A daughter complained to her father about her life and how
things were so hard for her. She did not how she was going to
make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and
struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved a new one
arose.
Her father, a chef, took her to the kitchen. He filled three pots
with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came
to a boil. In one he placed carrots, in the second he placed
eggs, and the last he placed ground coffee beans. He let them
sit and boil, without saying a word.
The daughter sucked her teeth and impatiently waited,
wondering what he was doing. In about twenty minutes he and
turned off the burners. He fished the carrots out and placed
them in a bowl. He pulled the eggs out and placed them a
bowl. Then he ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl.
Turning to her he asked. "Darling, what do you see."
"Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied.
He brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did
and noted that they were soft. He then asked her to take an egg
and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-
boiled egg. Finally, he asked her to sip the coffee. She smiled
as she tasted its rich aroma.
She humbly asked. "What does it mean Father?"
He explained that each of them had faced the same adversity,
boiling water, but each reacted differently.
The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. But after
being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became
weak.
The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its
liquid interior. But after sitting through the boiling water, its
inside became hardened.
The ground coffee beans were unique however. After they
were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.
"Which are you," he asked his daughter. "When adversity
knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot,
an egg, or a coffee bean? "
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
How about you? Are you the carrot that seems hard, but with
pain and adversity do you wilt and become soft and lose your
strength?
Are you the egg, which starts off with a malleable heart? Were
you a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a divorce, or a
layoff have you become hardened and stiff. Your shell looks
the same, but are you bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and
heart?
Or are you like the coffee bean? The bean changes the hot
water, the thing that is bringing the pain, to its peak flavor
reaches 212 degrees Fahrenheit. When the water gets the
hottest, it just tastes better.
If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get
better and make things better around you .
When people talk about you, do your praises to the Lord
increase? When the hour is the darkest and trials are their
greatest, does your worship elevate to another level?
How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a
coffee bean?
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
II Corinthians 4:8-9 - We are troubled on every side, yet not
distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but
not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.
by Eric Mansfield
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Monday, May 31, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
The Classroom
A lesson that should be taught in all schools…..and colleges
Back in September of 2005, on the first day of school, Martha Cothren, a social studies school teacher at Robinson High School in Little Rock , did something not to be forgotten. On the first day
of school, with the permission of the school superintendent, the principal and the building supervisor, she removed all of the desks out of her classroom. When the first period kids entered the room they discovered that there were no desks. 'Ms. Cothren, where're our desks?'
She replied, 'You can't have a desk until you tell me how you earn the right to sit at a desk.'
They thought, 'Well, maybe it's our grades.'
'No,' she said.
'Maybe it's our behavior.'
She told them, 'No, it's not even your behavior....’
And so, they came and went, the first period, second period, third period, still no desks in the classroom.
By early afternoon television news crews had started gathering in Ms. Cothren's classroom to report about this crazy teacher who had taken all the desks out of her room.
The final period of the day came and as the puzzled students found seats on the floor of the deskless classroom, Martha Cothren said, 'Throughout the day no one has been able to tell me just what he/she has done to earn the right to sit at the desks that are ordinarily found in this classroom. Now I am going to tell you.'
At this point, Martha Cothren went over to the door of her classroom and opened it.
Twenty-seven (27) U.S. Veterans, all in uniforms, walked into that classroom, each one carrying a school desk.
The Vets began placing the school desks in rows, and then they would walk over and stand alongside the wall.
By the time the last soldier had set the final desk in place those kids started to understand, perhaps for the first time in their lives, just how the right to sit at those desks had been earned.
Martha said, 'You didn't earn the right to sit at these desks. These heroes did it for you. They placed the desks here for you. Now, it's up to you to sit in them. It is your responsibility to learn, to be good students, to be good citizens. They paid the price so that you could have the freedom to get an education. Don't ever forget it.'
By the way, this is a true story. Please consider passing this along so others won't forget that the freedoms we have in this great country were earned by U. S. Veterans.
www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com
Back in September of 2005, on the first day of school, Martha Cothren, a social studies school teacher at Robinson High School in Little Rock , did something not to be forgotten. On the first day
of school, with the permission of the school superintendent, the principal and the building supervisor, she removed all of the desks out of her classroom. When the first period kids entered the room they discovered that there were no desks. 'Ms. Cothren, where're our desks?'
She replied, 'You can't have a desk until you tell me how you earn the right to sit at a desk.'
They thought, 'Well, maybe it's our grades.'
'No,' she said.
'Maybe it's our behavior.'
She told them, 'No, it's not even your behavior....’
And so, they came and went, the first period, second period, third period, still no desks in the classroom.
By early afternoon television news crews had started gathering in Ms. Cothren's classroom to report about this crazy teacher who had taken all the desks out of her room.
The final period of the day came and as the puzzled students found seats on the floor of the deskless classroom, Martha Cothren said, 'Throughout the day no one has been able to tell me just what he/she has done to earn the right to sit at the desks that are ordinarily found in this classroom. Now I am going to tell you.'
At this point, Martha Cothren went over to the door of her classroom and opened it.
Twenty-seven (27) U.S. Veterans, all in uniforms, walked into that classroom, each one carrying a school desk.
The Vets began placing the school desks in rows, and then they would walk over and stand alongside the wall.
By the time the last soldier had set the final desk in place those kids started to understand, perhaps for the first time in their lives, just how the right to sit at those desks had been earned.
Martha said, 'You didn't earn the right to sit at these desks. These heroes did it for you. They placed the desks here for you. Now, it's up to you to sit in them. It is your responsibility to learn, to be good students, to be good citizens. They paid the price so that you could have the freedom to get an education. Don't ever forget it.'
By the way, this is a true story. Please consider passing this along so others won't forget that the freedoms we have in this great country were earned by U. S. Veterans.
www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com
Thursday, May 27, 2010
That's Dying
By: Henry Van Dyke
I am standing upon the seashore. A ship, at my side,
spreads her white sails to the moving breeze and starts
for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until, at length, she hangs like a speck
of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.
Then, someone at my side says, "There, she is gone"
Gone where?
Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast,
hull and spar as she was when she left my side.
And, she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.
Her diminished size is in me -- not in her.
And, just at the moment when someone says, "There, she is gone,"
there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices
ready to take up the glad shout, "Here she comes!"
And that is dying...
Death comes in its own time, in its own way.
Death is as unique as the individual experiencing it.
Anonymous
www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com
I am standing upon the seashore. A ship, at my side,
spreads her white sails to the moving breeze and starts
for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until, at length, she hangs like a speck
of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.
Then, someone at my side says, "There, she is gone"
Gone where?
Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast,
hull and spar as she was when she left my side.
And, she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.
