Mending Fences

Once upon a time two brothers who lived on adjoining farms fell into conflict. It was the first serious rift in 40 years of farming side by side, sharing machinery, and trading labor and goods as needed without a hitch.

Then the long collaboration fell apart. It began with a small misunderstanding and it grew into a major difference, and finally it exploded into an exchange of bitter words followed by weeks of silence.

One morning there was a knock on John's door. He opened it to find a man with a carpenter's toolbox. "I'm looking for a few days work," he said. "Perhaps you would have a few small jobs here and there. Could I help you?"

"Yes," said the older brother. "I do have a job for you. Look across the creek at that farm. That's my neighbor, in fact, it's my younger brother.

Last week there was a meadow between us and he took his bulldozer to the river levee and now there is a creek between us.

Well, he may have done this to spite me, but I'll go him one better. See that pile of lumber curing by the barn?

I want you to build me a fence - an 8-foot fence - so I won't need to see his place anymore. Cool him down, anyhow."

The carpenter said, "I think I understand the situation.
Show me the nails and the post-hole digger and I'll be able to do a job that pleases you."

The older brother had to go to town for supplies, so he helped the carpenter get the materials ready and then he was off for the day.

The carpenter worked hard all that day measuring, sawing, nailing. About sunset when the farmer returned, the carpenter had just finished his job.

The farmer's eyes opened wide, his jaw dropped.

There was no fence there at all. It was a bridge.

A bridge stretching from one side of the creek to the other!

A fine piece of work, handrails and all, and the neighbor, his younger brother, was coming across, his hand outstretched.

"You are quite a fellow to build this bridge after all I've said and done."

The two brothers stood at each end of the bridge and then they met in the middle, taking each other's hand.

They turned to see the carpenter hoist his toolbox on his shoulder.

"No, wait! Stay a few days. I've got a lot of other projects for you," said the older brother.

"I'd love to stay on," the carpenter said, "but, I have many more bridges to build."

-Author Unknown

The Nail

As the story goes, they built a new church building and people came from far
and wide to see it. They admired its beauty! Up on the roof, a little nail heard the people praising everything about the lovely structure-except the nail! No one even knew he was there, and he became angry and jealous.
"lf I am that insignificant, nobody will miss me if I quit!" So the nail then released its hold, slid down the roof, and fell in the mud.
That night it rained and rained. Soon, the shingle that had no nail blew away, and the roof began to leak. The water streaked the walls and the beautiful murals. The plaster began to fall, the carpet was stained, and the pulpit Bible was ruined by water. All this because a little nail decided to quit!
But what of the nail? While holding the shingle, it was obscure but it was also useful. Buried in the mud it was just as obscure, but now it was useless and would soon be eaten up by rust!
The moral of the story-EVERY MEMBER IS IMPORTANT TO THE CHURCH! You may, Hike the nail, feel obscure at times, but just like the nail, your Absence felt. When you are not present for worship, in some way the body of Christ hurts. We are ALL a part of the Lord's ministry.

- Author Unknown

www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com

Don't Quit

by Edgar A. Guest
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
when the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
when the funds are low and the debts are high,
and you want to smile but you have to sigh,
when care is pressing you down a bit - rest if you must,
but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns.
As everyone of us sometimes learns.
And many a fellow turns about when he might have won had he stuck it out.
Don't give up though the pace seems slow - you may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than it seems to a faint and faltering man;
often the struggler has given up when he might have captured the victor's cup;
and he learned too late when the night came down,
how close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out - the silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
and when you never can tell how close you are,
it may be near when it seems afar;
so stick to the fight when you're hardest hit - it's when things seem worst,
you must not quit.
www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com

The Land Of Hope

Today's Scripture

"I've pitched my tent in the Land of Hope" (Acts 2:26 Message).

