The Cracked Pot

A water bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on each end of a pole which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, and while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master's house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.
For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water to his master's house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.
After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream. "I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you." "Why?" asked the bearer. "What are you ashamed of?" "I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your master's house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don't get full value from your efforts," the pot said.
The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and in his compassion he said, "As we return to the master's house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path." Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path, and this cheered it some.
But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had leaked out half its load, and so again it apologized to the bearer for its failure. The bearer said to the pot, "Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of your path, but not on the other pot's side? That's because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you've watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master's table. Without you being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house."
Each of us has our own unique flaws. We're all cracked pots. But if we will allow it, the Lord will use our flaws to grace His Father's table. In God's great economy, nothing goes to waste. So as we seek ways to minister together, and as God calls you to the tasks He has appointed for you, don't be afraid of your flaws. Acknowledge them, and allow Him to take advantage of them, and you, too, can be the cause of beauty in His pathway. Go out boldly, knowing that in our weakness we find His strength, and that "In Him every one of God's promises is a Yes."

Things We'll Never Understand

Did you ever wonder why? Some comedian has said:
You tell a man there's 400 billion stars and he'll believe you, but tell him a bench has wet paint and he has to touch it? Why?
Why is it called a hamburger when it's made out of beef? Why do you put suits in garment bags and put garments in suitcases? Why doesn't glue stick to the inside of the bottle? Why isn't there mouse-flavored cat food?
Why do they lock gas station bathrooms -- are they afraid someone is going to sneak in there and clean them?
If man evolved from monkeys and apes, why do we still have monkeys and apes? Why are there five syllables in the word monosyllabic? When two airplanes almost collide, why do they call it a near miss -- it sounds like a near hit to me?
Why do banks charge you a non-sufficient funds fee on money they know you don't have? Why do you drive in a parkway and park in a driveway? Why are they called apartments when they're stuck together? Why are they called buildings when they are already finished? Shouldn't we call them builts? If the black box flight recorder is never damaged during a plane crash, why isn't the whole airplane made out of that stuff?
Why? Probably the most asked and least-answered question in the English language.
At human birth the brain weighs, on average, 14 ounces. It usually reaches its maximum size at age 15 (proving the size of the brain has nothing to do with intelligence level). At its maximum size, the brain weighs an average of 46 ounces, slightly less than three pounds. In liquid measurement, that's about a big gulp from the soda machine at the local gas station. There is no way for medical professionals to prove this, but the old theory was that we only used about 10 percent of our brain capacity. If that were true and we only start out with a big gulp in the first place, we're down to about a quarter-pounder with cheese by the time we're done. And we think that with our quarter-pounder with cheese, we're going to comprehend the infinite, decipher the mysteries of the millenniums, we're going to answer all the questions? Right!
Isn't it logically impossible that we as finite creatures could ever fully understand the infinite?

Taking a Risk

To laugh is to risk appearing the fool.
To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.
To reach out for another is to risk involvement.
To expose feelings is to risk exposing your true self.
To place your ideas, your dreams, before a crowd is to risk their loss.
To love is to risk not being loved in return.
To live is to risk dying.
To hope is to risk failure.
But risks must be taken.
Because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.
If you risk nothing and do nothing, you dull your spirit.
You may avoid suffering and sorrow,
But you cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love, and live.
Chained by your attitude, you are a slave.
You have forfeited your freedom.
Only if you risk are you free.

Sponges

There are 5 sponges laying on a kitchen counter top. Each member of your family has been cleaning up different areas of your home, but all the sponges look the same. You are curious as to what was cleaned in your home, but you can't tell by looking...they all look the same....so what do you do? You squeeze each sponge to see what comes out.
As you squeeze the first sponge, you see that cola comes out, and so you decide that someone cleaned the kitchen with that one.
Upon squeezing the second sponge, you find tub and tile cleaner -- that one was used to clean the bathroom.
Next, in the third sponge, you find motor oil -- someone was cleaning the garage!
In the fourth sponge, baby powder puffs out when it is squeezed -- yep, the baby's nursery was done with that one!
And finally, in the last one, is floor wax -- that was the one that was used on the hall floor.
As you lay the last one down, you look again at their similarity -- and they all look the same until they're squeezed.
Christians are the same way.
As life squeezes us, different things come out -- anger from one, a need for revenge from another, tears from one, remorse from yet another -- also greed, untruth, lust -- and finally, from one saint, pours forth the love of Christ.
Just like the sponge, we can only squeeze out what is put in -- stay in the Word daily, and be in continuous prayer, so that when life puts the squeeze on you (and it WILL), Jesus, and Jesus ALONE will shine forth from you!

Portrait of a Friend

I can't give solutions to all of life's problems, doubts, or fears.
But I can listen to you, and together we will search for answers.

I can't change your past with all it's heartache and pain, nor the future with its untold stories.
But I can be there now when you need me to care.

I can't keep your feet from stumbling.
I can only offer my hand that you may grasp it and not fall.

Your joys, triumphs, successes, and happiness are not mine;
Yet I can share in your laughter.

Your decisions in life are not mine to make, nor to judge;
I can only support you, encourage you, and help you when you ask.

I can't prevent you from falling away from friendship, from your values, from me.
I can only pray for you, talk to you and wait for you.

I can't give you boundaries which I have determined for you,
But I can give you the room to change, room to grow, room to be yourself.

I can't keep your heart from breaking and hurting,
But I can cry with you and help you pick up the pieces and put them back in place.

I can't tell you who you are.
I can only love you and be your friend.

Count Your Blessings

Something to ponder....
If you woke up this morning with more health than illness...you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.
If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation ... you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.
If you can attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death...you are more blessed than three billion people in the world.
If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep...you are richer than 75% of this world.
If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace...you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.
If your parents are still alive and still married... you are very rare, even in the United States and Canada.
If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful...you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.
If you can hold someone's hand, hug them or even touch them on the shoulder...you are blessed because you can offer healing touch.
If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you, and furthermore, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read at all.
Have a good day, count your blessings, and pass this along to remind everyone else how blessed we all are.

God Knows

When you are tired and discouraged from fruitless efforts...
God knows how hard you have tried.
When you've cried so long and your heart is in anguish...
God has counted your tears.
If you feel that your life is on hold and time has passed you by...
God is waiting with you.
When you're lonely and your friends are too busy even for a phone call...
God is by your side.
When you think you've tried everything and don't know where to turn...
God has a solution.
When nothing makes sense and you are confused or frustrated...
God has the answer.
If suddenly your outlook is brighter and you find traces of hope...
God has whispered to you.
When things are going well and you have much to be thankful for...
God has blessed you.
When something joyful happens and you are filled with awe...
God has smiled upon you.
When you have a purpose to fulfill and a dream to follow...
God has opened your eyes and called you by name.
Remember that wherever you are or whatever you are facing...
GOD KNOWS

Forgive Me When I Whine

Today, upon a bus,
I saw a girl with golden hair.
I envied her, she seemed so gay,
And I wished I was as fair.
When suddenly she rose to leave,
I saw her hobble down the aisle.
She had one leg and used a crutch.
But as she passed, she gave a smile.

Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.
I have 2 legs, the world is mine.

I stopped to buy some candy.
The lad who sold it had such charm.
I talked with him, he seemed so glad.
If I were late, it'd do no harm.
And as I left, he said to me,
"I thank you, you've been so kind.
It's nice to talk with folks like you.
You see," he said, "I'm blind."

Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.
I have 2 eyes, the world is mine.

Later while walking down the street,
I saw a child with eyes of blue.
He stood and watched the others play.
He seemed not to know what to do.
I stopped a moment and then I said,
"Why don't you join the others dear?"
He looked ahead without a word.
And then I knew he couldn't hear.

Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.
I have 2 ears, the world is mine.

With feet to take me where I'd go.
With eyes to see the sunset's glow.
With ears to hear what I'd know.
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine
I've been blessed indeed, the world is mine.

$20 Note

A well-known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20 note.
In the room of 200, he asked, "Who would like this $20 note?" Hands started going up. He said, "I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first, let me do this."
He proceeded to crumple the note up. He then asked, "Who still wants it?" Still the hands were up in the air. "Well," he replied, "what if I do this?" And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe.
He picked it up, now all crumpled and dirty.
"Now who still wants it?" Still the hands went into the air. "My friends, you have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20. Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value in God's eyes. To Him, dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to Him.
Psalm 17:8 states that God will keep us, "as the apple of His eye."
THOUGHT: The worth of our lives comes not in what we do or who we are but by WHOSE WE ARE!