Her diminished size is in me -- not in her.
And, just at the moment when someone says, "There, she is gone,"
there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices
ready to take up the glad shout, "Here she comes!"
And that is dying...
Death comes in its own time, in its own way.
Death is as unique as the individual experiencing it.
Anonymous
www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com
You'll Find Jesus There
"Tomorrow morning,"
the surgeon began,
"I'll open up your heart..."
"You'll find Jesus there,"
the boy interrupted.
The surgeon looked up, annoyed.
"I'll cut your heart open," he continued,
"to see how much damage has been done..."
"But when you open up my heart,
you'll find Jesus in there."
The surgeon looked to the parents, who sat quietly.
"When I see how much damage has been done,
I'll sew your heart and chest back up
and I'll plan what to do next."
"But you'll find Jesus in my heart.
The Bible says He lives there.
The hymns all say He lives there.
You'll find Him in my heart."
The surgeon had had enough.
"I'll tell you what I'll find in your heart.
I'll find damaged muscle, low blood supply, and weakened vessels.
And I'll find out if I can make you well."
"You'll find Jesus there too. He lives there."
The surgeon left.
The surgeon sat in his office,
recording his notes from the surgery,
"...damaged aorta, damaged pulmonary vein,
widespread muscle degeneration.
No hope for transplant, no hope for cure.
Therapy: painkillers and bedrest. Prognosis:,"
here he paused, "death within one year."
He stopped the recorder, but there was more to be said.
"Why?" he asked aloud. "Why did You do this?
You've put him here; You've put him in this pain;
and You've cursed him to an early death. Why?"
The Lord answered and said,
"The boy, My lamb, was not meant for your flock for long,
for he is a part of My flock, and will forever be.
Here, in My flock, he will feel no pain,
and will be comforted as you cannot imagine.
His parents will one day join him here,
and they will know peace,
and My flock will continue to grow."
The surgeon's tears were hot, but his anger was hotter.
"You created that boy, and You created that heart.
He'll be dead in months. Why?"
The Lord answered,
"The boy, My lamb, shall return to My flock,
for he has done his duty:
I did not put My lamb with your flock to lose him,
but to retrieve another lost lamb."
The surgeon wept.
The surgeon sat beside the boy's bed;
the boy's parents sat across from him.
The boy awoke and whispered,
"Did you cut open my heart?"
"Yes," said the surgeon.
"What did you find?" asked the boy.
"I found Jesus there,"
said the surgeon.
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the surgeon began,
"I'll open up your heart..."
"You'll find Jesus there,"
the boy interrupted.
The surgeon looked up, annoyed.
"I'll cut your heart open," he continued,
"to see how much damage has been done..."
"But when you open up my heart,
you'll find Jesus in there."
The surgeon looked to the parents, who sat quietly.
"When I see how much damage has been done,
I'll sew your heart and chest back up
and I'll plan what to do next."
"But you'll find Jesus in my heart.
The Bible says He lives there.
The hymns all say He lives there.
You'll find Him in my heart."
The surgeon had had enough.
"I'll tell you what I'll find in your heart.
I'll find damaged muscle, low blood supply, and weakened vessels.
And I'll find out if I can make you well."
"You'll find Jesus there too. He lives there."
The surgeon left.
The surgeon sat in his office,
recording his notes from the surgery,
"...damaged aorta, damaged pulmonary vein,
widespread muscle degeneration.
No hope for transplant, no hope for cure.
Therapy: painkillers and bedrest. Prognosis:,"
here he paused, "death within one year."
He stopped the recorder, but there was more to be said.
"Why?" he asked aloud. "Why did You do this?
You've put him here; You've put him in this pain;
and You've cursed him to an early death. Why?"
The Lord answered and said,
"The boy, My lamb, was not meant for your flock for long,
for he is a part of My flock, and will forever be.
Here, in My flock, he will feel no pain,
and will be comforted as you cannot imagine.
His parents will one day join him here,
and they will know peace,
and My flock will continue to grow."
The surgeon's tears were hot, but his anger was hotter.
"You created that boy, and You created that heart.
He'll be dead in months. Why?"
The Lord answered,
"The boy, My lamb, shall return to My flock,
for he has done his duty:
I did not put My lamb with your flock to lose him,
but to retrieve another lost lamb."
The surgeon wept.
The surgeon sat beside the boy's bed;
the boy's parents sat across from him.
The boy awoke and whispered,
"Did you cut open my heart?"
"Yes," said the surgeon.
"What did you find?" asked the boy.
"I found Jesus there,"
said the surgeon.
www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Refiners Fire
Malachi 3:3 says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study. That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities. The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy - when I see my image in it." If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has His eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you. Pass this on to everyone you know. Right now, this very moment, someone needs to know that God is watching over them. and, whatever they're going through, they'll be a better person in the end. "Life is a coin. You can spend it any way you wish, but you can only spend it once."
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Monday, May 24, 2010
You Took My Place
One day, a man went to visit a church. He arrived early, parked his car, and got out. Another car pulled up near him, and the driver told him, "I always park there. You took my place!"
The visitor went inside for Sunday School, found an empty seat, and sat down. A young lady from the church approached him and stated, "That's my seat! You took my place!"
The visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude welcome, but said nothing. After Sunday School, the visitor went into the church sanctuary and sat down. Another member walked up to him and said, "That's where I always sit. You took my place!"
The visitor was even more troubled by this treatment, but still said nothing. Later, as the congregation was praying for Christ to dwell among them, the visitor stood, and his appearance began to change. Horrible scars became visible on his hands and on his sandaled feet. Someone from the congregation noticed him and called out,
"What happened to you?" The visitor replied, "I took your place."
www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com
The visitor went inside for Sunday School, found an empty seat, and sat down. A young lady from the church approached him and stated, "That's my seat! You took my place!"
The visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude welcome, but said nothing. After Sunday School, the visitor went into the church sanctuary and sat down. Another member walked up to him and said, "That's where I always sit. You took my place!"
The visitor was even more troubled by this treatment, but still said nothing. Later, as the congregation was praying for Christ to dwell among them, the visitor stood, and his appearance began to change. Horrible scars became visible on his hands and on his sandaled feet. Someone from the congregation noticed him and called out,
"What happened to you?" The visitor replied, "I took your place."
www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com
Friday, May 21, 2010
Ruth And The Visitor
Ruth went to her mail box and there was only one letter.
She picked it up and looked at it before opening, but then she looked at the envelope again.
There was no stamp, no postmark, only her name and address.
She read the letter:
"Dear Ruth:
I`m going to be in your neighborhood Saturday afternoon and I'd like to stop by for a visit.
Love Always,
Jesus"
Her hands were shaking as she placed the letter on the table. "Why would the Lord want to visit me?
