Chicken Soup

[HisDaughter]

A Trip to Guilt City

I had not really planned on taking a trip this time of year, and yet I found myself packing rather hurriedly. This trip was going to be unpleasant and I knew in advance that no real good would come of it. I'm talking about my annual "Guilt Trip."

I got tickets to fly there on Wish I Had airlines. It was an extremely short flight. I got my baggage, which I could not check. I chose to carry it myself all the way. It was weighted down with a thousand memories of what might have been.

No one greeted me as I entered the terminal to the Regret City International Airport. I say international because people from all over the world come to this dismal town.

As I checked into the Last Resort Hotel, I noticed that they would be hosting the year's most important event, the Annual Pity Party. I wasn't going to miss that great social occasion. Many of the towns leading citizens would be there.

First, there would be the Done family, you know, Should Have, Would Have and Could Have. Then came the I Had family. You probably know ol' Wish and his clan. Of course, the Opportunities would be present, Missed and Lost. The biggest family would be the Yesterdays. There are far too many of them to count, but each one would have a very sad story to share. Then Shattered Dreams would surely make an appearance. And It's Their Fault would regale us with stories (excuses) about how things had failed in his life, and each story would be loudly applauded by Don't Blame Me and I Couldn't Help It.

Well, to make a long story short, I went to this depressing party knowing that there would be no real benefit in doing so. And, as usual, I became very depressed. But as I thought about all of the stories of failures brought back from the past, it occurred to me that all of this trip and subsequent "pity party" could be canceled by ME!

I started to truly realize that I did not have to be there. I didn't have to be depressed. One thing kept going through my mind, I CAN'T CHANGE YESTERDAY, BUT I DO HAVE THE POWER TO MAKE TODAY A WONDERFUL DAY. I can be happy, joyous, fulfilled, encouraged, as well as encouraging.

Knowing this, I left the City of Regret immediately and left no forwarding address. Am I sorry for mistakes I've made in the past? YES! But there is no physical way to undo them. So, if you're planning a trip back to the City of Regret, please cancel all your reservations now.

Instead, take a trip to a place called Starting Again. I liked it so much that I have now taken up permanent residence there. My neighbors, the I Forgive Myselfs and the New Starts are so very helpful.

By the way, you don't have to carry around heavy baggage, because the load is lifted from your shoulders upon arrival. God bless you in finding this great town.

If you can find it -- it's in your own heart -- please look me up. I live on I Can Do It Street.

~ Author Unknown ~

[HisDaughter]

Beginning Today

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beginning today. And every day.


~ Source Unknown ~

[HisDaughter]

Blindly Go

The passengers on the bus watched sympathetically as the attractive young woman with the white cane made her way carefully up the steps. She paid the driver and, using her hands to feel the location of the seats, walked down the aisle and found the seat he'd told her was empty. Then she's settled in, placed her briefcase on her lap and rested her cane against her leg.

It had been a year since Susan, thirty-four, became blind. Due to a medical misdiagnosis she had been rendered sightless, and she was suddenly thrown into a world of darkness, anger, frustration and self-pity. Once a fiercely independent woman, Susan now felt condemned by this terrible twist of fate to become a powerless, helpless burden on everyone around her.

"How could this have happened to me?" she would plead, her heart knotted with anger. But no matter how much she cried or ranted or prayed, she knew the painful truth, her sight was never going to return. A cloud of depression hung over Susan's once optimistic spirit. Just getting through each day was an exercise in frustration and exhaustion. And all she had to cling to was her husband Mark.

Mark was an Air Force officer and he loved Susan with all of his heart. When she first lost her sight, he watched her sink into despair and was determined to help his wife gain the strength and confidence she needed to become independent again. Mark's military background had trained him well to deal with sensitive situations, and yet he knew this was the most difficult battle he would ever face.