The Dash Between the Years

I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning ... to the end.
He noted that first came her date of birth
And spoke the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the "dash" between those years. (1900-1970)

For that "dash" represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth
And only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we own;
The cars...the house...the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our "dash".

So think about this long and hard
Are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left,
That can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough
To consider what's true and real,
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger,
And show our appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we've never loved before
If we treat each other with respect,
And more often wear a smile
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy's being read
With your life's actions to rehash
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your "dash"?

- The Dash © 1999 by Linda Ellis

A Lesson In Heart

Sarah, is my little 10 year old daughter who was born with a muscle missing in her foot and wears a brace all the time.
She came home one beautiful spring day to tell me she had competed in "field day". That's where they have lots of races and other competitive events. Because of her leg support, my mind raced as I tried to think of encouragement for my Sarah, things I could say to her about not letting this get her down. But before I could get a word out, she said, "Daddy, I won two of the races!"
I couldn't believe it! And then Sarah said, "I had an advantage."
Ahh. I knew it. I thought she must have been given a head start... some kind of physical advantage. But again, before I could say anything, she said, "Daddy, I didn't get a head start... My advantage was I had to try harder!"

- Stan Frager

Learning to Think

The proud father brought home a backyard swing set for his children and immediately started to assemble it with all the neighborhood children anxiously waiting to play on it.
After several hours of reading the directions, attempting to fit "bolt A" into "slot B", etc., he finally gave up and called upon an old handyman working in a neighboring yard.
The old-timer came over, threw the directions away, and in a short while had the set completely assembled.
It's beyond me," said the father, "how you got it together without even reading instructions."
"To tell the truth," replied the old-timer, "I can't read, and when you can't read, you've got to think."

I Believe

I believe every person has within themselves inexhaustible reserves of potential they have never even come close to realizing.
I believe each person has far more intelligence than they have ever used.
I believe each person is more creative than he or she has ever imagined.
I believe the greatest achievements of your life lie ahead of you.
I believe the happiest moments of your life are yet to come.
I believe the greatest successes you will ever attain are still waiting for you on the road ahead.
And, I believe through learning and application of what you learn, you can solve any problem, overcome any obstacle and achieve any goal that you can set for yourself.

by Brian Tracy

P.U.S.H.

A man was sleeping at night in his cabin when suddenly his room filled with light and the Savior appeared. The Lord told the man he had work for him to do, and showed him a large rock in front of his cabin. The Lord explained that the man was to push against the rock with all his might. This the man did, day after day. For many years he toiled from sun up to sun down, his shoulders set squarely against the cold, massive surface of the unmoving rock, pushing it with all his might. Each night the man returned to his cabin sore, and worn out, feeling that his whole day had been spent in vain.
Seeing that the man was showing signs of discouragement, the adversary decided to enter the picture by placing thoughts into the man's weary mind, "You have been pushing against this rock for a long time, and it hasn't budged. Why kill yourself over this? You are never going to move it." This gave the man the impression that the task was impossible and that he was a failure. These troubled thoughts discouraged and disheartened the man.
"Why kill myself over this?" he thought. "I'll just put in my time,
The Lord responded compassionately, "My friend, when I asked you to serve Me and you accepted, I told you that your task was to push against the rock with all your strength, which you have done. Never once did I mention to you that I expected you to move it. Your task was to push. And now you come to Me with your strength spent, thinking that you have failed. But, is that really so? Look at yourself. Your arms are strong and muscled, your back brown, your hands are callused from constant pressure, and your legs have become massive and hard. Through position you have grown much and your abilities now surpass that which you used to have. Yet you haven't moved the rock. But your calling was to be obedient and to push and to exercise your faith and trust in My wisdom. This you have done. I, my friend, will now move the rock."
At times, when we hear a word from God, we tend to use our own intellect to decipher what He wants, when actually what God wants is simple obedience and Faith in Him... By all means exercise the faith that moves mountains, but know that it is still God who moves mountains.
When everything seems to go wrong, ...Just P.U.S.H.!
When the job gets you down, ...Just P.U.S.H.!
When people don't react the way you think they should, ...Just P.U.S.H.!
When money is short and bills are due, ...Just P.U.S.H.!
When people just don't understand you, ...Just P.U.S.H.!
When the pressure at school is too much, ... Just P.U.S.H.!
P.U.S.H --- "PRAY UNTIL SOMETHING HAPPENS!!"

Four Ways To Master Change

We are living in an exciting age of unprecedented change. Today's accelerated rate of change presents us with unique challenges and opportunities. When change brings success, keep your ego from getting out of hand. When the change is negative, use your sense of humor to get through it. Once you learn to handle change, you can take your skills, talents, and abilities and help others change.
Let's look at four ways to enhance your mastery of change.
NO. 1 DON'T FIGHT IT. The natural tendency is to protect what you know and value, what has become familiar and comfortable. Unfortunately the world will change with or without you. So you must adapt again and again. You make your life so much more complicated when you fight the change. You cause yourself stress and can actually become ill. Remember the old Serenity Prayer: God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, The courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.
NO. 2 YOU DON'T HAVE TO LIKE THE CHANGE. No one ever said you have to like the changes you are experiencing. However, you do have to understand them so you can progress.Study, explore, and read everything you can about the current matters that affect your perception and handling of change. Life is not always about "liking". It is about doing the best you can, with what you you've got and getting on with it--right now!
NO. 3 KNOW WHAT TO DEFEND AGAINST CHANGE. There are some things we should resist changing because change does not always translate into better. Change for the sake of change alone can destroy valuable situations, assets, and relationships. Many values deserved to be defended. Ask yourself what you will change and what you will defend.
NO. 4 HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR. Humor can give you a momentary "emotional vacation." A sense of humor can conquer pretense, and diffused anger and hostility. It can take an impossible situation and change it into an acceptable one. The old axiom, "if you take yourself too seriously, no one else will," is key. The most effective people are spontaneous and can use humor to express their feelings, and to encourage others.
When you set out to be a change master and to make a difference in this world, there is no guarantee that it will be easy. By learning about change, serving others and helping them to learn to change, you will indeed be making a difference.

by Sheila Murray Bethel

The Building Of A Railway Bridge Of Life

Have you ever compared being the best we can be in life to the building of a bridge? A railway bridge?
If you leave out a centre section, and that section is over a river, the train is going to go right smack into the river no matter how well all the rest of the span is built. This can be compared to all the tools and systems that, in business, we need to build a solid, permanent, cohesive, and long-term, results-achieving sales organization.
If you don't get from one side of the river to the other, whatever the reason, it doesn't make any difference how good some parts of the bridge are.
The tools can be world class and still be useless. In other words, the best tools in the world, if they are not fit into a system and if people are not taught how to use those tools, are essentially useless.
What does being the best we can be have to do with bridges and trains? As a leader, you are the train. The locomotive. You are responsible for pulling the rest of the train. Furthermore, you are pulling, much of the time, not just leading by brute force. Leaders have the ability to move (or motivate) the rest of train and in the process gain great momentum.
It is imperative that as leaders, we teach people how to build their own bridges so that the train can continue on its course.
The reason leaders seem to work so little, or work so easily, is that they do not use brute force unless they must take a stand for a value or principle. They may have, early in their careers, attempted to lead by brute force, but they quickly learned that they burned themselves out if they continued on that path.
Some people, run around trying to figure out what to do first, totally unaware that his/her fundamental need, in the beginning, should have been to sit down and draw up a plan. Instead, they have gone running off and think that taking "action" is something that will get them recognition.
Just because something is easy to do does not make it the smart thing to do. It just makes it easy. And possibly even fun, at least for a while.
Taking action and getting no results is silly and counter- productive. If what you are doing is not working, take a moment to stop and look at what you are doing and, if necessary, find another path. Surely there is a roadmap to follow. Just keep building relationships, like building bridges. You have to build the whole bridge to make it work. Stick around to complete the task. Build relationships, help people get what they want and you will get everything you ever dreamed of!
by Jan Ruhe