I'm nobody special. I don't have anything to offer."
With that thought, Ruth remembered her empty kitchen cabinets.
"Oh my goodness, I really don't have anything to offer. I'll have to run down to the store and buy something for dinner."
She reached for her purse and counted out its contents. Five dollars and forty cents.
"Well, I can get some bread and cold cuts, at least."
She threw on her coat and hurried out the door.
A loaf of French bread, a half-pound of sliced turkey, and a carton of milk...leaving Ruth with grand total twelve cents to last her until Monday.
Nonetheless, she felt good as she headed home, her meager offerings tucked under her arm.
"Hey lady, can you help us,lady?"
Ruth had been so absorbed in her dinner plans, she hadn't even noticed two figures huddled in the alleyway.
A man and a woman, both of them dressed in little more than rags.
"Look lady, I ain't got a job, ya know, and my wife and I have been living out here on the street, and, well, now it's getting cold and we're getting kinda hungry and, well, if you could help us. Lady, we'd really appreciate it."
Ruth looked at them both.
They were dirty, they smelled bad and frankly, she was certain that they could get some kind of work if they really wanted to.
"Sir, I'd like to help you, but I'm a poor woman myself. All I have is a few cold cuts and some bread, and I'm having an important guest for dinner tonight and I was planning on serving that to Him."
"Yeah, well, okay lady, I understand. Thanks anyway."
The man put his arm around the woman's shoulders, turned and headed back into the alley.
As she watched them leave, Ruth felt a familiar twinge in her heart.
"Sir, wait!"
The couple stopped and turned as she ran down the alley after them.
"Look, why don't you take this food. I'll figure out something else to serve my guest."
She handed the man her grocery bag.
"Thank you lady. Thank you very much!"
"Yes, thank you!" It was the man's wife, and Ruth could see now that she was shivering .
"You know, I've got another coat at home.
Here, why don't you take this one."
Ruth unbuttoned her jacket and slipped it over the woman's shoulders.
Then smiling, she turned and walked back to the street...without her coat and with nothing to serve her guest.
"Thank you lady!
Thank you very much!"
Ruth was chilled by the time she reached her front door, and worried too.
The Lord was coming to visit and she didn't have anything to offer Him.
She fumbled through her purse for the door key. But as she did, she noticed another envelope in her mailbox.
"That's odd. The mailman doesn't usually come twice in one day."
"Dear Ruth:
It was so good to see you again. Thank you for the lovely meal. And thank you, too, for the beautiful coat.
Love Always, Jesus"
The air was still cold, but even without her coat, Ruth no longer noticed.
www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com
She picked it up and looked at it before opening, but then she looked at the envelope again.
There was no stamp, no postmark, only her name and address.
She read the letter:
"Dear Ruth:
I`m going to be in your neighborhood Saturday afternoon and I'd like to stop by for a visit.
Love Always,
Jesus"
Her hands were shaking as she placed the letter on the table. "Why would the Lord want to visit me?
I'm nobody special. I don't have anything to offer."
With that thought, Ruth remembered her empty kitchen cabinets.
"Oh my goodness, I really don't have anything to offer. I'll have to run down to the store and buy something for dinner."
She reached for her purse and counted out its contents. Five dollars and forty cents.
"Well, I can get some bread and cold cuts, at least."
She threw on her coat and hurried out the door.
A loaf of French bread, a half-pound of sliced turkey, and a carton of milk...leaving Ruth with grand total twelve cents to last her until Monday.
Nonetheless, she felt good as she headed home, her meager offerings tucked under her arm.
"Hey lady, can you help us,lady?"
Ruth had been so absorbed in her dinner plans, she hadn't even noticed two figures huddled in the alleyway.
A man and a woman, both of them dressed in little more than rags.
"Look lady, I ain't got a job, ya know, and my wife and I have been living out here on the street, and, well, now it's getting cold and we're getting kinda hungry and, well, if you could help us. Lady, we'd really appreciate it."
Ruth looked at them both.
They were dirty, they smelled bad and frankly, she was certain that they could get some kind of work if they really wanted to.
"Sir, I'd like to help you, but I'm a poor woman myself. All I have is a few cold cuts and some bread, and I'm having an important guest for dinner tonight and I was planning on serving that to Him."
"Yeah, well, okay lady, I understand. Thanks anyway."
The man put his arm around the woman's shoulders, turned and headed back into the alley.
As she watched them leave, Ruth felt a familiar twinge in her heart.
"Sir, wait!"
The couple stopped and turned as she ran down the alley after them.
"Look, why don't you take this food. I'll figure out something else to serve my guest."
She handed the man her grocery bag.
"Thank you lady. Thank you very much!"
"Yes, thank you!" It was the man's wife, and Ruth could see now that she was shivering .
"You know, I've got another coat at home.
Here, why don't you take this one."
Ruth unbuttoned her jacket and slipped it over the woman's shoulders.
Then smiling, she turned and walked back to the street...without her coat and with nothing to serve her guest.
"Thank you lady!
Thank you very much!"
Ruth was chilled by the time she reached her front door, and worried too.
The Lord was coming to visit and she didn't have anything to offer Him.
She fumbled through her purse for the door key. But as she did, she noticed another envelope in her mailbox.
"That's odd. The mailman doesn't usually come twice in one day."
"Dear Ruth:
It was so good to see you again. Thank you for the lovely meal. And thank you, too, for the beautiful coat.
Love Always, Jesus"
The air was still cold, but even without her coat, Ruth no longer noticed.
www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Barber Shop
A man went to a barber sop to have his hair and his beard cut as always. He started to have a good conversation with the barber who attended him. They talked about so many things and various subjects. Suddenly, they touched the subject of God.
The barber said: “Look man, I don’t believe that God exists as you say so.”
“Why do you say that?” – asked the client.
“Well, it’s so easy; you just have to go out in the street to realize that God does not exist. Oh, tell me, if God existed, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children? If God existed, there would be no suffering or pain. I can’t think of a God who permits all of these things.”
The client stopped for a moment thinking but he didn’t want to respond so as to prevent an argument. The barber finished his job and the client went out of the shop. Just after he left the barber shop he saw a man in the street with a long hair and beard (it seems that it had been a long time since he had his cut and he looked so untidy.)
“You know what? Barbers do not exist.”
“How come they don’t exist?” asked the Barber. “Well I am here and I am a barber.”
“No!” The client exclaimed. “They don’t exist because if they did there would be no people with long hair and beard like that man who walks in the street.”
“Ah, barbers do exist, what happens is that people do not come to me.”
