hearts and calling out their child's name. But in the case of this father, the sight of rubble and ruin only made him spring into action. He ran to the back corner of the building where his son's class room used to be and began to dig. Why? What real hope did he have? What were the chances that his son could have survived such destruction? All he knew was that he had made a promise to always be there for his son. It was this promise that gave strength to his body and motivated him mentally. As he began to dig, well-meaning parents tried to pull him out of the rubble saying:" It's too late !"" They're dead !"" You can't help !"" Go home !"" There's nothing you ...

... old man if he would join us." No thank you. I have plenty" And he held up a brown paper bag. When I had finished the dishes, I went out on the porch to talk with him a few minutes. It didn't take long to see this old man had an oversized heart crowded into that tiny body. He told me he fished for a living to support his daughter, her five kids, and her husband, who was hopelessly crippled from a back injury. He didn't tell it by way of complaint; in fact, every other sentence was prefaced with a thanks to God for a blessing. He was grateful that he had no pain from his disease, which was apparently a form of skin cancer. He thanked God for giving him the strength to keep going. At bedtime, I put a camp cot in the children's room for him. When I got up in the morning, the bed ...

... lay face down, still alive. He pulled her up by the hair of her head and asked," Do you still believe in God ?"" You know that I do ," Rachel managed to reply. Immediately after her reply a bullet entered her temple. Mr. Scott shared the story of John Tomlin, another victim. John had been on mission trips to Mexico and was hungry to do more. During each school day he decided to do something small in hopes it might cause someone to think about spiritual things. He left his Bible open on the dashboard of his truck. At 4 A.M. one morning after the tragedy, Mr. Scott looked around as he was beginning an interview with NBC's Maria Shriver and noticed a circle of people around John's truck, talking about the Bible on the dashboard. Mr. Scott spoke of his son, Craig, who escaped death after looking down the barrel of a gun. He escaped because ...

... , and I had a mother and father out there somewhere. It was November so it was getting a little cold as the sun went down. I knew from past experience that I could not stay on the main road as the police would be looking for me. They would return me to the Duval County Juvenile Hall or worse, back to" The Orphanage". As I walked along, I came across some railroad tracks which I thought I would follow in hopes they might lead me to my mother somewhere in California. After about an hour or two of walking the tracks, I came across a large bonfire. There were several men standing around in a circle trying to stay warm." Where you headed kid ?" yelled one of the men." Going to California to find my mom and dad ," I hollered back at him." Going the wrong way kid ," he said, cupping his hands over his mouth like a ...

... God In A Rose Inspiration is hidden within the beautiful rose. One of my very favorite flowers is the rose, but I never had much practical knowledge about roses until I began to look for some" rosy" thoughts to share. I learned that Columbus discovered America because of a rose. On October 11, 1492, in the Sargasso Sea, one of Columbus ' crewmen picked a rose branch from the water. This sign of land renewed their hope for survival and gave them the courage to continue their journey. The rose is the official National Floral emblem of the United States since Nov. 20, 1986. It is the state flower of 4 states and of Washington, D.C. According to one legend, the rose was born from a smile of Cupid, but we know it is one of God's finest gifts to humanity. Its combination of beauty and fragrance are seldom surpassed by any other bloom. A rose has been fashioned ...

... that I couldn't even pronounce. With each item, I pictured my mother's expression while she opened it on Christmas morning. It was a difficult task. I saw stockings and perfumes and I looked at watches in a glass counter that had rotating shelves, pressing the button to rotate each shelf. I knew that the change in my pocket wasn't enough to buy one, but I picked out the one she'd like best, anyway. I began to feel discouraged, without hope of finding something. But when I turned into the last aisle I saw exactly what I was looking for. It was next to the bars of bath soap-the perfect gift-a great big box of tissues. Now, a box of tissues may not sound like much of a gift to you, but they were one thing we never had in our house when I was growing up. With seven children and very little money, tissues were a true luxury item ...

