Thursday, September 28, 2017

The Saucer

San Francisco is home to hundreds of little stores that sell both worthless junk and valuable antiques. Savvy shoppers can find some real treasures among all the debris.
One day an antique connoisseur walked into one of these stores. Browsing the items for sale, he came across an unremarkable cat Drinking milk from a saucer on the floor. The man immediately recognized this saucer as genuine Ming Dynasty, worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. And here it was on the floor, with a cat drinking milk out of it! The shop owner obviously did not know its worth.
Immediately, the man started scheming how to get it for cheap, without the shopkeeper knowing what he was selling. He turned to the shopkeeper and said, "You know, that's a very striking cat you have there. I'd really like to buy your cat."
"Well," answered the shopkeeper, "the cat is not really for sale."
"I insist," the man replied. "Would you take $100 for the cat?"
"That's very generous," said the shopkeeper with a shake of his head.
"I don't think this cat is worth $100, but if you want the cat that badly, you can have it."
The man paid for the cat and then, as if he'd just thought of it, said, "Oh, one more thing. I'm going to need something to use as a feeding dish for the cat, so I'll give you another $5 for that little saucer there on the floor."
"Oh, I could never do that," said the shopkeeper. "You see, that's no ordinary saucer. That's a piece of rare china from the Ming Dynasty and its worth is incalculable. But amazingly enough, ever since I started feeding my cats out of it, I've sold 12 cats."
That shopkeeper degraded something of great value to upgrade the worth of his cats. God also used something of great value to redeem us and to give us life--Christ, who was degraded on the cross so that we could be upgraded to eternal life. As a result, we have become priceless treasures.
On the other hand, customers who didn't know any better walked by the cat's milk dish without realizing that they were walking past a treasure. Next time you walk past what look like ordinary persons, don't be fooled. They're treasures--people God loves so much that he sacrificed his Son on their behalf.


Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Puppies For Sale

A store owner was tacking a sign above his door that read “Puppies For Sale.” Signs like that have a way of attracting small children and sure enough, a little boy appeared by the store owner’s sign. “How much are you going to sell the puppies for?” he asked. The store owner replied, “Anywhere from $30-$50.” The little boy reached in his pocket and pulled out some change. “I have $2.37,” he said. “May I please look at them?”
The store owner smiled and whistled, out of the kennel came Lady, who ran down the aisle of his store followed by five teeny, tiny balls of fur. One puppy was lagging considerably behind. Immediately the little boy singled out the lagging, limping puppy and said, “What’s wrong with that little dog?”
The store owner explained that the veterinarian had examined the little puppy and had discovered it didn’t have a hip socket. It would always limp. It would always be lame.
The little boy became excited. “That is the little puppy that I want to buy.” The store owner said, “No, you don’t want to buy that little dog. If you really want him, I’ll just give him to you.”
The little boy got quite upset. He looked into the store owner’s eyes, pointing his finger, and said, “I don’t want you to give him to me. That dog is worth every bit as much as all the other dogs and I’ll pay full price. In fact, I’ll give you $2.37 now, and 50 cents a month until I have him paid for.”
The store owner countered, “You really don’t want to buy this little dog. He is never going to be able to run and jump and play with you like the other puppies.”
To this, the little boy reached down and rolled up his pant leg to reveal a badly twisted, crippled left leg supported by a big metal brace. He looked up at the store owner and softly replied, “Well, I don’t run so good myself, and the little puppy will need someone who understands!”



Tuesday, September 26, 2017

The Spoon

A pastor had dinner at the home of a couple in his church.  After he left, the wife said to the husband, “I think he stole our spoon!”  This bothered her for a whole year. 
A year later the couple had the pastor for dinner again.  Unable to resist, the wife asked, “Did you steal our spoon last year?”  The pastor replied, “No, I put it inside your Bible.”



Monday, September 25, 2017

Dear God

Thank you for that flat tire on the highway yesterday.  The weather was so humid, traffic zoomed by and it took me nearly three hours to change the tire by myself.  Thank you, for the delay that kept me from the fatal accident that would have been in my path.
Thank you for my forgetfulness last week when I forgot my purse and had to go all the way home to retrieve I before stopping at my regular gas station, thank you so much for keeping me safe from the robbery that killed the clerk and four customers.
Thank you Lord for those terrible headaches, the ones that cost me hundreds of dollars in doctor bills, only to have to return yet again, and thank you for the sitters cancellation the last doctors visit.  My head was pounding and the baby was screaming and the other patients waiting were so very annoyed, thank you so much.  The doctor said had we no been able to recognize baby’s symptoms, we would have lost her.  Thank you, God for sending a guardian angel to watch over me.
The next time you have a flat tire, or wake up late, or forget things that delay you, and the next time that you feel that something terrible has happened, or that you seem to have the worst luck, think about what would have happened if things had been changed.  It’s not bad luck, not at all.  It’s your guardian angel.