“Exactly!” affirmed the client. “That’s the point, God does exist, what happens is people don’t go to Him and do not look for Him that‘s why there’s so much pain and suffering in the world”
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The barber said: “Look man, I don’t believe that God exists as you say so.”
“Why do you say that?” – asked the client.
“Well, it’s so easy; you just have to go out in the street to realize that God does not exist. Oh, tell me, if God existed, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children? If God existed, there would be no suffering or pain. I can’t think of a God who permits all of these things.”
The client stopped for a moment thinking but he didn’t want to respond so as to prevent an argument. The barber finished his job and the client went out of the shop. Just after he left the barber shop he saw a man in the street with a long hair and beard (it seems that it had been a long time since he had his cut and he looked so untidy.)
“You know what? Barbers do not exist.”
“How come they don’t exist?” asked the Barber. “Well I am here and I am a barber.”
“No!” The client exclaimed. “They don’t exist because if they did there would be no people with long hair and beard like that man who walks in the street.”
“Ah, barbers do exist, what happens is that people do not come to me.”
“Exactly!” affirmed the client. “That’s the point, God does exist, what happens is people don’t go to Him and do not look for Him that‘s why there’s so much pain and suffering in the world”
www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Time
To realize the value of one year
Ask a student who has failed a
final exam.
To realize the value of a month:
Ask a mother who has given birth
to a premature baby.
To realize the value of one week:
Ask an editor of a weekly
newspaper.
To realize the value of one hour:
Ask the lovers who are waiting to
meet.
To realize the value of one minute:
Ask a person who has missed the
train, bus or plane.
To realize the value of one second:
Ask a person who has survived an
accident.
To realize the value of one millisecond:
Ask the person who has won a
silver medal in the Olympics.
Time waits for no one. Treasure
every moment you have. You will treasure
it even more when you can share
it with someone special.
www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com
Ask a student who has failed a
final exam.
To realize the value of a month:
Ask a mother who has given birth
to a premature baby.
To realize the value of one week:
Ask an editor of a weekly
newspaper.
To realize the value of one hour:
Ask the lovers who are waiting to
meet.
To realize the value of one minute:
Ask a person who has missed the
train, bus or plane.
To realize the value of one second:
Ask a person who has survived an
accident.
To realize the value of one millisecond:
Ask the person who has won a
silver medal in the Olympics.
Time waits for no one. Treasure
every moment you have. You will treasure
it even more when you can share
it with someone special.
www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com
The Rope
The story tells about a mountain climber, who wanted to climb the highest mountain. He begun his adventure after many years of preparation but since he wanted the glory just for himself, he decided to climb the mountain alone.
The night felt heavy in the heights of the mountain, and the man could not see anything. All was black, zero visibility and the moon and stars were covered by the clouds.
As he was climbing only a few feet away from the top of the mountain he slipped and fell into the air. Falling at a great speed, the climber could only see black spots as he went down, and the terrible sensation of being sucked by gravity. He kept falling….and in those moments of great fear, it came to his mind all the good and bad episodes of his life.
He was thinking now about how close death was getting, when all of a sudden he felt the rope tied to his waist pull him very hard.
His body was hanging in the air. Only the rope was holding him, and in that moment of stillness he had no other choice but to scream: HELP ME GOD!!!
All of a sudden a deep voice coming from the sky answered –
-What do you want me to do?
-Save me God!!
-Do you really think I can save you?
-Of course I believe You can!
-Then cut the rope tied to your waist.
There was a moment of silence; and the man decided to hold onto the rope with all his strength.
The rescue team tells, that the next day a climber was found, dead and frozen. His body hanging from a rope, his hands holding tight to it…….
ONLY 10 FEET FROM THE GROUND!!
And you? How attached are you to your rope? Will you let go?
Don’t ever doubt the things from God. You never should say that He has forgotten or abandoned you. Don’t ever think that He does not take care or you. Remember that He is always holding you with his right hand.
GOD BLESS YOU!
www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com
The night felt heavy in the heights of the mountain, and the man could not see anything. All was black, zero visibility and the moon and stars were covered by the clouds.
As he was climbing only a few feet away from the top of the mountain he slipped and fell into the air. Falling at a great speed, the climber could only see black spots as he went down, and the terrible sensation of being sucked by gravity. He kept falling….and in those moments of great fear, it came to his mind all the good and bad episodes of his life.
He was thinking now about how close death was getting, when all of a sudden he felt the rope tied to his waist pull him very hard.
His body was hanging in the air. Only the rope was holding him, and in that moment of stillness he had no other choice but to scream: HELP ME GOD!!!
All of a sudden a deep voice coming from the sky answered –
-What do you want me to do?
-Save me God!!
-Do you really think I can save you?
-Of course I believe You can!
-Then cut the rope tied to your waist.
There was a moment of silence; and the man decided to hold onto the rope with all his strength.
The rescue team tells, that the next day a climber was found, dead and frozen. His body hanging from a rope, his hands holding tight to it…….
ONLY 10 FEET FROM THE GROUND!!
And you? How attached are you to your rope? Will you let go?
Don’t ever doubt the things from God. You never should say that He has forgotten or abandoned you. Don’t ever think that He does not take care or you. Remember that He is always holding you with his right hand.
GOD BLESS YOU!
www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com
Monday, May 17, 2010
God Within Us
This is a story about a little girl who, on the way
home from church, turned to her mother and
said, "Mommy, the preacher's sermon this
morning confused me."
The mother said, "Oh! Why is that?"
The girl replied, "Well, he said that God is
bigger than we are. Is that true?"
"Yes, that's true," the mother replied.
"He also said that God lives within us. Is
that true too?"
Again the mother replied, "Yes."
"Well," said the girl, "If God is bigger than us,
and He lives in us, wouldn't He show through?"
Read this again......... and Think..
Unknown Author
Bible Verse Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine
before others, so that they may see your
good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
New Revised Standard Version
Dear Lord, help me to live my life
at all times in such a way that you
show through. Amen.
www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com
home from church, turned to her mother and
said, "Mommy, the preacher's sermon this
morning confused me."
The mother said, "Oh! Why is that?"
The girl replied, "Well, he said that God is
bigger than we are. Is that true?"
"Yes, that's true," the mother replied.
"He also said that God lives within us. Is
that true too?"
Again the mother replied, "Yes."
"Well," said the girl, "If God is bigger than us,
and He lives in us, wouldn't He show through?"
Read this again......... and Think..
Unknown Author
Bible Verse Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine
before others, so that they may see your
good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
New Revised Standard Version
Dear Lord, help me to live my life
at all times in such a way that you
show through. Amen.
www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com
Friday, May 14, 2010
The Cross At The Pool
In 1967 while taking a class in photography at the University of Cincinnati, I became acquainted with a young man named Charles Murray who also was a student at the school and training for the summer Olympics of 1968 as a high diver.