... Flying Solo One morning as I came in to work at my job as a church secretary, I was greeted by the sharp, intense call of a bird. Although I could not see the source, the sound was coming from somewhere high in the branches of the Oak of Hope (an ancient oak here on the grounds of First Christian Church) Mind you, this was not the usual soothing sound of birdsong that I've become accustomed to as I walk up the sidewalk each morning. Instead, this was a call of distress and it didn't take long for me to discover what all the excitement was about. As I glanced around, I noticed a baby bird sitting statue-still on the ground beneath the grand old oak that graces the grounds here at the church. Apparently, this baby was out on its first solo flight and had run into some difficulty. (Sorry, my imagination sometimes tends to run away with me) and now ...

... quiet so as not to wake my little sister softly snoring under her Strawberry Shortcake blanket on the other twin bed. Two blinks later my shrieking alarm clock signaled Christmas morning was finally here. I popped out of bed and shrugged into my blue fuzzy bathrobe before I yanked the pink quilt off of Diane. We heard Dennis already galloping down the stairs, so Diane and I quickly followed. As soon as we entered the living room I blinked a few times in the hopes our three tiny gifts would have multiplied over night, but no such luck. Without a word we trudged off to the sewing room to get Dad's gift. By the time we'd dragged it under the tree, Mom was in the kitchen putting her famous cinnamon rolls into the oven and we already smelled Dad's coffee perking." Time for presents. Hurry up !" Diane tugged mom's bathrobe, then all five of us scrambled back into the living room." Youngest first ," ...

... thrown down on his bad leg. He lay there trying to gather himself as the minister came running to help him. Although the minister had witnessed the attack from his window, he couldn't get there fast enough to stop it." Carl, are you okay? Are you hurt ?" the minister kept asking as he helped Carl to his feet. Carl just passed a hand over his brow and sighed, shaking his head." Just some punk kids. I hope they'll wise-up someday" His wet clothes clung to his slight frame as he bent to pick up the hose. He adjusted the nozzle again and started to water. Confused and a little concerned, the minister asked," Carl, what are you doing?" I've got to finish my watering. It's been very dry lately ," came the calm reply. Satisfying himself that Carl really was all right, the minister could only marvel. Carl was a man from a different ...

... , too. I shook my head in frustration." Why did it take so long for it to comeback this time ?" I said. Then I looked closer. I wish I had my camera because if you can't believe I talk to trees and frogs, you wouldn't believe this. Its reply was clear. It was sitting on a small rock we placed along the edge of the pond that said" Patience" It was right near," Peace ,"" Hope" and" Joy" I've heard it said," Balance comes with" Patience"" 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. ...

... 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 >_ Jacquelyn is from Oakland, California. She has a couple of pets, Mimi, her cat, and Mocha, a ChihuaPom (half Chihuahua, half Pomeranian) [By: Jacquelyn Ligon, Copyright 2008 (myrealm23 at yahoo.com)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... Fifteen years after my initial diagnosis, my father began to lose his eyesight and so did I. He was 55 years old, but I was only 28. In a matter of two years, we had both lost our sight completely. I focused on the effects of my own darkness. My world crumbled as the black curtain fell, destroying the dreams my husband and I had for us and for our three little boys. But when I turned to God for hope and strength, He responded by opening my eyes to a new revelation. My father had given me not just the RP gene, but the example of determination and tenacity as well. We were all living in Bolivia in 1964 when he defied the family's opposition to move to America. He and mom worked tirelessly to satisfy the requirements imposed by the U.S. Immigration Department to enter the country and establish residency. Once in the states, he overcame humiliation, intense loneliness, ...

... at my head and asked in all sincerity that his 25 years could muster and asked," Should I put down blond or gray ?"" Blond" I told him, trying to hold onto my dignity as I reached over the desk and whispered," I'm due for a date with Clariol !" There's no denying the hands of time hold us all in their delicate grip. But I'm learning that having a sense of humor about it certainly can turn the tide from hopeless to happy. After all, age is just a number. No matter what your hair color or how many lines map a wrinkled face, you will always only be as old as you feel. And with that thought in mind I threw on my baggy sweats, slipped into my favorite slippers and headed right to the store for that much needed bottle of youth-the blond hair dye. There is comfort in time gone by; comfort in accepting the fact that, ...