Giving People A Fine Reputation To Live Up To

Ever since I read the classic 'How to Win Friends and Influence People' the strategy of "giving people a fine reputation to live up to" has fascinated me. I believe that people will rise up to the expectations you set for them. And consequently, people will fall to the level you "crush" them to by your consistently finding fault and dwelling on the negative.
One strategy that has worked very well with Madison you can try with your kids. Creating rituals at bed time are very important as you know - dinner, play, tickle attack, bubble bath, brush the teeth, read or tell them special stories/dance and sing their favorite songs, rub their head and back etc.
Since she was very young I recap her entire day and ask her questions about what happened. We would look at all the fun things she/we did, how well she performed and behaved, what she learned today - new tasks or words, phrases and concepts, recently we began going over any "time-outs" she had and why they happened, and finally what she had to look forward to tomorrow and how well she will do. I do my best to use the best words, volume, tonality, pacing, facial expressions, touch, and physiology to make it compelling. Adding in the senses of smell, taste, temperature etc. helps too.
We believe this ritual has made getting her to bed much easier and has planted seeds deep within her that grow a little more each day. We will strive to live up to the positive expectations that people have of us, especially those closest to us.

by Chip Eichelberger

Badly Fed

"Do Not Feed The Dingoes" This sign is posted in Ormiston National Park. Most tourist probably think it's there to protect humans. The thought being, 'if you're close enough to feed a dingo you could be in a position of real danger.' Not True! The sign is posted to protect the dingoes. Each autumn, when the feeding tourists have long since departed, the park service must carry off the remains of dead dingoes who became so dependent on tourists that they were no longer able to gather food for themselves. We can become like the Ormiston Dingoes if we depend on others to spiritually feed us. Each day we must gather spiritual nutrients for ourselves from God and His Word.

Well Fed

Several years ago a man wrote to the editor of the British Weekly, reporting that he couldn't remember any sermons he'd ever heard preached in church, and questioning whether they were really necessary. "I have been attending church services for the past thirty years and have heard probably 3,000 sermons," he wrote. "To my consternation I discovered that I cannot remember a single sermon!" There were many letters to the editor in response, but this one settled the issue: "I have been married for thirty years. During that time I have eaten 32,850 meals - mostly of my wife's cooking. Suddenly, I have discovered that I cannot remember the menu of a single meal. And yet, I have received nourishment from every single one of them. I have the distinct impression that without them, I would have starved to death long ago."

The Best Translation Of The Bible

The story is told of four ministers discussing the pros and cons of various Bible translations and paraphrases. Eventually each stated which version, in his opinion, is the best. The first minister said he used the King James because the Old English style is beautiful and produces the most reverent picture of the Holy Scriptures. The second said he preferred the New American Standard Bible because he felt it comes nearer to the original Greek and Hebrew texts. The third minister said his favorite was the paraphrased Living Bible because his congregation was young, and it related to them in a practical way. All three men waited while the fourth minister sat silently. Finally he said, "I guess when it comes to translations and paraphrased editions of the Bible, I like my Dad's translation best. He put the Word of God into practice every day. It was the most convincing translation I've ever seen."

Simple Way to Learn

In one of his Just-So Stories, Rudyard Kipling pulled together all of the interrogative pronouns of the English language in a bit of poetic doggerel, and these probing pronouns will open up any subject thoroughly: I keep six honest serving men (They taught me all I knew); Their names are What and Why and When And How and Where and Who.

Explorer or Tourist

There is a basic difference between an explorer and a tourist. The tourist travels quickly, stopping only to observe the highly noticeable or publicized points of interest. The explorer, on the other hand, takes his time to search out all that he can find. Too many of us read the Bible like a tourist and then complain that our devotional times are fruitless. It is necessary that we take time to explore the Bible. Notable nooks and crannies will appear as we get beneath the surface.

Bothered by Scripture

Mark Twain once said: "Most people are bothered by those passages of Scripture which they cannot understand; but as for me, I have always noticed that the passages in Scripture which trouble me most are those which I do understand."

Reading the Bible Like Taking Vitamins

Some seem to expect the Word of God to hit them like a jolt of adrenaline each time they read or study it. Although the "jolt" may hit us periodically, the benefits of the Word of God act more like vitamins. People who regularly take vitamins do so because of their long-term benefits, not because every time they swallow one of the pills, they feel new strength surging through their bodies. They have developed a habit of consistently taking vitamins because they have been told that, in the long haul, vitamin supplements are going to have a beneficial effect on their physical health, resistance to disease and, general well-being The same is true of reading the Bible. At times it will have a sudden and intense impact on us. However, the real value lies in the cumulative effects that long-term exposure to God's Word will bring to our lives.

Destroy the Truth

It is told that many years ago, while on a visit to England, a wealthy businessman was fascinated by a powerful microscope. Looking through its lens to study crystals and the petals of flowers, he was amazed at their beauty and detail. He decided to purchase a microscope and take it back home. He thoroughly enjoyed using it until one day he examined some food he was planning to eat for dinner. Much to his dismay, he discovered that tiny living creatures were crawling in it. Since he was especially fond of this particular food, he wondered what to do. Finally, he concluded that there was only one way out of his dilemma he would destroy the instrument that caused him to discover the distasteful fact. So he smashed the microscope to pieces!
Sometimes it is easier to destroy the truth than face it.

The Best Way To Lose Your Marbles

I turned the dial up into the phone portion of the band on my ham radio in order to listen to a Saturday morning swap net. Along the way, I came across an older sounding chap, with a tremendous signal and a golden voice.
You know the kind, he sounded like he should be in the broadcasting business. He was telling whoever he was talking with, something about "a thousand marbles."
I was intrigued and stopped to listen to what he had to say. "Well, Tom, it sure sounds like you're busy with your job. I'm sure they pay you well but it's a shame you have to be away from home and your family so much. Hard to believe a young fellow should have to work sixty or seventy hours a week to make ends meet. Too bad you missed your daughter's dance recital." He continued, "let me tell you something Tom, something that has helped me keep a good perspective on my own priorities." And that's when he began to explain his theory of a "thousand marbles."
"You see, I sat down one day and did a little arithmetic. The average person lives about seventy-five years. I know, some live more and some live less, but on average, folks live about seventy-five years. Now then, I multiplied 75 times 52 and I came up with 3900 which is the number of Saturdays that the average person has in their entire lifetime. Now stick with me Tom, I'm getting to the important part. It took me until I was fifty-five years old to think about all this in any detail," he went on, "and by that time I had lived through over twenty-eight hundred Saturdays.
I got to thinking that if I lived to be seventy-five, I only had about a thousand of them left to enjoy. So I went to a toy store and bought every single marble they had. I ended up having to visit three toy stores to round-up 1000 marbles. I took them home and put them inside of a large, clear plastic container right here in the shack next to my gear. Every Saturday since then, I have taken one marble out and thrown it away. I found that by watching the marbles diminish, I focused more on the really important things in life. There is nothing like watching your time here on this earth run out to help get your priorities straight."
"Now let me tell you one last thing before I sign-off with you and take my lovely wife out for breakfast. This morning, I took the very last marble out of the container. I figure if I make it until next Saturday then I have been given a little extra time. And the one thing we can all use is a little more time."
You could have heard a pin drop on the band when this fellow signed off. I guess he gave us all a lot to think about.
I had planned to work on the antenna that morning, and then I was going to meet up with a few hams to work on the next club newsletter. Instead, I went upstairs and woke my wife up with a kiss. "C'mon honey, I'm taking you and the kids to breakfast."
"What brought this on?" she asked with a smile.
"Oh, nothing special, it's just been a long time since we spent a Saturday together with the kids. Hey, can we stop at a toy store while we're out? I need to buy some marbles."