Today's Word

Where have you pitched your tent today? What are you expecting to happen in your life? What kind of attitude do you have? If you're focused on what's wrong, or what's not working, it's time to dig up your tent stakes! It's time to pack up your belongings and move out of the land of discouragement. Move out of the "Not-going-to-happen" sub-division. Move out of "Can't-do-it-ville." It's time to leave "Self-pity Estates." Get out of those areas and move into the land of hope, faith, and expectation. Maybe you don't quite know how to get there, but now's the time to start looking for that new place. Open your heart to the Lord and ask Him to direct your thoughts and expectations. The Bible says that those who hope in the Lord will never be put to shame. You can trust God to order your steps. You can trust Him to move you from the land of disappointment to the land of hope today!

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, thank You for ordering and directing my steps. Thank You for taking me to the land of hope! I release all my past hurts and disappointments to You today and ask that You fill me with Your faith and expectancy for a bright future! In Jesus' Name, Amen.

www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com

Pancakes

Six year old Brandon decided one Saturday morning to fix his parents pancakes. He found a big bowl and spoon, pulled a chair to the counter, opened the cupboard, and pulled out the heavy flour canister, spilling it on the floor.

He scooped some of the flour into the bowl with his hands, mixed in most of a cup of milk, and added some sugar, leaving a floury trail on the floor
which by now had a few tracks left by his kitten. Brandon was covered with flour and getting frustrated. He wanted this to be something very good for Mom and Dad, but it was getting very bad. He didn't know what to do next, whether to put it all into the oven or on the stove, (and he didn't know how the stove worked!). Suddenly he saw his kitten licking from the bowl of mix and reached to push her away, knocking the egg carton to the floor.

Frantically he tried to clean up this monumental mess but slipped on the eggs, getting his pajamas white and sticky. And just then he saw Dad standing at the door. Big crocodile tears welled up in Brandon's eyes. All he'd wanted to do was something good, but he'd made a terrible mess. He was sure a scolding was coming, maybe even a spanking. But his father just watched him. Then, walking through the mess, he picked up his crying son, hugged him and loved him, getting his own pajamas white and sticky in the process.

That's how God deals with us. We try to do something good in life, but it turns into a mess. Our marriage gets all sticky, we insult a friend, we can't stand our job, or our health goes sour. Sometimes we just stand there in
tears because we can't think of anything else to do.

That's when God picks us up and loves us and forgives us, even though some of our mess gets allover Him. But just because we might mess up, we can't stop trying to "make pancakes," for God or for others. Sooner or later we'll get it right, and then they'll be glad we tried ...

~ Author Unknown ~

www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com

Windshield Message

Unknown Author
One rainy afternoon I was driving along one of the main streets of town, taking those extra precautions necessary when the roads are slick. Suddenly my daughter, Aspen, spoke up from her relaxed position in her seat, "Dad, I'm thinking of something." This announcement usually meant she had been pondering some fact for a while, and was now ready to expound all that her six-year-old mind had discovered. I was eager to hear. "What are you thinking?" I asked.

"The rain;" she began, "is like sin, and the windshield wipers are like God wiping our sins away." After the chill bumps raced up my arms I was able to respond. "That's really good, Aspen." Then my curiosity broke in. How far would this little girl take this revelation? So I asked... "Do you notice how the rain keeps on coming? What does that tell you?" Aspen didn't hesitate one moment with her answer: "We keep on sinning, and God just keeps on forgiving us." I will always remember this whenever I turn my wipers on.


www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com

23 Psalm For The Workplace

The Lord is my real boss and I shall not want.
He gives me peace, when chaos is all around me.
He gently reminds me to pray before I speak and to do all things without murmuring and complaining.
He reminds me that He is my Source and not my job.
He restores my sanity every day and guides my decisions that I might honor Him in everything I do.
Even though I face absurd amounts of emails, system crashes, unrealistic deadlines, budget cutbacks, gossiping co-workers, discriminating supervisors, and an aging body that doesn’t cooperate every morning, I will not stop–for He is with me!
His presence, His peace, and His power will see me through.
He raises me up, even when they fail to promote me.
He claims me as His own, even when the company threatens to let me go.
His faithfulness and love are better than any bonus check.
His retirement plan beats every 401K there is.
When it’s all said and done, I’ll be working for Him a whole lot longer and for that, I bless His Name.
www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com