... from years back came by to make things square. Your ma and me were real excited, thinking that now we could get you that rifle, and I started into town this morning to do just that. But on the way I saw little Jakey out scratching in the woodpile with his feet wrapped in those gunny sacks and I knew what I had to do. So, Son, I spent the money for shoes and a little candy for those children. I hope you understand" I understood, and my eyes became wet with tears again. I understood very well, and I was so glad Pa had done it. Just then the rifle seemed very low on my list of priorities. Pa had given me a lot more. He had given me the look on Widow Jensen's face and the radiant smiles of her three children. For the rest of my life, whenever I saw any of the Jensens, or split a block of ...

... A Dog In The Road I remember when I first graduated college. I was already married with a baby son. I had an education degree but full time teaching jobs where I lived were scarce. For a few years then I did my best to make ends meet by substituting as much as possible. I would get up early each morning and hope for the phone to ring. A call meant work and every penny counted. On one particularly cold morning I got a call to work at a grade school 15 miles away. Only a light snow coated the roads so I wasn ’ t worried about the trip. What I didn ’ t realize, though, was that water from the previous day ’ s rain had frozen on a patch of the road before the snow covered it. This was on a part of the road that curved around the edge of a mountain. Going off on one side of the road would land you ...

... this was their first time ever at the beach as" family" It is a new beginning, a ritual of sorts, for they are creating memories for a lifetime. Dad is claiming his place today like all the father's before him. In the next few minutes he will either successful accomplish his assigned task of setting up this family beach site or fail miserably under pressure. It sets the pace for all future attempts at becoming the man both his wife and child hope for. But his wife isn't going to make it easy." You brought that ?" she asks." Why in God's name did you bring that stupid cabana thing. You should have brought the umbrella"" This will be better for her. It will keep the wind from her and protect her from the sun ," he said. I could almost hear him grunting, you know like a proud manly man." It will not! The wind is blowing so ...

... are no simple ways to snap back our words before they sloppily hit their target and do lasting damage, we're going to have to apologize when we misuse our speech. If our focus is upon blessing others, our good intentions will begin to show in our lives. When we mess up our speech and wound others, our apologies will more likely be accepted and appreciated. While we cannot erase the words, we must ask for the forgiveness of those we wound. Hopefully over time, our desire to bless will help change the hearts of those we've hurt and help them understand we want to bless them with grace. God bless us all as we seek to use our words to bring a blessing to others.~Phil Ware~phil @heartlight.org (c) 2002 Heartlight, Inc. Write Phil and let him know how his words affected you today.... Phil Ware is minister of the Word at Westover Hills Church of Christ ...

... . She put her arms around each one, hugged them up close to her and said," These are my friends ", and told me their names. Then she looked direct at me, smiled, and said," You are two of a kind !" I smiled back at her in silence, not knowing what she meant by that! I have since thought about those words and I ’ m not totally sure of what she meant by them, but I hope that in her own special way perhaps she sensed a friendly loving spirit within me as that of her friends! That one simple little sentence blessed my heart that day, and made me feel very special! I saw the joy of simplicity that these ladies were savoring, and I felt the happiness they were sharing together as friends. As they paid for their purchases with their own money, I could sense their feeling of satisfaction of being independent in choosing what they wanted to ...

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

... the vinyl sheeting I noticed lying next to the empty box. Following the instructions, we placed it between the back tire and frame and clamped it together with a few heavy duty plastic strip ties. Even though this vinyl covering causes an annoying sound, like a kid's bike with cards stuck in the spokes, nothing compares to the melody of hearing my darling grand baby girl oohing and aahhing while patting my back as we pedal through the park. It's a tune I hope will be heard all summer long. I look forward to sharing more happy, joyful memories with my precious little passenger, on our own special version of a bicycle built for two.~Kathy Whirity~Kathy is a newspaper columnist who shares her sentimental musings on family life. Life Is A Kaleidoscope is Kathy's first published book which is a compilation of some of her most popular columns. She is also a contributor to the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series. She ...

