Spiritual Thoughts

God can make all things new, even you. Jesus adds life to your years and years to your life. The perfect "resolution" for the year 2011: To Know God and Jesus Better Unknown [S]o that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:12-13

Just remember--when you think all is lost, the future remains. Robert Goddard  In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith ….may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:6-7

"Character may be manifested in the great moments, but it is made in the small ones." - Sir Winston Churchill Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us…. Romans 5:3-5

The difference between perseverance and obstinacy is that one often comes from a strong will, and the other from a strong won't. -Henry Ward Beecher May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5-6

With the milk of human kindness, there should be no such thing as skim. Steve Johnson Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness ,  humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:12-13

"Christ was born on earth below that we might be born from heaven above." Unknown For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

"The Gift of Friendship" You gave me words of kindness tied with a ribbon of gold, hearing them was important to heal my heart and soul. Your gift of words made a difference when I was down and blue, questioning why I bother, doing what I do. Life can be a challenge sometimes it seems unfair, but when I was tired and struggling it helped that you were there. What can I give you in return your friendship is so dear, please know if you ever need me I will always be here. Kind words and time are needed by people everywhere, when wrapped with a smile or a hug they're a gift that says I CARE! - Author Unknown Jesus said, "No longer do I call you slaves….. but I have called you friends…..” John 15:15

When you give away a little piece of your heart, you're giving away the only thing you can give away, which, after you do, you got more left than you had before you gave some of it away. Don Hutson Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love , I have become as sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. ….Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:1, 4-8

The miracle is this - the more we share, the more we have. - Leonard Nimoy Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people. Galatians 6:10

Good character ...is not given to us. We have to build it piece by piece— by thought, choice, courage, and determination. John Luther "…..choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served … or the gods …..in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15

WOW! Last spring I was walking in a park. A short distance ahead of me was a mom and her three-year-old daughter. The little girl was holding on to a string that was attached to a helium balloon. All of a sudden, a sharp gust of wind took the balloon from the little girl. I braced myself for some screaming and crying. But, no! As the little girl turned to watch her balloon go skyward, she gleefully shouted out, "Wow! I didn't realize it at that moment, but that little girl taught me something. Later that day, I received a phone call from a person with news of an unexpected problem. I felt like responding with "Oh no, what should we do?" But remembering that little girl, I found myself saying, "Wow, that's interesting! How can I help you?" One thing's for sure - life's always going to keep us off balance with its unexpected problems. That's a given. What's not preordained is our response. We can choose to be frustrated or fa...

Find a purpose in life so big it will challenge every capacity to be at your best. David O. McKay For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. Habakkuk 2:14

To think bad thoughts is really the easiest thing in the world. If you leave your mind to itself it will spiral down into ever increasing unhappiness. To think good thoughts, however, requires effort. This is one of the things that discipline - training - is about. - James Clavell All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. Hebrews 12:11

No one is as deaf as the man who will not listen. - Jewish Proverb Listen to counsel and accept discipline, That you may be wise the rest of your days. Many plans are in a man's heart, But the counsel of the LORD will stand. Proverbs 19:20-21

Learn to enjoy little things;    there are so many of them. Unknown Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? James 2:5

The Storm Will Pass One day a young lady was driving with her father in the family car and they drove into a very heavy storm, and the young lady asked her father, 'What should I do, stop or keep driving?' He said, 'keep on driving.' As they drove on cars began to pull over to the side of the road as the storm was getting worse. Again the young lady asked, 'Father, what should I do, stop or keep driving?' 'Keep on driving' her father replied. A few kilometers on the young lady noticed that not only more cars were pulling over, but also some big transport trucks were also pulling over to the side of the road. She told her father, 'Now I must pull over, I can barely see ahead. It is terrible and everyone is pulling over!' Her father told her again, 'Don't give up, just keep driving!' Now the storm was at its worst, but she did as her father had advised and kept driving and then the storm started to ease and she could see ...