Finally, Susan felt ready to return to her job, but how would she get there? She used to take the bus, but was now too frightened to get around the city by herself. Mark volunteered to drive her to work each day, even though they worked at opposite ends of the city. At first, this comforted Susan and fulfilled Mark's need to protect his sightless wife who was so insecure about performing the slightest task. Soon, however Mark realized that this arrangement wasn't working -- it was hectic, and costly. Susan is going to have to start taking the bus again, he admitted to himself. But just the thought of mentioning it to her made him cringe. She was still so fragile, so angry. How would she react?

Just as Mark predicted, Susan was horrified at the idea of taking the bus again. "I'm blind!" she responded bitterly. "How am I supposed to know where I'm going? I feel like you're abandoning me." Mark's heart broke to hear these words, but he knew what had to be done. He promised Susan that each morning and evening he would ride the bus with her, for as long as it took, until she got the hang of it.

And that is exactly what happened. For two solid weeks, Mark, military uniform and all, accompanied Susan to and from work each day. He taught her how to rely on her other senses, specifically her hearing, to determine where she was and how to adapt to her new environment. He helped her befriend the bus drivers who could watch out for her, and save her a seat. He made her laugh, even on those not-so-good days when she would trip exiting the bus, or drop her briefcase.

Each morning they made the journey together, and Mark would take a cab back to his office. Although this routine was even more costly and exhausting than the previous one, Mark knew it was only a matter of time before Susan would be able to ride the bus on her own. He believed in her, in the Susan he used to know before she'd lost her sight, who wasn't afraid of any challenge and who would never, ever quit.

Finally, Susan decided that she was ready to try the trip on her own. Monday morning arrived, and before she left, she threw her arms around Mark, her temporary bus riding companion, her husband, and her best friend. Her eyes filled with tears of gratitude for his loyalty, his patience, his love. She said good-bye, and for the first time, they went their separate ways. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday ... Each day on her own went perfectly, and Susan had never felt better. She was doing it! She was going to work all by herself!

On Friday morning, Susan took the bus to work as usual. As she was paying for her fare to exit the bus, the driver said, "Boy, I sure envy you."

Susan wasn't sure if the driver was speaking to her or not. After all, who on earth would ever envy a blind woman who had struggled just to find the courage to live for the past year? Curious, she asked the driver, "Why do you say that you envy me?"

The driver responded, "It must feel so good to be taken care of and protected like you are." Susan had no idea what the driver was talking about, and asked again, "What do you mean?" The driver answered, "You know, every morning for the past week, a fine looking gentleman in a military uniform has been standing across the corner watching you when you get off the bus. He makes sure you cross the street safely and he watches you until you enter your office building. Then he blows you a kiss, gives you a little salute and walks away. You are one lucky lady."

Tears of happiness poured down Susan's cheeks. For although she couldn't physically see him, she had always felt Mark's presence. She was blessed, so blessed, for he had given her a gift more powerful than sight, a gift she didn't need to see to believe -- the gift of love that can bring light where there had been darkness.

God watches over us in just the same way. We may not know He is present. We may not be able to see His face, but He is there nonetheless! Be blessed in this thought: "God Loves You - even when you are not looking."

Written By: Chaplain Jerry Vintinner

[HisDaughter]

On Aging

I  would never trade my amazing friends, my  wonderful life, my loving family for less gray  hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've  become kinder to myself, and less critical of  myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide  myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not  making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so  avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a  treat, to be messy, to be extravagant.

I  have seen too many dear friends leave this world  too soon; before they understood the great  freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on  the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon? I will dance with  myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60  &70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to  weep over a lost love ... I  will.

I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is  stretched over a bulging body, and will dive  into the waves with abandon if I choose to,  despite the pitying glances from the jet set.

They,  too, will get old.
I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is  just as well forgotten. And I eventually  remember the important  things.

Sure,  over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers,
or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But  broken hearts are what give us strength and  understanding and
compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being  imperfect.

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful  laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my  face.
So many have never laughed, and so many  have died before their
hair could turn silver.

As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore.
I've even earned the right to be wrong.

So, to answer your  question, I like being old. It has set me free.  I like the person I have become. I am not going  to live forever,
but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have  been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day (if I feel  like it). 

