Recipe for a New Year
Take twelve whole months,
Clean them thoroughly of all bitterness, hate, and jealousy,
Make them just as fresh and clean as possible.
Now cut each month into twenty-eight, thirty, or
thirty-one different parts, but don't make up the whole batch at once.
Prepare it one day at a time out of these ingredients.
Mix well into each day one part of faith, one part of patience, one of courage, and one part of work. Add to each day one part of hope, faithfulness, generosity, and kindness. Blend with one part prayer, one part meditation, and one good deed.
Season the whole with a dash of good spirits, \na sprinkle of fun, a pinch of play, and a cupful of good humor. Pour all of this into a vessel of love. Cook thoroughly over radiant joy, garnish with a smile, and serve with quietness, unselfishness, and cheerfulness. Your final results may very depending on your attitude. Have a Happy New Year! - Author Unknown
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A Christmas Story
Pa never had much compassion for the lazy or those who squandered
their means and then never had enough for the necessities. But for
those who were genuinely in need, his heart was as big as all
outdoors. It was from him that I learned the greatest joy in life
comes from giving, not from receiving.
It was Christmas Eve 1881. I was fifteen years old and feeling like
the world had caved in on me because there just hadn't been enough
money to buy me the rifle that I'd wanted so bad that year for Christmas.
We did the chores early that night for some reason. I just figured Pa
wanted a little extra time so we could read in the Bible. So after
supper was over I took my boots off and stretched out in front of the
fireplace and waited for Pa to get down the old Bible. I was still
feeling sorry for myself and, to be honest, I wasn't in much of a mood
to read Scriptures. But Pa didn't get the Bible, instead he bundled up
and went outside. I couldn't figure it out because we had already done
all the chores. I didn't worry about it long though, I was too busy
wallowing in self-pity.
Soon Pa came back in. It was a cold clear night out and there was ice
in his beard. "Come on, Matt," he said. "Bundle up good, it's cold out
tonight."
I was really upset then. Not only wasn't I getting the rifle for
Christmas, now Pa was dragging me out in the cold, and for no earthly
reason that I could see. We'd already done all the chores, and I
couldn't think of anything else that needed doing, especially not on a
night like this. But I knew Pa was not very patient at one dragging
one's feet when he'd told them to do something, so I got up and put my
boots back on and got my cap, coat, and mittens. Ma gave me a
mysterious smile as I opened the door to leave the house. Something
was up, but I didn't know what.
Outside, I became even more dismayed. There in front of the house was
the work team, already hitched to the big sled. Whatever it was we
were going to do wasn't going to be a short, quick, little job. I
could tell. We never hitched up the big sled unless we were going to
haul a big load. Pa was already up on the seat, reins in hand. I
reluctantly climbed up beside him. The cold was already biting at me.
I wasn't happy.
When I was on, Pa pulled the sled around the house and stopped in
front of the woodshed. He got off and I followed. "I think we'll put
on the high sideboards," he said. "Here, help me."
The high sideboards! It had been a bigger job than I wanted to do with
just the low sideboards on, but whatever it was we were going to do
would be a lot bigger with the high sideboards on.
When we had exchanged the sideboards Pa went into the woodshed and
came out with an armload of wood---the wood I'd spent all summer
hauling down from the mountain, and then all fall sawing into blocks
and splitting. What was he doing? Finally I said something. "Pa," I
asked, "what are you doing?" "
You been by the Widow Jensen's lately?" he asked.
The Widow Jensen lived about two miles down the road. Her husband had
died a year or so before and left her with three children, the oldest
being eight. Sure, I'd been by, but so what? "Yeah," I said, "why?"
"I rode by just today," Pa said. "Little Jakey was out digging around
in the woodpile trying to find a few chips. They're out of wood,
Matt." That was all he said and then he turned and went back into the
woodshed for another armload of wood. I followed him.
We loaded the sled so high that I began to wonder if the horses would
be able to pull it. Finally, Pa called a halt to our loading, then we
went to the smoke house and Pa took down a big ham and a side of
bacon. He handed them to me and told me to put them in the sled and
wait. When he returned he was carrying a sack of flour over his right
shoulder and a smaller sack of something in his left hand. "What's in
the little sack?" I asked.