If your face is ugly, Learn to sing. Old African proverb Build on your strengths To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Matthew 25:15

In a material world we easily forget that life is lived from within, not from without. Susan Taylor And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

God has a history of using the insignificant to accomplish the impossible. Unknown But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things … so that no one may boast before him. 1 Corinthians 1:27-29

-In Happy moments, praise God. -In Difficult moments, seek God. -In Quiet moments, worship God. -In Painful moments, trust God. -In Every moment, thank God. Unknown Deliver my life from the sword, ….. I will declare your name to my brothers; in the congregation I will praise you. You who fear the LORD, praise him! Psalm 22:20-23

There is one rule for being a good talker--learn to listen. Christopher Morley Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29

There is one thing alone that stands the brunt of life throughout its course: a quiet conscience. Euripedes (c. 484-406 B.C.) But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer ….. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 1 Peter 3:15-16

Everything can be taken from a man but...the last of human freedoms— to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way. Viktor E. Frankl You were taught…. to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24

Friends are the chocolate topping in the milk shake of life. Friendship is like cheese; it gets better as it grows older. A faithful friend is the milk of life. Friends are chocolate drops that never melt Friends are the cheese cubes in the salad bowl of life. Don't go for looks; they can deceive. Don't go for wealth; even that fades away. Go for someone who makes you smile, Because it takes only a smile To make a dark day seem bright. Find the one that makes your heart smile. For this new morning and its light, For rest and shelter of the night, For health and food, for love and friends, For every gift His goodness sends We thank you, gracious Lord. Amen Give thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. Colossians 1:12

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." - John Fitzgerald Kennedy So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7

Gratitude is a quality similar to electricity; it must be produced and discharged and used up in order to exist at all. ~William Faulkner And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

Not what we say about our blessing, but how we use them is the true measure of our thanksgiving. ~W.T. Purkiser In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. James 2:17

When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the morning light, for your life and strength. Give thanks for your food, and the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks , the fault lies with yourself. ~ Tecumseh, Shawnee Chief Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2

"Attitudes are contagious. Are yours worth catching?" - Dennis and Wendy Mannering But be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12

It does not matter how slowly you go, so long as you do not stop. Confucius I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14

Pray for a good harvest, but keep on hoeing. From a sign posted off a rural road The king said to me, "What is it you want?" Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king…. Nehemiah 2:4-5

Life leaps like a geyser for those willing to drill through the rock of inertia. - Alexis Carrel Go to the ant…..consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. Proverbs 6:6-8 We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. Hebrews 6:11

"You cannot sink someone else's end of the boat and still keep your own afloat." - Charles Bower For in fact the body is not one member but many. But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 1 Corinthians 12:14, 20, 27

The past gives us experience and memories; the present gives us challenges and opportunities; the future gives us vision and hope. William Arthur Ward For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Romans 15:4

Education is when you read the fine print. Experience is what you get if you don't. Pete Seeger "Now therefore, listen to me, my children, for blessed are those who keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise, and do not disdain it.” Proverbs 8:32-33

Education is when you read the fine print. Experience is what you get if you don't. Pete Seeger "Now therefore, listen to me, my children, for blessed are those who keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise, and do not disdain it.” Proverbs 8:32-33

Never mistake knowledge for wisdom. One helps you make a living and the other helps you make a life. Sandra Carey A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel…. Proverbs 1:5

"Commit your work to the Lord, and then your plans will be established." Proverbs 16:3 “Commit”, means "roll," your burdens on the Lord; although they may cause you anxiety, they are not too great for Him. Cast your burden on the LORD, And He shall sustain you… Psalm 55:22

It's not the outlook but the "uplook" that counts. Unknown My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; In the morning I will direct it to You, And I will look up. Psalm 5:3

We turn to God for help when our foundations are shaking, only to learn that it is God who is shaking them. – Unknown And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

“The problem is not that there are problems. The problem is expecting otherwise and thinking that having problems is a problem." - Theodore Rubin In his pride the wicked does not seek God; in all his thoughts there is no room for God. He says to himself, "Nothing will shake me; I'll always be happy and never have trouble." Psalm 10:4, 6

"Avoiding a problem doesn't solve it."  Bonnie Jean Thornley When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away ….. I acknowledged my sin to You…. And You forgave the guilt of my sin. Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to You in a time when You may be found You preserve me from trouble….. Psalm 32:3-7

When you blame others, you give up your power to change. -Dr. Robert Anthony Men gnawed their tongues in agony and cursed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, but they refused to repent of what they had done. Revelation 16:10-11

"I find it fascinating that most people plan their vacations with better care than they plan their lives. Perhaps that is because escape is easier than change." - Jim Rohn Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness. Proverbs 14:22

Landscape Your life's like a landscape and God has the brush. The work is in progress, He's not in a rush. Each stroke has a purpose, nothing's by chance. To see all His wisdom takes more than a glance. Notice the sunbeams that shine on the dew – Even the clouds can't keep them from view. Look at the pathway that turns at the hill – Its course will reveal what's next in His will. The stream that's flowing with water so blue Is bringing down blessings meant just for you. The trees that are planted close to the stream Will bring forth more fruit than you've ever seen. The bird in the nest with mouth opened wide Is just a reminder that God will provide. Now look at the sheep in the meadow that's near And notice the Shepherd that keeps them from fear. He's brought them to pastures which give forth the best, That cool and refresh, and keep them in rest. The eagle above, that soars o'er the gale Is God's way of saying, ...