... older brothers were high school sports stars, and the third was an important part of a college basketball team that won the NIT championship (OK, he was the equipment manager-he still received an NIT championship ring that he wore until the day he died) Dad was used to going to games to watch his sons PLAY. I'm not sure how he felt about going to games to watch his son SIT. And cheer. And wave a towel. And, hopefully, hug. Still, Dad was always there in his suit and tie, usually standing in a corner of the gym, leaning against the wall. I'd make eye contact with him during pre-game lay-ups-it would've been uncool to smile or wave. And then I forgot about him until after the game-and the hugging-when he'd come up to me and smile and shake my hand and tell me," Good game !" Even though I never actually did anything ...

... to the banquet ?" The beggar shook so hard that he could not see the faint smile that was on the king's face." You have been wise in coming to me ," the king said. He called to his son, the young prince." Take this man to your room and array him in some of your clothes" The prince did as he was told and soon the beggar was standing before a mirror, clothed in garments that he had never dared hope for." You are now eligible to attend the king's banquet tomorrow night ," said the prince." But even more important, you will never need any other clothes. These garments will last forever" The beggar dropped to his knees." Oh, thank you ," he cried. But as he started to leave, he looked back at his pile of dirty rags on the floor. He hesitated. What if the prince was wrong? What if he would need ...

... 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 slipped out of ...

... sign my autograph book ?" he asked." I like to keep messages from folks I meet" I wrote in his little book that his commitment to his calling had touched my life. I encouraged him to stay strong. And I left him with a verse of scripture, in Jeremiah," I know the plans I have for you ," declared the Lord," plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a future and a hope"" Thanks, man ," he said." I know we just met and we're really just strangers, but I love you"" I know ," I said," I love you, too"" The Lord is good"" Yes. He is. How long has it been since someone hugged you ?" I asked." A long time ," he replied. And so on the busy street corner in the drizzling rain, my new friend and I ...

... seated ?" I couldn't believe what I heard! A grin broke out on my face and I said," Yes, of course !" He lead me to a table and, sure enough, there was a placard with my name written on it in a deep, dark red. As I browsed over a menu, I saw many delightful items listed. There were things like," peace ,"" joy ,"" blessings ,"" confidence ,"" assurance ,"" hope ,"" love ,"" faith ," and" mercy" I realized that this was no ordinary restaurant! I flipped the menu back to the front in order to see where I was at." God's Grace ," was the name of this place! The man returned and said," I recommend the 'Special of the Day. With it, you are entitled to heaping portions of everything on this menu" You've got to be kidding! I thought to myself. You ...

... 40 Things SkyWriting.Net editior: A must read for women that didn't get to have their own baby. Cory Hyde thought she would never receive a Mother's Day card. But she got herself a special job and now has some treasures she will keep for a lifetime. Hopefully, you'll benifit from her experience and enjoy her perspective in this Gem of a story. I'll be turning 40 soon! I am so excited by this prospect that I'm planning this big theme party! The theme will be" I've never". While explaining this to a friend of mine, I laughingly gave the example of" I've never had a baby shower, so someone would have to bring a baby gift. Then I'll donate it to the nursery at the church" I was smiling through this little explanation, until I saw the look on her face. With tears in her eyes she said," That's so sad "! Well, there was a time when ...

... taken by Roman soldiers to a wooden cross; where he was nailed and tortured, spit upon and left to die; and yet spoke these words, “ Father, forgive them, they know not what they do ” Friday was a dark day, a day of weeping for Christ ’ s followers, but on Sunday morning, the sun shone and the tomb that was sealed was open and His body was gone. Christ ascended into heaven and all who doubted we hoped, would believe. Just like the Mother bird who looks after her babies allowing them to be on their own, Mary had to allow Jesus to do what God ordained, letting Him go. We celebrate His resurrection and new life on Easter Sunday. All who make a personal commitment in their heart to believe that Christ was born, and died for our sins will someday be with Him in Paradise. He is always here for us. What an awesome gift! Happy ...

... death, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me. And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was. I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light. An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes. Then, I looked upon the tapestry ...

