Life's Challenges - Stories - Loving Others
A Christmas Gift
Bobby was getting cold sitting out in his back yard in the snow. Bobby didn't
wear boots; he didn't like them and anyway he didn't own any. The thin sneakers
he wore had a few holes in them and they did a poor job of keeping out the cold.
Bobby had been in his backyard for about an hour already. And, try as he might,
he could not come up with an idea for his mother's Christmas gift.
He shook his head as he thought, "This is useless, even if I do come up with an
idea, I don't have any money to spend."
Ever since his father had passed away three years ago, the family of five had
struggled. It wasn't because his mother didn't care, or try, there just never
seemed to be enough. She worked nights at the hospital, but the small wage that
she was earning could only be stretched so far.
What the family lacked in money and material things, they more than made up for
in love and family unity. Bobby had two older and one younger sister, who ran
the household in their mother's absence.
All three of his sisters had already made beautiful gifts for their mother.
Somehow it just wasn't fair. Here it was Christmas Eve already, and he had
nothing. Wiping a tear from his eye, Bobby kicked the snow and started to walk
down to the street where the shops and stores were. It wasn't easy being six
without a father, especially when he needed a man to talk to.
Bobby walked from shop to shop, looking into each decorated window. Everything
seemed so beautiful and so out of reach. It was starting to get dark and Bobby
reluctantly turned to walk home when suddenly his eyes caught the glimmer of the
setting sun's rays reflecting off of something along the curb.
He reached down and discovered a shiny dime. Never before has anyone felt so
wealthy as Bobby felt at that moment. As he held his newfound treasure, a warmth
spread throughout his entire body and he walked into the first store he saw. His
excitement quickly turned cold when salesperson after salesperson told him that
he could not buy anything with only a dime.
He saw a flower shop and went inside to wait in line. When the shop owner asked
if he could help him, Bobby presented the dime and asked if he could buy one
flower for his mother's Christmas gift. The shop owner looked at Bobby and his
ten cent offering. Then he put his hand on Bobby's shoulder and said to him,
"You just wait here and I'll see what I can do for you."
Bobby waited, he looked at the beautiful flowers and even though he was a boy,
he could see why mothers and girls liked flowers.
The sound of the door closing as the last customer left, jolted Bobby back to
reality. All alone in the shop, Bobby began to feel alone and afraid. Suddenly
the shop owner came out and moved to the counter. There, before Bobby's eyes,
lay twelve long stem, red roses, with leaves of green and tiny white flowers all
tied together with a big silver bow.
Bobby's heart sank as the owner picked them up and placed them gently into a
long white box.
"That will be ten cents young man," the shop owner said reaching out his hand
for the dime.
Slowly, Bobby moved his hand to give the man his dime. Could this be true? No
one else would give him a thing for his dime!
Sensing the boy's reluctance, the shop owner added, "I just happened to have
some roses on sale for ten cents a dozen. Would you like them?"
This time Bobby did not hesitate, and when the man placed the long box into his
hands, he knew it was true. Walking out the door that the owner was holding for
Bobby, he heard the shop keeper say, "Merry Christmas, son."
As he returned inside, the shop keepers wife walked out. "Who were you talking
to back there and where are the roses you were fixing?"
Staring out the window, and blinking the tears from his own eyes, he replied, "A
strange thing happened to me this morning. While I was setting up things to open
the shop, I thought I heard a voice telling me to set aside a dozen of my best
roses for a special gift. I wasn't sure at the time whether I had lost my mind
or what, but I set them aside anyway.
Then just a few minutes ago a little boy came into the shop and wanted to buy a
flower for his mother with one small dime.
When I looked at him, I saw myself, many years ago. I too was a poor boy with
nothing to buy my mother a Christmas gift. A bearded man, whom I never knew,
stopped me on the street and told me that he wanted to give me ten dollars. When
I saw that little boy tonight, I knew who that voice was, and I put together a
dozen of my very best roses."
The shop owner and his wife hugged each other tightly, and as they stepped out
into the bitter cold air, they somehow didn't feel cold at all.
Author Unknown
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Not What it Seems
Jean Thompson admittedly stood in front of her fifth grade class on the very
first day of school in the fall and told the children a lie. Like most teachers,
she looked at her pupils and said that she loved them all the same and that she
would treat them all alike. And that was impossible because there in front of
her, slumped in her seat in the third row was a little boy named Teddy Stoddard.
Mrs. Thompson had watched Teddy the year before and noticed that he didn't play
well with the other children, that his clothes were unkempt, and that he
constantly needed a bath. And Teddy was unpleasant. It got to the point during
the first few months that she would actually take delight in marking his papers
with a broad red pen, making bold X's and then marking the F at the top of the
paper biggest of all. Because Teddy was a sullen little boy, nobody else seemed
to enjoy him either.
At the school where Mrs.. Thompson taught, she was required to review each
child's records, and she put Teddy's off until last. When she opened his file,
she was in for a surprise. His first grade teacher had written, "Teddy is a
bright, inquisitive child with a ready laugh. He does his work neatly and has
good manners and he is a joy to be around." His second grade teacher had
written, "Teddy is an excellent student, well-liked by his classmates, but he is
troubled because his mother has a terminal illness and life at home must be a
struggle." His third grade teacher had written, "Teddy continues to work hard
but his mother's death has been hard on him. He tries to do his best but his
father doesn't show much interest and his home life will soon affect him if some
step's aren't taken." Teddy's fourth grade teacher had written, "Teddy is
withdrawn and doesn't show much interest in school. He doesn't have many friends
and sometimes sleeps in class. He is tardy and has become a problem."
By now, Mrs. Thompson realized the problem, but Christmas was coming fast. It
was all she could do, with the school play and all, until the day before the
holidays began and she was suddenly forced to focus on Teddy Stoddard. Her
children brought her presents, all in beautiful ribbon and bright paper, except
for Teddy's, which was clumsily wrapped in the heavy brown paper of a scissored
grocery bag. Mrs. Thompson took pains to open it in the middle of the other
presents. Some of the children started to laugh when she found a rhinestone
bracelet with some of the stones missing, and a bottle that was one-quarter full
of cologne. She stifled the children's laughter when she exclaimed how pretty
the bracelet was, putting it on, and dabbing some of the cologne behind the
other wrist. Teddy Stoddard stayed behind just long enough to say, "Mrs..
Thompson, today you smelled just like my Mom used to."
After the children left, she cried for at least an hour. From then on, she began
to teach children. Jean Thompson paid particular attention to one they all
called "Teddy". As she worked with him, his mind seemed to come alive. The more
she encouraged him, the faster he responded. On days there would be an important
test, Mrs.. Thompson would remember that cologne. By the end of the year, he had
become one of the smartest children in the class and .....well, he had also
become the "pet" of the teacher who had once vowed to love all of her children
exactly the same A year later, she found a note under her door, from Teddy,
telling her that of all the teachers he'd had in elementary school, she was his
favorite. Six years went by before she got another note from Teddy. He then
wrote that he had finished high school, third in his class, and she was still
his favorite teacher of all time. Four years after that, she got another letter
saying that while things had been tough at times, he'd stayed in school, had
stuck with it, and would graduate from college with the highest of honors. He
assured Mrs.. Thompson that she was still his favorite teacher. Then, four more
years passed and yet another letter came again. This time he explained that
after he had gotten his bachelor's degree, he decided to go a little further.
