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A Mother’s Love

2011-09-18T10:13:00.000-07:00

This is a true story of Mother’s Sacrifice during the Japan Earthquake. After the Earthquake had subsided, when the rescuers reached the ruins of a young woman’s house, they saw her dead body through the cracks.

But her pose was somehow strange that she knelt on her knees like a person was worshiping; her body was leaning forward, and her two hands were supporting by an object. The collapsed house had crashed her back and her head.

With so many difficulties, the leader of the rescuer team put his hand through a narrow gap on the wall to reach the woman’s body. He was hoping that this woman could be still alive. However, the cold and stiff body told him that she had passed away for sure.

He and the rest of the team left this house and were going to search the next collapsed building. For some reasons, the team leader was driven by a compelling force to go back to the ruin house of the dead woman.

Again, he knelt down and used his had through the narrow cracks to search the little space under the dead body. Suddenly, he screamed with excitement,” A child! There is a child! “

The whole team worked together; carefully they removed the piles of ruined objects around the dead woman. There was a 3 months old little boy wrapped in a flowery blanket under his mother’s dead body. Obviously, the woman had made an ultimate sacrifice for saving her son. When her house was falling, she used her body to make a cover to protect her son. The little boy was still sleeping peacefully when the team leader picked him up.

The medical doctor came quickly to exam the little boy. After he opened the blanket, he saw a cell phone inside the blanket. There was a text message on the screen. It said,” If you can survive, you must remember that I love you.” This cell phone was passing around from one hand to another. Every body that read the message wept. ” If you can survive, you must remember that I love you.” Such is the mother’s love for her child!!

Five Ways God Uses the Problems in Your Life

2011-08-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

The problems you face will either defeat you or develop you - depending on how you respond to them. Unfortunately, most people fail to see how God wants to use problems for good in their lives. They react foolishly and resent their problems rather than pausing to consider what benefit they might bring. Here are five ways God wants to use the problems in your life:

1. God uses problems to DIRECT you.
Sometimes God must light a fire under you to get you moving. Problems often point us in a new direction and motivate us to change. Is God trying to get your attention? "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

2. God uses problems to INSPECT you.
People are like tea bags... if you want to know what's inside them, just drop them into hot ever water! Has God tested your faith with a problem? What do problems reveal about you? "When you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience." James 1:2-3

3. God uses problems to CORRECT you.
Some lessons we learn only through pain and failure. It's likely that as a child your parents told you not to touch a hot stove. But you probably learned by being burned. Sometimes we only learn the value of something by losing it. "It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes." Psalm 119:72

4. God uses problems to PROTECT you.
A problem can be a blessing in disguise if it prevents you from being harmed by something more serious. Last year a friend was fired for refusing to do something unethical that his boss had asked him to do. His unemployment was a problem - but it saved him from being convicted and sent to prison a year later when management's actions were eventually discovered. "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good" Genesis 50:20

5. God uses problems to PERFECT you.
Problems, when responded to correctly, are character builders. God is far more interested in your character than your comfort. Your relationship to God and your character are the only two things you're going to take with you into eternity. "We can rejoice when we run into problems... they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady." Romans 5:3-4

Here's the point:
God is at work in your life - even when you do not recognize it or understand it. But it's much easier and profitable when you surrender to his plan for your life.

Helping Others Win

2011-05-31T12:11:00.000-07:00

In 1936, the Olympic Games were held in Berlin, Germany. Hitler's influence could be felt so strongly; he didn't want any black people to compete much less win. There was a young American sprinter there by the name of Jesse Owens. Jesse was black.

He had already won three Gold Medals, and now he was attempting his fourth Gold Medal by competing in the running long jump. Jesse told how the crowd was very much against him. He could feel their hostility so much that he began to lose focus. On his first attempt, he crossed the line and faulted. Second attempt, he crossed the line and faulted again. One more fault and he would be disqualified. This was very much out of character for Jesse, but the crowd was getting to him. They were jeering at him and shouting against him, and it was rattling him.

Jesse's main competitor was a tall German athlete named Luz Long. Luz Long hadn't ever met Jesse, but he could see he was all shaken up. In front of tens of thousands of people, this hometown favorite, Luz Long did the unthinkable. He went over and put his arm around Jesse Owens and began to give him advice. He said, "Jesse, the qualifying distance is only 23 feet. You've jumped 26 feet many times before. Just move your starting mark back three inches, that way you'll make sure to not cross the line and be disqualified."

Jesse took his advice, and on the next jump, he qualified. Jesse went on to break the world record and win his fourth Gold Medal. Jesse Owens said later, "You can melt down all the gold from those medals and it will not compare to the value of the friendship I have found in Luz Long." See, Luz Long knew there was something greater than just winning a medal. He could win a friend for life.

I've heard it said, "No one stands taller on their climb for success than when he bends down to help somebody else." If you will live unselfishly and be willing to give advice like Luz Long, even if that means somebody is going to pass you up, let me tell you, you will always have God's blessings! When you are a dream releaser, God will make sure your dreams come to pass. I've found the greatest legacy is not what we leave for people, but what we leave in people. Deposit strength in others; deposit hope in others. Be an encourager and help unlock their dreams. Remember, what you make happen for others, God will make happen for you. You'll have the strength, hope and courage you need to see every dream in your heart come to pass!

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves (Romans 12:10, NIV).

- Joel Osteen

A Zest for Living

2011-05-11T15:37:00.000-07:00

This is amazing, he died of pancreatic cancer in 2008, but wrote a book ‘The last lecture” before then, one of the bestsellers in 2007. What a legacy to leave behind…

In a letter to his wife Jai and his children, Dylan, Logan , and Chloe, he wrote this beautiful "guide to a better life" for his wife and children to follow.
May you be blessed by his insight.

POINTS ON HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR LIFE

Personality:
1. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
2. Don't have negative thoughts of things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment
3. Don't over do; keep your limits
4. Don't take yourself so seriously; no one else does
5. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip
6. Dream more while you are awake
7. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need..
8. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner of his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
9. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
10. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present
11. No one is in charge of your happiness except you
12. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn.
Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
13. Smile and laugh more
14. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

Community:
15. Call your family often
16. Each day give something good to others
17. Forgive everyone for everything
18. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6
19. Try to make at least three people smile each day
20. What other people think of you is none of your business
21. Your job will not take care of you when you are sick. Your family and friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:
22. Put GOD first in anything and everything that you think, say and do.
23. GOD heals everything
24. Do the right things
25. However good or bad a situation is, it will change
26. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up
27. The best is yet to come
28. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful
29. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it
30. If you know GOD you will always be happy. So, be happy.

While you practice all of the above, share this knowledge with the people you love, people you school with,
people you play with, people you work with and people you live with.
Not only will it enrich YOUR life, but also that of those around you.

"In Prosperity Our Friends Know Us.

They Will Know We Are Christians by our Love

2011-04-11T16:16:00.000-07:00

God knows best

2011-04-06T06:25:00.001-07:00

Our Father knows what's best for us,
So why should we complain ...
We always want the sunshine,
But he knows there must be rain.

We love the sound of laughter
And the merriment of cheer;
But our hearts would lose their tenderness
If we never shed a tear.

Our Father tests us often
With suffering and with sorrow;
He tests us, not to punish us,
But to help us meet tomorrow.

For growing trees are strengthened
When they withstand the storm;
And the sharp cut of the chisel
Gives the marble grace and form.

God never hurts us needlessly,
And he never wastes our pain;
For every loss He sends to us
Is followed by rich gain.

And when we count the blessings
That God has so freely sent;
We will find no cause for murmuring
And no time to lament.

For Our Father loves His children,
And to Him all things are plain;
So he never sends us pleasure
When the soul's deep need is pain.

So whenever we are troubled,
And when everything goes wrong,
It is just God working in us
To make our spirits strong.

Donnie McClurkin -We Fall Down

2011-03-21T11:57:00.000-07:00

Do It Anyway

2011-03-07T18:38:00.001-08:00

People are unreasonable, illogical and self-centered.
Love them anyway.

If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.

If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.

The biggest person with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest person with

the smallest mind.
Think big anyway.

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.

People really need help but may attack if you help them.
Help people anyway.

Give the world the best you have and you might get kicked in the teeth.
Give the world the best you've got anyway.

"Because at the end of the day, it is between you and God.

It was never between you and them anyway" :)

Author : Mother Teresa

Stay blessed and have a great week.

Cheers!

Stay On Course

2011-02-14T14:17:00.000-08:00

You've been planning for the perfect vacation for six months, and now the day is finally here. The tickets are in your pocket, your bags are packed, and you're driving to the airport. On the way, you pass a favorite restaurant and think about how much you like their food. You turn the car around, go back to the restaurant, walk in, sit down and enjoy a delicious meal. The only trouble is, by the time you finish eating you've missed your flight and you don't get to take that vacation of a lifetime.

Would this ever happen? Of course not. When you're on your way to something you've been working for, planning, and anxiously awaiting, you'd never let a petty distraction throw you off track. Or would you?

Unfortunately, it happens every day. Too often, we let the distractions of the moment deny us our most treasured goals. The next time you're tempted by a distraction, keep in mind where you're already headed and how very much you desire to get there.

Ask yourself if you would prefer to have the distraction or the goal you've set for yourself. Rather than hopping from one empty distraction to another, focus your effort and attention toward those things which will bring true and lasting fulfillment. By Ralph Marston

The Beggar's Rags

2011-02-07T14:11:00.000-08:00

A beggar lived near the king's palace. One day he saw a proclamation posted outside the palace gate. The king was giving a great dinner. Anyone dressed in royal garments was invited to the party.

The beggar went on his way. He looked at the rags he was wearing and sighed. Surely only kings and their families wore royal robes, he thought. Slowly an idea crept into his mind. The audacity of it made him tremble. Would he dare? He made his way back to the palace. He approached the guard at the gate. "Please, sir, I would like to speak to the king."

"Wait here," the guard replied. In a few minutes, he was back. "His majesty will see you," he said, and led the beggar in.

"You wish to see me?" asked the king.

"Yes, your majesty. I want so much to attend the banquet, but I have no royal robes to wear. Please, sir, if I may be so bold, may I have one of your old garments so that I, too, may come to the banquet?" The beggar shook so hard that he could not see the faint smile that was on the king's face.

"You have been wise in coming to me," the king said. He called to his son, the young prince. "Take this man to your room and array him in some of your clothes."

The prince did as he was told and soon the beggar was standing before a mirror, clothed in garments that he had never dared hope for. "You are now eligible to attend the king's banquet tomorrow night," said the prince. "But even more important, you will never need any other clothes. These garments
will last forever."

The beggar dropped to his knees. "Oh, thank you," he cried. But as he started to leave, he looked back at his pile of dirty rags on the floor. He hesitated. What if the prince was wrong? What if he would need his old clothes again. Quickly he gathered them up.

The banquet was far greater than he had ever imagined, but he could not enjoy himself as he should. He had made a small bundle of his old rags and it kept falling off his lap. The food was passed quickly and the beggar missed some of the greatest delicacies.

Time proved that the prince was right. The clothes lasted forever. Still the poor beggar grew fonder and fonder of his old rags. As time passed people seemed to forget the royal robes he was wearing. They saw only the little bundle of filthy rags that he clung to wherever he went. They even spoke of him as the old man with the rags.

One day as he lay dying, the king visited him. The beggar saw the sad look on the king's face when he looked at the small bundle of rags by the bed. Suddenly the beggar remembered the prince's words and he realized that his bundle of rags had cost him a lifetime of true royalty. He wept bitterly at his folly. And the king wept with him.

We have been invited into a royal family - the family of God. To feast at God's dinner table, all we have to do is shed our old rags and put on the "new clothes" of faith which is provided by God's Son, Jesus Christ. But we cannot hold onto our old rags. When we put our faith in Christ, we must let go of the sin in our life, and our old ways of living. Those things must be discarded if we are to experience true royalty and abundant life in Christ.

Stay Blessed

In a lighter mood- Money Goes To Church

2011-02-03T12:38:00.000-08:00

A well-worn one dollar bill and a similarly distressed twenty dollar bill arrived at a Federal Reserve Bank
to be retired. As they moved along the conveyor belt to be burned, they struck up a conversation.

The twenty dollar bill reminisced about its travels all over the county. "I've had a pretty good life," the
twenty proclaimed. "Why I've been to Las Vegas and Atlantic City, the finest restaurants in New York,
performances on Broadway, and even a cruise to the Caribbean."

"Wow!" said the one dollar bill. "You've really had an exciting life!"

"So tell me," says the twenty, "where have you been throughout your lifetime?"

The one dollar bill replies, "Oh, I've been to the Methodist Church, the Baptist Church, the Lutheran
Church ...."

The twenty dollar bill interrupts, "What's a church?"
Author is Unknown

God Why Did this Happen to Me

2011-01-31T12:50:00.000-08:00

You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.-Genesis 50:20
Have you ever asked this question? Of all the questions that a person could ask of God, this is probably the most common one and also the one whose answer is not ever straightforward.

The title here implies that something bad has occurred. No one seems to ask God why they were given a blessing but always want to know what is going on when things are going more or less not according to plan.

Take a look in the mirror and examine our eyes. They are said to be the windows to the soul. The situations we have experienced through our eyes leave a profound impact on our lives – a pedestrian hit by a speeding car; a store owner shot in a robbery, a child abused by their caregivers. Or, the person you are seeing could be yourself experiencing something harsh in your life.

There is one thing that you need to know beyond a shadow of a doubt: when you follow God, He works out all things for your good. This doesn’t mean that everything that happens to you will start off that way, but it will end up benefiting you. And, God is a god of love and peace, not hatred and chaos. When bad or unfavorable things happen and affect us, He is affected too.

God has a plan for each of our lives. The only way to know it and fulfill it is to follow him. Many people have troubles because they are not taking the path that leads to who God wants us to be.

Each person has a race to run in this life. It is not solely about what we accumulate along the way, who we fall in love with or how many friends we have that determines the course and purpose of our lives. It is our willingness to follow the Master wherever He leads.

As you may have already suspected, God’s thoughts and God’s ways are higher than our ways. We don’t always know why things happen but whatever has gone on in your life, God can turn it into something good not only for you but also for someone else.
Let’s look at Joseph in the Bible for a moment. He had a gift from God. Through the jealousy of his brothers, he was sold into slavery and his father told that he was dead. Yes this was wrong and Joseph had to suffer for it, but God never left him.
During that experience, he ended up in Potiphar’s house and in another sticky situation. His wife accuses Joseph of rape because he rejected her advanced. That lands him in prison for two years! During this time, he interprets a dream for the pharaoh and lands a job as his Number 1.