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

... My Daddy When I was seven years old and my younger sister was only four, our father was tragically killed in an automobile accident just two weeks after his twenty-seventh birthday. Mom was devastated and although we were really too young to understand what was going on, somehow I knew life would never be quite the same. After about a year, my mom's friends thought she should start dating and hopefully meet someone to fill the void in her life. Although mom was young and beautiful and certainly desirable, she was more interested in her girls and making sure our life was as comfortable as possible. We had a nice home, plenty of what we needed and all the love you could ask for, but we sure missed our father. Mom was lonely too, so just about every evening we would go to our grandparent's house for a visit. My grandmother, Nanny as we called her, had begun working part time at Kentucky Fried ...

... On the Shore" I wouldn't describe my life as being on the edge ," he said." It's more like being on the shore" I could relate to being on the edge. I've had many times in my life when I felt like I was on the edge waiting to fall into the big abyss of despair and hopelessness. Somehow, just when I thought I was lost, I'd show up in God's lost and found department and He would claim me. I've had very frustrating days, too. Days when I felt like I wanted to run away. Recently it's been more like I just wanted to stop playing the game, make up my own rules and live the rest of my life doing what I believe God wants me to do. I want to do it without regard to income, corporate standards or a boss who thinks work is not the place to be social or happy. But life demands certain things. Like ...

... , I don't want to, but I will-for You !" If Jesus hadn't submitted to that final step in God's will for his life, He could have never uttered those words on the cross," It is finished" You see those words didn't just concern the completion of His ministry. They also signaled the completion of His growth as the perfect human being. And without those words, we would be still be in our sins, without life, without hope, without forgiveness. Jesus ' life wasn't fully mature until everything He had, including His very life was willingly given to God. Only then was God ultimately and fully glorified. Only then was the will, the work, the plan of God made a reality. Well, let me leave you with a question. Have you stopped growing? Have you stopped asking," Lord, not my will, but thine? ' Some of us are still babes in Christ ...

... long time since I had been to Jacksonville, Florida. I had driven to town hoping to see the old barber shop where my hair had been cut as a child. The orphanage would bring us kids downtown for a free haircut by the new barbers being trained. As it was very early and hardly anyone on the street, I parked my truck and decided to try and locate a telephone to see if the Florida Barber College had moved to a new location. Hopefully it was sill in business. As it was rather cold, I put on my coat and began searching for a telephone. After walking about a block I saw an open shoe store. I walked inside and asked if I could use their telephone book. Not finding a listing for the Barber College I picked out the number of a local beauty salon, hoping their might tell me if the barber college was still in business. The number was busy so I decided to ...

... Him through a personal relationship. I could point to lots of people who can testify what Jesus has done in their lives to bring them from the brink of disaster to peace and meaning and joy. He changes people for good. If you're not sure, and can't really say you've met this risen Jesus, this Easter Sunday why don't you slip into a church to seek Him. And perhaps in the midst of our celebration, you'll find Him for yourself. I hope so-for your sake! He's alive, you know. HE'S RISEN! That's what Easter is all about! Reference-( 1) John 20: 25 (NIV ), and (2) John 20: 27-28 (NIV). [by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson-Ed: Anon.] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... way to their cars. And yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing. Circumstances or people can take away your material possessions, they can take away your money, and they can take away your health. But no one can ever take away your precious memories. So, don't forget to make time and take opportunities to make memories everyday. To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven. I HOPE YOU STILL TAKE THE TIME TO RUN THROUGH THE RAIN. [Author Unknown-Charles, via 'Buffalos Chips ' (buffalos-g-jokes.yahoogroups.com)] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... , and false accusations that took from me my World, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with The temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and Begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and Guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured Painfully, each time offering it U p to the Father in hopes that I would Not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly Judged Me. And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to Accept it for what it was. I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light. An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who Stared at me with wide eyes. Then, I looked upon the tapestry ...