The letter explained that she was still his favorite teacher, but that now his
name was a little longer. The letter was signed Theodore F. Stoddard, M.D.
The story doesn't end there. You see, there was another letter that Spring.
Teddy said that he'd met this girl and was to be married. He explained that his
father had died a couple of years ago and he was wondering.....well, if Mrs..
Thompson might agree to sit in the pew usually reserved for the Mother of the
Groom?? And guess what - she wore that special bracelet, the one with several
rhinestones missing. And I bet on that special day, Jean Thompson smelled just
like......well, just like the way Teddy remembered his mother smelling on their
last Christmas together.
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Driving Home One
Evening
He was driving home one evening, on a two-lane country road. Work, in this small
mid-western community, was almost as slow as his beat-up Pontiac. But he never
quit looking. Ever since the Levis factory closed, he'd been unemployed, and
with winter raging on, the chill had finally hit home.
It was a lonely road. Not very many people had a reason to be on it, unless they
were leaving. Most of his friends had already left. They had families to feed
and dreams to fulfill. But he stayed on. After all, this was where he buried his
mother and father. He was born here and knew the country.
He could go down this road blind, and tell you what was on either side, and with
his headlights not working, that came in handy. It was starting to get dark and
light snow flurries were coming down. He'd better get a move on.
You know, he almost didn't see the old lady, stranded on the side of the road.
But even in the dim light of day, he could see she needed help. So he pulled up
in front of her Mercedes and got out. His Pontiac was still sputtering when he
approached her.
Even with the smile on his face, she was worried. No one had stopped to help for
the last hour or so. Was he going to hurt her? He didn't look safe, he looked
poor and hungry. He could see that she was frightened, standing out there in the
cold. He knew how she felt. It was that chill that only fear can put in you. He
said, "I'm here to help you ma'am. Why don't you wait in the car where it's
warm. By the way, my name is Joe."
Well, all she had was a flat tire, but for an old lady, that was bad enough Joe
crawled under the car looking for a place to put the jack, skinning his knuckles
a time or two. Soon he was able to change the tire. But he had to get dirty and
his hands hurt. As he was tightening up the lug nuts, she rolled down her window
and began to talk to him. She told him that she was from St. Louis and was only
just passing through. She couldn't thank him enough for coming to her aid. Joe
just smiled as he closed her trunk.
She asked him how much she owed him. Any amount would have been all right with
her. She had already imagined all the awful things that could have happened had
he not stopped. Joe never thought twice about the money. This was not a job to
him. This was helping someone in need, and God knows there were plenty who had
given him a hand in the past. He had lived his whole life that way, and it never
occurred to him to act any other way. He told her that if she really wanted to
pay him back, the next time she saw someone who needed help, she could give that
person the assistance that they needed, and Joe added "...and think of me".
He waited until she started her car and drove off. It had been a cold and
depressing day, but he felt good as he headed for home, disappearing into the
twilight. A few miles down the road the lady saw a small cafe. She went in to
grab a bite to eat, and take the chill off before she made the last leg of her
trip home. It was a dingy looking restaurant. Outside were two old gas pumps.
The whole scene was unfamiliar to her. The cash register was like the telephone
of an out of work actor, it didn't ring much.
Her waitress came over and brought a clean towel to wipe her wet hair. She had a
sweet smile, one that even being on her feet for the whole day couldn't erase.
The lady noticed that the waitress was nearly eight months pregnant, but she
never let the strain and aches change her attitude. The old lady wondered how
someone who had so little could be so giving to a stranger. Then she remembered
Joe.
After the lady finished her meal, and the waitress went to get her change from a
hundred dollar bill, the lady slipped right out the door. She was gone by the
time the waitress came back. She wondered where the lady could be, then she
noticed something written on a napkin. There were tears in her eyes, when she
read what the lady wrote. It said, "You don't owe me a thing, I've been there
too. Someone once helped me out, the way I'm helping you. If you really want to
pay me back, here's what you do. Don't let the chain of love end with you."
Well, there were tables to clear, sugar bowls to fill, and people to serve, but
the waitress made it through another day. That night when she got home from work
and climbed into bed, she was thinking about the money and what the lady had
written. How could she have known how much she and her husband needed it? With
the baby due next month, it was going to be hard. She knew how worried her
husband was, and as he lay sleeping next to her, she gave him a soft kiss and
whispered soft and low, "Everything's going to be all right, I love you Joe."
Author Unknown
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The Miracle
of a Brother's Song
Like any good mother, when Karen found out that another baby was on the way, she
did what she could to help her 3 year old son, Michael, prepare for a new
sibling. They found out that the new baby was going to be a girl, and day after
day, night after night, Michael sang to his little sister in Mommy's tummy. He
was building a bond of love with his little sister before he even met her.
The pregnancy progressed normally for Karen, an active member of the Panther
Creek United Methodist Church in Morristown, Tennessee. In time, the labor pains
came. Soon it was every five minutes, every three, every minute. But serious
complications arose during delivery and Karen found herself in hours of labor.
Would a C-section be required?
Finally, after a struggle, Michael's little sister was born. But she was in very
serious condition. With a siren howling in the night, the ambulance rushed the
infant to the neonatal intensive care unit at St. Mary's Hospital, Knoxville,
Tennessee. The days inched by. The little girl got worse. The pediatric
specialist regretfully had to tell the parents, "There is very little hope. Be
prepared for the worst."
Karen and her husband contacted a local cemetery about a burial plot. They had
fixed up a special room in their home for the new baby but now they found
themselves having to plan for a funeral. Michael, however, kept begging his
parents to let him see his sister. "I want to sing to her," he kept saying.
Week two in intensive care looked as if a funeral would come before the week was
over. Michael kept nagging about singing to his sister, but kids are never
allowed in the Intensive Care. Karen made up her mind, though. She would take
Michael whether they liked it or not! If he didn't see his sister right then, he
may never see her alive. She dressed him in an oversized scrub suit and marched
him into ICU. He looked like a walking laundry basket, but the head nurse
recognized him as a child and bellowed "Get that kid out of here now! NO
children are allowed!" The mother rose up strong in Karen, and the usually
mild-mannered lady glared steel-eyed right into the head nurse's face, her lips
a firm line. "He is not leaving until he sings to his sister!"
Karen towed Michael to his sister's bedside. He gazed at the tiny infant losing
the battle to live. After a moment, he began to sing. In the pure hearted voice
of a 3-year-old Michael sang:
"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy when skies are gray."
Instantly the baby girl seemed to respond. Her pulse rate began to calm down and
become steady. "Keep on singing, Michael," encouraged Karen with tears in her
eyes.
"You never know, dear, how much I love you. Please don't take my sunshine away."
As Michael sang to his sister, the baby's ragged, strained breathing became as
smooth as a kitten's purr. "Keep on singing, sweetheart!!"
"The other night, dear, as I lay sleeping, I dreamed I held you in my arms..."
Michael's little sister began to relax as rest, healing rest, seemed to sweep
over her.
"Keep on singing, Michael." Tears had now conquered the face of the bossy head
nurse. Karen glowed.
"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. Please don't take my sunshine away...."