Turning Liabilities into Assets

A group of villagers in the Orient decided that a towering hill with a bamboo thicket on top had to be leveled so that the ground could be used for farming purposes. That same hill in the USA would have required the aid of giant earth moving equipment to level the ground, but the Oriental mind didn't see things quite that way.
Thousands of people who lived in the immediate area got together and started removing the hill basket by basket of dirt. They handed down the baskets from top to bottom, and in some cases the lines were two miles long. For many days it seemed as though nothing was happening; the hill was not disappearing. But over a period of time, due to incredible teamwork and the commitment of thousands of people, the hill was leveled to a beautiful, flat farming area.
By their example, the Orientals demonstrated that when we are confronted with seemingly impossible tasks, if we break them down into small segments - or one basket at a time - we can literally accomplish the impossible and move mountains. The villagers took a liability and turned it into an asset. Think about it. Examine your liabilities - maybe you can convert them to assets, even if it's just a basket at a time.

by Zig Ziglar

Great Achievements

One of my Pastor friends forwarded this wonderful comparison to me and I have edited to my own circumstance. The world is under the impression that earthly authority will make a heavenly difference. It won't - and to prove this point, take this quiz.
• Name the ten wealthiest people in the world.
• Name the last ten Heisman trophy winners.
• Name the last ten winners of the Miss America contest.
• Name eight people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize.
• How about the last ten Academy Award winners for best picture.
• The last decade's worth of World Series winners?
How did you do?
I could name at least one in every category, but I didn't do particularly well. Perhaps with some exceptions you may have done a lot better, but statistically speaking none of us remember the headliners of yesterday.
Surprising how quickly we forget, isn't it? And what were mentioned above were no second-rate Achievements. These are the "Best of the Best" in their fields. But do you know something; the applause will soon fade away, awards will become tarnished, achievements will be forgotten, and accolades and certificates are usually buried with their owners.
Now here is another quiz. See how you do on this one:
• Think of 3 people you enjoy spending time with.
• Name 10 people who have taught you something worthwhile.
• Name 5 friends who have helped you in a difficult time.
• List a few teachers who have aided your journey through school.
• Name half-a-dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.
This one I could complete in my sleep! The lesson? The people who make a difference are not necessarily the famous ones or the ones with the credentials, they are the ones with the concern.

Some People are Like Potatoes

1. Some people are very bossy and like to tell everyone what to do, but of course they do not wish to soil their hands. You might call that type "Dick Tater."
2. Some people never seem to be motivated to participate. They are content to watch while others do. They are "Speck Taters."
3. Some people never do anything to help, but they are gifted at finding fault with the way others do things. They might be called "Comment Taters."
4. Some people are always looking for ways to cause problems. They look or others to agree with them. You call them "Aggie Taters."
5. Then there are those who always say they will, but somehow never get around to, doing anything. They are "Hezzie Taters."
6. Some people put on a front and act like they are someone they are not. They are "Emma Taters."
7. Still, there are those who live what they talk. They are always prepared to stop what they are doing to lend a hand. They bring real sunshine into others' lives. You might call them "Sweet Taters."

The Flip Side

I am thankful :
For the teenager who is watching t.v., because that means he is at home and not on the streets.
For the taxes that I pay, because it means that I am employed.
For the mess to clean after a party, because it means that i have been surrounded by friends.
For the clothes that fit a little too snug, because it means I have enough to eat.
For my shadow that watches me, because it means I am out in the sunshine.
For a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing, because it means I have a home.
For all the complaining I hear about the government, because it means that we have freedom of speech.
For the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot, because it means I am capable of walking and that I have been blessed with transportation.
For my huge heating bill, because it means I am warm.
For the lady behind me in church that sings off key, because it means that I can hear.
For the pile of laundry and ironing, because it means I have clothes to wear.
For weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day, because it means i have been capable of working hard.
For the alarm that goes of in the early morning hours, because it means that I am alive.
And finally... For too much e-mail, because it means I have friends who are thinking of me.

Something to Ruminate Upon

Here are seven questions aimed at identifying your passions, which is an interesting corollary to your gifting:
1.What one subject can you enjoy talking about for many hours?
2.Do any of your hobbies involve working a lot with other people?
3.What specific concerns preoccupy your mind, breaking into whatever else you're thinking about?
4.What do you most enjoy doing for others?
5.Let's pretend you've reached the end of your life, and you're in heaven looking back on it. What's the one thing you want to be most happy about having done or having been?
6.What group of people have you come to care about the most? (You define the categories, whatever way you want. Go with your first instincts.) Who do you most want to help, enable, or reach?
7.Now, write down at least five of your life experiences that most gave you a sense of fulfillment and/or growth. (Don't think about them until later - just write them down for now.) If more experiences come to mind, just keep listing them until you exhaust yourself. You'll sort them out later.

Who am I?

Who am I? They often tell me
I would step from my cell's confinement
calmly, cheerfully, firmly,
like a squire from his country-house.

Who am I? They often tell me
I would talk to my warders
freely and friendly and clearly,
as though it were mine to command.

Who am I? They also tell me
I would bear the days of misfortune
equably, smilingly, proudly,
like one accustomed to win.

Am I then really all that which other men tell of?
Or am I only what I know of myself,
restless and longing and sick, like a bird in a cage,
struggling for breath, as though hands were compressing my throat,
yearning for colours, for flowers, for the voices of birds,
thirsting for words of kindness, for neighbourliness,
trembling with anger at despotisms and petty humiliations,
tossing in expectation of great events,
powerlessly trembling for friends at an infinite distance,
weary and empty at praying, at thinking, at making,
faint, and ready to say farewell to it all?

Who am I? This or the other?
Am I one person today, and tomorrow another?
Am I both at once? A hypocrite before others,
and before myself a contemptibly woebegone weakling?
Or is something within me still like a beaten army,
fleeing in disorder from victory already achieved?

Who am I? They mock me, these lonely questions of mine.
Whoever I am, thou knowest, O God, I am thine.

by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Characteristics of Bad Communication

1. Truth - You insist that you are "right" and the other person is "wrong".
2. Blame - You say that the problem is the other person's fault.
3. Martyrdom - You claim that you're an innocent victim.
4. Put-down - You imply that the other person is a loser because he or she "always" or "never" does certain things.
5. Hopelessness - You give up and insist there is no point in trying.
6. Demandingness - You say that you're entitled to better treatment but you refuse to ask for what you want in a direct, straightforward way.
7. Denial - You insist that you don't feel angry, hurt or sad when you really do.
8. Passive Aggression - You pout or withdraw or say nothing. You may storm out or slam doors.
9. Self-Blame - Instead of dealing with the problem, you act as though you are an awful, terrible person.
10. Helping - Instead of hearing how depressed, hurt or angry the other person feels, you try to "solve the problem" or "help" him or her.
11. Sarcasm - Your words or tone of voice convey tension or hostility which you aren't openly acknowledging.
12. Scapegoating - You suggest that the other person has "a problem" and that you're sane, happy and uninvolved in the conflict.
13. Defensiveness - You refuse to admit any wrong-doing or imperfection.
14. Counterattack - Instead of acknowledging how the other person feels, you respond to their criticism by criticizing them.
15. Diversion - Instead of dealing with how you both feel in the here-and-now, you list grievances about past injustices.

When To Keep Your Mouth Shut

Don't open your mouth when:
1. In the heat of anger - Proverbs 14:17
2. When you don't have all the facts - Proverbs 18:13
3. When you haven't verified the story - Deuteronomy 17:6
4. If your words will offend a weaker person - 1 Corinthians 8:11
5. When it is time to listen - Proverbs 13:1
6. When you are tempted to make light of holy things - Ecclesiastes 5:2
7. When you are tempted to joke about sin - Proverbs 14:9
8. If you would be ashamed of your words later - Proverbs 8:8
9. If your words would convey the wrong impression - Proverbs 17:27
10. If the issue is none of your business - Proverbs 14:10
11. When you are tempted to tell an outright lie - Proverbs 4:24
12. If your words will damage someone else's reputation - Proverbs 16:27
13. If your words will damage a friendship - Proverbs 16:28
14. When you are feeling critical - James 3:9
15. If you can't say it without screaming it - Proverbs 25:28
16. If your words will be a poor reflection of the Lord or your friends and family - Peter 2:21-23
17. If you may have to eat your words later - Proverbs 18:21
18. If you have already said it more than one time - Proverbs 19:13
19. When you are tempted to flatter a wicked person - Proverbs 24:24
20. When you are suppose to be working instead - Proverbs 14:23
" Whoever guards his mouth & tongue keeps his soul from troubles" - Proverbs 21:23

- Author Unknown

100 People

If the world were 100 people, there would be:
57 Asians
21 Europeans
14 from North and South America
8 Africans
52 would be female
48 would be male
70 would be nonwhite, 30 white
59% of the entire world's wealth would belong to only 6 people and all 6 would be citizens of the United States
80 would live in substandard housing
70 would be unable to read
50 would suffer from malnutrition
1 would be near death
1 would be near birth
1 would have a college education
99 of them will not see this message, because only 1 would have a computer.