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 veteriarian 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!”
www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com

No Station

Tucked away in our subconscious is an idyllic vision. We see ourselves on a long trip that spans the continent. We are traveling by train. Out the windows we drink in the passing scene of cars on nearby highways, of children waving at a crossing, of cattle grazing on a distant hillside, of smoke pouring from a power plant, of row upon row of corn and wheat, of flatlands and valleys, of mountains and rolling hillsides, of city skylines and village halls.
But uppermost on our minds is the final destination. On a certain day at a certain hour we will pull into the station. Bands will be playing and flags waving. Once we get there so many wonderful dreams will come true and the pieces of our lives will fit together like a completed jigsaw puzzle. How restlessly we pace the aisles, damning the minutes for loitering - waiting, waiting, waiting for the station.

"When we reach the station, that will be it!" we cry.
"When I'm 18."
"When I buy a new 500SL Mercedes Benz!"
"When I put the last kid through college."
"When I have paid of the mortgage."
"When I get a promotion."
"When I reach the age of retirement, I shall live happily ever after!"

Sooner or later, we must realize there is no station, no one place to arrive at once and for all. The true joy of life is the trip. The station is only a dream. It constantly outdistances us.
"Relish the moment" is a good motto, especially when coupled with Psalm 118:24: "This is the day which the Lord hath made: we will rejoice and be glad in it." It isn't the burdens of today that drive men mad. It is the regrets over yesterday and the fear of tomorrow. Regret and fear are twin thieves who rob us of today. So, stop pacing the aisles and counting the miles. Instead, climb more mountains, eat more ice cream, go barefoot more often, swim more rivers, watch more sunsets, laugh more, and cry less. Life must be lived as we go along.

The station will come soon enough.

- Robert J. Hastings

www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com

Pedal

I used to think of God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the
things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when
I die. He was out there, sort of like a president. I recognized His
picture when I saw it, but I didn't really know Him.

But later on when I met Christ, it seemed as though life were rather
like a bike, but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that Christ was in
the back helping me pedal. I don't know just when it was He suggested
we change places, but life has not been the same since I took the back
seat to Jesus, My Lord. Christ makes life exciting. When I had
control, I thought I knew the way, but it was rather boring, but
predictable. It was the shortest distance between two points.

But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts, up mountains,
and through rocky places and at breakneck speeds; it was all I could do
to hang on! Even though it often looked like madness, He said "Pedal!"
I was worried and anxious and asked, "Where are you taking me?" He
laughed and didn't answer, and I started to learn to trust. I forgot my
boring life and entered the adventure. And when I'd say, "I'm scared",
He'd lean back and touch my hand.

He took me to people with gifts that I needed, gifts of healing,
acceptance and joy. They gave me their gifts to take on my journey, our
journey, my Lord's and mine. And we were off again. He said, "Give the
gifts away; they're extra baggage, too much weight." So I did, to the
people we met, and I found that in giving I received, and still our
burden was light.

I did not trust Him, at first, in control of my life. I thought He'd
wreck it, but He knows bike secrets, knows how to make it bend to take
sharp corners, jump to clear high rocks, fly to shorten scary passages.
And I am learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places, and I'm
beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face with my
delightful constant companion, Christ.

And when I'm sure I just can't do any more, He just smiles and says ...
"Pedal."

-- Author Unknown


www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com

Let Go And Let God

God never tells us that OUR need to forgive is contingent on another's genuine repentance. Christ didn't die ONLY for those who would be REALLY sorry. He didn't forgive ONLY those who could eventually prove their worthiness. And He certainly didn't set up a record-keeping system for tracking our screw-ups! Once forgiven, ALWAYS forgotten. And forgetting is the essence of true forgiveness: the sweat aroma that melts resentment and builds love.