The next, day...the very next day...the little girl was well enough to go home!
"Women's Day Magazine" called it "The Miracle of a Brother's Song. "The medical
staff just called it a miracle. Karen called it a miracle of God's love! Never
give up on the people you love.
Author Unknown
Twinkies and Root
Beer
There once was a little boy who wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip
to where God lived, so he packed his suitcase with Twinkies and a six-pack of
root beer, and he started on his journey. When he had gone about three blocks,
he met an old woman. She was sitting in the park, staring at some pigeons.
The boy sat down next to her and then he noticed that the old lady looked
hungry, so he offered her a Twinkie. She gratefully accepted it and smiled at
him. Her smile was so pretty that the boy wanted to see it again, so he offered
her a root beer. Once again, she smiled at him. The boy was delighted.
They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling, yet they never said a word.
As it grew dark, the boy realized how tired he was and he got up to leave.
Before he had gone more than a few steps, he turned around, ran back to the old
woman and gave her a hug. She gave him her biggest smile ever.
When the boy opened the door to his own home a short time later, his mother was
surprised by the look of joy on his face. She asked him, "What did you do today
that made you so happy?"
He replied, "I had lunch with God." But before his mother could respond, he
added, "You know what? She's got the most beautiful smile I've ever seen!"
Meanwhile, the old woman, also radiant with joy, returned to her home. Her
neighbor was stunned by the look of peace on her face, and she asked, "What did
you do today that made you so happy?" She replied, "I ate Twinkies in the park
with God." But before her neighbor responded, she added, "You know, He's much
younger than I expected."
Will someone see God in your smile or kind deeds? Maybe they're not even looking
for God, but see Him in the kindness you show. Isn't that what we're here for?
It might be a stranger, someone you work with, a family member or friend. Let
them see God in you. Show His love in all you do today.
"Blessed are those who can give without remembering and take without forgetting"
Author Unknown
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The
Important Things in Life
Sometimes people come into your life and you know right away that
they were meant to be there, to serve some sort of purpose, teach you a lesson,
or to help you figure out who you are or who you want to become.
You never know who these people may be - a roommate, a neighbor, a professor, a
friend, a lover, or even a complete stranger - but when you lock eyes with them,
you know at that very moment they will affect your life in some profound way.
Sometimes things happen to you that may seem horrible, painful, and unfair at
first, but in reflection you find that without overcoming those obstacles you
would have never realized your potential, strength, willpower, or heart.
Illness, injury, love, lost moments of true greatness, and sheer stupidity all
occur to test the limits of your soul. Without these small tests, whatever they
may be, life would be like a smoothly paved straight flat road to nowhere. It
would be safe and comfortable, but dull and utterly pointless.
The people you meet who affect your life, and the success and downfalls you
experience, help to create who you are and who you become. Even the bad
experiences can be learned from. In fact, they are sometimes the most important
ones.
If someone loves you, give love back to them in whatever way you can, not only
because they love you, but because in a way, they are teaching you to love and
how to open your heart and eyes to things.
If someone hurts you, betrays you, or breaks your heart, forgive them, for they
have helped you learn about trust and the importance of being cautious to whom
you open your heart.
Make every day count. Appreciate every moment and take from those moments
everything that you possibly can for you may never be able to experience it
again. Talk to people that you have never talked to before, and listen to what
they have to say.
Let yourself fall in love, break free, and set your sights high. Hold your head
up because you have every right to. Tell yourself you are a great individual and
believe in yourself, for if you don't believe in yourself, it will be hard for
others to believe in you.
You can make anything you wish of your life. Create your own life and then go
out and live it with absolutely no regrets.
And if you love someone tell them, for you never know what tomorrow may have in
store.
Author Unknown
The Value of One
It was early morning. On the beach
was an elderly man. He walked with a cane, carefully surveying the beach that
the receding tide had left exposed. Every now and then he bent to pick something
up and toss it into the ocean. I watch with fascination as he carefully scanned
the beach before him. It was then that I realized he was looking for starfish.
Every time he saw one lying helpless in the sand, unable to get back to the
ocean on his own, he would lovingly pick it up and toss it gently back into the
sea. Curious as to why he was doing this, I approached him. He told me, "The
starfish are left behind after the tide goes out. If they don't get back into
the ocean they will dry up and die beneath the hot summer sun."
"But there are endless miles of beach and there must be millions of starfish," I
said. "Surely you don't think you can save them all. What difference can your
efforts possibly make?" Slowly the old man bent over and picked up another
starfish. As he tossed it into ocean he looked at me and said, "It makes a
difference to that one."
Anonymous
The Promise
There was once a man who lived a pretty normal life. He never thought he was
a bad person, but he wouldn't let anyone run over him either. Then one day God
touched his heart and the man accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. The
man was so overjoyed with his new feeling that he promised the Lord that he
would tell everyone he met about Jesus and lead at least 100 people to this
great thing he had found.
But the man soon found that leading people to Christ was not an easy thing to
do. Most of his friends thought he was crazy and soon distanced themselves from
him. The man almost gave up several times, but he would still tell anyone he
could about the Good News and how it had changed his life and filled him with
such peace and happiness.
Then the man died.
The man found himself in a room. All the things that he had done and said in his
lifetime, all the bad things he had done, all the bad thoughts he had had all
came back to him and was flashed before him in a moment of time.
Then he saw a vision of himself, the time he got saved, he saw himself there on
his knees promising God that he would spread the Gospel to at least 100 people.
The man fell to his knees and wept.
Then Jesus stood before the man and told him, "Arise my child, and tell me why
you weep?" The man answered, "Lord, I have committed all these terrible things
in my life, and I have even lied to you." The Lord looked puzzled and asked the
man, "How have you lied to Me?"
"I promised you that I would lead 100 people to you Lord, and even though I
tried with all my might, I did not lead one single person to you. I broke my
promise to you and lied to you." Then Jesus smiled at the man and wiped the
tears from his eyes, "My child, you did not break your promise to Me."
The man said, "But Lord, I did not lead one single person to you!" Jesus
answered, "My child, do you remember the time in the restaurant when you sat
down to eat, and you prayed, thanking The Father for your food? Well, there was
a lady sitting in that same restaurant. The lady was sick with sin, and even
though I had tried to reach her several times, she ignored Me.
She was thinking of going home and taking her life, and she was planning to take
her children's lives too. But this lady saw you pray, and it broke her heart. A
door opened in that lady's heart, and she allowed Me to come in.
The lady went home, and instead of ending her life, she accepted Me and asked Me
to take control of her life. This woman found her faith, and she showed it to
every one she knew, including her children, and when they became ready, they
asked Me to take control of their lives. One of the children grew up to become a
powerful evangelist and led many to Me. So My child, be of good cheer. You kept
your promise. Your small but consistent acts of faith led not 100, but 100,000
to Me."
The man was overjoyed, but still he felt guilt. "My Lord," he said, "What about
all those other bad things I have done?" Jesus then smiled and said, "Don't
worry about those, I paid the price for you. You see, we both kept the promises
we made."
Author Unknown
A Living Bible
His name is Bill. He has wild hair, wears a T-shirt with holes in it, jeans, and
no shoes. This was literally his wardrobe for his entire four years of college.
He is brilliant. Kind of esoteric and very, very bright.
