Trust His heart

God is too wise to be mistaken.
God is too good to be unkind.
So, when you don't understand and
when you don't see His plan and
when you can't trace His hand
......trust His heart.

God Bless Us

Slow Down, God is Still in Heaven

You are not responsible for doing
it all yourself, right now.
Remember a happy, peaceful time in your past.
Rest there. Each moment has richness
that takes a lifetime to savor.
Set your own pace.
When someone is pushing you,
it's OK to tell them they're pushing.

Take nothing for granted:
watch water flow, the corn grow,
the leaves blow, your neighbor mow.
Taste your food.
God gives it to delight as well as to nourish.
Notice the sun and the moon as they rise and set.
They are remarkable for their steady pattern
of movement, not their speed.

Quit planning how you're going to use
what you know, learn, or possess.
God's gifts just are;
be grateful and their purpose will be clear.
When you talk with someone,
don't think about what you'll say next.
Thoughts will spring up naturally if you let them.
Talk and play with children.
It will bring out the unhurried little person inside you.

Create a place in your home...
at your work...in your heart...
where you can go for quiet and recollection.
You deserve it.
Allow yourself time to be lazy and unproductive.
Rest isn't luxury; it's a necessity.
Listen to the wind blow.
It carries a message of yesterday, tomorrow
and now. NOW counts.

Rest on your laurels.
They bring comfort whatever their size,
age, or condition.
Talk slower. Talk less.
Don't talk. Communication isn't measured by words.
Give yourself permission to be late sometimes.
Life is for living, not scheduling.

Listen to the song of a bird; the complete song.
Music and nature are gifts,
but only if you are willing to receive them.
Take time just to think.
Action is good and necessary,
but it's fruitful only if we muse, ponder, and mull.
Make time for play - the things you like to do.
Whatever your age, your inner child needs re-creation.

Watch and listen to the night sky.
It speaks.
Listen to the words you speak, especially in prayer.
Learn to stand back and let others take their turn as leaders.
There will always be new opportunities
for you to step out in front again.

Divide big jobs into little jobs.
If God took six days to create the universe,
can you hope to do any better?
When you find yourself rushing & anxious, stop.
Ask yourself "WHY?"
you are rushing and anxious.
The reasons may improve your self-understanding.
Take time to read.
Thoughtful reading is enriching reading.

Direct your life with purposeful choices,
not with speed and efficiency.
The best musician is one who plays with expression and meaning, not the one who finishes first.
Take a day off alone; make a retreat.
You can learn from monks and hermits without becoming one.
Pet a furry friend.
You will give and get the gift of now.

Work with your hands.
It frees the mind.
Take time to wonder.
Without wonder, life is merely existence.
Sit in the dark.
It will teach you to see and hear, taste and smell.

Once in a while, turn down the lights,
the volume, the throttle, the invitations.
Less really can be more.
Let go. Nothing is usually the hardest thing to do
but often it is the best.
Take a walk-but don't go anywhere.
If you walk just to get somewhere,
you sacrifice the walking.

Prayer Can Move Mountains

Diane, a young university student, was home for the summer. She had gone to visit some friends one evening and time passed quickly as each shared their various experiences of the past year. She ended up staying longer than planned, and had to walk home alone. She wasn't afraid because it was a small town and she lived only a few blocks away.

As she walked along under the tall elm trees, Diane asked God to keep her safe from harm and danger. When she reached the alley, which was a short cut to her house, she decided to take it. However, halfway down the alley she noticed a man standing at the end as though he were waiting for her.

She became uneasy and began to pray, asking for God's protection. Instantly a comforting feeling of quietness and security wrapped around her, she felt as though someone was walking with her. When she reached the end of the alley, she walked right past the man and arrived home safely. The following day, she read in the newspaper that a young girl had been raped in the same alley just twenty minutes after she had been there.

Feeling overwhelmed by this tragedy and the fact that it could have been her, she began to weep. Thanking the Lord for her safety and to help this young woman, she decided to go to the police station. She felt she could recognize the man, so she told them her story.