... Sullivan's words and kind deed. It mattered to them that a stranger cared. And with every bite of soft pretzel a little bit of healing took place. Thank you Joe!~Teri Goggin-Roberts~< IndigoMuse63 @aol.com >Teri is a native Philadelphian who lives just outside the city with her husband and children. She says," I am blessed to continue to be employed in another part of the hospital system. I dedicate this story to my co-workers in the hopes that they all land on their feet" [by: Teri Goggin-Roberts, Copyright 2009 (IndigoMuse63 @aol.com)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... was buried treasure to be found in the shallow waters below. But the man thought it was a hoax, so he slipped the map back in and threw the bottle back into the ocean. A little later, another man was walking along the beach and the bottle had washed upon the shore. He too picked up the bottle, popped out the cork, and found the treasure map. This man, however, was curious enough to wade into the water and hoped it was buried shallow enough to find. But once the cold ocean waters reached up to his thighs, he decided to quit." This is not worth it !" he thought to himself. So he scrambled back to shore and chucked the bottle back into the ocean. A third man was walking by the beach and noticed the bottle washed upon the shore. He went over, opened the bottle and found the map. The map looked authentic enough, and promised great ...

... Life I have so much going on in my head. Too much going on in my heart. A hundred times a day something new jumps in front of me begging for me to tell you about it. But, my mind can't hold onto everything, that's when it ends up in my heart. It turns from a thought to a wish there. My heart is home to a million wishes for you to be happy, full of life and in particular, hopeful. So, when suddenly I realized the other day that I can't save the entire world, it was overwhelming. I want to. But then, as quickly as it came, another more satisfying thought took its place. I can save one person at a time. Just one person. Maybe today that person is you. This is what I held onto today. I have heard and believed at times that we need to just live for today. It sounds simple ...

... far, thanks for asking" Then he said one more thing that really stayed with me." I'm on the shady side of sunset" How powerful! It seems to me that we often see life as beginnings and endings. Sun rises depict a new dawn, an exciting adventure ahead. Sunsets make us think of endings. Like" riding off into the sunset" This man knew his life, his time, was coming to a close." I do hope the sun sets slower for you. You have so many more people to ask the big question" Before I left I promised him I'd help. Let me begin by asking you." So, how was your life ?"~Bob Perks~2believe @comcast.net [by: Bob Perks Copyright 2007 (2believe @comcast.net)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... 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. ...

... , friends, family, health, good humor and a positive attitude towards life-you've got everything! You can't buy any of these things. You may have all the material possessions you can imagine, provisions for the future, etc; but if you are poor of spirit, you have nothing! Addendum-1 Timothy 6: 17 (GNB)" Command those who are rich in the things of this life not to be proud, but to place their hope, not in such an uncertain thing as riches, but in God, who generously gives us everything for our enjoyment" [Author Unknown-from Dee] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... advantage of another mode of transportation, and that was known as “ hopping a freight ” or “ riding the rails ”. This was a term used by those who would sneak aboard a railroad car to get from one place to another. Very few people had money to pay to ride a train and yet for many people it was imperative to find work to be able to survive. The preferred destination for most people looking for employment was to head west where they hoped to find jobs gathering in the harvests and the trains were the best mode of transportation. It was during such a time as this when my father-in-law, along with his brother took up “ hopping freights ” out of Missouri and headed west. I refer to my father-in-law as Grandpa because this is what my children call him. This is his story: “ There was just no work to be had in northeast Missouri ,” said Grandpa when I questioned him as to why he ...

... were not too keen on her studying any further, moral support came from the creche which Anjana used to go to as a child. “ Nirmala didi (Nirmala Hiremath) who heads the creche convinced my parents that I should stay in a hostel and continue studying. CHANGING LIVES This creche has changed the lives and fortunes of many children of construction site labourers ,” Anjana states. Another story is that of Ravinder Kadam who has recently found a job with a BPO and hopes to acquire a post-graduation in commerce. “ I would have become a labourer like my father had it not been for the mobile creche where I went as a child. I got interested in learning new things and became desperate to be able to speak and write in English. Therefore, despite my father ’ s opposition, I continued to study. I am now planning to invest in a house so that we don ’ t have to live on construction sites any longer ,” ...