"Shoes. They're out of shoes. Little Jakey just had gunny sacks
wrapped around his feet when he was out in the woodpile this morning.
I got the children a little candy too. It just wouldn't be Christmas
without a little candy."
We rode the two miles to Widow Jensen's pretty much in silence. I
tried to think through what Pa was doing. We didn't have much by
worldly standards. Of course, we did have a big woodpile, though most
of what was left now was still in the form of logs that I would have
to saw into blocks and split before we could use it. We also had meat
and flour, so we could spare that, but I knew we didn't have any
money, so why was Pa buying them shoes and candy? Really, why was he
doing any of this? Widow Jensen had closer neighbors than us. It
shouldn't have been our concern.
We came in from the blind side of the Jensen house and unloaded the
wood as quietly as possible, then we took the meat and flour and shoes
to the door. We knocked. The door opened a crack and a timid voice
said, "Who is it?"
"Lucas Miles, Ma'am, and my son, Matt. Could we come in for a bit?"
Widow Jensen opened the door and let us in. She had a blanket wrapped
around her shoulders. The children were wrapped in another and were
sitting in front of the fireplace by a very small fire that hardly
gave off any heat at all. Widow Jensen fumbled with a match and
finally lit the lamp.
"We brought you a few things, Ma'am," Pa said and set down the sack of
flour. I put the meat on the table. Then Pa handed her the sack that
had the shoes in it. She opened it hesitantly and took the shoes out
one pair at a time. There was a pair for her and one for each of the
children---sturdy shoes, the best, shoes that would last. I watched
her carefully. She bit her lower lip to keep it from trembling and
then tears filled her eyes and started running down her cheeks. She
looked up at Pa like she wanted to say something, but it wouldn't come
out.
"We brought a load of wood too, Ma'am," Pa said, then he turned to me
and said, "Matt, go bring enough in to last for awhile. Let's get that
fire up to size and heat this place up."
I wasn't the same person when I went back out to bring in the wood. I
had a big lump in my throat and, much as I hate to admit it, there
were tears in my eyes too. In my mind I kept seeing those three kids
huddled around the fireplace and their mother standing there with
tears running down her cheeks and so much gratitude in her heart that
she couldn't speak. My heart swelled within me and a joy filled my
soul that I'd never known before. I had given at Christmas many times
before, but never when it had made so much difference. I could see we
were literally saving the lives of these people.
I soon had the fire blazing and everyone's spirits soared. The kids
started giggling when Pa handed them each a piece of candy and Widow
Jensen looked on with a smile that probably hadn't crossed her face
for a long time. She finally turned to us. "God bless you," she said.
"I know the Lord himself has sent you. The children and I have been
praying that he would send one of his angels to spare us."
In spite of myself, the lump returned to my throat and the tears
welled up in my eyes again. I'd never thought of Pa in those exact
terms before, but after Widow Jensen mentioned it I could see that it
was probably true. I was sure that a better man than Pa had never
walked the earth. I started remembering all the times he had gone out
of his way for Ma and me, and many others. The list seemed endless as
I thought on it.
Pa insisted that everyone try on the shoes before we left. I was
amazed when they all fit and I wondered how he had known what sizes to
get. Then I guessed that if he was on an errand for the Lord that the
Lord would make sure he got the right sizes.
Tears were running down Widow Jensen's face again when we stood up to
leave. Pa took each of the kids in his big arms and gave them a hug.
They clung to him and didn't want us to go. I could see that they
missed their pa, and I was glad that I still had mine.
At the door Pa turned to Widow Jensen and said, "The Mrs. wanted me to
invite you and the children over for Christmas dinner tomorrow. The
turkey will be more than the three of us can eat, and a man can get
cantankerous if he has to eat turkey for too many meals. We'll be by
to get you about eleven. It'll be nice to have some little ones around
again. Matt, here, hasn't been little for quite a spell." I was the
youngest. My two older brothers and two older sisters were all married
and had moved away.
Widow Jensen nodded and said, "Thank you, Brother Miles. I don't have
to say, "'May the Lord bless you,' I know for certain that He will."