[HisDaughter]

Coming Clean

A man from New York City vacationed several times up in the State of Maine. He liked it it so well up there that he sold out in New York and bought a home in Maine to live there for the rest of his life. He liked the honest lifestyle and the clean air etc.

His neighbor he noticed raised rabbits for a living. The man had several dozen hutches full of rabbits.

One day shortly after the move to the new home the former New Yorker looked out his window in time to his dog carrying a rabbit in its mouth. Horrified, he ran out to save the rabbit, only to find it was too late. Mortified and embarrassed, he went to the neighbor with the dead bunny. The neighbor was very nice about the incident and told him not worry about it.

Sometime later the rabbit man needed to go on a visit to see his son in a distant state for two weeks. The New Yorker, hearing about this, thought he could redeem himself, and volunteered to clean and feed and water the rabbits for the man.

The two weeks went without incident until about an hour before the neighbor was to return home. The dog again was trotting across the yard with a rabbit in his mouth. The New Yorker ran out again to save the poor animal, but it was too late! The animal was dirty and beyond help.

This time, to save embarrassment, the New Yorker filled up his sink with hot water and put in some Woolite. The rabbit washed clean and the wife blow dried it with her electric blow dryer. The New Yorker quickly put the rabbit in a cage and went home.

About an hour later he got a phone call from the rabbit man asking if he saw any thing unusual about the rabbits. The New Yorker acted mystified and said no. He went on to say that if anything happened, it happened after he fed the animals that morning.

"Funny thing," the rabbit man said. "I have a dead rabbit, and it looks just like the one I buried just before I left for my trip."

Moral of the story - don't cover up. Be assured that your sins will find you out! God bless

[HisDaughter]

Does God dance ... on your potato chips?

Not too long ago I had "one of those days." I was feeling pressure from a writing deadline. I had company arriving in a couple days and the toilet was clogged. I went to the bank, and the trainee teller processing my deposit had to start over three times. I swung by the supermarket to pick up a few things and the lines were serpentine. By the time I got home, I was frazzled and sweaty and in a hurry to get something on the table for dinner.

Deciding on Campbell's Cream of Mushroom soup, I grabbed a can opener, cranked open the can, then remembered I had forgotten to buy milk at the store. Nix the soup idea. Setting the can aside, I went to plan B, which was leftover baked beans. I grabbed a Tupperware from the fridge, popped the seal, took a look and groaned. My husband isn't a picky eater, but even HE won't eat baked beans that look like caterpillars. Really frustrated now, I decided on a menu that promised to be as foolproof as it is nutrition-free: hot dogs and potato chips.

Retrieving a brand new bag of chips from the cupboard, I grabbed the cellophane and gave a hearty pull. The bag didn't open. I tried again. Nothing happened. I took a breath, doubled my muscle, and gave the bag a hearty wrestle. With a loud pop, the cellophane suddenly gave way, ripping wide from top to bottom. Chips flew sky high. I was left holding the bag, and it was empty. It was the final straw. I let out a blood curdling scream. "I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!!!!"

My husband heard my unorthodox cry for help. Within minutes he was standing at the doorway to the kitchen, where he surveyed the damage: an opened can of soup, melting groceries, moldy baked beans, and one quivering wife standing ankle deep in potato chips. My husband did the most helpful thing he could think of at the moment. He took a flying leap, landing flat-footed in the pile of chips. And then he began to stomp and dance and twirl, grinding those chips into my linoleum in the process! I stared. I fumed. Pretty soon I was working to stifle a smile. Eventually I had to laugh. And finally I decided to join him. I, too, took a leap onto the chips. And then I danced.

Now I'll be the first to admit that my husband's response wasn't the one I was looking for. But the truth is, it was exactly what I needed. I didn't need a cleanup crew as much as I needed an attitude adjustment, and the laughter from that rather funky moment provided just that. So now I have a question for you, and it's simply this: Has God ever stomped on your chips?