There are two lessons here: Joseph was treated unfairly but he didn’t stop loving and following God. Through that, God was able to turn his situation into something good and prosper him at the same time. And, what God does for one, he will do for all.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.Seek his will in all you do,and he will show you which path to take.- Proverbs 3:5-6

( Article by Robert Moment)

God bless you in the years ahead.

2010-12-22T09:13:00.000-08:00

I am just taking this opportunity to thank everyone , I mean EVERYONE , who made 2010 a fabulous year..
Hoping 2011 will be even better.

· For those that have supported me and made me smile all through ..I salute you!

· For those I've disagreed with, argued with and just never got along with......well, I’m Sorry!!!!!!! Let’s try again next year.

· For those that stuck a knife in my back the past is all forgotten.... forgiveness is the best revenge (MAYBE!!!) J

· For those that have let me down.....oh well.... I should have known better !

· All the true friends that I have : you ROCK!!..Awesome!

· Congratulations to all the new mommies & fathers, newlyweds etc...,

But all in all, you guys have made 2010 a great year; I wish you and your loved ones prosperity, good health, wealth, happiness, greener pastures, abundant blessings,
· And Oh!! a wonderful festive season.

May 2011 be the year you achieve wonderful things in His guidance and strength.

MAY GOD BE WITH YOU AND BE BLESS YOU NOW AND ALWAYS

Give Thanks

2010-12-02T08:39:00.001-08:00

Thank God we made it to the last month of the year. Congratulations. The bible says in ALL things we should give thanks. I want to encourage us to be grateful for what we have and what we want. Sometimes it’s very easy to ignore what we have and grumble about those things we think we do not have.

In this “fast” age, it is so easy to be so goal oriented that we rush through life trying to accomplish one thing or the other that we end up living in the future. We feel we would be happier and thankful when we are done with school, get a job, get married, start having children, become grandparents, etc

In learning to develop an attitude of gratitude, I learnt that understanding the power of focus is key. What we continually hold in our mind, meditate on, increases. If we focus too much on our challenges you magnify them and they begin to grow. However you can also choose to give thanks for those challenges and believing that all things would work together for your good. God can turn that challenge into a Golden chance, that test into a Testimony, a mess into a Message, a trial into a Triumph, a victim into a Victory. Remember that God is Good all the time!

It’s also possible to be focused on the success and achievements of others that you ignore what God is doing in your life. The truth in life is that there might always be someone better and ahead of you. Someone would always get a better grade, have a better car, a better job, someone’s family would look happier, their husband might be richer and more handsome than yours, and their wife might look more gorgeous and attractive.

Let’s learn to focus on where we want to be while being grateful to God for where you are right now.

For the next 31 days, I want us to spend time thinking of three things you are grateful for. Celebrate yourself and your achievements both big and small while giving thanks to God.

Gratitude is a state of mind that should be practiced daily instead of yearly. Make everyday Thanksgiving.

Take care and have a great month.

Regards,

How Heavy Is Your Bag?

2010-11-05T15:34:00.000-07:00

One of my teachers had each one of us bring a clear plastic bag
and a sack of potatoes. For every person we'd refuse to forgive
in our life experience, we were told to choose a potato, write
on it the name and date, and put it in the plastic bag. Some of
our bags, as you can imagine, were quite heavy.

We were then told to carry this bag with us everywhere for one
week, putting it beside our bed at night, on the car seat when
driving, next to our desk at work.

The hassle of lugging this around with us made it clear what a
weight we were carrying spiritually, and how we had to pay
attention to it all the time to not forget, and keep leaving it
in embarrassing places. Naturally, the condition of the potatoes
deteriorated to a nasty slime.

This was a great metaphor for the price we pay for keeping our
pain and heavy negativity! Too often we think of forgiveness as
a gift to the other person, but it clearly is for ourselves as
much as anyone!!

So the next time you decide you can't forgive someone, ask
yourself...Isn't your bag heavy enough?- Author Unknown

Take care and have a great month.

God is with you!

2010-10-01T08:46:00.000-07:00

Malachi 3:3 says:
'He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.'

This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.

One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.

That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver.

As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: 'He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.' She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined.

The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed..

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, 'How do you know when the silver is fully refined?'

He smiled at her and answered, 'Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it.'

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire , remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.

God is watching over you and whatever you're going through, you'll be a better person in the end

Take care and have a great month ahead.

Cheers!

Four Seasons of Life

2010-08-24T16:16:00.000-07:00

There was a man who had four sons. He wanted his sons to learn not to judge things too quickly. So he sent them each on a quest, in turn, to go and look at a pear tree that was a great distance away.

The first son went in the winter, the second in the spring, the third in

Summer and the youngest son in the fall.

When they had all gone and come back, he called them together to describe what they had seen.

The first son said that the tree was ugly, bent, and twisted.

The second son said no it was covered with green buds and full of promise.

The third son disagreed; he said it was laden with blossoms that smelled so sweet and looked so beautiful, it was the most graceful thing he had ever seen.

The last son disagreed with all of them; he said it was ripe and drooping with fruit, full of life and fulfillment.

The man then explained to his sons that they were all right, because they had each seen but only one season in the tree's life.

He told them that you cannot judge a tree, or a person, by only one season, and that the essence of who they are and the pleasure, joy, and love that come from that life can only be measured at the end, when all the seasons are up.

If you give up when it's winter, you will miss the promise of your spring, the beauty of your summer, fulfillment of your fall.

Moral:

Don't let the pain of one season destroy the joy of all the rest.

Don't judge life by one difficult season.

Persevere through the difficult patches and better times are sure ahead.

There are times in life when we become discouraged because of something bad that happened that we don't fully understand. When this happens, we are to be conscious to the fact that we have not seen the full picture of what is yet to come and should not judge that situation as purely negative. All of us have been through situations that seemed bad at the time, but when we look back on it months and years later, we see how that "bad" situation helped us grow in wisdom, strength and faith. We are to trust that God is in control and will work all things out for our good in His time. We must also trust in His wisdom and remember that we're in safe Hands no matter the trial or tribulation that comes before us. (Isaiah 49:13-16) (Proverbs 3:5)

Glass of Milk

2010-07-15T17:31:00.000-07:00

One day, a poor boy who was selling goods from door to door
to pay his way through school, found he had only one thin
dime left, and he was hungry.

He decided he would ask for a meal at the next house.
However, he lost his nerve when a lovely young woman opened
the door.

Instead of a meal he asked for a drink of water! . She
thought he looked hungry so brought him a large glass of
milk. He drank it so slowly, and then asked, How much do I
owe you?"

You don't owe me anything," she replied. "Mother has taught
us never to accept pay for a kindness."

He said ... "Then I thank you from my heart."

As Howard Kelly left that house, he not only felt stronger
physically, but his faith in God and man was strong also. He
had been ready to give up and quit.

Many year's later that same young woman became critically
ill. The local doctors were baffled. They finally sent her
to the big city, where they called in specialists to study
her rare disease.

Dr. Howard Kelly was called in for the consultation. When
he heard the name of the town she came from, a strange light
filled his eyes.

Immediately he rose and went down the hall of the hospital
to her room.

Dressed in his doctor's gown he went in to see her. He
recognized her at once.

He went back to the consultation room determined to do his
best to save her life. From that day he gave special
attention to her case.

After a long struggle, the battle was won.
Dr. Kelly requested the business office to pass the final
bill to him for approval. He looked at it, then wrote
something on the edge, and the bill was sent to her room.
She feared to open it, for she was sure it would take the
rest of her life to pay for it all. Finally she looked, and
something caught her attention on the side of the bill. She
read these words ...

"Paid in full with one glass of milk"

(Signed) Dr. Howard Kelly.

Tears of joy flooded her eyes as her happy heart prayed:
"Thank You, God, that Your love has spread broad through human hearts
and hands."

There's a saying which goes something like this: Bread cast
on the water comes back to you. The good deed you do today
may benefit you or someone you love at the least expected
time. If you never see the deed again at least you
will have made the world a better place - And, after all,
isn't that what life is all about?

Take care and stay blessed

Regards,

Why shout at each other?

2010-06-14T07:21:00.000-07:00

A theology professor was teaching about Anger;

He asked his students, "Why do we shout in anger? Why do people shout at each other when they are upset?

The students thought for a while. One of them said, because we lose our calm, we shout for that.

"But why shout when the other person is just next to you?" asked the professor. "Isn't it possible to speak to him or her with a soft voice? Why do you shout at a person when you are angry?"

The students gave some other answers but none satisfied the professor.

Finally he explained, "When two people are angry at each other, their hearts psychologically distance themselves. To cover the distance, they must shout to be able to hear each other. The angrier they are, the stronger they will shout to hear each other through that great distance.

Then the professor asked, "What happens when two people fall in love? They don't shout at each other but talk softly, why? Because their hearts are psychologically very close. The distance between them is very small. The professor continued, "When they love each other even more, what happens? They do not speak, only whisper and they even get even closer to each other in their love. Finally they even need not whisper, they only look at each other and that's all....

So next time you shout at a loved one, know that you are creating distance between your heart and that person's heart.

God is working on your behalf. Keep trusting!

2010-05-20T11:37:00.000-07:00

I came across this and it blessed me, would like to share :

We know that God will work all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose”(Romans 8:28).

God has placed dreams and desires in each of our hearts. Are you believing for something that seems to be taking a long time? Are you tempted to quit? Maybe you've already given up on that dream. Today is a new day—it's time for you to get your fire back! It may be taking a long time, but God is faithful! He promises to complete the work He began in your life. Don't fall into the temptation to get complacent and think it's never going to happen. Right now, whether you see it or not, God is working behind the scenes and arranging things in your favor. When you develop an attitude of expectancy, you open the door to His miracle-working power in your life. Decide today to declare His Word and speak words of victory. Start declaring today, "My time is coming...God is working behind the scenes on my behalf…I will fulfill my destiny…I will fulfill the plan God has for my life!" As you declare and expect God to move, your faith will grow. Your hope will grow. Keep expecting and waiting for the appointed time. As you do, you'll step into the victorious destiny God has planned for you!

Whatever happens, trust in the Lord and trust in the power of hope! My hope is in God who never changes. Nothing is impossible with Him. He is a big God, and I'm believing Him for big things. How about you?

Take care and stay blessed.

Tosyne

Building Bridges of Life

2010-05-04T15:55:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time two brothers, who lived on adjoining farms, fell into conflict. It was the first serious rift in 40 years of farming side by side, sharing machinery, and trading labor and goods as needed without a conflict. Then the long collaboration fell apart. It began with a small misunderstanding and it grew into a major difference, and finally it exploded into an exchange of bitter words followed by weeks of silence.
One morning there was a knock on John’s door. He opened it to find a man with a carpenter’s tool box. “I’m looking for a few days’ work” he said. “Perhaps you would have a few small jobs here and there I could help with? Could I help you?” “Yes,” said the older brother. “I do have a job for you.”

“Look across the creek at that farm. That’s my neighbor; in fact, it’s my younger brother. Last week there was a meadow between us and he took his bulldozer to the river levee and now there is a creek between us. Well, he may have done this to spite me, but I’ll do him one better.”

“See that pile of lumber by the barn? I want you to build me a fence –an 8-foot fence — so I won’t need to see his place or his face anymore.” The carpenter said, “I think I understand the situation. Show me the nails and the post-hole digger and I’ll be able to do a job that pleases you.”

The older brother had to go to town, so he helped the carpenter get the materials ready and then he was off for the day. The carpenter worked hard all that day measuring, sawing, nailing. About sunset when the farmer returned, the carpenter had just finished his job.

The farmer’s eyes opened wide, his jaw dropped. There was no fence there at all. It was a bridge — a bridge stretching from one side of the creek to the other! A fine piece of work, handrails and all — and the neighbor, his younger brother, was coming toward them, his hand outstretched.

“You are quite a fellow to build this bridge after all I’ve said and done.” The two brothers stood at each end of the bridge, and then they met in the middle, taking each other’s hand.

They turned to see the carpenter hoist his toolbox onto his shoulder. “No, wait! Stay a few days. I’ve a lot of other projects for you,” said the older brother. “I’d love to stay on,” the carpenter said, but I have many more bridges to build.

It’s so easy to get carried away building walls or fences but rather we are called to build bridges of love and care towards others. So which are you building?

Take care and have a great week ahead.

Regards,
Tosin

Sharks In Your Life

2010-04-25T14:36:00.000-07:00

The Japanese have always loved fresh fish. But the waters close to Japan have not held many fish for decades.

So to feed the Japanese population, fishing boats got bigger and went farther than ever. The farther the fishermen went, the longer it took to bring in the fish. If the return trip took more than a few days, the fish were not fresh. The Japanese did not like the taste.

To solve this problem, fishing companies installed freezers on their boats. They would catch the fish and freeze them at sea. Freezers allowed the boats to go farther and stay longer. However, the Japanese could taste the difference between fresh and frozen and they did not like frozen fish. The frozen fish brought a lower price.

So fishing companies installed fish tanks. They would catch the fish and stuff them in the tanks. After a little thrashing around, the fish stopped moving. They were tired and dull, but alive. Unfortunately, the Japanese could still taste the difference. Because the fish did not move for days, they lost their fresh-fish taste.

The Japanese preferred the lively taste of fresh fish, not sluggish fish. So how did Japanese fishing companies solve this problem? How do they get fresh-tasting fish to Japan? How Japanese managed to keep the fish fresh?

To keep the fish tasting fresh, the Japanese fishing companies still put the fish in the tanks. But now they add a small shark to each tank. The shark eats a few fish, but most of the fish arrive in a very lively state. The fish are challenged.

Have you realized that some of us are also living in a pond but most of the time tired & dull, so we need a Shark in our life to keep us awake and moving? Basically in our lives Sharks are new challenges to keep us active and taste better….. The more intelligent, persistent and competent you are, the more you enjoy a challenge.

If your challenges are the correct size, and if you are steadily conquering those challenges, you are Conqueror.. You think of your challenges and get energized. You are excited to try new solutions. You have fun. You are alive!

Recommendations for us:

Instead of avoiding challenges, jump into them. Beat the heck out of them. Enjoy the game. If your challenges are too large or too numerous, do not give up. Failing makes you tired. Instead, reorganize. Find more determination, more knowledge, more help.