Remember back to that first time you felt unconditionally accepted by someone who REALLY knew you. That acceptance could not have been possible if resentment had grabbed a foothold. Resentment amounts to hatred, and that resentment would have been against YOU!

I love that old maxim, "Let go, and let God." It's the things we can't handle that God promises to take on for us! WE don't have to learn to overcome or overlook someone else's shortcomings, that's God's job. WE are called to love. WE are called to forgive. Once we realize this, what a heavy burden is lifted from our shoulders!

If by chance, the FACT that you're right and someone else is wrong is your justification for harboring resentment, remember the principles of love in
I Corinthians 13: 4-8:

"Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. Love will last for ever."

With this in mind, dare we waste any more time harboring resentments and burying our heads, when we should be enjoying life, embracing love and living more fully? Let's do ourselves a favor - let's let go. and let God!


Steve Goodier, publisher of Your Life Support System

www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com

Not Letting Go

Some years ago on a hot summer day in south Florida a little boy decided to go for a swim in the old swimming hole behind his house. In a hurry to dive into the cool water, he ran out the back door, leaving behind shoes, socks, and shirt as he went. He flew into the water, not realizing that as he swam toward the middle of the lake, an alligator was swimming toward the shore.

His mother, in the house, was looking out the window, and saw the two as they got closer and closer together. In utter fear, she ran toward the water, yelling to her son as loudly as she could. Hearing her voice, the little boy became alarmed and made a U-turn to swim to his mother. It was too late. Just as he reached her, the alligator reached him. From the dock, the mother grabbed her son by the arms just as the alligator snatched his legs. That began an incredible tug-of-war between the two. The alligator was much stronger than the mother, but the mother was much too passionate to let go.

A farmer happened to drive by, heard her screams, raced from his truck, took aim and shot the alligator.

Remarkably, after weeks and weeks in the hospital, the little boy survived. His legs were extremely scarred by the vicious attack of the animal. And, on his arms, were deep scratches where his mother's fingernails dug into his flesh in her effort to hang on to the son she loved.

The newspaper reporter, who interviewed the boy, asked if he would show him his scars. The boy lifted his pant legs. With obvious pride, though, he said to the reporter, "But look at my arms. I have great scars on my arms, too. I have them because my mom wouldn't let go."

You and I can identify with that little boy. We have scars, too. No, not from an alligator, or anything quite so dramatic. But, the scars of a painful past. Some of those scars are unsightly and have caused us deep regret. But, some wounds, my friend, are because God has refused to let go. In the midst of your struggle, He's been there holding on to you.

God loves you. If you have God in your life, you have become a child of God. He wants to protect you and provide for you in every way. But sometimes we foolishly wade into dangerous situations. The swimming hole of life is filled with peril - and we forget that the enemy is waiting to attack. That's when the tug-o-war begins, and if you have the scars of His love on your arms be very, very grateful.

He did not - and will not - let you go.

www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com

Are You Jesus?