Out on the sled I felt a warmth that came from deep within and I
didn't even notice the cold. When we had gone a ways, Pa turned to me
and said, "Matt, I want you to know something. Your ma and me have
been tucking a little money away here and there all year so we could
buy that rifle for you, but we didn't have quite enough. Then
yesterday a man who owed me a little money from years back came by to
make things square. Your ma and me were real excited, thinking that
now we could get you that rifle, and I started into town this morning
to do just that. But on the way I saw little Jakey out scratching in
the woodpile with his feet wrapped in those gunny sacks and I knew
what I had to do. So, Son, I spent the money for shoes and a little
candy for those children. I hope you understand."
I understood, and my eyes became wet with tears again. I understood
very well, and I was so glad Pa had done it. Just then the rifle
seemed very low on my list of priorities. Pa had given me a lot more.
He had given me the look on Widow Jensen's face and the radiant smiles
of her three children. For the rest of my life, whenever I saw any of
the Jensens, or split a block of wood, I remembered, and remembering
brought back that same joy I felt riding home beside Pa that night. Pa
had given me much more than a rifle that night, he had given me the
best Christmas of my life.
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There Is No Peace This Night
This piece is quite different from most posted here. I believe the subject matter is very important. Keep in mind, this is not an easy read, especially if you are a survivor or have loved ones who are survivors. With thanks to my friend Pete, aka "Chaos".
There is no peace....
by Pamela Prentiss-Harrison
The night falls gentle upon the earth
but hard within the heart of a terror-filled child.
There is no peace this night
but a sentry-like awareness of
every noise, every movement
within the house.
A silent prayer is taken upon the wings
of the mourning dove
who waters the ground below with its tears
watching puddles form where each drop lands
forming a new ocean of sorrow.
There is no peace this night.
The tender child draws itself
into a tiny ball as if to disappear
... footsteps are heard in the hall
"please no" is whispered, "please go" is prayed
as the doorknob quietly turns.
There is no peace this night.
The dove soars higher, shaking sobs within its breast
penetrating clouds, gliding on wind
seeking its source
looking for the Light
knowing there will be no peace this night.
The shadow falls across
clenched fists, tousled curls,
drawn up limbs, eyes squeezed shut
against the scene about to unfold
scarcely breathing, knowing
there is no peace this night.
Feverishly winging toward
the rainbow of light and celestial destination,
the dove contracts and gasps with the pain
of its little charges' spirit
and delivers the message
To the being of Light & Beauty
who swoops down to grasp the hand of the child
and deliver its pain to another dimension
to be stored until the child is stronger
and able to face the reality of evil on the earth.
The angel cradles her charge,
gently rocking, while tears stream down her face...
mixing with the silent tears of the child.
The dove quietly sings its grievous song of mourning
for the lost innocence of this precious tot.
There is no peace this night.
Aside from being a gifted writer, Pamela Prentiss-Harrison is one ambassador who has a real heart for hurting childen and even a warrior-like spirit to stand in the gap for these hurting young ones. Pamela we salute you and appreciate the work you do in this field. Many are blessed to know you.
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Divine Alphabet
Although things are not perfect
Because of trial or pain
Continue in thanksgiving
Do not begin to blame
Even when the times are hard
Fierce winds are bound to blow
God is forever able
Hold on to what you know
Imagine life without His love
Joy would cease to be
Keep thanking Him for all the things
Love imparts to thee
Move out of "Camp Complaining"
No weapon that is known
On earth can yield the power
Praise can do alone
Quit looking at the future
Redeem the time at hand
Start every day with worship
To "thank" is a command
Until we see Him coming
Victorious in the sky
We'll run the race with gratitude
Xalting God most high
Yes, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but...
Zion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!
"I AM Too blessed to be stressed!" The shortest distance between a problem and a solution is the distance between your knees and the floor.
The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything. Love and peace be with you forever, Amen.
PS: GOD LOVES YOU...
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Words of Wisdom
Four CandlesSeen on a bumper Sticker: "There is only one God. Stop applying for His job."
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Have You Ever?