The police asked her if she would be willing to look at a lineup to see if she could identify him. She agreed and immediately pointed out the man she had seen in the alley the night before. When the man was told he had been identified, he immediately broke down and confessed. The officer thanked Diane for her bravery and asked if there was anything they could do for her.

She asked if they would ask the man one question. Diane was curious as to why he had not attacked her. When the policeman asked him, he answered,"Because she wasn't alone. She had two tall men walking on either side of her."

The Same Hand

The same loving hand that has created you has created me.
If he is your Father he must be my Father also.
We all belong to the same family.
Hindus, Muslims and all peoples are our brothers & sisters.
They too are the children of God.
Our work among the Hindus proclaims that God loves them.
God has created them -- they are my brothers & sisters.
Naturally I would like to give them the joy of what I believe,
but that I cannot do; only God can.
Faith is a gift of God, but God does not force himself.
Christians, Muslims, Hindus, believers & nonbelievers,
have the same opportunity with us to do works of love,
have the same opportunity with us to share the joy of
loving and come to realize God's presence.

Mother Theresa

With God, Nothing is Impossible

Prayer is the answer to every problem in life. It puts us in tune with divine wisdom, which knows how to adjust everything perfectly. So often we do not pray in certain situations, because from our standpoint the outlook is hopeless. But nothing is impossible with God.

Nothing is so entangled that it cannot be remedied; no human relationship is too strained for God to bring about human reconciliation and understanding; no habit so deep-rooted that it cannot be overcome; no one is so weak that he cannot be strong. No one is so ill that he cannot be healed. No mind is so dull that it cannot be made brilliant. Whatever we need if we trust God, He will supply it. If anything is causing worry or anxiety, let us stop rehearsing the difficulty and trust God for healing, love, and power.

Into the experience of all there come times of keen disappointment and utter discouragement--days when sorrow is the portion, and it is hard to believe that God is still the kind benefactor of His earth born children; days when troubles harass the soul, till death seems preferable to life.

It is then that many lose their hold on God and are brought into the slavery of doubt, the bondage of unbelief. Could we at such times discern with spiritual insight the meaning of God's providences we should see angels seeking to save us from ourselves, striving to plant our feet upon a foundation more from that the everlasting hills, and new faith would spring into being.

10 Things That Make Men Happy

If men and women are truly equal, then men must stop bending over backwards in the pursuit of making women happy, right men? Relationships are increasingly full-fledged partnerships after all, so why should we be the only ones trying to make women happy?

We want to be happy and boys just want to have fun as well, so here are 10 things that men look for in the pursuit of happiness and Ms. Perfect. Read the list and answer the question that all men deliberate: do we prefer a pretty face or a beautiful body?

10. Charm
Charm is what draws men to those women who are not as good-looking as the others in our black book. Charm is what pulls us back to women even after they burn us. Charm is the one thing that lets women get away with murder ‑- okay, charm and the next thing on the list.

9. A statuesque body
We may not admit this to them, but when we're walking down the street with our women, we want to show them off. Show off what? Their crazy curves and full figure.

8. A beautiful face
This one will stand the test of time. A pretty face can get away with murder. While this should not be the top characteristic, it is helpful to admit that you must find a woman who will please your eyes and excite your everything else. Remember, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, unless of course you are a magician named David. So do not choose someone based on what your friends say, go with whom you want to wake up with. We like beautiful things and we shall make no apologies for this.

7. Honesty & trust
When the games are played, final rounds called and booty calls over, we want someone we can confide in. The most successful relationships are built upon trust, candor and honesty; anything else is equivalent to building a house on quicksand. Receiving a pat on the back when we do things right is nice, but it's even nicer to be told when we're wrong, provided of course that we are not made to feel like crap, which takes us to the next point...

6. R-E-S-P-E-C-T
The last thing we want is a woman who lets us down, embarrasses us and makes us out to be fools, especially in public. Gentlemen, there is nothing wrong with admitting that we are excessively proud and sensitive to criticism, but if done right, constructive criticism from the one person who knows us best can only make us better men, fathers, lovers, brothers and human beings. Why do I say this? Next time your woman tells you something, do not cut her off and put her in her place; listen, pay attention and remember: actions, not words, are what matter. True, we may not have Tammy Wynette standing by us in a state of oblivion, but respect in a partnership is about praise as well criticism, not shutting up and telling it like it is. It helps when it is done with humor (well, not at our expense).