The Price of Love

A little boy came up to his mother in the kitchen one evening while she was fixing supper, and he handed her a piece of paper from a legal pad that he had been writing on. After his Mum dried her hands on an apron she read it, & this is what it said
For cutting the grass $5.00
For cleaning up my room this week $1.00
For going to the store for you $ .50
Baby-sitting my kid brother while you went shopping $ .25
Taking out the garbage $1.00
For getting a good report card $5.00
For cleaning up and raking the yard $2.00
Total owed $14.75

Well, his mother looked at him standing there, and the boy could see the memories flashing through her mind. She picked up the pen, turned over the paper he'd written on, and this is what she wrote
For the nine months I carried you while you were growing inside me -- No Charge.
For all the nights that I've sat up with you, doctored and prayed for you -- No Charge.
For all the trying times, and all the tears that you've caused through the years -- No Charge.
For all the nights that were filled with dread, and for the worries I knew were ahead -- No Charge.
For the toys, food, clothes, and even wiping your nose -- No Charge, Son.
When you add it up, the cost of my love is -- No Charge.
When the boy finished reading what his Mother had written, there were big crocodile tears in his eyes, and he looked straight up at his mother and said, "Mom, I sure do love you."
And then he took the pen and in great big letters he wrote "PAID IN FULL ".

That's What Christians Do Now

by Donald E. Wildmon - AFA President

In 1973 The Supreme Court said it was ok to kill unborn babies. Since then, we have killed more than the entire population of Canada. And it continues. A woman's choice? Half of those who have died in their mothers' wombs have been women. They didn’t have a choice. It is called abortion. Me? I go to church, the minister preaches, I go home. That's what Christians do now. First it was in dingy, dirty theatres. Then, convenience stores. Then, grocery stores. Then on television. Now it is in the homes of millions via the Internet. It is called pornography. Me? I go to church, the minister preaches, I go home. That's what Christians do now.
They called it no-fault. Why should we blame anyone when something so tragic happens. Haven't they already suffered enough? Half of the marriages in America end this way. The children suffered. The family broke down. It is called divorce.
Me? I go to church, the minister preaches, I go home. That's what Christians do now.
At one time it was a perversion. We kept it secret. We secured help and hope for those who practices it. Now it is praised. We have parades celebrating it, and elected officials give it their blessing. Now it is endowed with special privileges and protected by special laws. Even some Christian leaders and denominations praise it. It is called homosexuality.
Me? I go to church, the minister preaches, I go home. That's what Christians do now.
It used to be an embarrassment. A shame. Now a third of all births are to mothers who aren't married. Two-thirds of all African-American children are born into a home without a father. The state usually pays the tab. That is why we pay our taxes, so that government can take the place of parents. After all, government bureaucrats know much better how to raise children than parents do. It is called illegitimacy.
Me? I go to church, the minister preaches, I go home. That's what Christians do now.
At one time it was wrong. But then the state decided to legalize it, promote it and tax it. It has ripped apart families and destroyed lives. But just look at all the money the state has raised. No longer do we have to teach our children to study and work hard. Now we teach them they can get something for nothing. We spend millions encouraging people to join the fun and excitement. just look at the big suits that people are winning. They will never have to work again! It is called gambling.
Me? I (,o to church, the minister preaches, I go home. That's what Christians do now.
Not long ago, Christians were the good guys. But now any positive image of Christians in movies or on TV is gone. We are now depicted as the bad guys - greedy, narrow-minded hypocrites. The teacher can't have a Bible on her desk, but can have Playboy. We don't have Christmas and Easter holidays -just winter and spring break. We can't pray in school, but can use foul language. It's called being tolerant.
Me? I go to church, the minister preaches, I go home. That’s what Christians do now.
Yes, all these things came to pass within 30 years. Where were the Christians? Why, they were in church. All these things are for someone else to deal with. Times have changed. Involvement has been replaced with apathy.
But don't blame me. I didn't do anything. I go to church, the minister preaches, I go home. That's what Christians do now.
AFA JOURNAL - Volume 23, No. 8 AFA Journal is a publication of the American Family Association.

I Bargained with Life for a Penny

I bargained with life for a penny,
and Life would pay no more,
however I begged at evening
when I counted my scanty store.

For you see Life is a just employer,
It will pay you what you ask,
but once you've set the wages,
it's you that must bear the task.

I had worked for a menials hire,
only to learn dismayed,
that whatever wage I had bargained with Life,
Life would have willingly paid!

Instructions for Life

1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
2. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.
3. Follow the three Rs: Respect for self Respect for others and Responsibility for all your actions.
4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.
6. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
7. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
8. Spend some time alone in silence every day.
9. Open your arms to change but don't let go of your values.
10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll be able to enjoy it a second time.
12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.
13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don't bring up the past.
14. Share your knowledge. It is a way to achieve immortality.
15. Be gentle with the earth.
16. Once a year go someplace you've never been before.
17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.
18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.
19. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.

And God Said "NO!"

I asked God to take away my pride,
And God said, "No." He said it was not for Him to take away,
But for me to give up.
I asked God to make my handicapped child whole,
and God said "No." He said her spirit is whole,
Her body is only temporary.
I asked God to grant me patience,
And God said "No." He said that patience is a byproduct of tribulation,
It isn't granted, it's earned.
I asked God to give me happiness,
And God said "No." He said He gives blessings,
Happiness is up to me.
I asked God to spare me pain,
And God said, "No." He said "Suffering draws you apart from worldly
cares and brings you closer to Me."
I asked God to make my spirit grow
And God said, "No." He said I must grow on my own.
But he will prune me to make me fruitful.
I asked God to help me love others,
As much as He loves me,
And God said "Ah, finally, you have the idea."

By Claudia Miden Weisz

Life

Life isn't about keeping score.
It's not about how many friends you have
Or how accepted you are.
Not about if you have plans this weekend or if you're alone.
It isn't about who you're dating, who you used to date, how many people you've dated, or if you
haven't been with anyone at all.
It isn't about who you have kissed,
It's not about sex.
It isn't about who your family is or how much money they have
Or what kind of car you drive.
Or where you are sent to school.
It's not about how beautiful or ugly you are.
Or what clothes you wear, what shoes you have on, or what kind of music you listen to.
It's not about if your hair is blonde, red, black, or brown
Or if your skin is too light or too dark.
Not about what grades you get, how smart you are, how smart everybody else thinks you are, or how
smart standardized tests say you are.
It's not about what clubs you're in or how good you are at "your" sport.
It's not about representing your whole being on a piece of paper and seeing who will "accept the written you."

Life Just Isn't

But, life is about who you love and who you hurt.
It's about who you make happy or unhappy purposefully.
It's about keeping or betraying trust.
It's about friendship, used as a sanctity or a weapon.
It's about what you say and mean, maybe hurtful, maybe heartening.
About starting rumors and contributing to petty gossip.
It's about what judgments you pass and why. And who your judgments are spread to.
It's about who you've ignored with full control and intention.
It's about jealousy, fear, ignorance, and revenge.
It's about carrying inner hate and love, letting it grow, and spreading it.
But most of all, it's about using your life to touch or poison other people's hearts in such a way
that could have never occurred alone.
Only you choose the way those hearts are affected, and those choices are what life's all about.

Two Days

There are two days in every week about which we should not worry – two days that should be kept free from any fear and apprehension. One of these days is Yesterday, with its mistakes and cares, its aches and pains, its faults and blunders. Yesterday has passed forever beyond our control. All the money in the world cannot bring back Yesterday. We cannot undo a single act we performed; we cannot erase a single word we said; we cannot rectify a single mistake. Yesterday has passed forever beyond recall. Let it go.
The other day we should not worry about is Tomorrow, with its possible adversities, its burdens, its large promise, and poor performance. Tomorrow also is beyond our immediate control. Tomorrow's sun will rise either in splendor or behind a mass of clouds – but it will rise. And until it does, we have no stake in Tomorrow, because it is as yet unborn.
That leaves us but one day – Today! And a person can fight the battles of just one day.
Yesterday and Tomorrow are futile worries. Let us, therefore, resolve to journey no more than one day at a time.

Robert J. Burdette

Bits of Philosophy

These have passed through many hands, including "Keith Todd's newsletter". It is attributed to Maria Hutchison.
1) Words can't break bones, but they can break hearts.
2) Those who walk with God won't run from people's needs.
3) Sorrow looks back, worry looks around, but faith looks up.
4) We're richer when we give and poorer when we keep.
5) Because of the cross of Christ, we can become friends of Christ.
6) Amid the darkness of sin, the light of God's grace shines in.
7) Enthusiasm for Christ is contagious; has anyone caught it from you?
8) Be as patient with others as God has been with you.
9) It is better by far to die for something, than to live for nothing.
10) The God who sends you will also sustain you.