One day a while back, a man, his heart heavy with grief, was walking
in the woods. As he thought about his life this day, he knew many
things were not right. He thought about those who had lied about him
back when he had a job. His thoughts turned to those who had stolen his things and cheated him. He remembered family that had passed on. His mind turned to the
illness he had that no one could cure. His very soul was filled with
anger, resentment and frustration. Standing there this day, searching for answers he could not find, knowing all else had failed him, he knelt at the base of an
old oak tree to seek the one he knew would always be there. And with
tears in his eyes, he prayed:
"Lord- You have done wonderful things for me in this life. You have
told me to do many things for you, and I happily obeyed. Today, you
have told me to forgive. I am sad, Lord, because I cannot. I don't
know how. It is not fair Lord. I didn't deserve these wrongs that were
done against me and I shouldn't have to forgive. As perfect as your
way is Lord, this one thing I cannot do, for I don't know how to
forgive. My anger is so deep Lord, I fear I may not hear you, but I
pray that you teach me to do this one thing I cannot do - Teach me To
Forgive."
As he knelt there in the quiet shade of that old oak tree, he felt
something fall onto his shoulder. He opened his eyes. Out of the
corner of one eye, he saw something red on his shirt. He could not
turn to see what it was because where the oak tree had been was a
large square piece of wood in the ground. He raised his head and saw
two feet held to the wood with a large spike through them. He raised
his head more, and tears came to his eyes as he saw Jesus hanging on a
cross. He saw spikes in His hands, a gash in His side, a torn and
battered body, deep thorns sunk into His head. Finally he saw the
suffering and pain on His precious face. As their eyes met, the man's
tears turned to sobbing, and Jesus began to speak.
Have you ever told a lie, he asked?
The man answered - yes Lord.
Have you ever been given too much change and kept it?
The man answered yes Lord. And the man sobbed more and more.
Have you ever taken something from work that wasn't yours, Jesus asked?
And the man answered yes Lord.
Have you ever sworn, using my Father's name in vain?
The man, crying now, answered yes Lord.
As Jesus asked many more times, "Have you ever"?
The man's crying became uncontrollable, for he could only answer yes Lord.
Then Jesus turned His head from one side to the other, and the man
felt something fall on his other shoulder. He looked and saw that it
was the blood of Jesus.
When he looked back up, his eyes met those of Jesus, and there was a
look of love the man had never seen or known before. Jesus said, I
didn't deserve this either, but I forgive you.
It may be hard to see how you're going to get through something, but
when you look back in life, you realize how true this statement is.
Read the first line slowly and let it sink in. This is simple, and
important. Read on... this first line is deep.
If God brings you to it - He will bring you through it.
Lord I love You and I need You, come into my heart, today. For without
You I can do nothing. And with Your help, there is nothing I cannot do.
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Ten Guidelines From God
Effective immediately, please be aware that there are changes YOU need
to make in YOUR life. These changes need to be completed in order
that I may fulfill My promises to you to grant you peace, joy and
happiness in this life. I apologize for any inconvenience, but after
all that I am doing, this seems very little to ask of you. Please,
follow these 10 guidelines:
1. QUIT WORRYING:
Life has dealt you a blow and all you do is sit and worry. Have you
forgotten that I am here to take all your burdens and carry them for
you? Or do you just enjoy fretting over every little thing that comes
your way?
2. PUT IT ON THE LIST:
Something needs done or taken care of. Put it on the list. No, not
YOUR list. Put it on MY to-do-list. Let ME be the one to take care of
the problem. I can't help you until you turn it over to Me. And
although My to-do-list is long, I am after all... God. I can take care
of anything you put into My hands. In fact, if the truth were ever
really known, I take care of a lot of things for you that you never
even realize.
3. TRUST ME:
Once you've given your burdens to Me, quit trying to take them back.
Trust in Me. Have the faith that I will take care of all your needs,
your problems and your trials. Problems with the kids? Put them on My
list. Problem with finances? Put it on My list. Problems with your
emotional roller coaster?
For My sake, put it on My list. I want to help you. All you have to do
is ask.
4. LEAVE IT ALONE:
Don't wake up one morning and say, "Well, I'm feeling much stronger
now, I think I can handle it from here." Why do you think you are
feeling stronger now? It's simple. You gave Me your burdens and I'm
taking care of them. I also renew your strength and cover you in my
peace. Don't you know that if I give you these problems back, you will
be right back where you started?
Leave them with Me and forget about them. Just let Me do my job.