Charles was very patient with me as I would speak to him for hours about Jesus Christ and how He had saved me. Charles was not raised in a home that attended any kind of church, so all that I had to tell him was a fascination to him.
He even began to ask questions about forgiveness of sin. Finally, the day came that I put a question to him. I asked if he realized his own need of a redeemer and if he was ready to trust Christ as his own Savior. I saw his countenance fall and the guilt in his face. But his reply was a strong "no” In the days that followed he was quiet and often I felt that he was avoiding me, until I got a phone call and it was Charles.
He wanted to know where to look in the New Testament for some verses that I had given him about salvation. I gave him the reference to several messages and asked if I could meet with him. He declined my offer and thanked me for the Scripture. I could tell that he was greatly troubled, but I did not know where he was or how to help him.
Because he was training for the Olympic games, Charles had special privileges at the University pool facilities. Some time between 10:30 and 11:00 that evening he decided to go swim and practice a few dives. It was a clear night in October and the moon was big and bright. The University pool was housed under a ceiling of glass panes so the moon shone bright across the top of the wall in the pool area. Charles climbed to the highest platform to take his first dive. At that moment the Spirit of God began to convict him of his sins. All the Scripture he had read, all the occasions of witnessing to him about.
www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com
Charles was very patient with me as I would speak to him for hours about Jesus Christ and how He had saved me. Charles was not raised in a home that attended any kind of church, so all that I had to tell him was a fascination to him.
He even began to ask questions about forgiveness of sin. Finally, the day came that I put a question to him. I asked if he realized his own need of a redeemer and if he was ready to trust Christ as his own Savior. I saw his countenance fall and the guilt in his face. But his reply was a strong "no” In the days that followed he was quiet and often I felt that he was avoiding me, until I got a phone call and it was Charles.
He wanted to know where to look in the New Testament for some verses that I had given him about salvation. I gave him the reference to several messages and asked if I could meet with him. He declined my offer and thanked me for the Scripture. I could tell that he was greatly troubled, but I did not know where he was or how to help him.
Because he was training for the Olympic games, Charles had special privileges at the University pool facilities. Some time between 10:30 and 11:00 that evening he decided to go swim and practice a few dives. It was a clear night in October and the moon was big and bright. The University pool was housed under a ceiling of glass panes so the moon shone bright across the top of the wall in the pool area. Charles climbed to the highest platform to take his first dive. At that moment the Spirit of God began to convict him of his sins. All the Scripture he had read, all the occasions of witnessing to him about.
www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com
Thursday, May 13, 2010
The Empty Chair
A man's daughter had asked the parish priest to come and pray with her father. When the priest arrived, he found the man lying in bed with his head propped up on two pillows. An empty chair sat beside his bed. The priest assumed that the old fellow had been informed of his visit.
"I guess you were expecting me," he said.
"No, who are you?" said the father.
The priest told him his name and then remarked, "I see the empty chair; I figured you knew I was going to show up."
"Oh yeah, the chair," said the bedridden man. "Would you mind closing the door?"
Puzzled, the priest shut the door.
"I have never told anyone this, not even my daughter," said the man. " But all of my life I have never known how to pray. At church I used to hear the pastor talk about prayer, but it went right over my head.
I abandoned any attempt at prayer, until one day about four years ago my best friend said to me, `Johnny, prayer is just a simple matter of having a conversation with Jesus. Here is what I suggest.' Sit down in a chair; place an empty chair in front of you, and in faith see Jesus on the chair. It's not spooky because he promised; `I'll be with you always.' Then just speak to him in the same way you're doing with me right now."
So I tried it and I've liked it so much that I do it a couple of hours every day. I'm careful though. If my daughter saw me talking to an empty chair, she'd either have a nervous breakdown or send me off to the funny farm.
The priest was deeply moved by the story and encouraged the old man to continue on the journey. Then he prayed with him, anointed him with oil, and returned to the church. Two nights later the daughter called to tell the priest that her daddy had died that afternoon.
"Did he die in peace?" he asked.
"Yes, when I left the house about two o'clock, he called me over to his bedside, told me he loved me and kissed me on the cheek. When I got back from the store an hour later, I found him dead. But there was something strange about his death. Apparently, just before Daddy died, he leaned over and rested his head in the chair beside the bed. What do you make of that?"
The priest wiped a tear from his eye and said, "I wish we could all go like that."
www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com
"I guess you were expecting me," he said.
"No, who are you?" said the father.
The priest told him his name and then remarked, "I see the empty chair; I figured you knew I was going to show up."
"Oh yeah, the chair," said the bedridden man. "Would you mind closing the door?"
Puzzled, the priest shut the door.
"I have never told anyone this, not even my daughter," said the man. " But all of my life I have never known how to pray. At church I used to hear the pastor talk about prayer, but it went right over my head.
I abandoned any attempt at prayer, until one day about four years ago my best friend said to me, `Johnny, prayer is just a simple matter of having a conversation with Jesus. Here is what I suggest.' Sit down in a chair; place an empty chair in front of you, and in faith see Jesus on the chair. It's not spooky because he promised; `I'll be with you always.' Then just speak to him in the same way you're doing with me right now."
So I tried it and I've liked it so much that I do it a couple of hours every day. I'm careful though. If my daughter saw me talking to an empty chair, she'd either have a nervous breakdown or send me off to the funny farm.
The priest was deeply moved by the story and encouraged the old man to continue on the journey. Then he prayed with him, anointed him with oil, and returned to the church. Two nights later the daughter called to tell the priest that her daddy had died that afternoon.
"Did he die in peace?" he asked.
"Yes, when I left the house about two o'clock, he called me over to his bedside, told me he loved me and kissed me on the cheek. When I got back from the store an hour later, I found him dead. But there was something strange about his death. Apparently, just before Daddy died, he leaned over and rested his head in the chair beside the bed. What do you make of that?"
The priest wiped a tear from his eye and said, "I wish we could all go like that."
www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
No Do Overs
Remember the five simple rules to be happy:
1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less.
No one can go back and make a brand new start. Anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending. God didn’t promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way.
Disappointments are like road humps, they slow you down a bit but you enjoy the smooth road afterwards. Don't stay on the humps too long. Move on!
When you feel down because you didn't get what you want, just sit tight and be happy, because God is thinking of something better to give you.
When something happens to you, good or bad, consider what it means. There's a purpose to life's events, to teach you how to laugh more or not to cry too hard.
You can't make someone love you, all you can do is be someone who can be loved, and the rest is up to the person to realize your worth.
The measure of love is when you love without measure. In life there are very rare chances that you'll meet the person you love and loves you in return. So once you have it don't ever let go, the chance might never come your way again.