Value of Life

A store owner was tacking a sign above his door that read 'Puppies for Sale.' These signs had a weird way of attracting children. And sure enough, a little boy appeared at the sign. "How much are you gonna sell those puppies for?" he asked.
The store owner replied "Anywhere from $30-$50."
The little boy reached into his pocket and pulled out some change. "I have $2.37, can I have a look at them?"
The store owner smiled and whistled and 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 when the puppy was born, the vet had said that the puppy had no hip socket and would limp for the rest of its life.
The little boy got really excited and said "That's the puppy I wanna buy!" The store owner replied "No, you don't wanna buy that little dog. If you really want him, I'll give him to you."
The little boy got quite upset. He looked straight into the store owner's eyes, pointing his finger and said, "I don't want you to give him to me. That little dog is worth every bit as much as the other dogs and I'll pay the full price. In fact, I'll give you $2.37 now and 50 cents every month until I have him paid for."
The store owner countered, "You really don't want to buy this puppy. He is never gonna be able to run, jump and play like 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 said softly, "Well, I don't run so well myself, and the little puppy will need someone who understands."

Rules of Life

Rule 1. Life is not fair; get used to it.
Rule 2. The world won't care about your self esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.
Rule 3. You will NOT make $40,000 a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice president with a car phone, until you earn both.
Rule 4. If you think you teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss. He doesn't have tenure.
Rule 5. Flipping burgers in not beneath your dignity. Your grandparents had a different word for burger-flipping; they called it opportunity.
Rule 6. If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them.
Rule 7. Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you are. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parents' generation, try "delousing" the closet in your own room.
Rule 8. Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life has not. In some schools they have abolished failing grades; they'll give you as many times as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.
Rule 9. Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you find yourself. Do that on your own time.
Rule 10. Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.
Rule 11. Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.

Memo From God

To: YOU
Date: TODAY
From: THE BOSS
Subject: YOURSELF
Reference: LIFE
I am God.
Today I will be handling all of your problems. Please remember that I do not need your help.
If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do not attempt to resolve it. Kindly put it in the SFGTD (something for God to do) box.
It will be addressed in My time, not yours. Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold on to it. If you find yourself stuck in traffic; Don't despair. There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of priviledge.
Should you have a bad day at work; Think of the man who has been out of work for years.
Should you despair over a relationship gone bad; Think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be loved in return.
Should you grieve the passing of another weekend; Think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week to feed her children.
Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance; Think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.
Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror; Think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine.
Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering what is life all about, asking what is my purpose? Be thankful. There are those who didn't live long enough to get the opportunity.
Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities; Remember, things could be worse. You could be them!!!!

Little Things In Life

Too often we don't realize
what we have until it is gone;
Too often we wait too late to say
"I'm sorry - I was wrong."

Sometimes it seems we hurt the ones
we hold dearest to our hearts;
And we allow foolish things to tear our lives apart.

Far too many times we let
unimportant things into our minds;
And then it's usually too late
to see what made us blind.

So be sure that you let people know
how much they mean to you;
Take that time to say the words
before your time is through.

Be sure that you appreciate
everything you've got'
And be thankful for the Little Things
in Life that mean a lot.

How Should I Practice the Spiritual Disciplines?

The Principle of Urgency
Start today. Identify one spiritual discipline that you will start right now. Not tomorrow morning, not next week, but right now. Martin Luther said, "On my calendar there are but two days: today and That Day." He knew that he would be held accountable for each moment. Satan also knows through years of experience that if he can get the saints to put off obeying God's Word until after they've returned home from church, that very few of them will follow through on their commitments. Start with what you do know about that spiritual discipline. Don't fall for the lie that you have to be an expert before you begin. The best way to learn how to pray is to pray, not read a book about prayer. Richard Foster believes the most dangerous pitfall is the temptation to study the disciplines without experiencing them. Studying about the disciplines never changed anyone.
The Principle of Development
Having said that, go on to learn all you can about the disciplines. Learn what pitfalls to avoid and how to make the most of the time spent exercising yourself unto godliness. You can learn by reading about the disciplines, but by far the best way is to find mentors and models in the disciplines. From them you will not only learn some principles for practicing the disciplines, but you will catch their passion for God that arises out of their practice of the disciplines.
The Principle of Regularity
Whatever discipline you do, it will only begin to transform you if you do it regularly over a period of time. Don't expect immediate results from any discipline. Anyone intent on developing washboard abs knows that once or twice a week in the gym won't do it. Likewise, regularity is the law of spirituality. That is why David mentions delighting in the law both day and night (Psa 1:2) and praising God seven times a day (Psa 119
The Principle of Rhythm
Along with our desire to develop regular habits is the inevitability of troughs and peaks in our spiritual experience. Sometimes we will have a strong sense of God's presence; at other times we will lament because He is absent. But we need to realize two truths: First, real growth may be taking place beneath the soil even during periods that seem stagnate. Second, we all need to the balance between stretching and rest, between activity and stillness.
The Principle of Excess
For many of the disciplines of engagement, it helps to start off your efforts by setting aside more than the normal amount of time that you would devote in order to see some immediate progress and benefit. In other words, if you desire to spend 15 minutes a day reading and meditating on Scripture, then start out on a weekend by spending two or three hours reading and meditating on Scripture, just to whet your appetite.
John Piper challenges those who would like to burn with zeal for God to make some experiments with "high-dosage, extended-time, prayer-driven Bible meditation" and notes that a Korean church expects its members to read five chapters of the Bible a day and its pastors to read twenty chapters a day!
The Principle of Limitation
For many of the disciplines of abstinence, however, it is best to start small and build up. With fasting, for example, you may want to start with a one meal fast (and you may need to check with your doctor first). Remember, though, you will probably not benefit as much from the discipline until you begin to practice it in more depth.
The Principle of Delight
I have personally found my own ability to practice the disciplines impacted most by a change in attitude toward the disciplines. I have always known that I "ought" to spend time with God and have felt a compulsion to do so. Only recently have I risen in the morning because God's Word is the "joy and rejoicing of my heart" and prayer causes my "joy [to be] made complete." It makes a huge difference in the early morning to arise because you want to rather than because you feel like you have to.
The Principle of Freedom
Not every discipline appeals to everyone. Our personalities, schedules, and the seasons of our lives will, in large measure, determine which spiritual disciplines we practice. Don't envy what God has given to another. Richard Foster identifies the temptation to turn the disciplines into laws as the first pitfall people often fall into. He says, "The disciplined person can do what needs to be done when it needs to be done." Don't envy what other people are doing, but find the discipline that is right for you to work on the areas of spiritual formation you need to develop.
Another application of this principle is to realize the value of both structured and situational practice of the disciplines. Structured practice of the disciplines means that we plan ahead and place the practice of a discipline within our day or week, then we do it. Situational practice of a discipline is the spontaneous response of the moment in a time of testing. For example, responding to personal attack with silence or to personal loss and illness with worship are unplanned but valuable responses that lead to spiritual growth.
The Principle of Focus
There will be a tendency, for those who become proficient at practicing the disciplines, to center upon the disciplines themselves. Yet our focus must always be upon Christ. Practicing the disciplines prepares us for greater fellowship with and imitation of Christ.
Taking our eyes off what really matters can be dangerous indeed. "In April 1988 the evening news reported on a skydiving photographer who had jumped from a plane in order to film other skydivers as they fell and opened their parachutes. Suddenly, as the last parachute opened, the picture on the telecast went black. The announcer reported that the cameraman had fallen to his death. It wasn't until he reached for his rip-cord that he realized that he had jumped out of the plane without his parachute. So intent was he on his goal of filming the other skydivers, he neglected something crucial for saving his own life" (Source unknown).
The Principle of Surrender
Wise training respects the freedom of the Spirit. Remember that He will blow when and where He chooses. We are not ultimately in control of our spiritual transformation; thankfully it is God who is at work in us to desire and do His will (Phil 2:13). But like a sailboat we can open our sails up to the breath of the Spirit. This also applies to the realities of our personality and our season in life. Instead of lamenting that you don't have a thinking orientation or that you have four young children to take care of, find out what your personality or season of life has to offer by paying attention to God and practicing different disciplines than you normally would.
The Principle of Accountability
One of the most valuable things you can do to help you maintain the course of practicing the disciplines is to establish some form of accountability. Going public provides motivation to persevere when you feel like letting up. Receiving encouragement really helps when you have failed and feel like quitting. With some of the disciplines you can use a journal to keep yourself accountable; with other disciplines you need to rely upon a trusted friend or spiritual director who will encourage you and challenge you when you need it. I would suggest that you not lean upon your mate to hold you accountable, but rather seek out a close friend of the same gender whom you will give permission to regularly ask you questions about your practice of the disciplines.