5. Sense of humor
This will forever remain a priority for any man. We work hard, we put up with a lot, and we need a woman who will put a smile on our faces when things are gloomy, and make us laugh when things are down. Now guys, I have been curious as to whether we like it when women make us laugh or when we make them laugh. Being able to make them laugh is good for our egos, but getting a smile on our faces is the best tonic possible. Women always rank a sense of humor as the trait they like most in us. A woman who finds it challenging to smile and be pleasant will be a thorn in your side until the day you die, and trust me, your judgment day will come before hers.

4. Intelligence & confidence
Previous generations probably preferred a smart woman ‑- not just book smart, but also street smart. But truth be told ‑- and this will not please feminists (but then again, who cares?) ‑- many men did not want an overly smart woman, after all, it would be too hard to tame and control her. After all, men feared that women could become unstable and make demands (oh no...)

Today, I like to think that we have matured a bit and now see the value in having a valuable ally as a partner. If a housewife, mother and maid is all that you are looking for, you are selling yourself short men, so go out and find someone who will learn from you as much as you will learn from her; imagine the powerhouse couple that you will make.

3. Ambition & drive
If a partner is what you seek, then you will have to find a woman who will challenge your thoughts, stir up your emotions positively and give you a run for your money. Challenges start at home and end on fields, boardrooms and life, so make sure that you meet your match, because practice does make you perfect. A woman that is too strong-willed will also be too stubborn, and this is just plain frustrating, but one that chooses her battles diplomatically will prove to come out a winner in the game of life. Would you not want her on your team?

2. Heart of gold
If you are looking to get involved for the long haul, a kind woman with a heart of gold will nurture you and offer the compassion, sincerity, warmth, and affection you need to make it to the top. Just make sure you are able to reciprocate the kindness, because someone ultimately will and then she'll run for the hills.

1. Love
Although there are different things that make us happy ‑- some of them may not have been on the list but should have been, while others are but should not have been ‑- when all is said and done and the ink has dried up, the first dates turn into the honeymoon stage, and the relationship develops, all men really want is love.



Source : inspiration-inbox.com

How Big is Your Regret List?

Make a list of all the things you wanted to do but never got down to doing. Now think of the reason why and if you think hard enough, you will realise that the only obstacle in the way was YOU. Either you were waiting - for the right opportunity, the right time, the right mood, etc. to get the job done or you were guilty of holding yourself back with a set of excuses: I am not ready, I can't do it, the time's not right, I'll do it tomorrow, etc. Either way, it's an opportunity wasted and regret tasted. And it tastes bitter.

When you regret something you become unhappy, get shackled to the past, waste your present and become hopelessly pessimistic about your future. Your confidence takes a beating as does your self esteem and self respect. You start doubting your capabilities and your attitude accelerates towards negativity. Nothing seems right and it seems right to think so. And from being a potential success, you turn yourself into a confirmed failure. But life is not about regretting lost opportunities, it's about counting the radiating possibilities. It's about being positive, about looking ahead rather than looking back, it's more about what you can do than what you have done. It's about being happy. And the best way to do that is to have less to regret.

So, how do you tackle your regret list? Just do it: From your regret list, select what you can still do and go ahead and just do it. It's up to me: Remember if it is to be, it is up to me. Do it yourself! DUnderstand that there is never a right time or a right moment.

Now is as right a time as any. Grow as you go: Don't wait to be fully ready. You never will be. Go ahead with what you have (in terms of knowledge, skills and attitude) and build your skills as you go along. Create opportunities: Don't wait for opportunities, create your own. Like Lakshmi Mittal said, "It's not always that you get to hit the iron when it's hot; believe in hitting it so hard that it gets hot!" Forget past failures: Failure is not final until you quit.

So don't quit, take stock, regroup and go for it again. Faith can move mountains: Have unflinching faith in yourself.
No pain, no gain: Learn to live out of your comfort zone. The road to success is marked with commitments and sacrifices.
Attitude of gratitude: Be happy with what you get, and what you get will always be happiness. Celebrate every achievement: The more you celebrate the less you regret.