"It is better to be prepared for an opportunity and not have one than to have an opportunity and not be prepared." - Whitney Young, Jr. It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back - whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!' Mark 13:34-37

"Practice is the price of mastery. Whatever you practice over and over again becomes a new habit of thought and performance." - Brian Tracy Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. Matthew 7:24-25

"Your life is a reflection of your thoughts. If you change your thinking, you change your life." - Brian Tracy Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24

One Day at a Time Anyone can carry his burden, however heavy, until nightfall. Anyone can do his work, however hard, for one day. Anyone can live sweetly, patiently, lovingly, purely, till the sun goes down …. Robert Louis Stevenson Give us day by day our daily bread. Luke 11:3

'The clock of life is wound but once, And no man has the power To tell just when the hands will stop At late or early hour.. Now is the only time you own. Live, love, toil with a will. Place no faith in time, For the clock may soon be still.' Unknown Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." James 4:14-15

At the end of each day, you should play back the tapes of your performance. The results should either applaud you or prod you. - Jim Rohn And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

"Keep your chin up and you will see the clouds in the sky. Keep your chin down and all you will see is the dirt on the floor." - Shelley L. Young My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; In the morning I will direct it to You, And I will look up. Psalm 5:3

"I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies, for the hardest victory is over self." -- Aristotle He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. Proverbs 16:32

Don't fear failure so much that you refuse to try new things. The saddest summary of a life contains three descriptions: could have, might have, and should have. - Louis E. Boone My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26 By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. Hebrews 11:11

It Takes Courage It takes strength to be firm, It takes courage to be gentle. It takes strength to conquer, It takes courage to surrender. It takes strength to be certain, It takes courage to have doubt. It takes strength to fit in, It takes courage to stand out. It takes strength to feel a friend's pain, It takes courage to feel your own pain. It takes strength to endure abuse, It takes courage to stop it. It takes strength to stand alone, It takes courage to lean on another. It takes strength to love, It takes courage to be loved. It takes strength to survive, It takes courage to live. Author Unknown Jesus said, "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." John 16:33

Don't spend your precious time asking 'Why isn't the world a better place?' It will only be time wasted. The question to ask is 'How can I make it better?' To that there is an answer. Leo F. Buscaglia Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed…. 2 Timothy 2:15

Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps, if you are not willing to move your feet. -Anonymous Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you. Psalm 51:12-13

For flowers that bloom about our feet; For tender grass, so fresh, so sweet; For song of bird, and hum of bee; For all things fair we hear or see, Father in heaven, we thank Thee! -- Ralph Waldo Emerson I will praise God's name in song and glorify Him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30

The great man is he who does not lose his child's heart. -- Mencius (371-291 B.C.) And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3-4

Since the early bird catches the worm, it's a good idea to begin your day as soon as you can (unless, of course, you happen to be a worm). Edwin Bliss And all the people would get up early in the morning to come to Him in the temple to listen to Jesus. Luke 21:38

Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested. --Francis Bacon How sweet are Your words to my taste, O Lord God! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Psalm 119:103

"Many people may listen, but few people actually hear." - Harvey Mackay A wise man will hear and increase in learning, And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel. Proverbs 1:5

"One person with a belief is equal to a force of ninety-nine with only interests." - John Stuart Mill If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands, "One person with a belief is equal to a force of ninety-nine with only interests." -- John Stuart Mill If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands, You will pursue your enemies, and they will fall by the sword before you. Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand, and your enemies will fall by the sword before you. I will look on you with favor and make you fruitful and increase your numbers, and I will keep my covenant with you. Leviticus 26:3, 7-9 and your enemies will fall by the sword before you. I will look on you with favor and make you fruitful and increase your numbers, and I will keep my covenant with you. Leviticus 26:3, 7-9

"I think the one lesson I have learned is that there is no substitute for paying attention." -- Diane Sawyer Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what He has done for me. I cried out to him with my mouth; his praise was on my tongue…. but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer. Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me! Psalm 66:16-20

THE MAN WHO THINKS HE CAN If you think you are beaten, you are, If you think you dare not, you don't. If you like to win, but you think you can't, It is almost certain you won't. If you think you'll lose, you're lost, For out in the world we find, Success begins with a fellow's will. It's all in the state of mind. If you think you are outclassed, you are, You've got to think high to rise, You've got to be sure of yourself before You can ever win a prize. Life's battles don't always go To the stronger or faster man. But soon or late the man who wins, Is the man WHO THINKS HE CAN.