He became a Christian while attending college.
Across the street from the campus is a well-dressed, very conservative church.
They want to develop a ministry to the students, but are not sure how to go
about it. One day Bill decides to go there. He walks in with no shoes, jeans,
his T-shirt, and wild hair. The service has already started and so Bill starts
down the aisle looking for a seat. The church is completely packed and he can't
find a seat. By now people are really looking a bit uncomfortable, but no one
says anything. Bill gets closer and closer and closer to the pulpit and, when he
realizes there are no seats, he just squats down right on the carpet. (Although
perfectly acceptable behavior at a college fellowship, trust me, this had never
happened before in this church).
By now the people are really uptight, and the tension in the air is thick.
About this time, the minister realizes that from way at the back of the church,
a deacon is slowly making his way toward Bill. Now the deacon is in his
eighties, has silver-gray hair, and a three-piece suit. A godly man, very
elegant, very dignified, very courtly. He walks with a cane and, as he starts
walking toward this boy, everyone is saying to them-selves that you can't blame
him for what he's going to do. How can you expect a man of his age and of his
background to understand some college kid on the floor? It takes a long time for
the man to reach the boy. The church is utterly silent except for the clicking
of the man's cane. All eyes are focused on him. You can't even hear anyone
breathing.
The minister can't even preach the sermon until the deacon does what he has to
do. And now they see this elderly man drop his cane on the floor. With great
difficulty he lowers himself and sits down next to Bill and worships with him so
he won't be alone.
Everyone chokes up with emotion. When the minister gains control, he says, "What
I'm about to preach, you will never remember. What you have just seen, you will
never forget. Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some people
will ever read."
Author Unknown
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Don't Give Them Vinegar!
The preacher placed two identical jars on the table next
to the pulpit.
He quoted 1 Samuel 16:7 'The Lord does not look at the
things man looks at. Man looks at the outward
appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
"These jars came from the same factory, were made of the
same materials, and can hold the same amount. But they
are different," he explained. Then he upset one and it
oozed out honey. He turned over the other, and vinegar
spilled out.
"When a jar is upset, whatever is in it comes out. Until
the jars were upset, they looked alike. The difference
was within, and could not be seen. When they were upset,
their contents were revealed. Until we are upset we put
on a good front. But when we are upset, we reveal our
innermost thoughts and attitudes, for 'out of the
abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.'" (Luke 6:45)
What if someone tipped you over today??
What would flow out??
Would you reveal the "honey" of grace and patience, or
the "vinegar" of anger and sarcasm?
"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers
over a multitude of sins." (1Peter 4:8)
Have a terrific day knowing that the one who upsets you
may be just looking for some honey - Don't give them
vinegar!
Author Unknown
The Greatest Is LOVE
I can read bedtime stories till the cow jumps over the
moon and sing "Ten Little Monkeys" until I want to call
the doctor--but if I don't have love, I'm as annoying as
a ringing phone.
I can chase a naked toddler through the house while
cooking dinner and listening to voice mail, I can fix
the best cookies and Kool-Aid in the neighborhood, and I
can tell a sick child's temperature with one touch of my
finger, but if I don't have love, I am nothing.
Love is patient while watching and praying by the front
window when it's 30 minutes past curfew. Love is kind
when my teen says, "I hate you!" It does not envy the
neighbors' swimming pool or their brand-new mini van,
but trusts the Lord to provide every need. Love does not
brag when other parents share their disappointments and
insecurities, and love rejoices when other families
succeed. It doesn't boast, even when I've multi-tasked
all day long and my husband can't do more than one thing
at a time.
Love is not rude when my spouse innocently asks, "What
have you done today?"
It does not immediately seek after glory when we see
talent in our children, but encourages them to get
training and make wise choices.
It is not easily angered, even when my 15-year-old acts
like the world revolves around her.
It does not delight in evil (is not self-righteous) when
I remind my 17-year-old that he's going 83 in a 55-mph
zone, but rejoices in the truth.
Love does not give up hope. It always protects our
children's self-esteem and spirit, even while doling out
discipline.
It always trusts God to protect our children when we
cannot. It always perseveres, through blue nail polish,
burps and other bodily functions, rolled eyes and
crossed arms, messy rooms and sleep overs.
Love never fails. But where there are memories of
thousands of diaper changes and painful labor(s), they
will fade away. Where there is talking back, it will
(eventually) cease.....Please, Lord?
Where there is a teenager who thinks she knows
everything, there will one day be an adult who knows you
did your best.
For we know we fail our children, and we pray they don't
end up in therapy, but when we get to heaven, our
imperfect parenting will disappear. (Thank you, God!)
When we were children, we needed a parent to love and
protect us. Now that we're parents ourselves, we have a
heavenly Father who adores, shelters us and holds us
when we need to cry.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But
the greatest of these is love.
Author Unknown
Do Unto Others
One stormy night many years ago, an elderly man and his
wife entered the lobby of a small hotel in Philadelphia.
Trying to get out of the rain, the couple approached the
front desk hoping to get some shelter for the night.
"Could you possibly give us a room here?" the husband
asked. The clerk, a friendly man with a winning smile,
looked at the couple and explained that there were three
conventions in town.
"All of our rooms are taken," the clerk said. "But I
can't send a nice couple like you out into the rain at
one o'clock in the morning. Would you perhaps be willing
to sleep in my room? It's not exactly a suite, but it
will be good enough to make you folks comfortable for
the night."
When the couple declined, the young man pressed on.
"Don't worry about me; I'll make out just fine," the
clerk told them. So the couple agreed.
As he paid his bill the next morning, the elderly man
said to the clerk, "You are the kind of manager who
should be the boss of the best hotel in the United
States. Maybe someday I'll build one for you."
The clerk looked at them and smiled. The three of them
had a good laugh.
As they drove away, the elderly couple agreed that the
helpful clerk was indeed exceptional, as finding people
who are both friendly and helpful isn't easy.
Two years passed. The clerk had almost forgotten the
incident when he received a letter from the old man.
It recalled that stormy night and enclosed a round-trip
ticket to New York, asking the young man to pay them a
visit.
The old man met him in New York, and led him to the
corner of Fifth Avenue and 34th Street. He then pointed
to a great new building there, a palace of reddish
stone, with turrets and watchtowers thrusting up to the
sky.
"That," said the older man, "is the hotel I have just
built for you to manage."
"You must be joking," the young man said.
"I can assure you I am not," said the older man, a sly
smile playing around his mouth.
The older man's name was William Waldorf Astor, and the
magnificent structure was the original Waldorf-Astoria
Hotel.
The young clerk who became its first manager was George
C. Boldt. This young clerk never foresaw the turn of
events that would lead him to become the manager of one
of the world's most glamorous hotels.
The Bible says that we are not to turn our backs on
those who are in need, for we might be entertaining
angels.
Life is more accurately measured by the lives you touch
than the things you acquire...
God Bless You & Yours.
Author Unknown
A Baby's Hug
We were the only family with children in the restaurant. I sat Erik in a high
chair and noticed everyone was quietly eating and talking.
Suddenly, Erik squealed with glee and said, "Hi there." He pounded his fat baby
hands on the high chair tray. His eyes were crinkled in
laughter and his mouth was bared in a toothless grin, as he wriggled and giggled
with merriment.