It's better to lose your pride to the one you love, than to lose the one you love because of pride.
We spend too much time looking for the right person to love or finding fault with those we already love, when instead we should be perfecting the love we give.
When you truly care for someone, you don't look for faults, you don't look for answers, and you don't look for mistakes. Instead, you fight the mistakes, you accept the faults, and you overlook the excuses.
Never abandon an old friend. You will never find one who can take his place. Friendship is like wine, it gets better as it grows older.
Pass it on to your dear friends....
www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com
1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less.
No one can go back and make a brand new start. Anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending. God didn’t promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way.
Disappointments are like road humps, they slow you down a bit but you enjoy the smooth road afterwards. Don't stay on the humps too long. Move on!
When you feel down because you didn't get what you want, just sit tight and be happy, because God is thinking of something better to give you.
When something happens to you, good or bad, consider what it means. There's a purpose to life's events, to teach you how to laugh more or not to cry too hard.
You can't make someone love you, all you can do is be someone who can be loved, and the rest is up to the person to realize your worth.
The measure of love is when you love without measure. In life there are very rare chances that you'll meet the person you love and loves you in return. So once you have it don't ever let go, the chance might never come your way again.
It's better to lose your pride to the one you love, than to lose the one you love because of pride.
We spend too much time looking for the right person to love or finding fault with those we already love, when instead we should be perfecting the love we give.
When you truly care for someone, you don't look for faults, you don't look for answers, and you don't look for mistakes. Instead, you fight the mistakes, you accept the faults, and you overlook the excuses.
Never abandon an old friend. You will never find one who can take his place. Friendship is like wine, it gets better as it grows older.
Pass it on to your dear friends....
www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Baking A Cake
A little boy is telling his Grandma how "everything" is going wrong. School, family problems, severe health problems, etc.. Meanwhile, Grandma is baking a cake. She asks her grandson if he would like a snack, which, of course, he does.
"Here, have some cooking oil."
"Yuck" says the boy.
"How about a couple raw eggs? "
"Gross, Grandma!"
"Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?"
"Grandma, those are all yucky!"
To which Grandma replies: "Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake! God works the same way. Many times we wonder why he would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful!"
God is Crazy About You. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart.
www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com
"Here, have some cooking oil."
"Yuck" says the boy.
"How about a couple raw eggs? "
"Gross, Grandma!"
"Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?"
"Grandma, those are all yucky!"
To which Grandma replies: "Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake! God works the same way. Many times we wonder why he would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful!"
God is Crazy About You. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart.
www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com
Monday, May 10, 2010
A Letter Home
My dear Family,
I am writing a special letter just to you.
I want to tell you not to cry, I've made it safely through. Please know that I am happy sitting here by Jesus' knee where all the hosts of heaven sing and worship God with me.
It's so beautiful in heaven and so peaceful here I know that even if I could come back, I wouldn't want to go.
The street is paved with purest gold, the trees forever green; the river flowing from God's throne is crystal clear and clean.
I have a mansion all my own; I'm filled with joy and praise.
I listen to sweet music and my voice in anthems raise.
My visions twenty-twenty and my ears hear every sound;
I see feet that once were crippled now walk firmly on the ground. The old are young and lively; there are no tears to fill my eyes. All the glories God has promised have come true beyond the skies. I have everything I need now, so dear family, don't feel blue. I'm writing you this letter just to say...I still love you.
I'll be waiting here in heaven for us to meet again someday and I pray that you'll stay ready to be quickly caught away. But until the trumpet's sounding and the sky is opened wide,
Please don’t cry for me, my loved ones…I am safe by Jesus’ side.
Dorthorea K Barwick 1994
www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com
I am writing a special letter just to you.
I want to tell you not to cry, I've made it safely through. Please know that I am happy sitting here by Jesus' knee where all the hosts of heaven sing and worship God with me.
It's so beautiful in heaven and so peaceful here I know that even if I could come back, I wouldn't want to go.
The street is paved with purest gold, the trees forever green; the river flowing from God's throne is crystal clear and clean.
I have a mansion all my own; I'm filled with joy and praise.
I listen to sweet music and my voice in anthems raise.
My visions twenty-twenty and my ears hear every sound;
I see feet that once were crippled now walk firmly on the ground. The old are young and lively; there are no tears to fill my eyes. All the glories God has promised have come true beyond the skies. I have everything I need now, so dear family, don't feel blue. I'm writing you this letter just to say...I still love you.
I'll be waiting here in heaven for us to meet again someday and I pray that you'll stay ready to be quickly caught away. But until the trumpet's sounding and the sky is opened wide,
Please don’t cry for me, my loved ones…I am safe by Jesus’ side.
Dorthorea K Barwick 1994
www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Mean Moms
We had the meanest mother in the whole world!
While other kids ate candy for breakfast, we had to have cereal, eggs, and toast. When others had a Pepsi and a Twinkie for lunch, we had to eat sandwiches. And you can guess our mother fixed us a dinner that was different from what other kids had, too.
Mother insisted on knowing where we were at all times. You'd think we were convicts in a prison. She had to know who our friends were, and what we were doing with them. She insisted that if we said we would be gone for an hour, we would be gone for an hour or less.
We were ashamed to admit it, but she had the nerve to break the
Child Labor Laws by making us work. We had to wash the dishes, make the beds, learn to cook, vacuum the floor, do laundry, and all sorts of cruel jobs. I think she would lie awake at night thinking of more things for us to do.
She always insisted on us telling the truth the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. By the time we were teenagers, she could read our minds.
Then, life was really tough! Mother wouldn't let our friends just honk the horn when they drove up. They had to come up to the door so she could meet them.
While everyone else could date when they were 12 or 13, we had to wait until we were 16.
Because of our mother we missed out on lots of things other kids experienced. None of us have ever been caught shoplifting, vandalizing other's property, or ever arrested for any crime. It was all her fault.
Now that we have left home, we are all God-fearing, educated, honest adults. We are doing our best to be mean parents just like Mom was. I think that's what's wrong with the world today. It just doesn't have enough mean moms anymore.
www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com
While other kids ate candy for breakfast, we had to have cereal, eggs, and toast. When others had a Pepsi and a Twinkie for lunch, we had to eat sandwiches. And you can guess our mother fixed us a dinner that was different from what other kids had, too.
Mother insisted on knowing where we were at all times. You'd think we were convicts in a prison. She had to know who our friends were, and what we were doing with them. She insisted that if we said we would be gone for an hour, we would be gone for an hour or less.
We were ashamed to admit it, but she had the nerve to break the
Child Labor Laws by making us work. We had to wash the dishes, make the beds, learn to cook, vacuum the floor, do laundry, and all sorts of cruel jobs. I think she would lie awake at night thinking of more things for us to do.