Random Thoughts

1. It hurts to love someone and not be loved in return, but what is more painful is to love someone and never find the courage to let that person know how you feel.
2. A sad thing in life is when you meet someone who means a lot to you, only to find out in the end that it was never meant to be and you just have to let go.
3. The best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch swing with, never say a word, and then walk away feeling like it was the best conversation you've ever had.
4. It's true that we don't know what we've got until we lose it, but it's also true that we don't know what we've been missing until it arrives.
5. It takes only a minute to get a crush on someone, an hour to like someone, and a day to love someone-but it takes a lifetime to forget someone.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Always put yourself in the other's shoes. If you feel that it hurts you, it probably hurts the person too.
9. A careless word may kindle strife; a cruel word may wreck a life; a timely word may level stress; a loving word may heal and bless.
10. The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything they just make the most of everything that comes along their way.
11. Love begins with a smile, grows with a kiss, and ends with a tear. 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 smiling and everyone around you is crying.

Children

We tried so hard to make things better for our kids that we made them worse.
For my grandchildren, I'd like better. I'd really like for them to know about hand-me down clothes and homemade ice cream and leftover meatloaf sandwiches. I really would.
My cherished grandson, I hope you learn humility by being humiliated, and that you learn honesty by being cheated. I hope you learn to make your bed and mow the lawn and wash the car. And I really hope nobody gives you a brand new car when you are sixteen. I hope you have a job by then.
It will be good if at least one time you can see a baby calf born and your old dog put to sleep. I hope you get a black eye fighting for something you believe in. I hope you have to share a bedroom with your younger brother. And it's all right if you have to draw a line down the middle of the room, but when he wants to crawl under the covers with you because he's scared, I hope you let him.
When you want to see a Disney movie and your little brother wants to tag along, I hope you'll let him. I hope you have to walk uphill to school with your friends and that you live in a town where you can do it safely.
On rainy days when you have to catch a ride I hope your driver doesn't have to drop you two blocks away so you won't be seen riding with someone as uncool as your mom.
If you want a slingshot, I hope your dad teaches you how to make one instead of buying one. I hope you learn to dig in the dirt and read books. When you learn to use those newfangled computers, I hope you also learn to add and subtract in your head.
I hope you get razzed by your friends when you have your first crush on a girl, and when you talk back to your mother that you learn what Ivory soap tastes like.
May you skin your knee climbing a mountain, burn your hand on the stove and stick your tongue on a frozen flagpole. I hope you get sick when someone blows cigar smoke in your face. I don't care if you try beer once, but I hope you don't like it. And if a friend offers you dope or a joint, I hope you realize he is not your friend.
I sure hope you make time to sit on a porch with your grandpa and go fishing with your uncle. May you feel sorrow at a funeral and the joy of holidays.
I hope your mother punishes you when you throw a baseball through a neighbor's window and that she hugs you and kisses you at Christmas time when you give her a plaster of Paris mold of your hand.
These things I wish for you - tough times and disappointment, hard work and happiness.

- Believed to have come from a Paul Harvey show

Life is...

Life is a mystery – unfold it.
Life is a struggle – face it.
Life is beauty – praise it.
Life is a puzzle – solve it.
Life is opportunity – take it.
Life is sorrowful – experience it.
Life is a song – sing it.
Life is a goal – achieve it.
Life is a mission – fulfill it.

Let me be a little kinder,
Let me be a little blinder
To the faults of those about me.
Let me praise a little more.

Let me be, when I am weary,
Just a little bit more cheery;
Let me serve a little better
Those whom I am working for.

Let me be a little braver
When temptation makes me waver;
Let me strive a little harder
To be all that I should be.

Let me be a little meeker
With the person who is weaker;
Let me think more of my neighbour
And a little less of me.

A Pattern Repeated?

About 1966 or so, a NASA team doing work for the Apollo moon mission took the astronauts near Tuba City where the terrain of the Navajo Reservation looks very much like the Lunar surface. Along with all the trucks and large vehicles, there were two large figures dressed in full Lunar space suits.
Nearby a Navajo sheep herder and his son were watching the strange creatures walk about, occasionally being tended by personnel. The two Navajo people were noticed and approached by the NASA personnel. Since the man did not know English, his son asked for him what the strange creatures were and the NASA people told them that they are just men that are getting ready to go to the moon. The man became very excited and asked if he could send a message to the moon with the astronauts.
The NASA personnel thought this was a great idea so they rustled up a tape recorder. After the man gave them his message, they asked his son to translate. His son would not.
Later, they tried a few more people on the reservation to translate and every person they asked would chuckle and then refuse to translate. Finally, with cash in hand, someone translated the message, "Watch out for these guys, they come to take your land."

Being Thankful: Before and After

(source unknown)
When I was younger, I remember receiving the inevitable homework assignment to write an essay on "something I am thankful for". Then I'd spend a lot of time sitting in my room trying to figure out just what in the world that could possibly be; and I'd end up writing down everything I could think of from God to environmental consciousness. But after having children, my priorities have clearly changed:

Before children: I was thankful to have been born the USA, the most powerful free democracy in the world.
After Children: I am thankful for Velcro tennis shoes. As well as saving valuable time, now I can hear the sound of my son taking off his shoes -- which gives me three extra seconds to activate the safety locks on the back seat windows before he hurls them out of the car and onto the freeway.

Before children: I was thankful for the recycling program which will preserve our natural resources and prevent the overloading of landfills.
After children: I am thankful for swim diapers because every time my son wanders into water in plain disposables, he ends up wearing a blimp the size of, say, New Jersey, on his bottom.

Before children: I was thankful for fresh, organic vegetables.
After children: I am thankful for microwaveable macaroni and cheese -- without which my children would be surviving on about three bites of cereal and their own spit.

Before children: I was thankful for the opportunity to obtain a college education and have a higher quality of life than my ancestors.
After children: I am thankful to finish a complete thought without being interrupted.

Before children: I was thankful for holistic medicine and natural herbs.
After children: I am thankful for pediatric cough syrup guaranteed to "cause drowsiness" in young children.

Before children: I was thankful for the opportunity to vacation in exotic foreign countries so I could experience a different way of life in a new culture.
After children: I am thankful to have time to make it all the way down the driveway to get the mail.

Before children: I was thankful for the Moosewood Vegetarian cookbook.
After children: I am thankful for the butterball turkey hotline.

Before children: I was thankful for a warm, cozy home to share with my loved ones.
After children: I am thankful for the lock on the bathroom door.

Before children: I was thankful for material objects like custom furniture, a nice car and trendy clothes.
After children: I am thankful when the baby spits up and misses my good shoes.

Before children: I was thankful for my wonderful family
After children: I am thankful for my wonderful family.

Time to Act

There are many fine things that you mean to do someday, under what you think will be more favorable circumstances. But the only time that is surely yours is the present, so this is the time to speak the word of appreciation and sympathy, to do the generous deed, to forgive the fault of a thoughtless friend, to sacrifice a little more for others.
Today is the day to express your noblest qualities of mind and heart, to do at least one worthy thing that you have long postponed. Today you can make your life significant and worthwhile. The present is yours to do with as you will.

Grenville Kleiser

Anger

There once was a little boy who had a bad temper. His Father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back of the fence. The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. Over the next few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence....
Finally the day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all. He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper. The day passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone.
The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. He said, "You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence".
The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out. It won't matter how many times you say I'm sorry, the wound is still there."

Ambition

A friend's grandfather came to America from Europe, and after being processed at Ellis Island, he went into a cafeteria in New York City to get something to eat. He sat down at an empty table and waited for someone to take his order. Of course, nobody did. Finally, a man with a tray full of food sat down opposite him and told him how things worked.
"Start at that end," he said, "and just go along and pick out what you want. At the other end they'll tell you how much you have to pay for it."
"I soon learned that's how everything works in America," Grandpa told our friend. "Life is a cafeteria here. You can get anything you want as long as you're willing to pay the price. You can even get success. But you'll never get it if you wait for someone to bring it to you. You have to get up and get it yourself."