I looked around and saw the source of his merriment. It was a man whose pants
were baggy with a zipper at half-mast and his toes poked
out of his would-be shoes. His shirt was dirty and his hair was uncombed and
unwashed. His whiskers were too short to be called a
beard and his nose was so varicose it looked like a road map. We were too far
from him to smell, but I was sure he smelled. His hands
waved and flapped on loose wrists.
"Hi there, baby; Hi there, big boy. I see ya, buster," the man said to Erik. My
husband and I exchanged looks, "What do we do?" Erik continued to laugh and
answer, "Hi, hi there."
Everyone in the restaurant noticed and looked at us and then at the man. The old
geezer was creating a nuisance with my beautiful baby. Our meal came and the man
began shouting from across the room, "Do ya patty cake? Do you know peek-a-boo?
Hey, look, he knows peek-a-boo."
Nobody thought the old man was cute. He was obviously drunk. My husband and I
were embarrassed. We ate in silence; all except for Erik, who was running
through his repertoire for the admiring skid row bum, who in turn, reciprocated
with his cute comments.
We finally got through the meal and headed for the door. My husband went to pay
the check and told me to meet him in the parking lot. The old man sat poised
between me and the door. "Lord, just let me out of here before he speaks to me
or Erik," I prayed.
As I drew closer to the man, I turned my back trying to sidestep him and avoid
any air he might be breathing. As I did, Erik leaned over my arm, reaching with
both arms in a baby's "pick-me-up" position.
Before I could stop him, Erik had propelled himself from my arms to the man's.
Suddenly a very old smelly man and a very young baby consummated their love
relationship. Erik in an act of total trust, love, and submission laid his tiny
head upon the man's ragged shoulder. The man's eyes closed, and I saw tears
hover beneath his lashes. His aged hands full of grime, pain, and hard labor,
cradled my baby's bottom and stroked his back. No two beings have ever loved so
deeply for so short a time. I stood awestruck.
The old man rocked and cradled Erik in his arms and his eyes opened and set
squarely on mine.
He said in a firm commanding voice, "You take care of this baby."
Somehow I managed, "I will," from a throat that contained a stone. He pried Erik
from his chest unwillingly, longingly, as though he were in pain. I received my
baby, and the man said, "God bless you, ma'am, you've given me my Christmas
gift." I said nothing more than a muttered thanks. With Erik in my arms, I ran
for the car. My husband was wondering why I was crying and holding Erik so
tightly, and why I was saying, "My God, my God, forgive me."
I had just witnessed Christ's love shown through the innocence of a tiny child
who saw no sin, who made no judgment; a child who saw a soul, and a mother who
saw a suit of clothes. I was a Christian who was blind, holding a child who was
not. I felt it was God asking, "Are you willing to share your son for a moment?"
when He shared His for all eternity. The ragged old man, unwittingly, had
reminded me, "To enter the Kingdom of God, we must become as little children."
Author Unknown
Finders,
Keepers...or Givers?
A wise woman who was traveling in the mountains found a precious stone in a
stream. The next day she met another traveler who was hungry, and the wise woman
opened her bag to share her food. The hungry traveler saw the precious stone and
asked the woman to give it to him.
She did so without hesitation.
The traveler left, rejoicing in his good fortune. He knew the stone was worth
enough to give him security for a lifetime. But a few days later he
came back to return the stone to the wise woman. "I've been thinking," he said,
"I know how valuable the stone is, but I give it back in the hope that you can
give me something even more precious:
Give me what you have within you that enabled you to give me the stone."
Author Unknown
Your Actions May Change A LifeAuthor Unknown
Installing Love
Customer Service Rep: Can you install LOVE?
Customer: I think I can do that. I'm not very technical,
but I think I am ready to install now. What do I do
first?
CS Rep: The first step is to open your HEART. Have you
located your HEART ma'am?
Customer: Yes I have, but there are several programs
running right now. Is it okay to install while they are
running?
CS Rep: What programs are running ma'am?
Customer: Let me see....I have PASTHURT.EXE,
LOWESTEEM.EXE, GRUDGE.EXE, and RESENTMENT.COM running
right now.
CS Rep: No problem. LOVE will automatically erase
PASTHURT.EXE from your current operating system. It may
remain in your permanent memory, but it will no longer
disrupt other programs. LOVE will eventually overwrite
LOWESTEEM.EXE with a module of its own called
HIGHESTEEM.EXE. However, you have to completely turn off
GRUDGE.EXE and RESENTMENT.COM. Those programs prevent
LOVE from being properly installed. Can you turn those
off ma'am?
Customer: I don't know how to turn them off. Can you
tell me how?
CS Rep: My pleasure. Go to your Start menu and invoke
FORGIVENESS.EXE. Do this as many times as necessary
until GRUDGE.EXE and RESENTMENT.COM have been completely
erased.
Customer: Okay, I'm done. LOVE has started installing
itself automatically. Is that normal?
CS Rep: Yes it is. You should receive a message that
says it will reinstall for the life of your HEART. Do
you see that message?
Customer: Yes I do. Is it completely installed?
CS Rep: Yes, but remember that you have only the base
program. You need to begin connecting to other HEARTS in
order to get the upgrades.
Customer: Oops... I have an error message already. What
should I do?
CS Rep: What does the message say?
Customer: It says "ERROR 412 - PROGRAM NOT RUN ON
INTERNAL COMPONENTS". What does that mean?
CS Rep: Don't worry ma'am, that's a common problem. It
means that the LOVE program is set up to run on external
HEARTS but has not yet been run on your HEART. It is one
of those complicated programming things, but In
non-technical terms it means you have to "LOVE" your own
machine before it can "LOVE" others.
Customer: So what should I do?
CS Rep: Can you find the directory called
"SELF-ACCEPTANCE"?
Customer: Yes, I have it.
CS Rep: Excellent, you are getting good at this.
Customer: Thank you.
CS Rep: You're welcome. Click on the following files and
then copy them to the "MYHEART" directory:
FORGIVESELF.DOC, SELFESTEEM.TXT, REALIZEWORTH.TXT, and
GOODNESS.DOC. The system will overwrite any conflicting
files and begin patching any faulty programming. Also,
you need to delete SELFCRITIC.EXE from all directories,
and then empty your recycle bin afterwards to make sure
it is completely gone and never comes back.
Customer: Got it. Hey! My HEART is filling up with
really neat files. SMILE.MPG is playing on my monitor
right now and it shows that WARMTH.COM, PEACE.EXE, and
CONTENTMENT.COM are copying themselves all over my
HEART!
CS Rep: Then LOVE is installed and running. You should
be able to handle it from here. One more thing before I
go....
Customer: Yes?
CS Rep: LOVE is freeware. Be sure to give it and its
various modules to everybody you meet. They will in turn
share it with other people and they will return some
really neat modules back to you.
Customer: I will share LOVE. Thank you for your help.
Author Unknown
Nudge The Balance
A 91-year-old woman died after living a very long dignified life. When she met
God, she asked Him something that had really bothered her for a very long time.
"If Man was created in God's image, and if all men are created equal, why do
people treat each other so badly?"