She always insisted on us telling the truth the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. By the time we were teenagers, she could read our minds.
Then, life was really tough! Mother wouldn't let our friends just honk the horn when they drove up. They had to come up to the door so she could meet them.
While everyone else could date when they were 12 or 13, we had to wait until we were 16.
Because of our mother we missed out on lots of things other kids experienced. None of us have ever been caught shoplifting, vandalizing other's property, or ever arrested for any crime. It was all her fault.
Now that we have left home, we are all God-fearing, educated, honest adults. We are doing our best to be mean parents just like Mom was. I think that's what's wrong with the world today. It just doesn't have enough mean moms anymore.
www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com
Don't Run
Now there was a famine in the land ... The Lord appeared to Isaac and said, "Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land where I tell you to live. Stay in this land for a while. I will be with you and bless you." Genesis 26:1-3 NIV
When famine hit the land, Isaac's first inclination was to leave. But the Lord clearly told him to stick it out. When "famine" occurs in our lives, our reactions are the same: "I've got to get out of here" or "I must
not be in God's will." Yet if we run prematurely, we miss the opportunity to experience God's provision and blessing.
It's difficult to survive some days when we feel dry, thirsty and neglected and we see others around us who are healthy, spiritually well fed and flourishing. Yet it is those dry, desert experiences that often yield the greatest victories in our lives.
Immediately after Jesus was baptized, He was led into the desert to be tested. It was hot, dry and miserable. He was faced with the same choices we are: Stay in the heat until the Lord is finished working in us or take the easy way out. Elevate yourselves above your problems or humble yourselves before the Lord. Fulfill your fleshly desires to help you feel better or abstain and see how the Lord provides.
Jesus and Isaac withstood their desert challenges and emerged stronger, more aware of the provision of the Lord and more powerful in their walk.
If you re feeling the urge to "run" today from your problems, your church, your job or any circumstances stop and ask the Lord if this is His way of preparing you for greater things. Even in the most arid of deserts, He will speak to you and water you with His love.
www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com
When famine hit the land, Isaac's first inclination was to leave. But the Lord clearly told him to stick it out. When "famine" occurs in our lives, our reactions are the same: "I've got to get out of here" or "I must
not be in God's will." Yet if we run prematurely, we miss the opportunity to experience God's provision and blessing.
It's difficult to survive some days when we feel dry, thirsty and neglected and we see others around us who are healthy, spiritually well fed and flourishing. Yet it is those dry, desert experiences that often yield the greatest victories in our lives.
Immediately after Jesus was baptized, He was led into the desert to be tested. It was hot, dry and miserable. He was faced with the same choices we are: Stay in the heat until the Lord is finished working in us or take the easy way out. Elevate yourselves above your problems or humble yourselves before the Lord. Fulfill your fleshly desires to help you feel better or abstain and see how the Lord provides.
Jesus and Isaac withstood their desert challenges and emerged stronger, more aware of the provision of the Lord and more powerful in their walk.
If you re feeling the urge to "run" today from your problems, your church, your job or any circumstances stop and ask the Lord if this is His way of preparing you for greater things. Even in the most arid of deserts, He will speak to you and water you with His love.
www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
A Love Story
I asked Jesus, “How much do you love me?”
He answered, “This much!”
Then He stretched out His arms and died for me!
One day, I woke early in the morning to watch the sunrise. Ah! The beauty of God’s creation is beyond description. As I watched, I praised God for His beautiful work. As I sat there, I felt the Lord’s presence with me. He asked me, “Do you love me?” I answered, “Of course, God! You are my Lord and Savior!”
Then He asked, “If you were physically handicapped, would you still love me?”
I was perplexed. I looked down upon my arms, legs, and the rest of my body and wondered how many things I wouldn’t be able to do and thought about the things that I take for granted. I answered, “It would be tough Lord, but I would still love You.”
Then the Lord said, “If you were blind, would you till love creation?”
How could I love something without being able to see it? Then I thought of all the blind people in the world and how many of them still loved God and His creation. So I answered, “It’s hard to think of it, but I would still love you!”
The Lord then asked me, “If you were deaf, would you still listed to my word?”
How could I listen to anything being deaf? Then I understood. Listening to God’s Word is not merely using our ears, but out hearts. I answered, “It would be tough, but I would listen to Your word.”
The Lord then asked, “If you were mute, would you till praise My name?”
How could I praise without a voice? Then it occurred to me, God wants us to sing from our hearts and souls. It never matters what we sound like. And praising God is not always with a song, but when we are prosecuted, we give God praise with out words of thanks. So I answered, “Thought I could not physically sing, I would still praise Your Name.”
And the Lord asked, “Do you really love Me?”
With courage and a strong conviction, I answered boldly, “Yes Lord! I love you because You are the one and true God!”
I thought I had answered well, but God asked, “Then why do you sin?”
I answered, “Because I am only human. I am not perfect.”
“Then why in times of peace do you stray the furthest? Why only in times of trouble do you pray the earnest?”
I had no answers…only tears.
The Lord continued. “Why only sing and fellowships and retreats? Why seek Me only in times of worship? Why ask things so selfishly? Why ask things so unfaithfully?” The tears continued to roll down my cheeks. “Why are you ashamed of Me? Why are you not spreading the good news? Why in times of persecution, you cry to other when I offer My shoulder to cry on? Why make excused when I give you opportunities to serve in My Name?”
“You are blessed with life. I made you not to throw this gift away. I have blessed you with talents to serve Me, but you continue to turn away. I have revealed My Word to you, but you do not gain in knowledge. I have spoken to you but your ears were closed. I have shown My blessings to you, but your eyes were turned away. I have sent you servants, but you sat idly by as they were pushed away. I have heard your prayers and I have answered them all. Do you truly love me?
I could not answer. How could I? I was embarrassed beyond belief. I had no excuse. What could I say to this? When my heart had cried out and the tears had flowed, I said, “Please forgive me Lord. I am unworthy to be Your child.”
The Lord answered, “Thant is My Grace, My child.”
I asked, “Then why do you continued to forgive me? Why do You love me so?”
The Lord answered, “Because you are My creation. You are my child. I will never abandon you. When you cry, I will have compassion and cry with you. When you should with joy, I will laugh with you. When you are down, I will encourage you. When you fall, I will raise you up. When you are tired, I will carry. I will be with you until the end of days, and I will love you forever.”
Never had I cried so hard before. How could I have been so cold? How could I have hurt God as I had done? I asked God, “How much do you love me?”
The Lord stretched out His arms, and I say His nail-pierced hands. I bowed down at the feet of Christ, my Savior. And for the first time, I truly prayed.