 

Sunday, September 24, 2017

Drinking From My Saucer

I've never made a fortune and it's probably too late now
But I don't worry about that much I'm happy anyhow
And as I go along life's way I'm reaping better than I sow
I'm drinking from my saucer 'Cause my cup has overflowed

Haven't got a lot of riches and sometimes the going's tough
But I've got loving ones around me and that makes me rich enough
I thank God for his blessings and the mercies He's bestowed
I'm drinking from my saucer 'cause my cup has overflowed

O, Remember times when things went wrong  My faith wore somewhat thin
But all at once the dark clouds broke  and sun peeped through again
So Lord, help me not to gripe about the tough rows that I've hoed
I'm drinking from my saucer 'Cause my cup has overflowed

If God gives me strength and courage  When the way grows steep and rough
I'll not ask for other blessings I'm already blessed enough
And may I never be too busy to help others bear their loads
Then I'll keep drinking from my saucer 'Cause my cup has overflowed



Thursday, September 21, 2017

Being Content

Philippians 4:12-13 says, "I know what it is to be in need,
and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the
secret of being content in any and every situation, whether
well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I
can do everything through Him who gives me strength."

The Bible teaches us many life lessons. One of the most
useful of those life lessons is that of being content with
what you have.

We live in a material world. Hollywood tries to instill in
us the belief that it is what you have that counts.
According to the media you need the right clothes, the right
car, the right shoes, the right hair, the right "look" to be
a worthwhile person.

We often spend much of our time striving to obtain more and
more of the luxuries that this world offers. We want all the
gadgets and all the latest fashions. We want the best cars
and houses and our kids want all the latest toys. It is so
easy to get caught up in all these "wants" to the degree
that we spend all our spare time working toward obtaining
"things" instead of investing our time into making this
world a better place.

We need to remember that it is not our outward appearance
that really matters, but it is what we are inside that
counts. It doesn't matter what you have, but WHOSE you are.

Are you content with the things the Lord has given you or do
you often complain that you don't have the newest and latest
contraption? Do you spend your time serving God and others
or do you spend your time working overtime to have extra
money so that you can have more purchasing power?

To be honest, sometimes I struggle with being content with
what I have. A new rug in my entryway would be nice and so
would a new living room chair ...

If I am able to earn a little extra to purchase these
things, that's great. But I need to remember my priorities.
I need to remind myself that I've chosen to live a simple
lifestyle so that I could have the time and energy to invest
in relationships with people.

So when I look around my house - or in my closet - and start
dreaming of things I would like to have, I need to remind
myself that God is good and he amply supplies for all my
needs - even many of my "wants". I don't always need the
latest gadget and newest clothes. These things don't bring
true happiness. But being content with what you have does
bring peace.

******

Patricia Chadwick
Copyright 2005

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

The Anchor Holds

Devotional by Barbara Sanders
Hebrews 6:19 which [hope] we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;
A storm arises, and the ship is caught at sea, tossing and turning in the high waves. The only thing that will save that ship is an anchor, hopefully steadying it until the storm ceases.
We are like that ship in this world, being tossed to and fro, needing something to steady our walk. The gospel 'HOPE' is our anchor for this steadiness and surety in the Lord. The grace of God and the influence of the Holy Spirit are the grounds of this hope. God is the object of this HOPE we have.
Without this HOPE, Jesus Christ, we are lost out in the world today, being pushed and shoved, going nowhere fast! We struggle to make it through, to make ends meet, to have a life, to have peace, yet we still have a longing that nothing in this world can ease.
If you don't have the assurance of this anchor in your life, why not consider coming to Christ today? Why not give your life to God, by asking him for forgiveness of your sins, believing that he is GOD, that he died on the cross for your sins, that he was buried, arose again in 3 days, and now is at the right hand of the Father, ready to make intercession for you. Turn your life over to Him, putting your faith and trust in Him, that he will take you and mold you into what he'd have you be. You can then take solace in the fact that you now have the ANCHOR that will surely hold, no matter how much you are tossed and turned!
Lord, we thank you for the anchor of hope we have, serving you in this world. We know that one day we will spend eternity with you, never again having to face the sea of life again, to be tossed to and fro in the waves of life. For those that haven't made the commitment to you, lay conviction in their hearts, that they will desire to come to know you as their anchor. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.


Monday, September 18, 2017

Morning Prayer

"Dear Lord, thank You for the night's rest you so graciously gave me.
I am grateful for renewed energy and enthusiasm. I accept this new
day as a wonderful opportunity. May I use it minute by minute to do
Thy will. Guide me in every problem, every decision I shall make this
day. Help me to treat everyone kindly and to be fair and just and
thoughtful in everything today. And if I forget Thee during this day,
O Lord, please do not forget me. Amen."




Sunday, September 17, 2017

Father, I Will Find Time

I am sorry, but you just don't see
there's so much that depends on me. ` ·· if
There's family, friends and so much more
my time's not mine, not anymore.