God replied that each person who enters our life has a unique lesson to teach
us. It is only through these lessons that we learn about life, people and our
relationships with God. This confused the woman, so God began to explain:
"When someone lies to you, it teaches you that things are not always what they
seem. The truth is often far beneath the surface. Look beyond the masks people
wear if you want to know what is in their hearts. Remove your own masks to let
people know who you really are.
When someone steals from you it teaches you that nothing is forever. Always
appreciate what you have. You never know when you might lose it. Never take your
friends or family for granted, because today and sometimes only this very moment
is the only guarantee you may have.
When someone inflicts injury upon you, it teaches you that the human state is a
very fragile one. Protect and take care of your body as best as you can, it's
the one thing that you are sure to have forever.
When someone mocks you, it teaches you that no two people are alike. When you
encounter people who are different from you, do not judge them by how they look
or act, instead base it on the contents of what is in their hearts.
When someone breaks your heart, it teaches you that loving someone does not
always mean that the person will love you back. But don't turn your back on
love, because when you find the right person, the joy that one person brings you
will make up for all of your past hurts. Times a thousand fold.
When someone holds a grudge against you, it teaches you that everyone makes
mistakes. When you are wronged, the most virtuous thing you can do is forgive
the offender without pretense. Forgiving those who have hurt us is often the
most difficult and painful of life's experiences, but it is also the most
courageous thing a person can do.
When a loved one is unfaithful to you, it teaches you that resisting temptation
is Man's greatest challenge. Be vigilant in your resistance against all
temptations. By doing so, you will be rewarded with an enduring sense of
satisfaction far greater than the temporary pleasure by which you were tempted.
When someone cheats you, it teaches you that greed is the root of all evil.
Aspire to make your dreams come true, no matter how lofty they may be. Do not
feel guilty about your success, but never let an obsession with achieving your
goals lead you to engage in malevolent activities.
When someone ridicules you, it teaches you that nobody is perfect. Accept people
for their merits and be tolerant of their flaws. Do not ever reject someone for
imperfections over which they have no control."
Upon hearing the Lord's wisdom, the old woman became concerned that there are no
lessons to be learned from man's good deeds. God replied that Man's capacity to
love is the greatest gift He has. At the root of kindness and love, and each act
of love also teaches us a lesson. The woman's curiosity deepened. God, once
again began to explain:
"When someone loves us, it teaches us love, kindness, charity, honesty,
humility, forgiveness, acceptance, and all of these can counteract all the evil
in the world. For every good deed, there is one evil deed. Man alone has the
power to control the balance between good and evil, but because the lessons of
love are not taught often enough, the power is too often abused.
When you enter someone's life, whether by plan, chance or coincidence, consider
what your lesson will be. Will you teach love or a harsh lesson of reality? When
you die, will your life have resulted in more loving or more hurting? More
comfort or more pain? More joy or more sadness? Each one of us has the power
over the balance of the love in the world. Use it wisely!"
Don't miss an opportunity to nudge the world's scale in the right direction!
Author Unknown
Back To Top
Author Unknown
Why Not For Man? Author Unknown
Back To Top
Eight Gifts
Below are eight gifts that don't cost a cent to give.
1) THE GIFT OF LISTENING...
But you must REALLY listen.
No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response.
Just listening.
2) THE GIFT OF AFFECTION...
Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and
handholds.
Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family
and friends.
3) THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER...
Funny pictures. Share articles, funny stories and funny
greetings. Your gift will say, "I love to laugh with you."
4) THE GIFT OF A WRITTEN NOTE...
It can be a simple "Thanks for the help" note or a full sonnet.
A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime, and
may even change a life.
5) THE GIFT OF A COMPLIMENT...
A simple and sincere, "You look great in red," "You did a super
job" or "That was a wonderful meal" can make someone's day.
6) THE GIFT OF A FAVOR...
Every day, go out of your way to do something kind.
Helping elderly cross the road can be nice.
7) THE GIFT OF SOLITUDE...
There are times when we want nothing better than to be left
alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of
solitude to others.
8) THE GIFT OF A CHEERFUL DISPOSITION...
The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to
someone, really it's not that hard to say, Hello or Thank You.
Author Unknown
The Good Samaritan
Tim Hansel tells of a seminary professor who set up his preaching class in an
unusual way. He scheduled his students to preach on The Good Samaritan. One by
one they were to go from classroom to classroom, preaching love and compassion
for others. Some students had 10 minutes between classes, but others had less
time, which forced them to rush in order to meet the schedule. Each of the
students had to walk down a certain corridor and pass by a "beggar" who had been
deliberately "planted" there by the professor.
What happened was a powerful lesson! The number of would-be-preachers who
stopped to help this man was extremely low, especially those who were under the
pressure of time! Rushing to preach their sermon on The Good Samaritan, they all
walked right past the beggar at the heart of the parable!
Today I read again these words: "I was hungry and you formed a humanities club
to discuss it. I was imprisoned, but you just complained about the crime rate. I
was naked, and you debated the morality of my appearance. I was sick and you
thanked God for your health. I was homeless and you preached to me about the
shelter of God's love. You seem so holy and so close to God; but I'm still
hungry, lonely, cold and in pain. Does it matter?"
Author Unknown
The Vessel
The Master was searching for a vessel to use; On the shelf there were many -
which one would He choose? "Take me", cried the gold one, "I'm shiny and bright,
I'm of great value and I do things just right. My beauty and luster will
outshine the rest And for someone like You, Master, gold would be the best!"
The Master passed on with no word at all; He looked at a silver urn, narrow and
tall; "I'll serve You, dear Master, I'll pour out Your wine And I'll be at Your
table whenever You dine, My lines are so graceful, my carvings so true, And my
silver will always compliment You."
Unheeding the Master passed on to the brass, It was wide mouthed and shallow,
and polished like glass. "Here! Here!" cried the vessel, "I know I will do,
Place me on Your table for all men to view."
"Look at me", called the goblet of crystal so clear, "My transparency shows my
contents so dear, Though fragile am I, I will serve You with pride, And I'm sure
I'll be happy in Your house to abide."
The Master came next to a vessel of wood, Polished and carved, it solidly stood.
"You may use me, dear Master", the wooden bowl said, "But I'd rather You used me
for fruit, not for Bread!"
Then the Master looked down and saw a vessel of clay. Empty and broken it
helplessly lay. No hope had the vessel that the Master might choose, To cleanse
and make whole, to fill and to use.
"Ah! This is the vessel I've been hoping to find, I will mend and use it and
make it all Mine." "I need not the vessel with pride of its self; Nor the one
who is narrow to sit on the shelf; Nor the one who is big mouthed and shallow
and loud; Nor one who displays his contents so proud; Not the one who thinks he
can do all things just right; But this plain earthy vessel filled with My power
and might."
Then gently He lifted the vessel of clay. Mended and cleansed it and filled it
that day. Spoke to it kindly. "There's work you must do, Just pour out to others
as I pour into you."
Author Unknown
Perfection
Brooklyn, New York: Chush is a school that caters to learning-disabled children.
Some children remain in Chush for their entire school career, while others can
be mainstreamed into conventional schools.
At a Chush fundraising dinner, the father of a Chush child delivered a speech
that would never be forgotten by all who attended.
After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he cried out, "Where is the
perfection in my son Shaya?
Everything God does is done with perfection. But my child cannot understand
things as other children do. My child cannot remember facts and figures as other
children do. Where is God's perfection?"