“Worry is like a rocking chair; no matter how much you rock, you get nowhere.” -Unknown Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34

“An atheist is someone with no invisible means of support.” -unknown The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God." Psalm 14:1

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing." Helen Keller Three things are too wonderful for me; four I do not understand: the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a serpent on a rock, the way of a ship on the high seas, and the way of a man with a maiden. Proverbs 30:18

“Three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.” – Joseph Addison Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts… Romans 5:3-5

Life is an opportunity, benefit from it. Life is beauty, admire it. Life is bliss, taste it. Life is a dream, realize it. Life is a challenge, meet it. Life is a duty, complete it. Life is a promise, fulfill it. Life is sorrow, overcome it. Life is a song, sing it. Life is a struggle, accept it. Life is a tragedy, confront it. Life is an adventure, dare it. Life is too precious, do not destroy it. Life is life, fight for it. -Unknown Godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance… that we have put our hope in the living God. 1 Timothy 4:8

Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into a flame by another human being. Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light. Albert Schweitzer You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16

"Pray" is a four letter word that you can say anywhere. Unknown Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. James 5:13 Pray continually;   give thanks in all circumstances,  f or this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18

"Never does a man portray his character more vividly than his proclaiming the character of another."            Winston Churchill He who goes about gossiping reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with one who speaks foolishly.                                                 Proverbs 20:19 (NASB)

What great thing would you attempt if you knew you could not fail? Robert Schuller If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31 God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" Hebrews 13:5-6

Most people want to be delivered from temptation but would like it to keep in touch. -Robert Orben Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Matthew 26:41

Blessed is the man who, having nothing to say, abstains from giving wordy evidence of the fact. - George Eliot Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue. Proverbs 17:28

All the gold in the world has no significance. That which is lasting are the thoughtful acts which we do for our fellow man. Adolfo Prieto A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. P roverbs 22:1

"Don't blame others for your failure to be fully accountable for your own life. If others are to blame then you have given them control." Bob Perks The righteousness of the blameless makes a straight way for them, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness. Proverbs 11:5 Maritta Terrell Thoughts are also posted at: http://thoughtsaday.blogspot.com/ If you know of others wishing to receive these, please send me an email with their address and I'll add them. Or, if you wish to be removed, let me know and I will. Your email address will not be shared with anyone.

It is not easy to straighten in the oak the crook that grew in the sapling. -American Proverb Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

“One look ahead is better than two looks behind” – Irish proverb Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." Luke 9:62

“Like branches on a tree we grow in different directions, yet our roots remain as one. Each of our lives will always be a special part of the other.” – Anonymous But God has so composed the body….. but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it . 1 Corinthians 12:24-27

The drops of rain make a hole in the stone not by violence, but by oft falling. ~Lucretius To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, God will give eternal life. Romans 2:7

Self-discipline is when your conscience tells you to do something and you don't talk back. -W. K. Hope For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to Life, Proverbs 6:23

“Life is like embroidery, one stitch at a time taken patiently, and the pattern will come out okay.” – English saying I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well….. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. Psalm 139:14-16

God gives every bird a worm, but He does not throw it into the nest. Swedish Proverb Laziness casts into a deep sleep, And an idle man will suffer hunger. Proverbs 19:15

How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world. William Shakespeare Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it gives light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:15

Just for today I will be happy. Just for today I will try to live through this day only, not to tackle my whole life problem at once. I can do things for twelve hours that would appall me if I had to keep them up for a lifetime. Just for today… Sybyl F. Partridge Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34

A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person. Mignon McLaughlin Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all… Ephesians 5:33; 1 Thessalonians 3:12

"If you have time to whine and complain about something then you have the time to do something about it." -- Anthony J. D'Angelo Why should a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins? Let us search out and examine our ways, and turn back to the LORD; let us lift our hearts and hands to God in heaven. Lamentations 3:39-41

The Lord of the Storm The noise of the storm did not wake Him, nor the rain in that gale tossed boat, but desperate voices of His frightened disciples who feared they could not stay afloat. The sea water was filling their vessel far faster than they could remove it, yet Jesus was the Lord of the Storm that night, and at their cries He was ready to prove it. "Peace" He commanded, and "Be still" then to their amazement, before their very eyes the little boat stopped its reeling, the raging storm abated, no rain, no wind .... clear skies! How often we too may panic when life seems to spin out of control, yet if we stop and ask Jesus to guide us, and wait to see how things unfold we learn, He still hears His disciples pleading voices, will calm our hearts and minds, and bring us to better choices. Showing us that things may work out, when with finite vision we are convinced of the fact that something could not possibly be, Lord of the Storms of Life work...