God didn’t promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but he did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears and light for the way.

Disappointments are like road bumps, they slow you down a bit but you enjoy the smooth road afterwards.. Don’t stay on the bumps too long. Move on!

When you feel down because you didn’t get what you want, just sit tight and be happy, because God has thought of something better to give you. When something happens to you, good or bad, consider what it means. There’s a purpose to life’s events, to teach you how to laugh more or not to cry too hard.

No one can go back and make a brand new start. But anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.

Burnt Biscuits

2010-03-02T08:33:00.000-08:00

When I was a kid, my mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. And I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work.

On that evening so long ago, my mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage and extremely burned biscuits in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed! Yet all my dad did was reach for his biscuit, smile at my mom and ask me how my day was at school.. I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that biscuit and eat every bite!

When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. And I'll never forget what he said: "Honey, I love burned biscuits."

Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, "Your Momma put in a hard day at work today and she's real tired. And besides – a little burnt biscuit never hurt anyone!"

Life is full of imperfect things....and imperfect people. I'm not the best at hardly anything, and I forget birthdays and anniversaries just like everyone else. But what I've learned over the years is that learning to accept each others faults - and choosing to celebrate each others differences - is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship.

And that's my prayer for you today. That you will learn to take the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of your life and lay them at the feet of God. Because in the end, He's the only One who will be able to give you a relationship where a burnt biscuit isn't a deal-breaker!

We could extend this to any relationship. In fact, understanding is the base of any relationship, be it a husband-wife or parent-child or friendship!

"Don't put the key to your happiness in someone else's pocket - keep it in your own."

God Bless You..... Now, and Always....

So Please pass me a biscuit, and yes, the burnt one will do just fine.!.!.!.!

IT IS WELL!!!!!!!

Take care and have a great month ahead.

Stay blessed

Be Thankful

2010-02-18T15:42:00.000-08:00

I Thessalonians 5:18 – In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.

No matter what situation we face in life, there is always someone worse off than we are. Let's be grateful to God for all the blessings in our lives.

Take care and have a great weekend.

Cheers!

What Is Failure?

2010-02-07T16:13:00.000-08:00

Failure doesn't mean you are a failure...
...it does mean you haven't succeeded yet.

Failure doesn't mean you have accomplished nothing...
...it does mean you have learned something.

Failure doesn't mean you have been a fool...
...it does mean you had a lot of faith.

Failure doesn't mean you have been disgraced...
...it does mean you were willing to try.

Failure doesn't mean you don't have it...
...it does mean you have to do something in a different way.

Failure doesn't mean you are inferior...
...it does mean you are not prefect.

Failure doesn't mean you've wasted your life...
...it does mean you've a reason to start afresh.

Failure doesn't mean you should give up...
...it does mean you should try harder.

Failure doesn't mean you'll never make it...
...it does mean it will take a little longer.

Failure doesn't mean God has abandoned you....
...it does mean God has a better idea.

Don't Give up

2010-01-28T13:32:00.000-08:00

Don’t give up and don’t give in
It’s all in the Lord’s hands
No matter what you’re facing
HE is the one who can.
In any situation
HIS grace can turn it around
So you can be victorious
As HIS love does abound.
The Beginning and the end HE knows
And all that’s in between
So put all your total trust in HIM
To HIM it’s all foreseen.
HE knows about your struggles
HE knows about your pain
Your hardships and your sorrows
And HE will help you to reign.
So don’t give up and don’t give in
Don’t quit before it’s time
God’s grace will give you power
To make it to the finish line.
In HIS way and time… (Janet Mullaly)

Can you Listen?

2010-01-15T16:30:00.000-08:00

When I ask you to listen to me
and you start giving advice,
you have not done what I asked.
When I ask you to listen to me
and you begin to tell me why I shouldn't feel that way,
you are trampling on my feelings.

When I ask you to listen to me
and you feel you have to do something to solve my problem,
you have failed me, strange as that may seem.
Listen! All I asked was that you listen.
Not to talk or do-just hear me.
Advice is cheap. Ten cents will get you both Dear Abby and
Bill Graham in the same newspaper.
And I can do for myself. I'm not helpless.
Maybe discouraged and faltering, but not helpless.

When you do something for me that I can and need to do for myself,
you contribute to my fear and weakness.
But, when you accept as a single fact that I do feel what I feel,
no matter how irrational, then I can quit trying to convince
you and get to the business of understanding what's
behind this irrational feeling.
And when that's clear, the answers are obvious
and I don't need advice.
Irrational feelings make sense when we understand
what's behind them.

So, please listen and just hear me. And if you want to talk,
wait a minute for your turn;
and I'll listen to you.

Listening is silently loving another person and only requires an open heart. Listen to someone you love

Thank God for your Life!!!

2009-12-31T11:29:00.000-08:00

Beloved,
As the year 2009 comes to an end,

Thank God because;

1. You can still breathe without aid or mechanical assistance.
2. You have a roof over your head and not under one of the bridges.
3. Your two legs can still carry your body wherever you want to go.
4. Your skin is not covered up by some strange skin disease.
5. Your ears are not supported with hearing aids.
6. Your sight is not impaired in any manner.
7. With barely enough meal to get by the day you are still alive and healthy.
8. With so much issues you deal with daily you can still smile and look good daily
9. Every day comes with its craziness and demands yet your sanity is intact.
10. Your hair still grows on your head and sometimes adds grey to its colour to make you unique among your peers.
11. You sleep and wake up with ease to appreciate nature in all its beauty.
12. Your digestive system functions with the ease at which it was meant without the support of a machine.
13. Your appetite is very healthy with no issues.
14. Your teeth are still able to grind meat, bones and all other chewable.
15. Sickness put you to bed but could not put you to an early grave.
16. With all your many trips from your home to office, within the country and overseas accidents was not your portion even when it did happen you came out alive.
17. So far so good no bullet has your name on it either from the Police or marauders.
18. In spite of the economic downturn you can still finance your lifestyle.
19. Despite all the challenges and disappointments you suffered you did not commit suicide.
20. Above all you are still alive and standing!!!!!!

Life is a gift from God cherish it no matter the circumstance you find yourself.
Be inspired always!!!!

Happy New Year in Advance!!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2009-12-24T10:38:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all the joy of the season and may the coming year bring with it bountiful blessings to you and all your loved ones.

May Christ, the reason for the season, grant you all Peace, Joy, Good Health and every thing else you desire throughout the coming year and beyond.

Have a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Regards,

Life’s Challenges

2009-12-06T17:56:00.000-08:00

A diamond is merely a lump of coal that did well under extreme pressure.

So imagine how brilliant a human being can be by sustaining pressures of life.
Life’s challenges are not supposed to paralyze you, they’re supposed to
unleash your inner strength & help you discover who you are.

We can’t deny the fact that there would always be challenges in this world.

As we go in our daily activities, let us remember that God has offered to help us carry our burdens; all we need do is run to Him and touch the hem of His garment, like the woman with the issue of blood. He cares for you.

Wish you all a great month.

Let me be the 1st!!!

2009-11-29T16:39:00.000-08:00

Let me the first to wish u a merry Christmas and a prosperous 2010

Where did the year go? Suddenly it is November and nearly December.... ..again - and we realize that with giant strides we started in January and within a blink of an eye, 2009 is on its back!

A big "Thank You" to each and everyone of you, for the huge impact you had on my life this year. Especially for all the support and e-mails I received.... ...without you, I'm sure that 2009 would have been extremely boring.

From my side I wish you all a magical Festive Season filled with Loving Wishes and Beautiful Thoughts.

May 2010 mark the beginning of a Tidal Wave of Love, Happiness and Bright Futures.

And to those who need someone special, may you find that true love

To those who need money, may your finances overflow

To those who need caring, may you find a good heart

To those who need friends, may you meet lovely people

To those who need life, may you find GOD

Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year In Advance!

Don't dare GOD

2009-11-19T12:11:00.000-08:00

Unemployed Graduate:

An unemployed graduate woke up one morning and checked his pocket. All he had left was $10. He decided to use it to buy food and then wait for death as he was too proud to go begging. He was frustrated as he could find no job, and nobody was ready to help him.

He bought food and as he sat down to eat; an old man and two little children came along and asked him to help them with food as they had not eaten for almost a week. He looked at them. They were so lean that he could see their bones coming out. Their eyes had gone into the socket. With the last bit of compassion he had, he gave them the food. The old man and children prayed that God would bless and prosper him and then gave him a very old coin. The young graduate said to them 'you need the prayer more than I do'.

With no money, no job, no food, the young graduate went under the bridge to rest and wait for death. As he was about to sleep, he saw an old newspaper on the ground. He picked it up, and suddenly he saw an advertisement for people with old coins to come to a certain address.

He decided to go there with the old coin the old man gave him. On getting to the place, he gave the proprietor the coin. The proprietor screamed, brought out a big book and showed the young graduate a photograph. This same old coin was worth 3 million dollars. The young graduate was overjoyed as the proprietor gave him a bank draft for 3 million dollars within an hour. He collected the Bank Draft and went in search of the old man and little children.

By the time he got to where he left them eating, they had gone. He asked the owner of the canteen if he knew them.. He said no but they left a note for you. He quickly opened the note thinking it would lead him to find them.

This is what the note said: 'You gave us your all and we have rewarded you back with the coin,' signed God the Father, The Son and The Holy Ghost. 1 Kings 17:10-16; Matt hew 11:28-30

PRAYER:
Here is your financial blessing! It's a simple prayer, you've got 30 seconds. If you need a financial blessing, continue reading this e-mail.

Heavenly Father, most Gracious and Loving God, I pray to you that you abundantly Bless my family and me. I know that you recognize that a family is more than just a mother, father, sister, brother husband and wife, but all Who believe and trust in you.

I thank you in advance for your blessings.

Father God, deliver the person reading this right now and those who will read it in the near future from debt and debt burdens. Release your Godly wisdom that I may be a good steward over all that You have given me Father, for I know how wonderful and mighty You are and how if we just obey You and walk in Your word and have the faith of a Mustard seed that You will pour out blessings.

I thank You now Lord for the recent blessings I have received and for the blessings yet to come Because I know You are not done with me yet.
In your name, I pray, Amen

It's called Mindset!

2009-10-20T19:01:00.000-07:00

It's called Mindset !

As my friend was passing the elephants, he suddenly stopped, confused by the fact that these huge creatures were being held by only a small rope tied to their front leg. No chains, no cages. It was obvious that the elephants could, at anytime, break away from the ropes they were tied to but for some reason, they did not. My friend saw a trainer nearby and asked why these beautiful, magnificent animals just stood there and made no attempt to get away.

"Well," he said, "when they are very young and much smaller we use the same size rope to tie them and, at that age, it's enough to hold them. As they grow up, they are conditioned to believe they cannot break away. They believe the rope can still hold them, so they never try to break free." My friend was amazed. These animals could at any time break free from their bonds but because they believed they couldn't, they were stuck right where they were.

Like the elephants, how many of us go through life hanging onto a belief that we cannot do something, simply because we failed at it once before? So make an attempt to grow further.... Why shouldn't we try it again?

"Your attempt may fail, but never fail to make an attempt"

CHOOSE not to accept the false boundaries and limitations created by the past!

Two Frogs

2009-09-29T14:38:00.000-07:00

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

All the other frogs gathered around the pit. When they saw how deep the pit was, they told the two frogs that they were as good as dead. The two frogs ignored the comments and tried to jump up out of the pit with all of their might. The other frogs kept telling them to stop, that they were as good as dead. Finally, one of the frogs took heed to what the other frogs were saying and gave up. He fell down and died.

The other frog continued to jump as hard as he could. Once again, the crowd of frogs yelled at him to stop the pain and just die. He jumped even harder and finally made it out.

When he got out, the other frogs said, "Did you not hear us?"

The frog explained to them that he was deaf. He thought they were encouraging him the entire time.

This story teaches two lessons:

There is power of life and death in the tongue. An encouraging word to someone who is down can lift them up and help them make it through the day.

A destructive word to someone who is down can be what it takes to kill them or be the push over the edge. Be careful of what you say.

Speak life to those who cross your path. The power of words....it is sometimes hard to understand that an encouraging word can go such a long way. Anyone can speak words that tend to rob another of the spirit to continue in difficult times.

Special is the individual who will take the time to encourage another.

Be special and kind to others.

Thank God right NOW!!!!!!!!

2009-09-05T16:53:00.000-07:00

Dear GOD, I want to thank You for what you have already done.

I am not going to wait until I see results or receive rewards, I am thanking You right now

I am not going to wait until I feel better or things look better, I am thanking You right now

I am not going to wait until people say they are sorry or until they stop talking about me, I am thanking You right now.

I am not going to wait until the pain in my body disappears, I am thanking You right now.

I am not going to wait until my financial situation improves, I am going to thank You right now.

I am not going to wait until the children are asleep and the house is quiet, I am going to thank You right now.

I am not going to wait until I get promoted at work or until I get the job, I am going to thank You right now.

I am not going to wait until I understand every experience in my life that has caused me pain or grief, I'm going to thank You right now.

I am not going to wait until the journey gets easier or the challenges are removed. I am thanking You right now.

I am thanking You because I am alive.

I am thanking You because I made it through the day's difficulties.

I am thanking You because I have walked around the obstacles. I am thanking You because I have the ability and the opportunity to do more and do better.

I'm thanking You because FATHER, YOU haven't given up on me.

Let’s all embrace an attitude of gratitude this month.

Take care and wish you a victorious month.

Regards,
Tosin

How well do you listen to God

2009-09-03T18:24:00.000-07:00

A young man had been to Wednesday Night Bible
Study.

The Pastor had shared about listening to God and obeying the Lord's voice

The young man couldn't help but wonder, 'Does God still speak to people?'

After service, he went out with some friends for coffee and pie and they discussed the message.
Several different ones talked about how God had led them in different ways.

It was about ten o'clock when the young man started
driving home. Sitting in his car, he just began to pray, 'God...If you still speak t o people, speak to me. I will listen. I will do my best to obey.'

As he drove down the main street of his town, he had the strangest thought to stop and buy a gallon of milk.

He shook his head and said out loud, 'God is that you?' He didn't get a reply and started on toward home.

But again, the thought, buy a gallon of milk.

The young man thought about Samuel and how he didn't recognize the voice of God, and how little Samuel ran to Eli.

'Okay, God, in case that is you, I will buy the milk.' It didn't seem like too hard a test of obedience. He could always use the milk. He stopped and purchased the gallon of milk and started off toward home.