The audience was shocked by the question, pained by the father's anguish and
stilled by the piercing query. "I believe," the father answered, "that when God
brings a child like this into the world, the perfection that He seeks is in the
way people react to this child."
He then told the following story about his son Shaya:
One afternoon Shaya and his father walked past a park where some boys Shaya knew
were playing baseball. Shaya asked, "Do you think they will let me play?"
Shaya's father knew that his son was not at all athletic and that most boys
would not want him on their team. But Shaya's father understood that if his son
was chosen to play it would give him a comfortable sense of belonging.
Shaya's father approached one of the boys in the field and asked if Shaya could
play. The boy looked around for guidance from his teammates. Getting none, he
took matters into his own hands and said, "We are losing by six runs and the
game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put
him up to bat in the ninth inning."
Shaya's father was ecstatic as Shaya smiled broadly. Shaya was told to put on a
glove and go out to play short center field.
In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shaya's team scored a few runs but was still
behind by three. In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shaya's team scored again
and now with two outs and the bases loaded with the potential winning run on
base, Shaya was scheduled to be up. Would the team actually let Shaya bat at
this juncture and give away their chance to win the game?
Surprisingly, Shaya was given the bat. Everyone knew that it was all but
impossible because Shaya didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, let
alone hit with it. However, as Shaya stepped up to the plate, the pitcher moved
a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shaya should at least be able to make
contact.
The first pitch came in and Shaya swung clumsily and missed. One of Shaya's
teammates came up to Shaya and together they held the bat and faced the pitcher
waiting for the next pitch. The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss
the ball softly toward Shaya.
As the pitch came in, Shaya and his teammate swung the bat and together they hit
a slow ground ball to the pitcher. The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and
could easily have thrown the ball to the first baseman. Shaya would have been
out and that would have ended the game. Instead, the pitcher took the ball and
threw it on a high arc to right field, far beyond reach of the first baseman.
Everyone started yelling, "Shaya, run to first. Run to first!" Never in his life
had Shaya run to first. He scampered down the baseline wide eyed and startled.
By the time he reached first base, the right fielder had the ball. He could have
thrown the ball to the second baseman who would tag out Shaya, who was still
running. But the right fielder understood what the pitcher's intentions were, so
he threw the ball high and far over the third baseman's head.
Everyone yelled, "Run to second, run to second." Shaya ran towards second base
as the runners ahead of him deliriously circled the bases towards home.
As Shaya reached second base, the opposing short stop ran to him, turned him in
the direction of third base and shouted, "Run to third." As Shaya rounded third,
the boys from both teams ran behind him screaming, "Shaya run home!" Shaya ran
home, stepped on home plate and all 18 boys lifted him on their shoulders and
made him the hero, as he had just hit a "grand slam" and won the game for his
team.
"That day," said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, "those
18 boys reached their level of God's perfection."
Author Unknown
Kindness
One day a woman was walking down the street when she
spied a beggar sitting on the corner. The man was
elderly, unshaven, and ragged. As he sat there,
pedestrians walked by him giving him dirty looks They
clearly wanted nothing to do with him because of who he
was -- a dirty, homeless man. But when she saw him, the
woman was moved to compassion.
It was very cold that day and the man had his tattered
coat -- more like an old suit coat rather than a warm
coat -- wrapped around him. She stopped and looked down.
"Sir?" she asked. "Are you all right?"
The man slowly looked up. This was a woman clearly
accustomed to the finer things of life. Her coat was
new. She looked like that she had never missed a meal in
her life. His first thought was that she wanted to make
fun of him, like so many others had done before. "Leave
me alone," he growled.
To his amazement, the woman continued standing. She was
smiling -- her even white teeth displayed in dazzling
rows. "Are you hungry?" she asked.
"No," he answered sarcastically. "I've just come from
dining with the president. Now go away."
The woman's smile became even broader. Suddenly the man
felt a gentle hand under his arm. "What are you doing,
lady?" the man asked angrily. "I said to leave me
alone."
Just then a policeman came up. "Is there any problem,
ma'am?" he asked.
"No problem here, officer," the woman answered. "I'm
just trying to get this man to his feet. Will you help
me?"
The officer scratched his head. "That's old Jack. He's
been a fixture around here for a couple of years. What
do you want with him?"
"See that cafeteria over there?" she asked. "I'm going
to get him something to eat and get him out of the cold
for awhile."
"Are you crazy, lady?" the homeless man resisted. "I
don't want to go in there!" Then he felt strong hands
grab his other arm and lift him up. "Let me go, officer.
I didn't do anything."
"This is a good deal for you, Jack," the officer
answered. "Don't blow it."
Finally, and with some difficulty, the woman and the
police officer got Jack into the cafeteria and sat him
at a table in a remote corner. It was the middle of the
morning, so most of the breakfast crowd had already left
and the lunch bunch had not yet arrived. The manager
strode across the cafeteria and stood by the table.
"What's going on here, officer?" he asked. "What is all
this. Is this man in trouble?"
"This lady brought this man in here to be fed," the
policeman answered.
"Not in here!" the manager replied angrily. "Having a
person like that here is bad for business."
Old Jack smiled a toothless grin. "See, lady. I told you
so. Now if you'll let me go. I didn't want to come here
in the first place."
The woman turned to the cafeteria manager and smiled.
"Sir, are you familiar with Eddy and Associates, the
banking firm down the street?"
"Of course I am," the manager answered impatiently.
"They hold their weekly meetings in one of my banquet
rooms."
"And do you make a good profit from providing food at
the weekly meetings?"
"What business is that of yours?"
"I, sir, am Penelope Eddy, president and CEO of the
company."
"Oh."
The woman smiled again. "I thought that might make a
difference." She glanced at the cop who was busy
stifling a giggle. "Would you like to join us in a cup
of coffee and a meal, officer?"
"No thanks, ma'am," the officer replied. "I'm on duty."
"Then, perhaps, a cup of coffee to go?"
"Yes, ma'am. That would be very nice."
The cafeteria manager turned on his heel. "I'll get your
coffee for you right away, officer."
The officer watched him walk away. "You certainly put
him in his place," he said.
"That was not my intent. Believe it or not, I have a
reason for all this." She sat down at the table across
from her amazed dinner guest. She stared at him
intently. "Jack, do you remember me?"
Old Jack searched her face with his old, rheumy eyes "I
think so -- I mean you do look familiar."
"I'm a little older perhaps," she said. "Maybe I've even
filled out more than in my younger days when you worked
here, and I came through that very door, cold and
hungry."
"Ma'am?" the officer said questioningly. He couldn't
believe that such a magnificently turned out woman could
ever have been hungry.
"I was just out of college," the woman began. "I had
come to the city looking for a job, but I couldn't find
anything. Finally I was down to my last few cents and
had been kicked out of my apartment. I walked the
streets for days. It was February and I was cold and
nearly starving. I saw this place and walked in on the
off chance that I could get something to eat."
Jack lit up with a smile. "Now I remember," he said. "I
was behind the serving counter. You came up and asked me
if you could work for something to eat. I said that it
was against company policy."