Never does the human soul appear so strong and noble as when it forgoes revenge and dares to forgive an injury. - E. H. Chapin Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Matthew 18:21-22

"A great attitude does much more than turn on the lights in our worlds; it seems to magically connect us to all sorts of serendipitous opportunities that were somehow absent before the change." Earl Nightingale You were taught….to put off your old self….. to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24

A thing is not necessarily true because badly uttered, nor false because spoken magnificently. Augustine Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matthew 7:13-14

It is difficult to give away kindness. It keeps coming back to you. Cort Flint Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Luke 6:38

The past cannot be regained, although we can learn from it; the future is not yet ours even though we must plan for it. Time is now. We have only today. Charles Hummell Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth. Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. Proverbs 27:1; Isaiah 55:6

Loving people live in a loving world. Hostile people live in a hostile world. Same world. Wayne Dyer In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you. Matthew 7:12

What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls a butterfly. Richard Bach Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4

Friendship renders prosperity more brilliant, while it lightens adversity by sharing it and making its burden common. Marcus Tullius Cicero A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs 17:17

"People do not usually reject the Bible because it contradicts itself but because it contradicts them." - Anonymous For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

No revenge is more honorable than the one not taken. -- Spanish Proverb Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:18

If you wish to travel far and fast, travel light. Take off all your envies, jealousies, unforgiveness, selfishness, and fears. - Glenn Clark Therefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that you may grow thereby: 1 Peter 2:1-2

A pessimist is one who makes difficulties of his opportunities; an optimist is one who makes opportunities of his difficulties. Reginald B. Mansell That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10

THANKS TO GOD Hello God, I called tonight To talk a little while I need a friend who'll listen To my anxiety and trial. You see, I can't quite make it Through a day just on my own... I need your love to guide me, So I'll never feel alone. I want to ask you please to keep My family safe and sound. Come and fill their lives with confidence For whatever fate they're bound. Give me faith, dear God, to face Each hour throughout the day, And not to worry over things I can't change in any way. I thank you God for being home And listening to my call, For giving me such good advice When I stumble and fall. Your number, God, is the only one That answers every time. I never get a busy signal, Never had to pay a dime. So thank you, God, for listening To my troubles and my sorrow. Good night, God, I love You too, And I'll call again tomorrow! Unknown Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice. Psalm 55:17

Close the door on the past. You don't try to forget the mistakes, but you don't dwell on it. You don't let it have any of your energy, or any of your time, or any of your space. Johnny Cash "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.” Isaiah 43:18

Oh the bliss, the utter bliss To be in silence such as this. How very precious to be alone ... in mind to kneel before God's Throne. To be still and know that He is Lord, to meditate upon His Word, and leave all burdens in His hands, knowing that He understands the pain-confusion of the heart. All this in prayer, I may impart to the Loving Father, and then confess my doubts, any fears or selfishness, then thus forgiven, I will raise sweet words of Gratitude and Praise. Content I'll walk through this new day my eyes on Christ who leads the way He takes my hand, He's ever near His words of guidance ever clear for Perfected Love casts out all fear when following One Who is so dear. Sue Smith Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me when I was in distress; Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer. Psalm 4:1 Maritta Terrell Thoughts are also posted at: http://thoughtsaday.blogspot.com/

"It's easy to make a buck. It's a lot tougher to make a difference." - Tom Brokaw Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Courtesy is simply doing unto others what you would like them to do unto you. -- Anonymous Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: (KJV) So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. (NIV) "In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets. (NASB) Matthew 7:12

Pray for a good harvest, but keep on plowing. -Nancy Otto The king said to me, "What is it you want?" Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king…… Nehemiah 1:4-5

"Stop telling God how big your storm is ~ Instead tell your storm how BIG your GOD is!" Unknown Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. Psalm 107:28-29

Get rich quick! Count your blessings! -Anonymous Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? It is the blessing of the LORD that makes rich. James 2:5, Proverbs 10:22

You have to do your own growing no matter how tall your grandfather was. -Abraham Lincoln Instead, speaking the truth in love, ….. in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. Ephesians 4:15