~Author Unknown~
www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com
He answered, “This much!”
Then He stretched out His arms and died for me!
One day, I woke early in the morning to watch the sunrise. Ah! The beauty of God’s creation is beyond description. As I watched, I praised God for His beautiful work. As I sat there, I felt the Lord’s presence with me. He asked me, “Do you love me?” I answered, “Of course, God! You are my Lord and Savior!”
Then He asked, “If you were physically handicapped, would you still love me?”
I was perplexed. I looked down upon my arms, legs, and the rest of my body and wondered how many things I wouldn’t be able to do and thought about the things that I take for granted. I answered, “It would be tough Lord, but I would still love You.”
Then the Lord said, “If you were blind, would you till love creation?”
How could I love something without being able to see it? Then I thought of all the blind people in the world and how many of them still loved God and His creation. So I answered, “It’s hard to think of it, but I would still love you!”
The Lord then asked me, “If you were deaf, would you still listed to my word?”
How could I listen to anything being deaf? Then I understood. Listening to God’s Word is not merely using our ears, but out hearts. I answered, “It would be tough, but I would listen to Your word.”
The Lord then asked, “If you were mute, would you till praise My name?”
How could I praise without a voice? Then it occurred to me, God wants us to sing from our hearts and souls. It never matters what we sound like. And praising God is not always with a song, but when we are prosecuted, we give God praise with out words of thanks. So I answered, “Thought I could not physically sing, I would still praise Your Name.”
And the Lord asked, “Do you really love Me?”
With courage and a strong conviction, I answered boldly, “Yes Lord! I love you because You are the one and true God!”
I thought I had answered well, but God asked, “Then why do you sin?”
I answered, “Because I am only human. I am not perfect.”
“Then why in times of peace do you stray the furthest? Why only in times of trouble do you pray the earnest?”
I had no answers…only tears.
The Lord continued. “Why only sing and fellowships and retreats? Why seek Me only in times of worship? Why ask things so selfishly? Why ask things so unfaithfully?” The tears continued to roll down my cheeks. “Why are you ashamed of Me? Why are you not spreading the good news? Why in times of persecution, you cry to other when I offer My shoulder to cry on? Why make excused when I give you opportunities to serve in My Name?”
“You are blessed with life. I made you not to throw this gift away. I have blessed you with talents to serve Me, but you continue to turn away. I have revealed My Word to you, but you do not gain in knowledge. I have spoken to you but your ears were closed. I have shown My blessings to you, but your eyes were turned away. I have sent you servants, but you sat idly by as they were pushed away. I have heard your prayers and I have answered them all. Do you truly love me?
I could not answer. How could I? I was embarrassed beyond belief. I had no excuse. What could I say to this? When my heart had cried out and the tears had flowed, I said, “Please forgive me Lord. I am unworthy to be Your child.”
The Lord answered, “Thant is My Grace, My child.”
I asked, “Then why do you continued to forgive me? Why do You love me so?”
The Lord answered, “Because you are My creation. You are my child. I will never abandon you. When you cry, I will have compassion and cry with you. When you should with joy, I will laugh with you. When you are down, I will encourage you. When you fall, I will raise you up. When you are tired, I will carry. I will be with you until the end of days, and I will love you forever.”
Never had I cried so hard before. How could I have been so cold? How could I have hurt God as I had done? I asked God, “How much do you love me?”
The Lord stretched out His arms, and I say His nail-pierced hands. I bowed down at the feet of Christ, my Savior. And for the first time, I truly prayed.
~Author Unknown~
www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com
Sunday, May 2, 2010
The Concert
Author Unknown.
Wishing to encourage her young son's progress on the piano, a mother took her boy to a Paderewski concert. After they were seated, the mother spotted a friend in the audience and walked down the aisle to greet her. Seizing the opportunity to explore the wonders of the concert hall, the little boy rose and eventually explored his way through a door marked "NO ADMITTANCE." When the house lights dimmed and the concert was about to begin, the mother returned to her seat and discovered that the child was missing.
Suddenly, the curtains parted and spotlights focused on the impressive Steinway on stage. In horror, the mother saw her little boy was sitting at the keyboard, innocently picking out "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." At that moment, the great piano master made his entrance, quickly moved to the piano, and whispered in the boy's ear, "Don't quit.
Keep playing."
Then leaning over, Paderewski reached down with his left hand and began filling in a bass part. Soon his right arm reached around to the other side of the child and he added a running obligate. Together, the old master and the young novice transformed a frightening situation into a wonderfully creative experience. The audience was so mesmerized that they couldn't recall what else the great master played........only the classic "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star."
That's the way it is with God. What we can accomplish on our own is hardly noteworthy. We try our best, but the results aren't exactly graceful flowing music. But with the hand of the Master, our life's work truly can be beautiful.
Next time you set out to accomplish great feats, listen carefully. You can hear the voice of the Master, whispering in
your ear, "Don't quit. Keep playing." Feel His loving arms around you. Know that His strong hands are there helping you turn your feeble attempts into true masterpieces.
Remember, God doesn't call the equipped, He equips the called. And He'll always be there to love and guide you on to great things.
www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com
Wishing to encourage her young son's progress on the piano, a mother took her boy to a Paderewski concert. After they were seated, the mother spotted a friend in the audience and walked down the aisle to greet her. Seizing the opportunity to explore the wonders of the concert hall, the little boy rose and eventually explored his way through a door marked "NO ADMITTANCE." When the house lights dimmed and the concert was about to begin, the mother returned to her seat and discovered that the child was missing.
Suddenly, the curtains parted and spotlights focused on the impressive Steinway on stage. In horror, the mother saw her little boy was sitting at the keyboard, innocently picking out "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." At that moment, the great piano master made his entrance, quickly moved to the piano, and whispered in the boy's ear, "Don't quit.
Keep playing."
Then leaning over, Paderewski reached down with his left hand and began filling in a bass part. Soon his right arm reached around to the other side of the child and he added a running obligate. Together, the old master and the young novice transformed a frightening situation into a wonderfully creative experience. The audience was so mesmerized that they couldn't recall what else the great master played........only the classic "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star."
That's the way it is with God. What we can accomplish on our own is hardly noteworthy. We try our best, but the results aren't exactly graceful flowing music. But with the hand of the Master, our life's work truly can be beautiful.
Next time you set out to accomplish great feats, listen carefully. You can hear the voice of the Master, whispering in
your ear, "Don't quit. Keep playing." Feel His loving arms around you. Know that His strong hands are there helping you turn your feeble attempts into true masterpieces.
Remember, God doesn't call the equipped, He equips the called. And He'll always be there to love and guide you on to great things.
www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com
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