On Valentine's Day

An old man got on a bus one February 14th, carrying a dozen roses. He sat beside a young man. The young man looked at the roses and said, "Somebody's going to get a beautiful Valentine's Day gift."
"Yes," said the old man.
A few minutes went by and the old man noticed that his young companion was staring at the roses. "Do you have a girlfriend?" the old man asked.
"I do," said the young man. "I'm going to see her right now, and I'm going to give her this Valentine's Day card."
They rode in silence for another 10 minutes, and then the old man got up to get off the bus. As he stepped out into the aisle, he suddenly placed the roses on the young man's lap and said, "I think my wife would want you to have these. I'll tell her that I gave them to you."
He left the bus quickly. As the bus pulled away, the young man turned to see the old man enter the gates of a cemetery.

Class

Class never runs scared. It is sure-footed and confident in the knowledge that you can meet life head-on and handle whatever comes along.
Class never makes excuses. It takes its lumps and learns from past mistakes.
Class is considerate of others. It knows that good manners are nothing more than a series of petty sacrifices.
Class bespeaks an aristocracy that has nothing to do with ancestors or money. The most affluent blue blood can be totally without class while the descendant of a Kentucky miner may ooze from every pore.
Class never tries to build itself up by tearing others down.
Class doesn't strive to look better by making others look worse.
Class can "walk with kings and keep its virtue and talk with crowds and keep the common touch".
Everyone is comfortable with those who have class because they are comfortable with who they are.
If you have class, you don't need much of anything else. If you don't have it, no matter what else you have - it doesn't make a difference.

- from Plastics World / July 1994

A Lesson Learned

There once was a little boy who had a bad temper. His father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back of the fence.
The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. Over the next few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence....
Finally the day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all. He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper. The day passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone.
The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. He said, "You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out. It won't matter how many times you say I'm sorry, the wound is still there."
A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one. Friends are a very rare jewel indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share words of praise and they always want to open their hearts to us."

Commencement Address 1997

It had the ring of classic Kurt Vonnegut, a bit of advice for college graduates: "Ladies and gentlemen of the class of 1997: Wear sunscreen," it began.
The essay went everywhere by computer, from e-mail to online discussion group, even to the novelist's wife, who loved it. Except for one thing - Vonnegut never wrote it, never delivered it as a commencement address.
The piece was actually a June 1 column for the Chicago Tribune by Mary Schmich. How it got attributed to Vonnegut remained a mystery.
Vonnegut learned of the work's existence when his agent told him a magazine wanted to reprint the speech he gave at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. "I thought about it and said I didn't think I gave any talk like that, but I wished I had," he said. "I finally realized a hoax was going on." ........
At 74, he shuns computers and the Internet, sticking with his typewriter. The hoax has left him more convinced. "So some jerk infected the Internet with an outright lie. It shows how easy it is to do and how credulous people are," he said.
Schmich has been inundated with calls and e-mails from across the country and Europe. She tried to trace what happened. Two friends she sent the column to swore they did not pass it on. A colleague at work sent it to a friend.
Schmich said she has not been able to decipher whether the mix-up was a simple mistake or a hoax. "Not only did they invent the author for it, they invented it as an M.I.T. graduation speech," she told The New York Times. Putting Vonnegut's name on her writing, Schmich wrote in a later column, "would be like sticking a Calvin Klein label on a pair of Kmart jeans.")
Ladies and gentlemen of the class of '97:
Wear sunscreen.
If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists, whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience. I will dispense this advice now.
Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth. Oh, never mind. You will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they've faded. But trust me, in 20 years, you'll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked. You are not as fat as you imagine.
Don't worry about the future. Or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind, the kind that blindside you at 4 pm on some idle Tuesday.
Do one thing every day that scares you.
Sing.
Don't be reckless with other people's hearts. Don't put up with people who are reckless with yours.
Floss.
Don't waste your time on jealousy. Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind. The race is long and, in the end, it's only with yourself.
Remember compliments you receive. Forget the insults. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.
Keep your old love letters. Throw away your old bank statements.
Stretch.
Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life. The most interesting people I know didn't know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives. Some of the most interesting 40-year-olds I know still don't.
Get plenty of calcium. Be kind to your knees. You'll miss them when they're gone.
Maybe you'll marry, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll have children, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll divorce at 40, maybe you'll dance the funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary. Whatever you do, don't congratulate yourself too much, or berate yourself either. Your choices are half chance. So are everybody else's.
Enjoy your body. Use it every way you can. Don't be afraid of it or of what other people think of it. It's the greatest instrument you'll ever own.
Dance, even if you have nowhere to do it but your living room.
Read the directions, even if you don't follow them.
Do not read beauty magazines. They will only make you feel ugly.
Get to know your parents. You never know when they'll be gone for good. Be nice to your siblings. They're your best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future.
Understand that friends come and go, but with a precious few you should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle, because the older you get, the more you need the people who knew you when you were young.
Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard. Live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft. Travel.
Accept certain inalienable truths: Prices will rise. Politicians will philander. You, too, will get old. And when you do, you'll fantasize that when you were young, prices were reasonable, politicians were noble, and children respected their elders.
Respect your elders.
Don't expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund. Maybe you'll have a wealthy spouse. But you never know when either one might run out.
Don't mess too much with your hair or by the time you're 40 it will look 85.
Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia. Dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it's worth.
But trust me on the sunscreen.

Things We Can Learn From A Dog

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.
Let others know when they've invaded your territory.
Take naps and stretch before rising.
Run, romp and play daily.
Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle him or her gently.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout...run right back and make friends.
Delight in the simple joys of a long walk.
-unknown

A Letter of Resignation

To Whom It May Concern:
I am hereby officially tendering my resignation as an adult. I have decided I would like to accept the responsibilities of a 6 year old again.
I want to go to McDonald's and think that it's a four star restaurant.
I want to sail sticks across a fresh mud puddle and make ripples with rocks.
I want to think M&Ms are better than money, because you can eat them.
I want to play kickball during recess and paint with watercolors in art. Learning math and spelling was really an adventure.
I want to lie under a big oak tree and run a lemonade stand with my friends on a hot summer's day.
I want to return to a time when life was simple. When all you knew were colors, addition tables and simple nursery rhymes, but that didn't bother you, because you didn't know what you didn't know and you didn't care.
When all you knew was to be happy because you didn't know all the things that should make you worried and upset.
I want to think that the world is fair. That everyone in it is honest and good.
I want to believe that anything is possible.
Somewhere in my youth... I matured and I learned too much. I learned of nuclear weapons, war, prejudice, starvation and abused children. I learned of lies, unhappy marriages, suffering, illness, pain and death.
I learned of a world where men left their families to go and fight for our country, and returned only to end up living on the streets begging for their next meal.
I learned of a world where children know how to kill... and do.
What happened to the time when we thought that everyone would live forever, because we didn't grasp the concept of death? When we thought the worst thing in the world was if someone took the jump rope from you or picked you last for kickball?
I want to be oblivious to the complexity of life and be overly excited by little things once again.
I want to return to the days when reading was fun and music was clean. When television was used to report the news or for family entertainment and not to promote sex, violence and deceit.
I remember being naive and thinking that everyone was happy because I was. I would walk on the beach and only think of the sand between my toes and the prettiest seashell I could find.
I would spend my afternoons climbing trees and riding my bike. I didn't worry about time, bills or where I was going to find the money to fix my car.
I used to wonder what I was going to do or be when I grew up, not worry about what I'll do if this doesn't work out.
I want to live simple again. I don't want my day to consist of computer crashes, mountains of paperwork, depressing news, how to survive more days in the month than there is money in the bank, doctor bills, gossip, illness and loss of loved ones.
I want to believe in the power of smiles, hugs, a kind word, truth, justice, peace, dreams, the imagination, mankind and making angels in the snow.
I want to be 6 again.

Keep On...

Do not undermine your worth by comparing yourself with others. It is because we are different that each of us is special.
Do not set your goals by what other people deem important. Only you know what is best for you.
Do not let your life slip through your fingers by living in the past nor for the future. By living your life one day at a time, you live all the days of your life.
Do not give up when you still have something to give. Nothing is really over until the moment you stop trying. It is a fragile thread that binds us to each other.
Do not be afraid to encounter risks. It is by taking chances that we learn how to be brave.
Do not shut love out of your life by saying it is impossible to find. The quickest way to receive love is to give love; The fastest way to lose love is to hold it too tightly.
Life is not a race, but a journey to be savored each step of the way.