It isn't that I don't want to find
that part of my day, that special time
to spend with you and let you know
how much I really love you so.
But there will be time. I know there will
when quiet will come and things are still.
When I can sit and talk with you,
believe me, that's what I want to do.
But, the phone is ringing, my beeper sounds
the children wait and car keys must be found.
I've heard about you all my life
and talk to you when I'm filled with strife.
I think you heard me, for things did work out.
Did I forget to thank you, as I ran about?
But you know I love you. I know you do.
And when I find time, I'll talk with you.
Tomorrow   yes, that's when it'll be.
My time's just not my own, you see.
But I'll find time to sit with you
and if things work out that's what I'll do.
I love you. Please remember that.
But, right now I don't have time to chat.
I Love you. Bye. Take care until I
  Find that time...I know I will.
  Text ©2000-200l Misty Taggart


Thursday, September 14, 2017

God Has Kept Me Here For A Reason

Repeat after me: God has kept me here for a reason. I survived because He has a plan for me. All my bad relationships, the addictions, the consequences, the bad credit, the repossessions, the death of my
loved ones, the back stabbing from my friends, the negative thoughts, or the lack of support; I made it because I am blessed!
I release and let go of all past hurts, misunderstandings and grudges because I am abundantly blessed! I recognize them as the illusions
they are, and sent from the enemy to kill my spirit, steal my joy, and destroy my faith;
For God is all there is. All else is a lie! Now give
yourself a hug, wipe your tears away and walk in victory!!!!!!!! I love
you, but more appropriately God loves you BEST! Be blessed and know that you are at one with THE SPIRIT OF THE LIVING GOD! And may the Lord keep watch between you and me when we are away from each other. Genesis 31:49. Amen!
Now since you are a true child of God, you know that with every
blessing, a blessing is required! So be a blessing to another, by passing this on.
Be Blessed "The Will of GOD will never take you where the GRACE of GOD will not protect you."
"Friends warm you with their presence, trust you with their secrets, and remember you in their prayers"




Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Life, Make It A Good One

There are moments in life when you miss someone so much that you just want to pick them from your dreams and hug them for real!
When the door of happiness closes, another opens, but often times we look so long at the closed door that we don‘t see the one which has been opened for us.
Don't go for looks; they can deceive. Don’t go for wealth; even that fades away. Go for someone who makes you smile because it takes only a smile to make a dark day seem bright. Find the one that makes your heart smile.
Dream what you want to dream; go where you want to go; be what you want to be, because you have only one life and one chance to do all the things you want to do.
May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human, enough hope to make you happy.
The happiest of people don‘t necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way.
Love begins with a smile, grows with a kiss and ends with a tear. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past. You can‘t go on well in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.
When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling.
Live your life so that when you die, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.
Share this message to those people who mean something to you, to those who have touched your life in one way or another, to those who make you smile when you really need it, to those that make you see the brighter side of things when you are really down, to those who you want to let them know that you appreciate their friendship.




Thursday, September 7, 2017

Garbage Truck



One day I hopped into a taxi and we took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car moved out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his breaks, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches.  The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was really friendly. So I asked, "Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!" This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call,

"The Law of the Garbage Truck".

He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you. Don't take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets. Don't let garbage trucks take over your day. Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so
        "Love the people who treat you right; Pray for the ones who don't."


Wednesday, September 6, 2017

The Rose And The Thorn

A certain man planted a rose and watered it faithfully and before it blossomed, he examined it.

He saw the bud that would soon blossom, but noticed thorns upon the stem and he thought, “How can any beautiful flower come from a plant burdened with so many sharp thorns?” Saddened by this thought, he neglected to water the rose, and just before it was ready to bloom….it died.

So it is with many people.  Within every soul there is a rose.  The God-like qualities planted in us at birth, grow amid the thorns of our faults.  Many of us look at ourselves and see only the thorns, the defects.

We despair, thinking that nothing good can possibly come from us.  We neglect to water the good within us, and eventually it dies.  We never realize our potential.

Some people do not see the rose within themselves; someone else must show it to them.  One of the greatest gifts a person can possess is to be able to reach past the thorns of another, and find the rose within them.

This is one of the characteristic of love.  To look at a person, know their true faults and accepting that person into your life, all the while recognizing the nobility in their soul.  Help others to realize they can overcome their faults.  If we show them the “rose” within themselves, they will conquer their thorns.  Only then will they blossom many times over.


Monday, September 4, 2017

Love

It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80’s, arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am. I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would be able to see him.
I saw him looking at his watch, and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound.
While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor’s appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife.
I inquired as to her health; he told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer’s disease. As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late.
He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now.
I was surprised, and asked him, ‘And you still go every morning, even though she doesn’t know who you are’? He smiled as he patted my hand and said, ‘She doesn’t know me, but I still know who she is’.
I had to hold back tears as he left; I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, ‘That is the kind of love I want in my life’. True love is neither physical, nor romantic.
True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.
With all the jokes and fun that are in e-mails, sometimes there is one that comes along that has an important message. This one I thought I could share with you.
The happiest people don’t necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.