As he passed Seventh Street, he again felt the urge, 'Turn Down that street.'

This is crazy he thought, and drove on past the intersection.

Again, he felt that he should turn down Seventh Street .

At the next intersection, he turned back and headed down Seventh.

Half jokingly, he said out loud,

'Okay, God, I will.'

He drove several blocks, when suddenly, he felt like he should stop He pulled over to the curb and looked around. He was in a semi- commercial area of town. It wasn't the best but it wasn't the worst of neighborhoods either.
The businesses were closed and most of the houses looked dark like the people were already in bed.

Again, he sensed something, 'Go and give the milk to the people in the house across the street.' The young man looked at the house. It was dark and it looked like the people were either gone or they were already asleep. He started to open the door and then sat back in the car seat.

'Lord, this is insane. Those people are asleep and if I wake them up, they are going
to be mad and I will look stupid.' Again, he felt like he should go and give the milk.

Finally, he opened the door, 'Okay God, if this is you, I will go to the door and I will give them the milk. If you want me to look like a crazy person, okay. I want to be obedient. I guess that will count for something, but if they don't answer right away, I am out of here.'

He walked across the street and rang the bell. He could hear some noise inside. A man's voice yelled
out, 'Who is it? What do you want?' Then the door opened before the young man could get away.

The man was standing there in his jeans and T-shirt. He looked like he just got out of bed. He had a strange look on his face and he didn't seem too happy to have some stranger standing on his doorstep. 'What is it?'

The young man thrust out the gallon of milk, 'Here, I brought this to you.' The man took the milk and rushed down a hallway.

Then from down the hall came a woman carrying the milk toward the kitchen. The man was following her holding a baby. The baby was crying. The man had tears streaming down his face.

The man began speaking and half crying, 'We were just praying. We had
some big bills this month and we ran out of money. We didn't have any milk for our baby. I was just praying and asking God to show me how to get some milk.'

His wife in the kitchen yelled out, 'I ask him to send an Angel with some. Are you an Angel?'

The young man reached into his wallet and pulled out all the money he had on him and put in the man's hand. He turned and walked back toward his car and the tears were streaming down his face. He knew that God still answers prayers.

Sometimes it's the simplest things that God asks us to do that cause us, if we are obedient to what He's asking, to be able to hear. His voice more clear than ever.

A Stranger Passed By..........

2009-08-18T17:38:00.001-07:00

I ran into a stranger as he passed by,
"Oh excuse me please" was my reply..
He said, "Please excuse me too;
I wasn't watching for you."

We were very polite, this stranger and I.
We went on our way and we said goodbye.
But at home a different story is told,
How we treat our loved ones, young and old.

Later that day, cooking the evening meal,
My son stood beside me very still.
When I turned, I nearly knocked him down.
"Move out of the way," I said with a frown.

He walked away, his little heart broken.
I didn't realize how harshly I'd spoken.
While I lay awake in bed,
God's still small voice came to me and said,

"While dealing with a stranger,
common courtesy you use,
but the family you love, you seem to abuse.
Go and look on the kitchen floor,
You'll find some flowers there by the door.

Those are the flowers he brought for you.
He picked them himself: pink, yellow and blue.
He stood very quietly not to spoil the surprise,
you never saw the tears that filled his little eyes."

By this time, I felt very small,
And now my tears began to fall.
I quietly went and knelt by his bed;
"Wake up, little one, wake up," I said.
"Are these the flowers you picked for me?"

He smiled, "I found 'em, out by the tree.
I picked 'em because they're pretty like you.
I knew you'd like 'em, especially the blue."

I said, "Son, I'm very sorry for the way I acted today;
I shouldn't have yelled at you that way."

He said, "Oh, Mom, that's okay.
I love you anyway."
I said, "Son, I love you too,
and I do like the flowers, especially the blue."

FAMILY
Are you aware that if we died tomorrow, the company
that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of days.
But the family we left behind will feel the loss
for the rest of their lives.

And come to think of it, we pour ourselves more
into work than into our own family,
an unwise investment indeed,
don't you think?
So what is behind the story?

Do you know what the word FAMILY means?
FAMILY = Father And Mother I Love You

Do you know what the word FAMILY means?
FAMILY = Father And Mother I Love You

Many a Times, We Treat Strangers with Courtesy and yet treat our near & dear ones like dirt. Just because... WE TAKE THEM FOR GRANTED...Isnt It??

From today let's all make a conscious effort to treat our family and loved ones with more respect and let’s appreciate them.

Take care and have a great week ahead.

Regards,
Tosin

It's too early to give up

2009-08-06T19:11:00.000-07:00

Don't give up.....

One day I decided to quit...
I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality... I wanted to quit my life.
I went to the woods to have one last talk with God.
"God", I asked, "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"
His answer surprised me...
"Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"
"Yes", I replied.
"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor.
Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful.
And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. He said. "In year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit. In year four, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. I would
not quit." He said. "Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth.

Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant...But just 6 months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall.
It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle." He asked me. "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots". "I would not quit on the bamboo.
I will never quit on you." "Don't compare yourself to others."
He said. "The bamboo had a different Purpose than the fern.
Yet they both make the forest beautiful." "Your time will come", God said to me. "You will rise high" "How high should I rise?"
I asked. "How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return.
"As high as it can?" I questioned. "Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can." I left the forest and brought back this story.
I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on you.

Never, Never, Never Give up.

For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is, tell the problem how Great the Lord is!

I pray God protects and blesses everyone reading this message.
Take care and have a lovely weekend.

Regards
Tosin

Special Olympics

2009-08-03T16:47:00.001-07:00

A few years ago at the Seattle Special Olympics, nine contestants, all physically or mentally disabled challenged, assembled at the starting line for the 100-yard dash. At the gun, they all started out, not exactly in a dash, but with a relish to run the race to the finish and win.

All, that is, except one boy who stumbled on the asphalt, tumbled over a couple of times and began to cry. The other eight heard the boy cry. They slowed down and looked back. They all turned around and went back. Every one of them.

One girl with Down’s Syndrome bent down and kissed him and said, “This will make it better.” All nine linked arms and walked across the finish line together.

Everyone in the stadium stood, and the cheering went on for several minutes. People who were there are still telling the story. Why? Because deep down we know this one thing: What matters in this life is more than winning for ourselves.

What truly matters in this life is helping others win, even if it means slowing down and changing our course.

—

Origins:
The story is more true than not, although its primary point has been grossly exaggerated. According to folks at the Special Olympics Washington office, the incident happened at a 1976 track and field event held in Spokane, Washington. A contestant did take a tumble, and one or two of the other athletes turned back to help the fallen one, culminating in their crossing the finish line together, but it was only one or two, not everyone in the event. The others continued to run their race.

The story is thus not about an entire class of “special people” who spontaneously tossed aside their own dreams of going for gold in favor of helping a fallen competitor, but rather one about a couple of individuals who chose to go to the aid of another contestant. Unfortunately, this tale as it is now being told helps further a stereotype that deficiencies in intelligence are compensated for by unfailingly sweet natures and a way of looking at the world in childlike wonder.

Special Olympians train long and hard for their events and are every bit as committed as athletes who compete in any other athletic endeavors. The Special Olympics are not a casual get-together organized to give less fortunate members of the community a day to socialize and perhaps run in a foot race or two. They’re highly organized sporting events taken very seriously by all involved, with each competitor striving to do his best. It’s about trying. And succeeding.

The Special Olympics oath is “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

Make A Difference Today

2009-07-15T19:06:00.001-07:00

Don’t stop yourself from doing a deed just cause it’s small or only cause just one or few individuals will benefit from it.

Just remember, no matter how small the deed; it really does makes a difference. Make a difference today.

Do not make decisions while angry

2009-07-11T09:37:00.000-07:00

On walking into the factory, the MD noticed a young guy leaning against the wall, doing nothing.

He approached the young man and calmly said to him, "How much do you earn?"
The young man was quite amazed that he was asked such a personal question, he replied, none the less, "I earn $ 2000.00 a month, Sir. Why?"
Without answering, the MD took out his wallet and removed $6000.00 cash and gave it to the young man and said, "Around here I pay people for working, not for standing around looking pretty! Here is your 3 months salary, now GET OUT and don't come back".

The young man turned around and was quickly out of sight. Noticing a few onlookers, the MD said in a very upset manner, "And that applies to everybody in this company".
He approached one of the onlookers and asked him, "Who's the young man I just fired?"

To which an amazing reply came- "He was the pizza delivery guy, Sir!"

Do not make decisions while angry

Take care and have a great weekend

Cheers!

The Basket

2009-06-18T17:27:00.000-07:00

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. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (Heb. 4:12-13)

The story is told of an old man who lived on a farm in the mountains of eastern Kentucky with his young grandson. Each morning, Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading from his old worn-out Bible. His grandson who wanted to be just like him tried to imitate him in any way he could.

One day the grandson asked, "Papa, I try to read the Bible just like you but I don't understand it, and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close the book. What good does reading the Bible do?"

The Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and said, "Take this coal basket down to the river and bring back a basket of water."

The boy did as he was told, even though all the water leaked out before he could get back to the house. The grandfather laughed and said, "You will have to move a little faster next time," and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again.

This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he returned home. Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was "impossible to carry water in a basket," and he went to get a bucket instead. The old man said, "I don't want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water. You can do this. You're just not trying hard enough," and he went out the door to watch the boy try again.

At this point, the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he got far at all. The boy scooped the water and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty.

Out of breath, he said, "See Papa, it's useless!"

"So you think it is useless?" The old man said, "Look at the basket." The boy looked at the basket and for the first time he realized that the basket looked different. Instead of a dirty old coal basket, it was clean! "Son, that's what happens when you read the Bible. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, it will change you from the inside out."

That is the work of God in our lives... To change us from the inside out and to slowly transform us into the image of His son. Take time to read a portion of God's word each day.

God Can

2009-06-08T19:03:00.001-07:00

When you feel unlovable, unworthy and unclean,
When you think that no one can heal you,
Remember, Friend,
God Can.

When you think that you are unforgivable
For your guilt and your shame
Remember, Friend,
God Can.

When you think that all is hidden
And no one can see within
Remember, Friend,
God Can.

And when you have reached the bottom
And you think that no one can hear
Remember my dear Friend
God Can.

And when you think that no one can love
The real person deep inside of you
Remember my dear Friend,
God Does.
Author Unknown

An Interview With God

2009-06-04T17:42:00.000-07:00

I dreamed I had an interview with God.
"Come in," God said. "So, you would like to interview Me?"

"If you have the time," I said.

God smiled and said: "My time is eternity and is enough to do everything; what questions do you have in mind to ask me?"

"What surprises you most about mankind?"

God answered: "That they get bored of being children, are in a rush to grow up, and then long to be children again.

That they lose their health to make money and then lose their money to restore their health.

That by thinking anxiously about the future, they forget the present, such that they live neither for the present nor the future.

That they live as if they will never die, and they die as if they had never lived..."

God's hands took mine and we were silent for while and then I asked... "As a parent, what are some of life's lessons you want your children to learn?"

God replied with a smile: "To learn that they cannot make anyone love them. What they can do is to let themselves be loved.

To learn that what is most valuable is not what they have in their lives, but who they have in their lives.

To learn that it is not good to compare themselves to others. All will stand or fall on their own merits, not as a group on a comparison basis!

To learn that a rich person is not the one who has the most, but is one who needs the least.

To learn that it only takes a few seconds to open profound wounds in persons we love, and that it takes many years to heal them.

To learn to forgive by practicing forgiveness.

To learn that there are persons that love them dearly, but simply do not know how to express or show their feelings.

To learn that money can buy everything but happiness.

To learn that two people can look at the same thing and see it totally different.

To learn that a true friend in someone who knows everything about them...and likes them anyway.

To learn that it is not always enough that they be forgiven by others, but that they have to forgive themselves."

I sat there for awhile enjoying the moment. I thanked Him for his time and for all that He has done for me and my family, and He replied, "Anytime. I'm here 24 hours a day. All you have to do is ask for me, and I'll answer."

People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

Beginning Today

2009-05-21T15:24:00.000-07:00

Beginning today I will no longer worry about yesterday.
It is in the past and the past will never change.
Only I can change by choosing to do so.

Beginning today I will no longer worry about tomorrow.
Tomorrow will always be there, waiting for me to make the most of it.
But I cannot make the most of tomorrow without first
making the most of today.

Beginning today I will look in the mirror and I will see a person worthy of my respect and admiration.
This capable person looking back at me is someone I enjoy spending time with and someone I would like to get to know better.

Beginning today I will cherish each moment of my life.
I value this gift bestowed upon me in this world and I will unselfishly share this gift with others.
I will use this gift to enhance the lives of others.

Beginning today I will take a moment to step off the beaten path and to revel in the mysteries I encounter.
I will face challenges with courage and determination.
I will overcome what barriers there may be which hinder my quest for growth and self-improvement.

Beginning today I will take life one day at a time, one step at a time.
Discouragement will not be allowed to taint my positive self-image,
my desire to succeed or my capacity to love.

Beginning today I walk with renewed faith in human kindness.
Regardless of what has gone before, I believe there is hope
for a brighter and better future.

Beginning today I will open my mind and my heart.
I will welcome new experiences. I will meet new people.
I will not expect perfection from myself nor anyone else: perfection does not exist in an imperfect world.
But I will applaud the attempt to overcome human foibles.

Beginning today I am responsible for my own happiness and I will do things that make me happy . . .
admire the beautiful wonders of nature, listen to my favorite music,
pet a kitten or a puppy, soak in a bubble bath . . .
pleasure can be found in the most simple of gestures.

Beginning today I will learn something new; I will try something different; I will savor all the various flavors life has to offer.
I will change what I can and the rest I will let go.
I will strive to become the best me I can possibly be.

Beginning today. And every day.

Just a thought, but as I often think of you and realize how much God loves you, sometimes I think we need to also love ourselves through His eyes. God Bless.

Author Penny White

Fifteen Things God Won’t Ask

2009-05-20T17:05:00.000-07:00

God won’t ask which car you drive, but will ask how many people you drove who didn’t have transportation.

God won’t ask how big is your house, but will ask how many people you welcomed into your home.

God won’t ask about the fancy clothes in your wardrobe, but will ask how many of those clothes helped the needy.

God won’t ask about your social status, but will ask what kind of class you displayed with others.

God won’t ask how many material possessions you had, but will ask if they dictated your life.