... use Jake more. In reality, the boy shows up for the game. The coach tells he and his mom afterwards that he had decided that if Johnny hadn't played he would have told him to turn in his uniform and kicked him off the team. I hated this ending. I was in need of a good real life happy ending story and was left empty. The only real joy is in knowing that the young man cared that much. It gives me hope. I only pray that the coach didn't squash his spirit. That evening I asked God to fan the spark that made Johnny care for his friend so that he will one day do even greater things in a world that needs more compassion and caring. Oh, yes. I was told this is the coach's last year.~Bob Perks~2believe @comcast.net [by: Bob Perks Copyright 2007 (2believe @comcast.net)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Stories ...

... would be better if I could see her, but tell me what she looks like" I went on to describe her." I'll be right back ," she said. Heading off to the other side of the card rack, she suddenly re-appeared smiling with pride for her selection." Here, this is your friend ," she said. The front of the card had puppies all over it. Inside it said," From the dog. Happy Birthday! I hope you get good treats !"" That's just perfect !" I said. In reality, my friend just lost her job and has been pretty upset about it. I couldn't find the right words. But that was the problem. I needed to find the right picture." Thank you for helping me. She loves puppies. By the way. What card did you pick out for your Granny ?" I asked. She handed me the card she had chosen. On the ...

... 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 taunt her about being" different"" Mary's been hurt badly ," I explained gently, ...

... Lincoln's Thanksgiving Proclamation~~~President Abraham Lincoln, October 3, 1863...." It is the duty of nations as well as men to own their 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 ...

... radiance came from her face." None of you in this church know me. I've never been here before. You see, before last Sunday I was not a Christian. My husband has passed on, some time ago, leaving me totally alone in this world. Last Sunday, being a particularly cold and rainy day, it was even more so in my heart... as I came to the end of the line where I no longer had any hope or will to live." So I took a rope and a chair and ascended the stairway into the attic of my home. I fastened the rope securely to a rafter in the roof then stood on the chair and fastened the other end of the rope around my neck." Standing on that chair, so lonely and brokenhearted, I was about to leap off when suddenly the loud ringing of my doorbell downstairs startled me. I thought, 'I'll wait a minute, ...

... couldn't determine how many eggs would hatch, if any. After examining them several times when the boys weren't around, I had decided that only two of the six showed any sign of development, although I had my doubts about even them. I didn't voice my opinion to Don or James, however, as I wasn't sure, and because I did not want to dampen their enthusiasm. A few more days went by, and the boys were beginning to give up hope. I never saw such dejected looking faces in all my life. The next morning, however, two excited boys came rushing from their bedroom, into the kitchen," Mom! Mom! Come look. I think some chickies are starting to come out" I looked. Two tiny" pips" appeared on two of the eggs. The boys each picked up an egg. For an hour or so they held those eggs in their hands, watching as two tiny ...

... to all the joy and abundance you need" But we fail to listen. We most likely fail to believe we can. So, I know my passion. I live my passion. I act on it and it fulfills me. Do I want more? Yes! More opportunities to reach more people. More chances to awaken a spirit that lies dormant within another human being. I want to see more of the world. I want to sing my songs of hope for you. I want to write more words that touch the hearts of those who are struggling. I want to speak to audiences in such great numbers that merely walking out on stage overwhelms me. What is your passion? What one thing do you want to do with your life that would fill the empty parts of your heart and soul? Say it. Go ahead, say the word and feel it, mean it." Passion !" If you are saying it ...

... ’ t yet gotten the hang of riding a bike on his own. I guess we could have found some training wheels somewhere but Ben was getting old enough that he wanted to ride without them. Since we were in a strange place, we decided that Ben just wasn ’ t ready to go on the bike trails alone yet. There are lots of hazards out there with other bikers on the paths, streets to cross, and animals we might run across (hopefully, not literally). There were all kinds of places to go on the bike trails but it was also another challenge to figure out how to get where we wanted to go from where we were. There were lots of choices such as the beach, the petting zoo, shops, and points of interest. We decided the best way for Ben to go would be for him to ride tandem. There was one bike in the garage that had an attachment of another ...