Remember, never let yesterday's regrets overshadow tomorrows dreams.

Jesus Overpaid Our Debt!

DAILY DEVOTIONAL:
Hebrews 10:12
12But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God,

Do you know that we once owed God a huge debt? No, it was not a money debt, it was a sin debt. We owed God a sin debt which we could never pay. But God so loved us that He came up with a plan to pay the debt — He gave us His Son to die on the cross for our sins. Jesus was without sin. So when He went to the cross as punishment for our sins, He paid for us a debt He did not owe.

My friend, the reality is that our sin debt has been more than paid in full. In fact, Jesus overpaid it! Jesus’ sacrifice was an overpayment because it was not just a good man, revered for his saintly qualities and good character, who died for us. It was the Son of the living God, the Creator of the universe, the perfect Man, who died for us!

Because Jesus is God, His sacrifice is greater than the sacrifices of all good men — past, present and future — put together. His sacrifice avails for all who lived in the past, all who are currently alive and all who will live in the future. And His one sacrifice forever took away all our sins.

Jesus’ sacrifice was also an overpayment because His blood is of far more value to God than the blood of bulls and goats used in the past to atone for the sins of the Israelites. His blood is the blood of God Himself, not of animals. Because His blood is eternal, His blood cleanses us forever, so we have eternal forgiveness!

My friend, the next time you are mindful of a bad deed, remember that Jesus, your sacrifice for sins, not only paid 100 per cent for your sin, but His sacrifice was also an overpayment. You can therefore truly and completely rest in the presence of God, knowing that He is fully satisfied and completely at rest concerning you. He is not going to find some sin you had committed that Jesus’ blood failed to cover.

Beloved, God can righteously give you His blessings and you can expect to receive them because Jesus overpaid your debt!

Bags anyone?

YOU PUT THE DEVIL OUT, BUT DID YOU LET HIM LEAVE HIS BAGS?
This is powerful!

You got out of a bad relationship because it was bad, but you are still resentful and angry
(you let the devil leave his bags)

You got out of financial debt, but you still can't control the desire to spend on frivolous things
(you let the devil leave his bags)

You got out of a bad habit or addiction, but you still long to try it just one more time
(you let the devil leave his bags)

You said, I forgive you, but you can't seem to forget and have peace with that person
(you let the devil leave his bags)

You told your unequally yoked mate that it was over, but you still continue to call
(you let the devil leave his bags)

You got out of that horribly oppressive job, but you are still trying to sabotage the company after you've left
(you let the devil leave his bags)

You cut off the affair with that married man/woman, but you still lust after him/her
(you let the devil leave his bags)

You broke off your relationship with that hurtful, abusive person, but you are suspicious and distrusting of every new person you meet (you let the devil leave his bags)

You decided to let go of the past hurts from growing up in an unstable environment, yet you believe you are unworthy of love from others and you refuse to get attached to anyone
(you let the devil leave his bags)

When you put the devil out, please make sure he takes his bags!

HAPPINESS KEEPS YOU SWEET
TRIALS KEEP YOU STRONG
AND SORROWS KEEP YOU HUMAN
FAILURES KEEP YOU HUMBLE
SUCCESS KEEPS YOU GLOWING
BUT ONLY GOD KEEPS YOU GOING!

Let the devil Take his bags with him!
Be Blessed, Healthy and Happy the entire YEAR!!!!

Are You a Good Friend?

In a dangerous mountain hike, I discovered what real friendship is
by Gordon MacDonald

Musings during a quiet evening: Three years ago I traveled with three close men-friends to Switzerland and spent eight days walking the "wanderwegs" of the Alps. One of those walks was high above Grindelwald. It was a beautiful day, and our spirits soared in response to the alpine grandeur. And so did our self-confidence. Rather than take a pathway that was realistic in terms of length and difficulty for three men in their sixties and one in his seventies, we chose one requiring much greater exertion. Not smart.

Three miles into the walk, my friend Al (the man in his seventies) became exhausted. Seriously so. Turning back was not an option. I proposed to the other men that they walk on ahead to the end of the trail and secure rooms for us in a berghaus (mountain hotel) since it would be impossible for us to return to our regular lodgings for the night. Al and I then sat down to plot our strategy.

