Spiritual Thoughts

  I f everything I owned were taken away, what would remain that defines who I am? ~ Anonymous Y our conduct must be free from the love of money and y ou must be content with what you have, for He has said, "I will never leave you and I will never abandon you." ~ Hebrews 13:5

  D uring times of testing what we really value comes to light. ~ David Clubb M y brothers and sisters, consider it nothing BUT joy when you fall into all sorts of trials, because you know that the testing of  your faith produces endurance . ~ James 1:2-3 (NET)

  Friday Tale ~ Swim LIke a Duck A D uck appears calm on the surface while paddling like crazy underneath. What can we learn from this example?  First, we learn we cannot judge by appearances. The duck looks calm as he glides along the surface of the pond. Second,, we learn the effort in an achievement is often hidden, just as the busy paddling of a duck can only be seen if we look beneath the surface of the water. This principles can be true in our lives. We may look like we accomplish task effortlessly, when, in fact, hours of preparation and mental concentration are required to pull it off. Any performer, such as a piano player, ballet dancer or athlete will confirm the energy and focus needed to convey an appearance of ease in their tasks. Just throw some food into a pond of ducks and you will see that they move very fast to retrieve the food. It takes energy and movement to propel us along, just as a duck must paddle in order to move in the water. We need to know what we want...

  D on't just count your years, make your years count. ~ Ernest Meyers B e dressed in readiness, and keep your lamps lit. You too, be ready; for the Son of Man is coming  at an hour that you do not expect . ~ Luke 12:35, 41

  S tanding in the middle of the road is dangerous. You will get knocked down by the traffic  from both ways. ~ Margaret Thatcher N o one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth. ~ Matthew 6:24

  E very path has some puddles. ~ George Herbert T he lazy person's way seems over grown by thorns, BUT the path of the upright is a level highway . ~ Proverbs 15:19 (Jerusalem Bible)

  H ard work keeps the wrinkles out of the mind and spirit. ~ Helena Rubinstein F or it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the savior of all men, especially of believers . ~ 1 Timothy 4:10

  Friday Tale - Working Together F ew sights evoke as much attention and awe, as that of a large flock of Canadian geese winging their way in their V-formation to the north or south. They speak of the changing of seasons, and also the value of teamwork. What many don’t know is that when a goose gets sick or perhaps is wounded by a shot, it never falls from formation by itself. Two other geese also fall out of formation with it and follow the ailing goose down to the ground.  One of them is very often the mate of the wounded bird, since geese mate for life and are extremely loyal to their mates.  Once on the ground, the healthy birds help protect him and care for him as much as possible, even to the point of throwing themselves between the weakened bird and possible predators. They stay with him until he is either able to fly, or until he is dead.  Then, and only then, do they launch out on their own. In most cases, they wait for another group of geese to fly overhead...

  N o one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another. ~ Charles Dickens C arry one another's burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ . ~ Galatians 5:2 (NET)

Light tomorrow with today!  ~ Elizabeth Barrett Browning     People do not light a lamp and put it under a basket BUT on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.   In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good deeds and give honor to your Father in heaven.  ~ Matthew 5:15-16

  W e are supposed to forgive everyone, everyone includes ourselves. ~ Denis Waitley B e kind to one another, compassionate,  forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you . ~ Ephesians 4:32

  C ommitment is that turning point in your life when you seize the moment and convert it into an opportunity to alter your destiny. ~ Denis Waitley C ommit your work to the LORD and your plans will be established. ~ Proverbs 16:3

  Friday Tale - Running in the Rain A little girl had been shopping with her Mom in Wal-Mart. She must have been 6 years old, this beautiful red haired, freckle faced image of innocence. It was pouring outside. The kind of rain that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down the spout. We all stood there under the awning and just inside the door of the Wal-Mart. We waited, some patiently, others irritated because nature messed up their hurried day. I am always mesmerized by rainfall. I got lost in the sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the world. Memories of running, splashing so carefree as a child came pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day. The little voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were all caught in "Mom, let's run through the rain," she said. "What?" Mom asked. "Let 's run through the rain!" She repeated. "No...