A few years ago a group of salesmen went to a regional sales convention in Chicago . They had assured their wives that they would be home in plenty of time for Friday night's dinner. In their rush, with tickets and briefcases, one of these salesmen inadvertently kicked over a table which held a display of apples. Apples flew everywhere.
Without stopping or looking back, they all managed to reach the plane in time for their nearly-missed boarding.
ALL BUT ONE !!! He paused, took a deep breath, got in touch with his feelings, and experienced a twinge of compassion for the girl whose apple stand had been overturned.
He told his buddies to go on without him, waved good-bye, told one of them to call his wife when they arrived at their home destination and explain his taking a later flight. Then he returned to the terminal where the apples were all over the terminal floor.
He was glad he did.
The 16 year old girl was totally blind! She was softly crying, tears running down her cheeks in frustration, and at the same time helplessly groping for her spilled produce as the crowd swirled about her, no one stopping and no one to care for her plight.
The salesman knelt on the floor with her, gathered up the apples, put them back on the table and helped organize her display. As he did this, he noticed that many of them had become battered and bruised; these he set aside in another basket.
When he had finished, he pulled out his wallet and said to the girl, "Here, please take this $40 for the damage we did. Are you okay?"
She nodded through her tears. He continued on with, "I hope we didn't spoil your day too badly."
As the salesman started to walk away, the bewildered blind girl called out to him, "Mister...." He paused and turned to look back into those blind eyes. She continued, "Are you Jesus?"
He stopped in mid-stride, and he wondered. Then slowly he made his way to catch the later flight with that question burning and bouncing about in his soul: "Are you Jesus?" Do people mistake you for Jesus?
That's our destiny, is it not? To be so much like Jesus that people
cannot tell the difference as we live and interact with a world that is blind to His love, life, and grace.
If we claim to know Him, we should live, walk and act as He would. Knowing Him is more than simply quoting Scripture and going to church. It's actually living the Word as life unfolds day to day. You are the apple of His eye even though we, too, have been bruised by a fall.
He stopped what He was doing and picked you and me up on a hill called Calvary and paid in full for our damaged fruit.

Author Unknown
www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com

If Tomorrw Never Comes

If I knew it would be the last time
That I'd see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly,
And pray the Lord your soul to keep.
If I knew it would be the last time
That I'd see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss,
And call you back for just one more
If I knew it would be the last time
I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,
I would tape each word and action,
And play them back throughout my days
If I knew it would be the last time,
I would spare an extra minute or two,
To stop and say "I love you,"
Instead of assuming you know I do.
So just in case tomorrow never comes,
And today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you,
And I hope we never will forget.
Tomorrow is not promised to anyone,
Young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance
You get to hold your loved one tight.
So if you're waiting for tomorrow,
Why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes,
You'll surely regret the day.

That you didn't take that extra time
For a smile, a hug, or a kiss,
And you were too busy to grant someone,
What turned out to be their one last wish.
o hold your loved ones close today,
And whisper in their ear,
That you love them very much, and
You'll always hold them dear.
Take time to say "I'm sorry,"
"Please forgive me," "thank you" or "it's okay".
And if tomorrow never comes,
You'll have no regrets about today
~ Norma Cornett Marek ~
www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com

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"

www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com

Special Sauce

This is soooo good! It will pick you up when down. I was sitting at the drive-through window at McDonald's this weekend. I did the usual thing; I drove up to the menu and ordered. I proceeded to the first window and paid, then drove to the second window and waited for
the order. After sitting there for a few minutes, the clerk slid back the window and asked, "Will you please pull over to the side; your order is not ready."

"I was a little upset and even impatient, but I pulled over and waited. I thought, "How come other folks ordered and drove straight through and I have to wait." I waited for another two or three minutes. It seemed like hours. Just as I was about to give up and drive away, the clerk finally ran out, tapped on the window, and handed me the order. Of course I asked, "Hey,
what took so long?" She replied, "You wanted the Special Sauce, which meant it had to be especially made for that sandwich, it doesn't usually come with that one."

This scene is a reflection of our prayer life. We make our request to the Lord. Our menu is His Word, where He has listed promise after promise. We stand before Him and request and plead and, sometimes, even beg. We go to the first window and pay, sometimes with fervent prayer, sometimes with prolonged suffering, sometimes with obedience, and sometimes not at all.
We then move to the second window and wait for our order. If God doesn't answer within a few minutes, we become upset.

You know the phrase, "Jesus, it's 5:00 p.m. Friday; I prayed to You yesterday, and You still haven't answered. I can't wait much longer." Why is it taking Him so long? I've seen people drive up before me and they received their orders right away! We even go so far as to tap on the
window and ask if He has forgotten our order. We become impatient. We become
upset. We become downright mad. Lord I asked for a mate ten days ago and I don't see him/her anywhere. Lord, I've been asking for a new job for two years; others have passed me by. I've been waiting on a financial blessing for ten years and I still have more months than money.