5. TALK TO ME:
I want you to forget a lot of things. Forget what was making you crazy.
Forget the worry and the fretting because you know I'm in control. But
there's one thing I pray you never forget. Please, don't forget to
talk to Me - OFTEN! I love YOU! I want to hear your voice. I want you
to include Me in on the things going on in your life. I want to hear
you talk about your friends
and family. Prayer is simply you having a conversation with Me. I want
to be your dearest friend.
6. HAVE FAITH:
I see a lot of things from up here that you can't see from where you
are. Have faith in Me that I know what I'm doing. Trust Me; you
wouldn't want the view from My eyes. I will continue to care for you,
watch over you, and meet your needs. You only have to trust Me.
Although I have a much bigger task than you, it seems as if you have
so much trouble just doing your simple part. How hard can trust be?
7. SHARE:
You were taught to share when you were only two years old. When did
you forget? That rule still applies. Share with those who are less
fortunate than you. Share your joy with those who need encouragement.
Share your
laughter with those who haven't heard any in such a long time. Share
your tears with those who have forgotten how to cry. Share your faith
with those who have none.
8. BE PATIENT:
I managed to fix it so in just one lifetime you could have so many
diverse experiences. You grow from a child to an adult, have children,
change jobs many times, learn many trades, travel to so many places,
meet thousands
of people, and experience so much. How can you be so impatient then
when it takes Me a little longer than you expect to handle something
on My to-do-list? Trust in My timing, for My timing is perfect. Just
because I created the entire universe in only six days, everyone
thinks I should always rush, rush, rush.
9. BE KIND:
Be kind to others, for I love them just as much as I love you. They
may not dress like you, or talk like you, or live the same way you do,
but I still love you all. Please try to get along, for My sake. I
created each of you different in some way. It would be too boring if
you were all identical. Please, know I love each of your differences.
10. LOVE YOURSELF:
As much as I love you, how can you not love yourself? You were created
by me for one reason only -- to be loved, and to love in return. I am
a God of Love. Love Me. Love your neighbors. But also love yourself.
It makes My heart ache when I see you so angry with yourself when
things go wrong. You are very precious to me. Don't ever forget......
Note: I rec'd this from a friend and I have no idea who wrote it, but
I was so touched by it, that I had to share it with you. I hope that
you will be blessed by it and will share it with others.
Touch someone with your love. Rather than focus upon the thorns of
life, smell the roses and count your blessings.
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The Brick
A young and successful executive was traveling down a neighborhood
street, going a bit too fast in his new Jaguar. He was watching for
kids darting out from between parked cars and slowed down when he
thought he saw something. As his car passed, no children appeared.
Instead, a brick smashed into the Jag's side door!
He slammed on the brakes and backed the Jag back to the spot where the
brick had been thrown. The angry driver then jumped out of the car,
grabbed the nearest kid and pushed him up against a parked car
shouting, "What was that all about and who are you?
Just what the heck are you doing?
That's a new car and that brick you threw is going to cost a lot of
money. Why did you do it?"
The young boy was apologetic. "Please, mister...please, I'm sorry but
I didn't know what else to do," He pleaded.
"I threw the brick because no one else would stop..." With tears
dripping down his face and off his chin, the youth pointed to a spot
just around a parked car. "It's my brother," he said. "He rolled off
the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can't lift him up."
Now sobbing, the boy asked the stunned executive, "Would you please
help me get him back into his wheelchair? He's hurt and he's too heavy
for me."
Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallow the rapidly swelling
lump in his throat. He hurriedly lifted the handicapped boy back into
the wheelchair, then took out a linen handkerchief and dabbed at the
fresh scrapes and cuts. A quick look told him everything was going to
be okay.
"Thank you and may God bless you," the grateful child told the stranger.
Too shook up for words, the man simply watched the boy push his
wheelchair-bound brother down the sidewalk toward their home
It was a long, slow walk back to the Jaguar. The damage was very
noticeable, but the driver never bothered to repair the dented side
door. He kept the dent there to remind him of this message
"Don't go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at
you to get your attention!"
God whispers in our souls and speaks to our hearts. Sometimes when we
don't have time to listen, He has to throw a brick at us.
Our choice is to listen or ignore him.
I hope you heard the wonderful message he sent you, today...
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