God won’t ask what your highest salary was, but will ask if you compromised your character to obtain that salary.

God won’t ask how much overtime you worked, but will ask if you worked overtime for your family and loved ones.

God won’t ask how many promotions you received, but will ask how you promoted others.

God won’t ask what your job title was, but will ask if you reformed your job to the best of your ability.

God won’t ask what you did to help yourself, but will ask what you did to help others.

God won’t ask how many friends you had, but will ask how many people to whom you were a true friend.

God won’t ask what you did to protect your rights, but will ask what you did to protect the rights of others.

God won’t ask in what neighborhood you lived, but will ask how you treated your neighbors.

God won’t ask about the color of your skin, but will ask about the content of your character.

God won’t ask how many times your deeds matched your words, but will ask how many times they didn’t.

Father's Gift

2009-05-15T09:56:00.001-07:00

A young man was getting ready to graduate from college. For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer's showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted. As Graduation Day approached, the young man awaited signs that his father hadpurchased the car.

Finally, on the morning of his graduation his father called him into his private study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him. He handed his son a beautiful wrapped gift box.

Curious, but somewhat disappointed the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible, with the young man's name embossed in gold. Angrily, he raised his voice to his father and said, "With all your money you give me a Bible?" and stormed out of the house, leaving the Bible.

Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business. He had a beautiful home and wonderful family, but realized his father was very old, and thought perhaps he should go to him. He had not seen him since that graduation day.

Before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to his son. He needed to come home immediately and take care of things. When he arrived at his father's house, sudden sadness and regret filled his heart. He began to search his father's important papers and saw the still new Bible, just as he had left it years ago. With tears, he opened the Bible and began to turn the pages. His father had carefully underlined a verse, Matt 7:11,

"And if ye, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Heavenly father which is in heaven, give to those who ask Him?"

As he read those words, a car key dropped from the back of the Bible. It had a tag with the dealer's name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had desired. On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words...PAID IN FULL.

How many times do we miss God's blessings because they are not packaged as we expected?

Psalm 23

2009-05-11T18:21:00.001-07:00

There was once a Shakespearean actor who would read Psalm 23 at the end of his performance. He was known everywhere for his one-man shows of readings and recitations from the classics.

Each night, without exception, as the actor began his recitation -
"The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want"…
The crowd would listen attentively. And then, at the conclusion of the Psalm, they would rise in thunderous applause in appreciation of the actor's incredible ability to bring the verse to life.

But one night, just before the actor was to offer his customary recital of the Psalm, a young man from the audience spoke up. "Sir, do you mind if tonight I recite Psalm 23?" The actor was quite taken back by this unusual request, but he allowed the young man to come forward and stand front and center on the stage to recite the Psalm 23. He knew that the ability of this unskilled youth would be no match for his own talent.

With a soft voice, the young man began to recite the words of the Psalm. When he was finished, there was no applause. There was no standing ovation as on other nights. All that could be heard was the sound of weeping. The audience had been so moved by the young man's recitation that every eye was full of tears. Amazed by what he had heard, the actor said to the youth, "I don't understand. I have been performing Psalm 23 for years. I have a lifetime of experience and training - but I have never been able to move an audience as you have tonight. Tell me, what is your secret?"

The young man quietly replied, "Well sir, you know the Psalm...I know…
the Shepherd."

Do you know your Shepherd?

God Said No

2009-04-25T16:29:00.001-07:00

I asked God to take away my habit.
God said, "No.
It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up."

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.
God said, "No.
His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary."

I asked God to grant me patience.
God said, "No.
Patience is a byproduct of tribulations; it isn't granted, it is learned."

I asked God to give me happiness.
God said, "No.
I give you blessings; Happiness is up to you."

I asked God to spare me pain.
God said, "No.
Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me."

I asked God to make my spirit grow.
God said, "No.
You must grow on your own! ,
but I will prune you to make you fruitful."

I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life.
God said, "No.
I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things."

I asked God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me.
God said, "...Ahhhh, finally you have the right idea."

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear…those who do not know God run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. “But… Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Matthew 6: 25-34

How To Succeed At Work And In Career

2009-04-16T11:43:00.000-07:00

1. Don’t talk negatively about people behind their backs. If you gossip, people won’t confide in you. Mind your own business.

2. Try to work for someone who’ll challenge your powers.You’ll learn more in a year than 4 years of college.

3. Successful bosses have good communication skills. They learn from people, including their employees.

4. Work in such a way that makes your boss look good. It’s not flattery.

5. On downsizing, the first to go are those with few friends. Bosses prefer competent people whom they respect.

6. Dress for the job you want, not the one you have. Let your dress reflect professionalism.

7. Workout to get in good physical shape. Unless exceptionally skilled, the unhealthy are at a comparative disadvantage.

8. Personal integrity is crucial. Tell nothing but the truth. Bosses can forgive mistakes but if you lie, you’re gone.

9. Be on time. Try to arrive few minutes early. It saves you from stress. You’ll be much relaxed & work better.
10. Strive your best to keep a deadline. If you cannot meet it, then apologize & ask for an extension

11. Don’t take things personally. If some people are unhappy with you, it’s their problem. But always strive to give your best.

12. If you must correct someone, don’t get personal about it. Do it never in front of others.

13. Spend some time alone everyday. What’s the mission of my life? What do I want to be? And how to go about it.

14. As you move along Plan A of your career, maintain a Plan B as well — an alternative course to rely

15. Always remember that the secret of success is passion. Always think big. Spread love & joy. You’ll have blissful years ahead

Easter Joy

2009-04-11T14:29:00.000-07:00

Jesus came to earth,
To show us how to live,
How to put others first,
How to love and how to give.

Then He set about His work,
That God sent Him to do;
He took our punishment on Himself;
He made us clean and new.

He could have saved Himself,
Calling angels from above,
But He chose to pay our price for sin;
He paid it out of love.

Our Lord died on Good Friday,
But the cross did not destroy
His resurrection on Easter morn
That fills our hearts with joy.

Now we know our earthly death,
Like His, is just a rest.
We'll be forever with Him
In heaven, where life is best.

So we live our lives for Jesus,
Think of Him in all we do.
Thank you Savior; Thank you Lord.
Help us love like you!

By Joanna Fuchs

The Man In the Glass

2009-03-28T12:11:00.000-07:00

When you get what you want in your struggle for self
And the world makes you king for a day,
Just go to the mirror and look at yourself
And see what that man has to say.

For it isn't your father or mother or wife
Whose judgment upon you must pass.
The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the one staring back from the glass.

You may be like Jack Horner and chisel a plum
And think you're a wonderful guy.
But the man in the glass says you're only a bum
If you can’t look him straight in the eye.

He’s the fellow to please - never mind all the rest,
For he’s with you clear to the end.
And you've passed your most dangerous, difficult test
If the man in the glass is your friend.

You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years
And get pats on the back as you pass.
But your final reward will be heartache and tears
If you've cheated the man in the glass... Unknown

The World Is Waiting For You

2009-03-18T12:35:00.000-07:00

Do not be afraid to shine. The world needs what you have to give.
Open up the areas of your being; Expose them to yourself - to others.
You are valuable. You are unique.
You have much to give. Do not be afraid to give it.

As we risk ourselves, we grow. Each new experience is a risk.
We can try, and maybe fail; And, as a result, grow or hold back and stagnate.

You have the potential to be anything you want. You are free to chooose.
You are limited only by your fears. Let your dreams take over.
Fly with the eagles. Soar into life.

The world is waiting for you.

~ Fran Watson ~

Rest if you must, but don't Quit

2009-03-14T13:24:00.000-07:00

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

Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up though the pace seems slow--
You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than,
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor's cup,
And he learned too late when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out--
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far,
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.

- Author unknown

Today I Will Make a Difference

2009-02-27T15:52:00.000-08:00

Today I will make a difference. I will begin by controlling my thoughts. A person is the product of his thoughts. I want to be happy and hopeful. Therefore, I will have thoughts that are happy and hopeful. I refuse to be victimized by my circumstances. I will not let petty inconveniences such as stoplights, long lines, and traffic jams be my masters. I will avoid negativism and gossip. Optimism will be my companion, and victory will be my hallmark. Today I will make a difference.

I will be grateful for the twenty-four hours that are before me. Time is a precious commodity. I refuse to allow what little time I have to be contaminated by self-pity, anxiety, or boredom. I will face this day with the joy of a child and the courage of a giant. I will drink each minute as though it is my last. When tomorrow comes, today will be gone forever. While it is here, I will use it for loving and giving. Today I will make a difference.

I will not let past failures haunt me. Even though my life is scarred with mistakes, I refuse to rummage through my trash heap of failures. I will admit them. I will correct them. I will press on. Victoriously. No failure is fatal. It’s OK to stumble… I will get up. It’s OK to fail… I will rise again. Today I will make a difference.

I will spend time with those I love. My spouse, my children, my family. A man can own the world but be poor for the lack of love. A man can own nothing and yet be wealthy in relationships. Today I will spend at least five minutes with the significant people in my world. Five quality minutes of talking or hugging or thanking or listening. Five undiluted minutes with my mate, children, and friends.

Today I will make a difference....by Max Lucado

THE MOST AND THE GREATEST

2009-02-05T08:25:00.001-08:00

The most destructive habit............Worry
The greates joy.............................Giving
The greatest loss.............Loss of respect
The most dangerous parishioner....A gossiper
The world's most incredible computer.....The Brain
The worst thing to be without..........Hope
The most satisfying work......Helping others
The ugliest personality trait........Selfishness
The most endangered species....Dedicated leaders
The deadliest weapon................The tongue
The most power-filled words..........."I Can"
The greatest asset..............................Faith
The greatest natural resource.....Our youth
The greatest "shot in the arm"...Encouragement
The greatest problem to overcome......Fear
The most worthless emotion........Self-pity
The most beautiful attire.................SMILE!
The most prized possession ........Integrity
The most crippling failure disease...Excuses
The most powerful force in life..........LOVE!
The most contagious spirit.......Enthusiasm

10 Tips For A Happier Life

2009-01-24T14:22:00.000-08:00

1. Don’t worry
Worry is the least productive of all human activities and thoughts….

2. Don’t let needless fears preoccupy your life…
Most of things we fear never happen!!!

3. Don’t hold grudges…
That is one of the biggest and most unnecessary weights we carry through our lives..

4. Take on one problem at a time
It’s the only way to handle things anyway..one by one..

5. Don’t take your problems to bed with you.
They are bad and unhealthy companions for good natural sleep and rest…

6. Don’t take on the problems of other people..
They are better equipped to handle their own problems than you are..

7. Don’t live in the past.
It will always be there in your memories to enjoy..but don’t cling to it. Concentrate on what is happening right now in your life..and you will be happy in the present also..not just the past.

8. Be a good listener.
It is only when one listens..that one gets and learns ideas different from ones own…

9. Do not let frustration ruin and rule your life…
Self pity more than anything..interferes with positive actions..with moving forwards in our lives.

10. Count your blessings…
Don’t even forget the smallest blessings.. As many small blessings add up to large ones…

From Author Unknown

The Secret

2009-01-15T18:07:00.001-08:00

One day, one friend asked another,
'How is it that you are always so happy?
You have so much energy,
and you never seem to get down.'

With her eyes smiling, she said,
'I know the Secret!'
'What secret is that?'
To which she replied, 'I'll tell you all about it, but you have to promise to share the Secret with others.'

'The Secret is this:
I have learned there is little I can do in my life that will make me truly happy
I must depend on God to make me happy and to meet my needs.
When a need arises in my life, I have to trust God to supply according to HIS riches. I have learned most of the time I don't need half of what I think I do.
He has never let me down.
Since I learned that 'Secret' , I am happy.'

The questioner's first thought was,
'That's too simple!'
But upon reflecting over her own life she recalled how she thought a bigger house would make her happy, but it didn't!
She thought a better paying job would make her happy, but it hadn't.
When did she realize her greatest happiness?
Sitting on the floor with her grandchildren, playing games, eating pizza or reading a story, a simple gift from God.

Now you know it too!
We can't depend on people to make us happy.
Only GOD in His infinite wisdom can do that.
Trust HIM!
And now I pass the Secret on to you!
So once you get it, what will you do?

YOU have to tell someone the Secret, too!
That GOD in His wisdom will take care of YOU!
But it's not really a secret...
We just have to believe it and do it..
Really trust God!

Be Careful

2009-01-10T13:21:00.000-08:00

Be careful of your thoughts, for your thoughts become your words.

Be careful of your words, for your words become your actions.

Be careful of your actions, for your actions become your habits.

Be careful of your habits, for your habits become your character.

Be careful of your character, for your character writes your destiny.'

Author unknown

Tips for Goals Setting

2009-01-06T14:28:00.000-08:00

Have you set goals for the New Year? Here are some important tips to help you construct your goes for next year.

Break down your goals by setting goals for every key area of your life, e.g., spiritual, financial, personal development, family life social responsibility, etc.

Set specific goals for each area. E.g. spiritual: Read through the Bible in a year. Financial: Make an annual income of ten (10) million naira. Etc.

Set a time target for each goal, e.g. Spiritual: finish going through the bible by Dec 31, 2009. Financial: Make a million naira by January 31, 2009.

Write how you will achieve each goal, e.g. Spiritual: Read three chapters of the Old Testament every morning. Financial: Sell at least 10 electronics every week or improve my skills on the job by going for an MBA, thereby getting the desired promotion.

Make sure you set goals that will motivate you for action. If they don’t motivate you, rewrite them to ensure you are motivated.

Do a periodic evaluation of your set goals to be sure you are on course or out of it.

However, do not set small goals because of your past experiences. Set MOTIVATING, BIG and ACHIEVABLE goals. God bless!- Pastor Sam Adeyemi

Dare to Dream

2008-12-31T13:39:00.000-08:00

I want to wish you a happy new year. This New Year is a time to unfold new horizons and realize new dreams. It’s a time to rediscover the strength and faith within you, to rejoice in simple pleasures and also gear up for new challenges.

I want to encourage you to Dare to Dream this new year or hold on to your dreams. It really takes courage to dream. This is because any time you dare to dream, there could be a lot of risks and challenges involved. Sometimes we start thinking like What if it never comes true? What if no one supports me? What if people laugh and make fun of me? What if I fail?

Even after dreaming it takes extra effort to hold on to your dreams. Especially when no one believes in your dream or gives you any form of support or encouragement. I want to encourage you not to give up on that dream because you will never fulfill a dream that you let go of.