Where are You why haven't you blessed me? And just when you think He is giving you the answer. He pulls back the royal curtain of Eternity, and states, "Please pull over to the side and wait a while longer." This once frustrated me to no end, made me mad, made me want to give up, made me want to holier; that is, until the clerk brought out my sandwich. Then, the revelation became clear. Do you know why the Lord has put you on the side? Do you know why you have had to wait for this blessing longer than before? Do you know why He has put you through more this time than ever?

Do you know why it seems as though He has not heard you and He does not care? Do you know why it- seems like you have had to go through more tears, more pains, and more struggling this time? Because this blessing is a Special Sauce Blessing! This is an Overflowing, Pressed-Down, Shaken Together, Blessing! You made a Special Order and God has been putting
together a Special Sauce Blessing for you and He has to prepare it for you!

That man you wanted . . . He's putting together a Special Sauce!

That job you wanted . . .
He's putting together a Special Sauce!

That financial blessing . . .
He's putting together a Special Sauce!

That peace on the job . . .
He's putting together a Special Sauce!

That house . . .
He's putting together a Special Sauce!

That deeper anointing . . .
He's putting together a Special Sauce!

That promotion . . . He's putting together a Special Sauce!

That ................. He's putting together a Special Sauce!

For I know the thought's that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end . . . [And a Special Sauce]. Jeremiah 29:11
How many people have driven away before the clerk brought their food, and how many people have missed their blessings because they did not wait?
Hang in there. Keep on waiting. You made a Special Order, now wait on God's
Special Sauce!
"But they that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)

www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com

The Frog Principle

A group of frogs were traveling through the woods, and two of them fell into a deep pit.

All the other frogs gathered around the pit.

When they saw how deep the pit was, they told the unfortunate frogs they would never get out.

The two frogs ignored the comments and tried to jump up out of the pit.

The other frogs kept telling them to stop, that they were as good as dead.

Finally, one of the frogs took heed to what the other frogs were saying

and simply gave up.

He fell down and died.

The other frog continued to jump as hard as he could.

Once again, the crowd of frogs yelled at him to stop the pain and suffering and just die.

He jumped even harder and finally made it out.


When he got out, the other frogs asked him,

"Why did you continue jumping?

Didn't you hear us?"

The frog explained to them that he was deaf.

He thought they were encouraging him the entire time.


This story teaches two lessons:


1. There is power of life and death in the tongue.

An encouraging word to someone who is down can lift them up and help them make it through the day.

2. A destructive word to someone who is down can be what it takes to kill them.

Be careful of what you say.

Speak life to those who cross your path.

The power of words ... it is sometimes hard to understand that an encouraging word can go such a long way.

Anyone can speak words that tend to rob another of the spirit to continue in difficult times.
Special is the individual who will take the time to encourage another.

Be special to others.

www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com

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.
www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com