I suggested that we take 100 steps and rest for three minutes, another 100 steps and rest for three minutes. If we were going uphill, he would lead; if downhill, I would lead. This simple routine, I thought, would give order to our situation. Al agreed, and we started walking again, now very, very slowly. We had three miles to walk in 100-step increments, and it took almost five hours.

Al and I walked arm in arm as two lovers might walk in the park. Most men are normally self-conscious about any kind of touching. But that day this was no an issue. I constantly spoke words of encouragement into the ear of my friend. I quoted Scripture, told stories, recalled sermons, intermittently prayed, frequently reminded him of experiences we'd shared over the years of our friendship. I thought of every word that described my friend, and I commented on each of them for him. Words like brave, quiet-spirited or humble, sacrificial, faithful, gentle, generous. Finally, just as darkness fell, we reached the berghaus the other men had found for us.

For the last three years Al and I (and the others) have spoken of that unforgettable afternoon when two old guys struggled to reach the end of the trail. We have often recalled the spoken words of encouragement, the shared strength, even the affection that came with the encouragement. I have never felt closer to another male friend than I did that afternoon. Often Al and I have said to each other, "If I live to be a hundred, I'll never forget that day."

This past month, I lost my friend Al to cancer, and I cannot describe the hurt of the loss. His wife, Lena, our other friends, my wife, Gail, and I (along with hundreds of others) stood at the edge of his open grave and grieved. At Al's funeral I told the story of our day in the Alps and the way we talked one another through a threatening experience. And I spoke of genuine friendship-the sweetness of Christian brothers (or sisters) generating mutual courage on the journey. Why, I asked, are we tricked into thinking that achievement and accumulation are the secret of success when, in fact, real success begins with the building of a few personal relationships which become so precious that you would die-without hesitation-for your friends?

I fear for too many in Christian work whose relationships (even marriages) are defined by some institutional function, relationships which will weaken and dissolve soon after the function does. Such people may recognize one day they have no one to die with, and dying alone is not a good idea.

Recently, while on a long flight, I read Nelson Mandella's autobiography. What got him through 27 years of imprisonment? His answer: "The authorities' greatest mistake was to keep us (leaders in the anti-apartheid movement who'd been arrested) together, for together our determination was reinforced. We supported each other and gained strength from each other.

Whatever we knew, whatever we learned, we shared, and by sharing we multiplied whatever courage we had individually. That is not to say that we were all alike in our responses to the hardships we suffered. Men have different capacities and react differently to stress. But the stronger ones raised up the weaker ones, and both became stronger in the process."

Sounds like 100 steps and rest, 100 steps and rest.

Read another great stories about friendship <<-- Click here

THE WOMEN IN MY CIRCLE

When I was little,
I believe in the concept of one best friend,
And then I started to become a woman.

And then I found out that if you allow your heart to open up,
God would show you the best in many friends.

You need one friend when you're going through things with your man.
You need another friend when you're going through things with your Mom.
You need another who will sit beside you in the bleachers as you
Delight in your children and their activities.

And you need another when you want to shop,

Share, heal, hurt, joke or just be.

One friend will say, "Let's cry together,"
Another, "Let's fight together,"
Another, "Let's walk away together."

One friend will meet your spiritual need,
Another your shoe fetish,
Another your love for movies,
Another will be with you in your season of confusion,
Another will be your clarifier,
Another will be the wind beneath your wings.

But whatever their assignment in your life,
On whatever the occasion,
On whatever the day,
Or wherever you need them to meet you . . .

with their gym shoes on and hair pulled back,
Or to hold you back from making a complete fool of yourself . . .
Those are your best friends.

It may all be wrapped up in one woman,
But for many, it's wrapped up in several . . .
One from 7th grade,
One from high school,
Several from the college years,
A couple from old jobs;
On some days your mother,
On some days your neighbor,

On others your sisters,
And on some days your daughters.

So whether they've been your friend for 20 minutes or 20 years,
Let the women know that God has placed in your life
To make a difference.