Also be careful who you share your dreams with. Share your dreams with people that would encourage you and would want to add value to your dream. Not with people that won’t believe or would discourage you from your dream.

What is the dream that God has put in your heart? What is that thing that captures your heart and spirit? What is that thing that consumes your thinking and fuels your passion. What’s that vision from God that’s captured your heart and won’t just go away. Are you still holding on to it or have let it go? Incase you have let it go, then this is the time to reclaim your dream.

Sometimes it might seem there is nothing extra-ordinary about your dream. A dream doesn’t have to be spectacular like changing the world or becoming a CEO or even becoming President or a governor. But do you know that God may give you a dream in pieces? As you trust, believe in HIM and take small steps in Faith, he enlarges your dream when you have developed the capacity to actualize them.

Take out time to read God’s Word and encourage yourself in the Lord as David did. Stand on the promises of God and continually express Faith and Hope in your words and actions concerning your dreams. If God has put the dream in your heart then ensure you spend time with HIM because HE would sure provide a way to actualize or accomplish the dream.

There would be challenges along the way. Don’t forget the story of Joseph in the Bible. But also have it at the back of your mind that all things are working together for your good. So don’t be discouraged and don’t let go of the dream. God is able to do exceedingly abundantly more than we can ask or think.

I am believing God for you that 2009 would sure by your best year ever. It’s time to Dream Big. Take time to write down your Dreams as God lays it in your heart. God is about to make that which seems impossible now and make it our hope for today and the reality of your tomorrow.
Happy New Year once again. Take care and stay blessed.
Regards,
Tosin

Merry Christmas

2008-12-24T15:43:00.000-08:00

May this Christmas end the present year
on a cheerful note and make way
for a fresh and bright new year.
Here’s wishing you a
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Thanks so much for being a part of this blog.

God bless you

Wish you a Merry Christmas and may this festival bring abundant joy and happiness in your life!

Ten thoughts to live by

2008-12-23T12:10:00.000-08:00

1. Thou shalt not worry, for worry is the most unproductive of all human activities

2. Thou shalt not be fearful, for most of the things we fear never come to pass

3. Thou shalt not cross bridges before you get to them, for no one yet has succeeded in accomplishing this.

4. Thou shalt face each problem as it comes. You can handle only one at a time anyway.

5. Thou shalt not take problems to bed with you for they make very poor bedfellows.

6. Thou shalt not borrow other people’s problems. They can take better care of them than you can

7. Thou shalt not try to relive yesterday for good or ill it is gone. Concentrate on what is happening in your life today.

8. Thou shalt count thy blessings, never overlooking the small ones, for a lot of small blessings add up to a big one.

9. Thou shalt be a good listener, for only when you listen do you hear ideas different from your own. It is very hard to learn something new when you are talking.

10. Thou shalt not become bogged down by frustration, for 90 percent of it is rooted in self-pity, and it will only interfere with positive action.

Give Thanks

2008-12-13T08:54:00.000-08:00

Let us face it, if you are reading this message there are literally millions of people who would trade places with you. No matter what you are going through this people envy you and would be grateful to enjoy what you are enjoying.

1st Thessalonians 518 says, “In all things give thank, that is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

If ever we have doubts about God’s will in any situation, we can always give thanks. Since thanksgiving is the will of God in any situation. But why should we thank God especially when everything seems to be going wrong?

We should give thanks because things have not always been this bad. Secondly, things could have been worse. Thirdly, it is inevitable that things will change for the better by the grace of God.

Be grateful for what you have and stop wishing for what you don’t have. So how can you overcome ingratitude? You can only do that by changing your mindset and beliefs. You have to start appreciating God and thanking him for where you are right now. But as long as believe you are getting less than you deserve, you will never become a thankful person. Be Grateful.

Thanksgiving has a multiplying power. Can you remember how Jesus fed 5000 people with 5 loaves and two fishes? Jesus did something quite amazing. He did not cast out any devil or bind any evil spirit. All he did was to take the little available looked up to heaven and gave thanks.

Thankfulness is like an attitude and an important key to success. It is an attitude we all need to learn to acquire - particularly when we feel we are in difficult circumstances.

Take care and stay blessed

Prayer of Thanksgiving

2008-11-28T19:53:00.000-08:00

God of all blessings,
source of all life,
giver of all grace:

We thank you for the gift of life:
for the breath
that sustains life,
for the food of this earth
that nurtures life,
for the love of family and friends
without which there would be no life.

We thank you for the mystery of creation:
for the beauty
that the eye can see,
for the joy
that the ear may hear,
for the unknown
that we cannot behold filling the universe with wonder,
for the expanse of space
that draws us beyond the definitions of our selves.

We thank you for setting us in communities:
for families
who nurture our becoming,
for friends
who love us by choice,
for companions at work,
who share our burdens and daily tasks,
for strangers
who welcome us into their midst,
for people from other lands
who call us to grow in understanding,
for children
who lighten our moments with delight,
for the unborn,
who offer us hope for the future.

We thank you for this day:
for life
and one more day to love,
for opportunity
and one more day to work for justice and peace,
for neighbors
and one more person to love
and by whom be loved,
for your grace
and one more experience of your presence,
for your promise:
to be with us,
to be our God,
and to give salvation.

For these, and all blessings,
we give you thanks, eternal, loving God,
through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

- Vienna Cobb Anderson

Strength and Courage

2008-11-18T16:56:00.001-08:00

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.

Inspiration on the “7 Principles of an Eagle”

2008-11-13T19:39:00.000-08:00

1.Eagles fly alone at a high altitude and not with sparrows or mix with other smaller birds. Birds of a feather flock together. No other bird goes to the height of the eagle. Eagles fly with eagles. Never in a flock. Even when Moses (Old Testament Bible) went to commune with God on the mountain‚ he left the crowd at the foothills. Stay away from sparrows and ravens. Eagles fly with eagles.

2.Eagles have strong vision‚ which focuses up to 5 kilometres from the air. When an eagle sites prey - even a rodent from this distance‚ he narrows his focus on it and sets out to get it. No matter the obstacle‚ the eagle will not move his focus from the prey until he grabs it. Have a vision and remain focused no matter what the obstacle and you will succeed.

3.Eagles do not eat dead things. He feeds on fresh prey. Vultures eat dead animals but not eagles. Steer clear of outdated and old information. Do your research well always.

4.The Eagle is the only bird that loves the storm. When clouds gather‚ the eagles get excited. The eagle uses the wings of the storm to rise and is pushed up higher. Once it finds the wing of the storm‚ the eagle stops flapping and uses the pressure of the raging storm to soar the clouds and glide. This gives the eagle an opportunity to rest its wings. In the meantime all the other birds hide in the leaves and branches of the trees. We can use the storms of our lives (obstacles‚ trouble‚ etc) to rise to greater heights. Achievers relish challenges and use them profitably.

5.The Eagle tests before it trusts. When a female eagle meets a male and they want to mate‚ she flies down to earth with the male pursing her and she picks a twig. She flies back into the air with the male pursuing her.

.Once she has reached a height high enough for her‚ she lets the twig fall to the ground and watches it as it falls. The male chases after the twig. The faster it falls‚ the faster he chases until he reaches it and has to catch it before it falls to the ground‚ then bring it back to the female eagle. The female eagle grabs the twig and flies to a much higher altitude pursued by the male until she perceives it high enough‚ and then drops the twig for the male to chase. This goes on for hours‚ with the height increasing until the female eagle is assured that the male eagle has mastered the art of picking the twig which shows commitment‚ then and only then‚ will she allow him to mate with her! Whether in private life or in business‚ one should test commitment of people intended for partnership.

6.Eagles prepare for training. When about to lay eggs‚ the female and male eagle identify a place very high on a cliff where no predators can reach; the male flies to earth and picks thorns and lays them on the crevice of the cliff‚ then flies to earth again to collect twigs which he lays in the intended nest. He flies back to earth picks thorns and lays them on top of the twigs. He flies back to earth and picks soft grass to cover the thorns‚ and then flies back to pick rugs to put on the grass. When this first layering is complete the male eagle runs back to earth and picks more thorns‚ lays them on the nest; runs back to get grass and rugs and lays them on top of the thorns‚ then plucks his feathers to complete the nest. The thorns on the outside of the nest protect it from possible intruders. Both male and female eagles participate in raising the eagle family. She lays the eggs and protects them; he builds the nest and hunts. During the time of training the young ones to fly‚ the mother eagle throws the eaglets out of the nest and because they are scared‚ they jump into the nest again.

Next‚ she throws them out and then takes off the soft layers of the nest‚ leaving the thorns bare. When the scared eaglets jump into the nest again‚ they are pricked by thorns. Shrieking and bleeding they jump out again this time wondering why the mother and father who love them so much are torturing them. Next‚ mother eagle pushes them off the cliff into the air.

As they shriek in fear‚ father eagle flies out and picks them up on his back before they fall‚ and brings them back to the cliff. This goes on for sometime until they start flapping their wings. They get excited at this newfound knowledge that they can fly and not fall at such a fast rate.

The father and mother eagle supports them with their wings.

The preparation of the nest teaches us to prepare for changes;

The preparation for the family teaches us that active participation of both partners’ leads to success;

The being pricked by the thorns tells us that sometimes being too comfortable where we are may result into our not experiencing life‚ not progressing and not learning at all. The thorns of life come to teach us that we need to grow‚ get out of the nest and love on. We may not know it but the seemingly comfortable and safe haven may have thorns;

The people who love us do not let us languish in sloth but push us hard to grow and prosper. Even in their seemingly bad actions they have good intentions for us.

7.When the Eagle grows old‚ his feathers become weak and cannot take him as fast as he should. When he feels weak and about to die‚ he retires to a place far away in the rocks. While there‚ he plucks out every feather on his body until he is completely bare. He stays in this hiding place until he has grown new feathers‚ then he can come out. We occasionally need to shed off old habits & items that burden us without adding to our lives …Author: Dr. Myles Monroe

Men in Heaven

2008-11-09T16:16:00.000-08:00

Men in Heaven - Who is the Head of the Household?

At the end of the age when all the believers were standing in line waiting to get into heaven,
God appeared and said, "I want all the men to form two lines.
One line will be for the men who were the true heads of their households.
The other will be for the men who were dominated by their wives."

God continued, "I want all the women to report to St. Peter."

The women left and the men formed two lines.
The line of men who were dominated by their wives was seemingly unending.
The line of men who were the true head of their household had one man in it.

God said to the first line, "You men ought to be ashamed or yourselves.
I appointed you to be the heads of your households and you were disobedient and have not fulfilled your purpose.
Of all of you, there is only one man who obeyed me. Learn from him."

Then God turned to the lone man and asked, "How did you come to be in this line?"

The man replied, "My wife told me to stand here."

Have a great week.

Smart thinking...

2008-11-06T18:14:00.000-08:00

An old man lived alone in Minnesota . He wanted to spade his potato garden, but it was very hard work. His only son, who would have helped him, was in prison. The old man wrote a letter to his son and mentioned his situation:

Dear Son,

I am feeling pretty bad because it looks like I won't be able to plant my potato garden this year. I hate to miss doing the garden, because your mother always loved planting time. I'm just getting too old to be digging up a garden plot. If you were here, all my troubles would be over. I know you would dig the plot for me, if you weren't in prison.
Love, Dad

Shortly, the old man received this telegram:
'For Heaven's sake, Dad, don't dig up the garden!! That's where I buried the GUNS!!'

At 4 a.m. the next morning, a dozen FBI agents and local police officers showed up and dug up the entire garden without finding any guns. Confused, the old man wrote another note to his son telling him what happened, and asked him what to do next.

His son's reply was: 'Go ahead and plant your potatoes, Dad.. It's the best I could do for you from here.'

Moral:
NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE IN THE WORLD, IF YOU HAVE DECIDED TO DO SOMETHING DEEP FROM YOUR HEART YOU CAN DO IT. IT IS THE THOUGHT THAT MATTERS NOT WHERE YOU ARE AND WHAT THE CONSTRAINTS ARE.

Entrepreneur's Creed

2008-11-02T18:24:00.001-08:00

Entrepreneur's Creed

I do not choose to be a common person.

It is my right to be uncommon -- if I can.

I seek opportunity -- not security.

I do not wish to be a kept citizen,
humbled and dulled by having the state look after me.

I want to take the calculated risk,
to dream and to build, to fail and to succeed.

I refuse to barter incentive for a dole;
I prefer the challenges of life to the guaranteed existence:
the thrill of fulfillment to the stale calm of Utopia.

I will not trade my freedom for beneficence
nor my dignity for a handout.

I will never cower before any earthly master
nor bend to any threat.

It is my heritage to stand erect, proud and
unafraid: to think and act for myself,
to enjoy the benefit of my creations
and to face the world boldly and say:
this, with God's help I have done.

All this is what it means to be an entrepreneur.

Spirit of Free Enterprise
The Big Black Book

YOUR LIFE PURPOSE...

2008-11-01T17:34:00.000-07:00

Living your Life Purpose is key. Everything else comes out of that. Your dreams and goals, your vision, your values, the mission of your business, are all anchored in your Life Purpose. When you're faced with a challenge, your Purpose will guide you through. When opportunities present themselves, you'll choose the best avenue to pursue based on its fit with your Life Purpose. It is, as they say, what gets you out of bed in the morning. It's what you will use to measure your progress. It's the track you run on, and the place to go back to when you get off track.

-FOGG.

Begin Each Day With Prayer

2008-10-20T11:32:00.001-07:00

I woke up early one morning and rushed right into the day. I had so much
to accomplish I forgot to pray.

Problems tumbled about me and heavier came each task. Why doesn’t
God help, I wondered? He said, “You didn’t ask.”

I wanted to see joy and gladness. But the day toiled grey and black. Why
doesn’t God help I asked. He said, “But you didn’t seek.”

I wanted to come into God’s presence, I tried all my keys in the lock. God
gently and lovingly chided, “My child, you didn’t knock.”

I woke up early this morning, and I paused before entering the day. I had
so much to accomplish, I had to take time to pray.

Chinese Bamboo tree

2008-10-09T14:18:00.000-07:00

The process goes like this: You take a little seed, plant it, water it, and fertilize it for a whole year, and nothing happens. The second year you water it and fertilize it, and nothing happens. The third year you water it and fertilize it, and nothing happens. How discouraging this becomes! The fifth year you continue to water and fertilize the seed and then---take note. Sometime during the fifth year, the Chinese bamboo tree sprouts and grows NINETY FEET IN SIX WEEKS!