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

The Necklace

The cheerful little girl with bouncy golden curls was almost five.
Waiting with her mother at the checkout stand, she saw them, a circle of glistening white pearls in a pink foil box.
Oh mommy please, Mommy. Can I have them? Please, Mommy, please?"
Quickly the mother checked the back of the little foil box and then looked back into the pleading blue eyes of her little girl's upturned face.
"A dollar ninety-five. That's almost $2.00. If you really want them, I'll think of some extra chores for you and in no time you can save enough money to buy them for yourself.
Your birthday's only a week away and you might get another crisp dollar bill from Grandma."
As soon as Jenny got home, she emptied her penny bank and counted out 17 pennies. After dinner, she did more than her share of chores and she went to the neighbor and asked Mrs. McJames if she could pick dandelions for ten cents. On her birthday, Grandma did give her another new dollar bill and at last she had enough money to buy the necklace.
Jenny loved her pearls. They made her feel dressed up and grown up.
She wore them everywhere, Sunday school, kindergarten, even to bed. The only time she took them off was when she went swimming or had a bubble bath. Mother said if they got wet, they might turn her neck green.
Jenny had a very loving daddy and every night when she was ready for bed, he would stop whatever he was doing and come upstairs to read her a story. One night as he finished the story, he asked Jenny, "Do you love me?"
"Oh yes, Daddy. You know that I love you."
"Then give me your pearls."
"Oh, Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have Princess, the white horse from my collection, the one with the pink tail. Remember, Daddy? The one you gave me. She's my very favorite."
"That's okay, Honey, Daddy loves you. Good night." And he brushed her cheek with a kiss.
About a week later, after the story time, Jenny's daddy asked again, "Do you love me?"
"Daddy, you know I love you."
"Then give me your pearls."
"Oh Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have my baby doll. The brand new one I got for my birthday. She is beautiful and you can have the yellow blanket that matches her sleeper."
"That's okay. Sleep well. God bless you, little one. Daddy loves you."
And as always, he brushed her cheek with a gentle kiss.
A few nights later when her daddy came in, Jenny was sitting on her bed with her legs crossed Indian style. As he came close, he noticed her chin was trembling and one silent tear rolled down her cheek.
"What is it, Jenny? What's the matter?"
Jenny didn't say anything but lifted her little hand up to her daddy. And when she opened it, there was her little pearl necklace. With a little quiver, she finally said, "Here, Daddy, this is for you."
With tears gathering in his own eyes, Jenny's daddy reached out with one hand to take the dime store necklace, and with the other hand he reached into his pocket and pulled out a blue velvet case with a strand of genuine pearls and gave them to Jenny.
He had them all the time. He was just waiting for her to give up the dime-store stuff so he could give her the genuine treasure. So it is, with our Heavenly Father. He is waiting for us to give up the cheap things in our lives so that he can give us beautiful treasures.
Isn't God good? Are you holding onto things that God wants you to let go of? Are you holding on to harmful or unnecessary partners, relationships, habits and activities that you have come so attached to that it seems impossible to let go? Sometimes it is so hard to see what is in the other hand but do believe this one thing .... God will never take away something without giving you something better in its place.
www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com

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
www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com

Angels In The Classroom

A pastor read a letter from an elementary school teacher who attends East Hill Church.
The gist of the letter was as follows:
Last school year, her classroom was made up of little third graders, everyone of which
came from either a single parent uncared for, lived in an abusive home, and was either beaten, bruised, or raped by other family members; one little girl's dad died of aids, and the list goes on. Her heart bled for these kids.
Before the '99-2000 school year started, she and her husband went to her classroom and prayed over each desk in the room. They prayed that God would place an angel behind each and every child throughout the coming year to watch over them and protect them. A month or so after the year had started, she gave the kids an assignment to write about that they would like to be when they grew up. Everybody was busy with his or her assignment, when "Andrew" raised his hand. When she asked him what he needed, he asked how to spell "mighty." After telling him how to spell mighty, she asked him why he needed to know. Andrew said it was because when he grew up he wanted to be a "mighty man of God." When he said this, little "Mark" sitting next to him asked, "So, what's a mighty man of God?" The teacher, swallowing back her tears, and knowing she could not say anything in the classroom, told Andrew to go ahead and tell Mark what it was.
So Andrew says, "It's a man who puts on the armor of God and is a soldier for God." After observing some conversation between Andrew and Mark, the teacher, with a lump in her throat, started to walk away when Andrew motioned with his little forefinger for her to come closer. He whispered to her, asking if she believed in angels. She told him yes, she did. Then he asked her if she thought people could see angels, and she said she thought some people probably could. Andrew said that he did, and he could see an angel standing behind each kid in the room.
I don't think there was a dry eye in the church that night! We need to remember to pray for all of the teachers, that although there is no prayer in school that they are dedicated enough to pray for the protection of God's angels over the lives of their students. Maybe it wouldn't hurt, even at work.

www.bearsinspirations.homestead.com