Submitted by: My dearest and long time friend Nancy Chessher. Thank you Nancy.

Twenty Things to Remember

1. Faith is the ability to not panic.
2. If you worry, you didn't pray. If you prayed, don't worry
3. As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home every day.
4. Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.
5. When we get tangled up in our problems, be still. God wants us to be still so He can untangle the knot.
6. Do the math. Count your blessings.
7. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.
8. Dear God: I have a problem. It's me.
9. Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted.
10. Laugh every day -- it's like inner jogging.
11. The most important things in your home are the people.
12. Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional.
13. There is no key to happiness. The door is always open. Come on in.
14. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.
15. He who dies with the most toys is still dead.
16. We do not remember days, but moments. Life moves too fast, so enjoy your precious moments.
17. Nothing is real to you until you experience it; otherwise it's just hear say.
18. Its all right to sit on your pity pot every now and again. Just be sure 20 to flush when you are done.
19. Surviving and living your life successfully requires courage. The goals 20 and dreams you're seeking require courage and risk- taking. Learn from the turtle, it only makes progress when it sticks out it's neck.
20. Be more concerned with your character than your reputation. Your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.

Submitted by: Nancy Chessher - Dade City, FL

Doing the Work that You Love

As a child, I remember my father, sitting in his room, surrounded by his books, writing.
His work was his love. Later in his life, when most people have retired, he was up early in the morning, busy with his work. It gave him, both a meaning to life and kept him young.

My mother never liked her teaching job, although she was very successful. She retired early and kept searching for satisfaction, without success. She became bitter and sad.

Until today I cherish the lesson I learned from them:
"Find a job that is your hobby, your art."

As children we all wanted to be somebody. A fireman, a pilot, an artist.
As we grew up, we realized that our job must also pay our financial and social bills.
So we sold our passion and love for stability and security.
We rationalize by saying that 'work is work', and pleasure will come later.
But does it?
When was the last time you found the time and energy to do the things that you really care for?

What if your work could follow your heart's desire? What if you could really do what you love to do?
Finding it might be difficult, as we have lost touch with what we enjoy most.
It has been too long since we have given ourselves the chance to connect to it.

So, how about taking some time off and instead of complaining about your job, start searching what it is that you love doing.
Find out what is it that you are good at, where your talents lie and what comes both naturally and easily to you.
Recall childhood activities that you once loved.
Become aware of the situations that bring out the best in you.
Discover what values are important to you and what you would like to see manifested in your work.

Once you have created a framework for those activities, talents and abilities, in which you excel (as well as those values that you wish to express in your work), start investigating what sort of work expresses them to their fullest potential.
Allow yourself to be creative; don't dwell in the area of "sensibilities".
Allow yourself to be open; as opposed to reasoning everything.
Communicate to the world the type of work you wish to have. You will be surprised at how much support you will receive, once you clarify your wishes.

When you do the work you love, it becomes easy and effortless, because work becomes a source of energy rather than a drain. You continuously grow and develop while creating for yourself a space of love and friendship. You tap into your creativity therefore remaining young and alive.

So how about making your hobby your work?!

Stay Open for Something New

by Joel Osteen

God has new victories out in front of you. You may have been through some disappointments in the past, but now it's time to arise and shine and believe again, dream again, and hope again. We have to be open for the new tasks set before us by God, and believe by faith that He will give us the strength, wisdom and will power to achieve what looks impossible. We should not get stagnant thinking ,"this is all I know how to do", or live in the past victories that are behind us. When the Old Testament Prophet Moses died, Joshua was left to lead the Israelites across the Jordan River. He remembered how Moses, in the past, held up his rod and parted the Red Sea. But in Joshua's new circumstance, God had a different plan. He had to stay open for the new direction, and once he did and obeyed, despite how things were done in the past, and how "things once were", he let God lead him in new leadership and the waters parted, and the people were able to go through on dry ground. We need to be like Joshua and adopt the attitude, "If it didn't work one way, I'm not going to get defeated and give up. I know God has another way." No matter how many closed doors you've encountered, keep knocking, believing, hoping and dreaming. If you'll put on this new attitude and stay open to new opportunities, God will continually lead you and bring you a place of blessing.