Life is much akin to the growing process of the Chinese bamboo tree. It is often discouraging. We seemingly do things right, and nothing happens. But for those who do things right and are not discouraged and are persistent things will happen. Finally we begin to receive the rewards." You can literarily stand and watch it grow.

So, keep watering that faith-seed with your words and action. In a little while you will stand and literarily see it's manifestation

A Blessing In Disguise

2008-09-29T16:52:00.000-07:00

The only survivor of a shipwreck washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly to be rescured, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements and to store his few possessions.

Then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrives home only to find his little hut in flames, with the smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened; everything was lost. He was stung with grief and anger.

"God, how could You do this to me!" he cried and complained.

Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship's horn that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him. "How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers.

"We saw your smoke signal," they replied.

God's blessings often come in disguises. They may show up as uncomfortable or dangerous and painful situations. Only later, sometimes decades later, is the true purpose of a situation revealed. Son keep trusting God even when you may not understand His purposes.

My Comfort Zone

2008-09-25T17:41:00.001-07:00

I used to have a comfort zone where I knew I wouldn't fail
The same four walls and busywork were really more like jail.
I longed so much to do the things I'd never done before,
But stayed inside my comfort zone and paced the same old floor.

I said it didn't matter that I wasn't doing much.
I said I didn't care for things like commission checks and such.
I claimed to be so busy with the things inside the zone,
But deep inside I longed for something special of my own.

I couldn't let me life go by just watching others win.
I held my breath; I stepped outside and let the change begin,
I took a step and with new strength I'd never felt before,
I kissed my comfort zone goodbye and closed and locked the door.

If you are in a comfort zone, afraid to venture out,
Remember that all winners were at one time filled with doubt.
A step or two and words of praise and encouragement can make your dreams come true.
Reach for your future with a smile; success is there for you!

Our comfort zones can be our greatest enemy to our potential.
– David Cottrell

GIVE OR TRADE ??

2008-09-21T18:10:00.001-07:00

Most people have a hard time giving because they have misunderstood the results of previous attempts. They remember being disappointed and victimized . They don't trust giving because they think they have given before and have been burned. But they have not.

What they have called giving was actually a form of trading. Trading is not giving. Trading is an act that focuses on what the return will be. True giving does not focus on the return. It focuses on the giving. The giver gives without conditions, and then moves mental energy to the next person to give to, and never looks back.

Accomplished givers become filled with self-respect. Often they are formerly takers who have reinvented themselves. They are not giving in order to get happiness in return. The happiness is already there. It lives inside the act of giving.

-STEVE CHANDLER.

Be

2008-09-09T08:15:00.000-07:00

If you can't be a pine on the top of the hill,
Be a scrub in the valley - but be.
The best little scrub by the side of the hill;
Be a brush, if you can't be a tree.

If you can't be a brush, be a bit of the grass,
And some highway happier make;
If you can't be a mistake, then just be a bass -
But be the liveliest bass in the lake!

We can't all be captains, we've got to be crew,
There's something for all of us here.
There's big work to do and there's lesser to do,
And the task we must do is the near.

If you can't be a highway, then just be a trail,
If you can't be the sun, be a star;
It isn't by size that you win or you fail -
Be the best of whatever you are!

-DOUGLAS MALLOCH.

The House of 1000 Mirrors....

2008-09-04T17:29:00.000-07:00

Long ago in a small, far away village, there was a place known as the House of 1000 Mirrors. A small, happy little dog learned of this place and decided to visit. When he arrived, he bounced happily up the stairs to the doorway of the house. He looked through the doorway with his ears lifted high and his tail wagging as fast as it could. To his great surprise, he found himself staring at 1000 other happy little dogs with their tails wagging just as fast as his. He smiled a great smile, and was answered with 1000 great smiles just as warm and friendly. As he left the house, he thought to himself, "This is a wonderful place. I will come back and visit it often."

In this same village, another little dog, who was not quite as happy as the first one, decided to visit the house. He slowly climbed the stairs and hung his head low as he looked into the door. When he saw the 1000 unfriendly looking dogs staring back at him, he growled at them and was horrified to see 1000 little dogs growling back at him. As he left, he thought to himself, "That is a horrible place, and I will never go back there again."

All the faces in the world are mirrors. What kind of reflections do you see in the faces of the people you meet?

-Japanese Folktale.

Success: A new Perspective.

2008-09-04T17:20:00.000-07:00

Success is defined in different ways. Some see it in money, power, fame.
But it's also the concept of "reaching down", of being able to help your fellowman. Material things you can buy and sell, but things like hope and courage and faith and knowledge are gifts you give your fellowman to pull him up. Whatever you give out to others will come back. It may take a while, but it will come back.

-Richard Chavez.

Ownership

2008-09-04T17:11:00.001-07:00

To own something means to declare that it belongs to you. To claim it. To make it a part of what you value and will defend. It can be a marriage, a friendship, a skill, a venture, a success, a mistake. We can own our values by declaring them. We can own our lives instead of pretending they belong to fate.

-FRED KNIPE

Prayer for the New Month

2008-09-02T11:53:00.001-07:00

Dear God:

Thou All-Provider, Thou Who art my Inexhaustible Supply, my Sufficiency in all things:

I hereby covenant with Thee to devote my life and everything Thou givest me in Thy Service; to work henceforth only for Thee, letting Thee guide and direct me in all things.

In return I ask only for Wisdom and Understanding that I may know Thy Will and Thy Meaning when Thou speakest, and for Strength never to doubt Thy unfailing Supply and Support.

HAPPY NEW MONTH

A Life Worth Saving

2008-08-29T10:54:00.000-07:00

A man risked his life by swimming through the treacherous riptide to save a youngster being swept out to sea.

After the child recovered from the harrowing experience, he said to the man, "Thank you for saving my life.

The man looked into the little boy's eyes and said, "That's okay, kid. Just make sure your life was worth saving."

Priest In The Ocean

2008-08-19T23:26:00.000-07:00

There was a priest who was drowning in the ocean. He called out to God for help.

All of a sudden, a canoe came and the guy said "Father, let me help you".

The priest replied "No, no my son. The Lord will save me."

The canoe leaves and the father calls out to God again. All of a sudden, a yacht showed up. The captain said "Father, let me help you". The priest again replied "No my son, the Lord will save me". The yacht leaves and the father is calling out to God again. All of a sudden, a big cruise ship showed up. The captain said with a megaphone "Father,let us help you". The priest again replied "No my son, the Lord will save me."

The priest drowns and he's in heaven face to face with God. He said "My Lord. I called out to you but you didn't help me. Why?"

God replied: "I did help you. I sent you three ships".

God will not come to our needs directly but send angels to be there for us.

Remain Blessed

7 laws of prosperity

2008-08-19T04:26:00.000-07:00

Thou shalt keep the covenant you have made with the Lord, your God.

Thou shalt not forget your covenant during bad times:
Disobedience will result in a loss of prosperity

Thou shalt always seek God,
study the Word to develop strength and wisdom.

Thou shalt not be envious of those who are prosperous.

Thou shalt be fair and honest, with God and with man:
fair (generous) with money, honest in word and deed.

Thou shalt believe God, and have faith:
God wants you to prosper, so you can help others to prosper.

Thou shalt never forget the source of prosperity:
the power to prosper is a gift from God.

You Are Unique

2008-08-11T23:58:00.000-07:00

Enjoy that uniqueness. You do not have to pretend in order to seem more like someone else. You weren't meant to be like someone else. You do not have to lie to conceal the parts of you that are not like what you see in anyone else.

You were meant to be different. Nowhere ever in all of history will the same things be going on in anyone's mind, soul and spirit as are going on in yours right now.

If you did not exist, there would be a hole in creation, a gap in history, something missing from the plan for humankind. Treasure your uniqueness. It is a gift given only to you. Enjoy it and share it!

No one can reach out to others in the same way that you can. No one can speak your words. No one can convey your meanings. No one can comfort with your kind of comfort. No one can bring your kind of understanding to another person.

No one can be cheerful and lighthearted and joyous in your way. No one can smile your smile. No one else can bring the whole unique impact of you to another human being.

Share your uniqueness. Let it be free to flow out among your family and friends and people you meet in the rush and clutter of living wherever you are. That gift of yourself was given you to enjoy and share. Give yourself away!

See it! Receive it! Let it tickle you! Let it form you and nudge you and inspire you!

Message in the bottle.

2008-08-05T05:32:00.000-07:00

A man was strolling along the beach one day when he spotted a bottle washed up on the shore. He went over and picked it up, and noticed a message in the bottle. He popped the cork out and inside was a weathered treasure map indicating that there was buried treasure to be found in the shallow waters below. But the man thought it was a hoax, so he slipped the map back in and threw the bottle back into the ocean...

A little later, another man was walking along the beach and the bottle had washed upon the shore. He too picked up the bottle, popped out the cork, and found the treasure map.

This man, however, was curious enough to wade into the water and hoped it was buried shallow enough to find. But once the cold ocean waters reached up to his thighs, he decided to quit. "This is not worth it!" he thought to himself. So he scrambled back to shore and chucked the bottle back into the ocean....

A third man was walking by the beach and noticed the bottle washed upon the shore. He went over, opened the bottle and found the map. The map looked authentic enough, and promised great treasure... So he got himself a small raft and set out into the ocean to claim the treasure..he rowed out far enough into the ocean where the "X" on the map was and to his surprise, he saw the glint of something shining in the waters below..he dove into the ocean and swam towards the shining object below..

he could see that there was something that looked like a treasure chest, but he couldn't quite reach it and the deeper he went, the greater the cold and pressure on his body and his mind..," I am about to lose my breath, and the longer i take, my raft might be swept away!", he thought. So the man decided to give up the hunt so he would ensure his own life and safety..when he reached the shore once more, he took the bottle from the raft and tossed it back into the ocean...

Finally, one more man was walking along the beach. He noticed the bottle, went over, popped it open, and was excited to find a map promising great treasure. He noticed someone had left a raft by the water's edge, so he took it and paddled out. He too, got far enough to where the "X" marks the spot, and squinted into the waters and saw the shadow and glint of the treasure below.

He took a deep breath and plunged into the waters. Like the man before him, the cold, darkness and pressure upon his senses increased as he got closer. He also realized that if he kept swimming, that he might lose his breath, the raft, and even his own life! But this treasure could be worth all the risk and he persisted. Just as he was about to give up, he grabbed the long chain that was binding the chest and pulled it up along with himself back to the surface.

He broke the surface of the water gasping and exhausted but with the treasure chest safely in his grasp. He paddled back to the shore, opened up the treasure chest and found what the map had promised--gold, and precious diamonds and jewels that would make him secure for the rest of his life.

A relationship with God is a similar treasure hunt. People hear the same message, but the way they receive it will determine the reward they might find. Eternal life is waiting for all those who are willing to take that risk to follow God all the way of life, where we find love, forgiveness and life everlasting. ... for eternity.

A picture is worth a thousand words

2008-07-31T03:27:00.000-07:00

A picture is worth a thousand words

Yes, I do Love God.

He is my source of existence and Savior.

He keeps me functioning each and everyday.

Without Him, I will be nothing.

Without Him, I am nothing but with Him I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me. Phil 4:13

I am sure you would be blessed just by viewing this pictures.

Cheers!!!

Wrong Plan

2008-07-24T05:01:00.000-07:00

A pretty woman was serving a life sentence in a prison and resentful about her situation, she had decided that she would rather die than to live another year in prison.

Over the years she had become good friends with one of the prison caretakers. His job, among others, was to bury those prisoners who died in a graveyard just outside the prison walls. When a prisoner dies, the caretaker rings a bell, which would be heard by everyone. The caretaker then gets the body and puts it in a casket, enters his office to fill out the death certificate before returning to the casket to nail the lid shut.
Finally, he puts the casket on a wagon to take it to the graveyard and bury it.

Knowing this routine, the woman devised an escape plan and shared it with the caretaker. The next time the bell rings, the woman would leave her cell and sneak into the dark room where the coffins were kept. She would slip into the coffin with the dead body while the caretaker would be filling out the death certificate. When the care- taker returns, he would nail the lid shut and take the coffin outside the prison with the woman in the coffin along with the dead body. He would then bury the coffin. The woman knew there would be enough air for her to breathe until later in the evening when the caretaker would return to the graveyard under the cover of darkness, dig up the coffin, open it, and set her free.

The caretaker was reluctant to go along with this plan, but since he and the woman had become good friends over the years, he agreed to do it.
The woman waited several weeks before someone in the prison died.
She was asleep in her cell when she heard the death bell rang. She got up, picked the lock of her cell, and slowly walked down the hallway.
She was nearly caught a couple of times. Her heart was beating fast. She opened the door to the darkened room where the coffins were kept.
Quietly in the dark, she found the coffin that contained the dead body, carefully climbed into the coffin and pulled the lid shut to wait for the caretaker to come and nail the lid shut.

Soon she heard footsteps and the pounding of the hammer and nails. Though she was very uncomfortable in the coffin with the dead body, she knew that with each nail, she was one step closer to freedom. The coffin was lifted onto the wagon and taken outside to the graveyard. She could feel the coffin being lowered into the ground. She didn't make a sound as the coffin hit the bottom of the grave with a thud. Finally she heard the dirt dropping onto the top of the wooden coffin, and she knew that it was only a matter of time until she would be free at last.

After several minutes of absolute silence, she began to laugh. I'M FREE; I'M FREE, FREE AT LAST!!! Or so she thought!!! Feeling curious a while later, she decided to light a match to find out the identity of the dead prisoner beside her. To her horror, she discovered that she was lying next to the dead caretaker!!!

Moral Lesson:
Many people believe they have life all figured out, plans all mapped out... but sometimes it just doesn't turn out the way they planned! In essence, it is safer, surer, and most fulfilling to ALWAYS put ALL THINGS into God's hands because He will always come through for you.

GRATITUDE is POWER

2008-07-09T04:41:00.000-07:00

PEACE OF MIND
If you were to ask your neighbor,
"What would give you peace of mind?" he might tell you,
"A vacation in Bermuda !" or
"An extra hundred grand would give me peace!", or
"A new Ferrari would make me content!"

But going places - and getting stuff - is usually a temporary solution ...
Peace of mind rarely comes from getting more stuff.
Getting more stuff usually leads to wanting even more stuff!
Peace of mind starts with being grateful for what we have right now.