"I know," the woman continued. "Then you made me the
biggest roast beef sandwich that I had ever seen, gave
me a cup of coffee, and told me to go over to a corner
table and enjoy it. I was afraid that you would get into
trouble. Then, when I looked over, I saw you put the
price of my food in the cash register. I knew then that
everything would be all right."
"So you started your own business?" Old Jack said.
"I got a job that very afternoon. I worked my way up.
Eventually I started my own business that, with the help
of God, prospered." She opened her purse and pulled out
a business card. "When you are finished her e, I want
you to pay a visit to a Mr. Lyons. He's the personnel
director of my company. I'll go talk to him now and I'm
certain he'll find something for you to do around the
office." She smiled. "I think he might even find the
funds to give you a little advance so that you can buy
some clothes and get a place to live until you get on
your feet And if you ever need anything, my door is
always opened to you."
There were tears in the old man's eyes. "How can I ever
thank you," he said.
"Don't thank me," the woman answered. "To God goes the
glory. Thank Jesus. He led me to you."
Outside the cafeteria, the officer and the woman paused
at the entrance before going their separate ways. "Thank
you for all your help, officer," she said.
"On the contrary, Ms. Eddy," he answered. "Thank you. I
saw a miracle today, something that I will never forget.
And... And thank you for the coffee."
She frowned. "I forgot to ask you whether you used cream
or sugar. That's black."
The officer looked at the steaming cup of coffee in his
hand. "Yes, I do take cream and sugar -- perhaps more
sugar than is good for me." He patted his ample stomach.
"I'm sorry," she said.
"I don't need it now," he replied smiling. "I've got the
feeling that this coffee you bought me is going to taste
as sweet as sugar."
Author Unknown
Blue Rose
Why do I always have to be the one that starts to do laundry and there's no
detergent? I guess it was time for me to do my 'Dollar Store' run, which
included light bulbs, paper towels, trash bags and Clorox. So off I go.
I scurried around the store, gathered up my goodies, and headed for the checkout
counter only to be blocked in the narrow aisle by a young man that appeared to
be about sixteen-years- old. I wasn't in a hurry, so I patiently waited for the
boy to realize that I was there..
This was when he waved his hands excitedly in the air and declared in a loud
voice, 'Mommy, I'm over here.' It was obvious now, he was mentally challenged,
and Also startled as he turned and saw me standing so Close to him, waiting to
squeeze by. His eyes Widened and surprise exploded on his face as I said, 'Hey
Buddy, what's your name?' 'My name is Denny and I'm shopping with my mother,' he
responded proudly. 'Wow,' I said, 'that's a cool name; I wish my name was Denny,
but my name is Hal.' 'Hal like Halloween?' he asked. 'Yes,' I answered. 'How old
are you Denny?
'How old am I now Mommy?' he asked his mother as she slowly came over from the
next aisle. 'You're fifteen-years-old Denny; now be a good boy and let the man
pass by.' I acknowledged her and continued to talk to Denny for several more
minutes about summer, bicycles and school. I watched his brown eyes dance with
excitement because he was the center of someone's attention.
He then abruptly turned and headed toward the toy section.
Denny's mom had a puzzled look on her face and thanked me for taking the time to
talk with her son.
She told me that most people wouldn't even look at him, much less talk to him...
I told her that it was my pleasure and then I said something I have no idea
where it came from, other than by the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
I told her that there are plenty of red, yellow and pink roses in God's garden,
however, 'Blue Roses' are very rare and should be appreciated for their beauty
and distinctiveness. You see, Denny is a 'Blue Rose' and if someone doesn't stop
and smell that rose with their heart and touch that rose with their kindness,
then they've missed a blessing from God.
She was silent for a second, then with a tear in her eye she asked, 'Who are
you?' Without thinking I said, 'Oh, I'm probably just a 'daffodil or maybe even
a dandelion,' but I sure love living in God's garden.
Author Unknown
The Value Of A Soul
"What is the value of a soul?" I asked the Lord one day. "What is its worth upon
the earth? How much does one soul weigh?" Then He showed me a set of scales, in
perfect balance. And, as I watched, he filled,one side, with wealth beyond
compare.
There was silver, gold and jewels, so beautiful and rare. The different
treasures of the world, he quietly placed them there. My heart began to tremble
as I watched His nail scarred hands, For on the other side of that great scale,
I saw one single man.
"Who is that man?" I asked Him, " that he should have such worth?" He surely
must be famous and the greatest man on earth. "Step closer, now, and take a
look," Jesus said to me. As I drew near, I recognized a man I'd often seen.
His clothes were old and ragged; in his hand he held a glass. He was our city's
poorest drunk, a man of lower class. "Lord, you don't know that man," I said.
"He's lived his life in vain. He'll bring disgrace into the church and reproach
upon your name."
"I'd like to know him," Jesus said, "but he does not know me. But if, you'll
help me reach him, then what a change you'll see. I'll take that wretched,
sinful life and cleanse it with my blood. And when he gives his heart to me,
I'll fill it with my love."
"His soul cannot be purchased with the wealth you've seen today. But I was sent
to die for him; my blood has paid the way. He's my lost sheep," the Savior said,
"And I love you both the same, But if you think he's worthless, then I surely
died in vain."
"So when you look upon someone whose life is wrecked by sin, If you'll just have
compassion, then you'll share your brother's pain. You must not look upon his
past or what he seems to be. But look beyond his many faults and know, I'll set
him free."
"Don't look at him as just a man and only see his shame, But see him as a
precious soul that I have died to save." "This earthly wealth," the Savior said,
"cannot draw men to me. But I paid a price upon the cross, to set this whole
world free.
Author Unknown
Little Annie
Many years ago a girl known as Little Annie lived in a mental institution
outside of Boston. Her room was like a dungeon. It received little light and
even less hope. According to doctors, it was the only place for those who were
hopelessly insane. During Little Annie's time in the dungeon, an elderly nurse
who was nearing retirement believed there was hope -- even for the "hopeless."
She would take her lunch down to the dungeon and eat outside the cell where
Little Annie was kept. She felt that she could, perhaps, communicate some love
and hope to the little girl.
In many ways Little Annie behaved like an animal. On occasion she would charge
at the person sitting outside her cell; other times, she would sit in the corner
ignoring her visitor. One day the elderly nurse brought some brownies and left
them for her. Little Annie gave no hint that she knew or even cared that they
were there, but when the nurse returned the next day, the brownies were gone.
Every Thursday, from that time forward, the elderly nurse would bring Little
Annie brownies.
Before long doctors in the institution noticed that Little Annie was changing.
After a period of time observing her, they decided to "promote" her to another
wing of the institution. Eventually this "hopeless" case was told that she could
return to her home in the "outside" world. Little Annie refused to go. She
wanted to stay and
help others who were facing the kind of adversity she once faced. Many years
later, it was Little Annie who cared for, taught and nurtured Helen Keller.
Little Annie was Anne Sullivan, and Helen Keller, as I'm sure you know, changed
how the world viewed the disabled and challenged. When Helen Keller was in a
soft spot, it was Anne Sullivan who handled her with care. When Anne Sullivan
was in a soft spot, it was an elderly nurse who handled her with care. The world
is a different place today for the physically and mentally challenged because of
an anonymous elderly nurse who handled with care someone in a soft spot.
Author Unknown
Burned Biscuits
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 burned 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
burned 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, a burned one will be fine!
Author Unknown
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