GRATITUDE is POWER
When we are thankful for what we have - for the friends we have, and for the things we've got, we attract more good people and good things!
People who always complain about what they DON'T HAVE, stay stuck. Complainers attract more things to complain about!
It is a law of life. It's hard to explain, but you can observe it around you. We get more of what we dwell upon.

That's why all the spiritual masters have taught the same lesson ...
"Start by being thankful. Be happy with what you have now, and more will come your way."
Every time you say a silent "thank you" you become more peaceful - and more powerful .

Earning without Saving

2008-07-04T12:30:00.000-07:00

I would be sharing with you an article from one of my mentors. He is Pastor Sam Adeyemi.

He would be sharing with us the importance of having a good savings habit and culture

Earning without Saving

Few years ago, I attended a seminar and someone spoke for ten minutes on the virtue of saving a fraction of our income. He read from Proverbs 21 verse 20 in the Bible that verse says, ‘there is much treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise but the foolish man squanders everything.’ So the teacher said that day; ‘if you spend everything according to the Bible you are a fool.’ I was shocked because I didn’t have a savings account. I had absolutely nothing in savings. I spent all that came to me as it came. So, I began to argue in my mind that the reason why I did not have any money in savings was because the money was not enough in the first place. And as if the teacher heard my thoughts; he said, some of you here are saying that it is because the money is not enough that is why you are not saving. He said the fact that you are not saving is prove that your wisdom pipe is blocked. And I made a decision that day. I send for forms for a savings account in the bank, I opened a savings account and it began a revolution in my finances.

As the money in my savings account went up, dear reader, my income also began to climb up. If you cannot save money, the seeds of greatness are not in you. When you learn to save, it helps you to develop discipline and to develop your character. It also helps you to take care of emergencies and it helps you to take advantage of opportunities. There are no people without opportunities we only have people who are not prepared for their opportunities. Make a habit of saving today; 5%, 10%, 20% of your income. Get ready for a miracle.

As you change the management of your finances today, I declare that new door of blessing open around your life. And like a living magnet you will attract people, opportunities and money like you have never attracted before.

Mistake Number Four: Saving without Investing

It’s not how much money you make but what you do with the money you make that really count. It’s not enough for you to save money because if your money is not growing and making more money for you, you are loosing money. Rich people do not work for money they make their money to work for them. You must develop the ability to multiply money, to let your money work for you and for you to gain some interest and to gain some profit on your money.

I encourage today dear reader that you assume a retirement age and what your expenses will be at that age. If you are 20 year old, assume for example that you will retire at the age of 60 that’s the age at which you don’t have to work another day of your life. But all your needs will be met and all your bills will be paid. Now, you must use compound interest to your advantage, you must find out how much you can save and invest every month for 40 years that will accumulate and become an amount of money that will yield an interest enough to pay your bills.

As you save money invest some in fixed deposit, invest some in shares, invest some in real estate or landed property. Buy land where it is cheap today, some portions of land that are being sold for N5 million today were worth N20,000 twenty years ago. So, dear reader, our cities will keep on growing and one business that hardly ever fails is real estate. Buy land, build houses and plan to sell them much later and more importantly invest your money in business. Either businesses established by others or businesses that you established yourself. It’s probably the fastest way for you to multiply your money.

Let your money work for you, invest your money today. Investment is the key to achievement and you are free from the curse of poverty forever. I declare today, as you cultivate the habit of saving from your income and investing part of the money, new doors of financial blessing will open to you. Every form of delay is cancelled; the curse of poverty is finished. Obstacles and barriers to your progress are removed. You will enjoy favour and God will fill your life with surprises.

God bless you.

The Army of the Lord

2008-07-04T12:27:00.000-07:00

A friend was in front of me coming out of church one day, and the preacher was standing at the door
as he always is to shake hands. He grabbed my friend by the hand and pulled him aside.

The Pastor said to him, "You need to join the Army of the Lord!"

My friend replied, "I'm already in the Army of the Lord, Pastor."
Pastor questioned, "How come I don't "see you except at Christmas and Easter?"

He whispered back, "I'm in the secret service."

Cheers!

People come into your life for a reason

2008-07-02T03:33:00.000-07:00

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person. When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.

They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Thank you for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.

"God determines who walks into your life. It is up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go."

Today is my Birthday

2008-06-30T01:39:00.000-07:00

By the Special Grace of God I added another year today.

I am very grateful to God Almighty for the gift of Life, provision, protection and mercies known and unknown.

I am also very grateful to all of you loyal reader of my blog and forum. I appreciate all of you and may GOD bless you richly and grant you all your heart desires.

Thanks all once again and see you all at the top.

Cheers!!!!!

ISN’T IT STRANGE

2008-06-27T05:39:00.000-07:00

Isn’t it strange how a 500 Naira bill seems like such a large amount when you donate it a church, but such a small when you go shopping?

Isn’t it strange how 2 hours seem so long when you’re at church, and how short they seem when you’re watching a good movie?

Isn’t it strange that you can’t find a word to say when you’re praying, but you have no trouble thinking what to talk about with friends?

Isn’t it strange how difficult and boring it is to read one chapter of the Bible, but how easy it is to read 100 pages of a popular novel, Newspaper or Magazine?

Isn’t it strange how everyone wants fronts row tickets to concerts or games, but they do whatever is possible to sit at the last row in church?

Isn’t it strange how we need to know about an event for church 2-3 weeks before the day so we can include it in our agenda, but we can adjust it for other event at last minute?

Isn’t it strange how difficult it is to learn a fact about God to share it with others, but how easy it is to learn and understand, extends and repeat gossip?

Isn’t it strange how we believe everything that magazines and newspaper say, but we question the words in the Bible?

Isn’t it strange how everyone wants a place in heaven, but they don’t want to believe, or say anything to get there?

THINK ABOUT THIS

The Power of Our Words

2008-06-26T03:45:00.001-07:00

The Power of Our Words
By Michelle Cox and John Perrodin
Authors, Simple Little Words

Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another. – Romans 12:10
Fifteen-year-old Vicky and eleven-year-old Michael Haynes were like most sisters and brothers. They drove each other nuts. Both knew exactly which buttons to push to irritate the other.
Vicky remembers, “We fought like cats and dogs—especially when our parents were gone. Michael was always getting into my stuff and invading my room. You know, just being a typical little brother.”
The two usually went their own way, but one sunny day, they decided to walk together to the K-Mart near their home.
They started down the dirt road, Michael stirring up clouds of dust as he kicked at the rocks along the way.
He was chattering away, and for once, Vicky really listened to him. She looked at his freckled face, the straight hair falling across his forehead, his eyes sparkling as he laughed. And it hit her. He really was a wonderful little brother. The way he expressed himself, his sense of humor, and his outgoing personality all held the promise of the remarkable young man he was becoming.
She stopped him. “Michael, I need to tell you something. You’re the best brother in the world, and I’m really blessed to have you as my little brother. I just wanted you to know that.”
She hugged him and then the two continued on their way, the words forgotten as they browsed through the displays at the store.
Two days later, Michael died in an accident.
And Vicky remembered those words she had said to her brother, grateful she had taken the opportunity to tell him that he was special to her—while there was still time.
Years later, she realized that on the country road that day, God had visited an insecure teenager who was about to face a loss that would shake her to the core, and he had prepared a way to carry her through—without regrets or guilt.
No, she hadn’t realized her and Michael’s days would be so short, those moments so fleeting, but for the last forty-five years, the fact that she said those words to her little brother has been a comfort to Vicky’s heart.

* * *
Why are we so stingy with our words when they have the power to touch a heart, to change a life, or to brighten someone’s day? – Michelle Cox
* * *

Dear Lord, Help my words to bless the lives of others. Remind me to say “I’m proud of you” to those who need to hear it, “I’m sorry” to those I’ve wronged, and “I love you” to those around me. I love you, Lord, and I thank you for your words that have touched my life, given me hope, and brought me comfort. Amen.

The Value of Integrity

2008-06-19T04:40:00.000-07:00

Can I share this story with you? It is an old Ghanaian fable.

“An aging king woke up one day to the realization that should he drop dead, there would be no male in the royal family to take his place. He was the last male in the royal family in a culture where only a male could succeed to the throne - and he was aging.

He decided that if he could not give birth to a male, he would adopt a son who then could take his place, but he insisted that such an adopted son must be extraordinary in every sense of the word. So he launched a competition in his kingdom, open to all boys, no matter what their background.

Ten boys made it to the every top. There was little to separate these boys in terms of intelligence and physical attributes and capabilities. The king said to them, "I have one
last test and whoever comes top will become my adopted son and heir to my throne."

Then he said, "This kingdom depends solely on agriculture. So the king must know how to cultivate plants. So here is a seed of corn for each of you. Take it home and plant and nurture it for three weeks. At the end of three weeks, we shall see who has done the best job of cultivating the seed. That person will be my heir-apparent. "

The boys took their seeds and hurried home. They each got a flower pot and planted the seed as soon as they got home. There was much excitement in the kingdom as the people waited with bated breath to see who was destined to be their next king.

In one home, the boy and his parents were almost heartbroken when after days of intense care, the seed failed to sprout. He did not know what had gone wrong with his. He had selected the soil carefully, he had applied the right quantity and type of fertilizer, he had been very dutiful in watering it at the right intervals, he had even prayed over it day and night and yet his seed had turned out to be unproductive.

Some of his friends advised him to go and buy a seed from the market and plant that. "After all," they said, "how can anyone tell one seed of corn from another?" But his parents who had always taught him the value of integrity reminded him that, if the king wanted them to plant any corn, he would have asked them to go for their own seed. "If you take anything different from what the king gave you, that would be dishonesty. Maybe we are not destined for the throne. If so, let it be but don't be found to have deceived the king," they told him.

The D-Day came, and the boys returned to the palace each of them proudly exhibiting a very fine corn seedling. It was obvious that the other nine boys had had great success with their seeds. The king began making his way down the line of eager boys and asked each of them "Is this came out of the seed I gave you?" And each boy responded, "Yes, your majesty." And the king would nod and move down the line. The king finally got to the last boy in the line-up. The boy was shaking with fear. He knew that the king was going to have him thrown into prison for wasting his seed.

"What did you do with the seed I gave you?" the king asked.

"I planted it and cared for it diligently, your majesty, but alas it failed to sprout." the boy said tearfully, as the crowd booed him.

But the king raised his hands and signaled for silence. Then he said, "My people behold your next king." The people were confused. "Why that one?" many asked. "How can he be the right choice?" The king took his place on his throne with the boy by his side and said, "I gave these boys boiled seeds. This test was not for cultivating corn. It was the test of character; a test of integrity. It was the ultimate test. If a king must have one quality, it must be that he should be above above dishonesty. Only this boy passed the test. A boiled seed cannot sprout."

The single most important quality you can ever develop that will enhance every part of your life is the value of integrity. Integrity is the core quality of a successful and happy life. Having integrity means being totally honest and truthful in every part of your life. By making the commitment to become a totally honest person, you will be doing more to ensure your success and happiness in life than anything else you can ever do.

Stay Blessed

The Ultimate Measure

2008-06-18T02:29:00.000-07:00

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. – Martin Luther King, Jr.

Take Control

2008-06-11T04:20:00.001-07:00

You can't control the length of your life, but you can control its width and depth.

You can't control the contour of your face, but you can control its expression.

You can't control the weather, but you can control the atmosphere of your mind.

Why worry about things you can't control when you can keep yourself
busy controlling the things that depend on you?

Take Control and have a great day!!!!

The Cow Story

2008-06-11T04:00:00.000-07:00

YORUBA ECONOMICS
You have two cows
U kill them both And throw an owambe party!

IBO ECONOMICS
You have two cows
U make very good counterfeits of them
And sell for the price of the real cows!

HAUSA ECONOMICS
You have two cows
You rear them till they are four
Make sure ur kids rear cows too
And just maintain!

TRADITIONAL ECONOMICS
You have two cows.
You sell one and buy a bull.
Your herd multiplies and the economy grows.
You retire on the income.

INDIAN ECONOMICS
You have two cows.
You worship them.

PAKISTANIECONOMICS
You don't have any cows.
You claim that the Indian cows belong to you.
You ask the US for financial aid,
China for military aid,
British for Warplanes,
Italy for machines,
Germany for technology,
French for submarines,
Switzerland for loans,
Russia for drugs,
Japan f or equipment.
You buy the cows with all this
and claim exploitation by the world.

AMERICAN ECONOMICS
You have two cows.
You sell one and force the other to produce the milk of four cows.
You profess surprise when the cow drops dead.
You put the blame on some nation with cows
& naturally that nation will be a danger to mankind.
You wage a war to save the world and grab the cows.

FRENCH ECONOMICS
You have two cows.
You go on strike because you want three cows.

GERMAN ECONOMICS
You have two cows.
You reengineer them so that they live for 100 years,
eat once a month and milk themselves.

BRITISH ECONOMICS
You have two cows.
They are both mad cows.

ITALIAN ECONOMICS
You have two cows.
You don't know where they are.
You break for lunch.

SWISS ECONOMICS
You have 5000 cows, none of which belong to you.
You charge others for storing them.

JAPANESE ECONOMICS
You have two cows.
You redesign them
so that they are one-tenth the size of an ordinary cow
and produce twenty times the milk.
You then create cute cartoon cow images called Cowkimon
and market them worldwide.

RUSSIAN ECONOMICS
You have two cows.
You count them and learn you have five cows.
You count them again and learn you have 42 cows.
You count them again and learn you have 17 cows.
You give up counting and open another bottle of vodka.

CHINESE ECONOMICS
You have two cows.
You have 300 people milking them.
You claim full employment,
high bovine productivity
and arrest anyone reporting the actual numbers.

NIGERIAN ECONOMICS:
You have two cows
You eat one and claim it was stolen
Call in the Police to investigate
Police arrests everyone living within 100km
Torture them thoroughly
until someone admitted kidnapping the cow
The police instead collected one cow each from everybody arrested
You have your cow back
and the Police now owns a cattle farm.

Have a great day!!!!!!!!!!

Good Morning

2008-06-05T01:40:00.000-07:00

Don't say you're not important,

It simply isn't true,

The fact that you were born,

Is a proof, God has a plan for you.

The path may seem unclear right now,

But one day you will see,

That all that came before,

Was truly meant to be,

God wrote the book that is Life,

That's all you need to know.

Each day that you are living,

Was written long ago.

God only writes best sellers,

So be proud of who you are,

Your character is important,

In this book, you are the 'Star'

Have a Fabulous Day!