I know that, in my life, there have been plenty of times when I've gotten myself into frustrating situations and I've cried out for help, all the while hoping God would show up with a celestial broom and clean up the mess I've made of things. What often happens instead is that God dances on my chips, answering my prayer in a completely different manner than I had expected, but in the manner that is best for me after all. Sometimes I can see right away that God's response was the best one after all. Sometimes I have to wait weeks or months before I begin to understand how and why God answered a particular prayer the way he did. There are even some situations that, years later, I'm still trying to understand. I figure God will fill me in sooner or later, either this side of Heaven or beyond.

Do I trust Him? Even when he's answering my prayers in a way that is completely different from my expectations? Even when he's dancing and stomping instead of sweeping and mopping? Can I embrace what He's offering?

Can I let His joy adjust my attitude? Am I going to stand on the sidelines and sulk, or am I willing to learn the steps of the dance he's dancin' with my needs in mind?

I'll be honest with you: Sometimes I sulk. Sometimes I dance. I'm working on doing more of the latter than the former. I guess the older I get the more I realize that He really does know what He's doing. He loves me and I can trust Him. Even when the chips are down.

~ Author Unknown ~

 
 
 

[HisDaughter]

Don't Look Back

As you travel through life there are always those times
when decisions just have to be made,
when the choices are hard and solutions seem scarce
and the rain seems to soak your parade!

There are some situations where all you can do
is to simply let go and move on,
gather courage together and choose a direction
that carries you toward a new dawn.

So pack up your troubles and take a step forward.
The process of change can be tough.
But think about all the excitement ahead,
if you can be stalwart enough!

There could be adventures you never imagined
just waiting around the next bend
and wishes and dreams just about to come true
in ways you can't yet comprehend!

Perhaps you'll find friendships that spring from new interests,
as you challenge your status quo
and learn there are so many options in life,
and so many ways you can grow!

Perhaps you'll go places you never expected
and see things that you've never seen,
or travel to fabulous, faraway worlds
and wonderful spots in between!

Perhaps you'll find warmth, affection and caring,
a "somebody special" who's there
to help you stay centered and listen with interest
to stories and feelings you share.

Perhaps you'll find comfort in knowing your friends
are supportive of all that you do
and believe that whatever decisions you make,
they'll be the right choices for you!

So keep putting one foot in front of the other
and taking your life day by day.
There's a brighter tomorrow that's just down the road.
Don't look back, you're not going that way!

~Author Unknown~

 
 
 

[HisDaughter]

From Innocent Lips

He was just a little lad,

and on the week's last day.

He was wandering home from Sabbath School,

and dawdling on the way.

He scuffed his shoes into the grass;

he found a caterpillar;

He found a fluffy milkweed pod,

and blew out all the "filler."

A bird's nest in a tree o'er head

so wisely placed on high,

Was just another wonder

that caught his eager eye.

A neighbor watched his zigzag course,

and hailed him from the lawn;

Asked him where he'd been that day,

and what was going on.

"I've been to Bible school," he said,

and turned a piece of sod.

He picked up a wiggly worm and said,

"I've learned a lot of God."

"M'm a very fine way," the neighbor said,

"for a boy to spend his time."

If you'll tell me where God is,

I'll give you a brand new dime."

Quick as a flash his answer came!

Nor were his accents faint.

"I'll give you a dollar, Mister,

if you'll tell me where God ain't!"


~ Source Unknown ~

[HisDaughter]

DRIVE SAFELY

Jack took a long look at his speedometer before slowing down: 73 in a 55 zone. Fourth time in as many months. How could a guy get caught so often?

When his car had slowed to 10 miles an hour, Jack pulled over, but only partially. Let the cop worry about the potential traffic hazard. Maybe some other car will tweak his backside with a mirror. The cop was stepping out of his car, the big pad in hand.

Bob? Bob from church? Jack sunk farther into his trench coat. This was worse than the coming ticket.

A cop catching a guy from his own church. A guy who happened to be a little eager to get home after a long day at the office. A guy he was about to play golf with tomorrow.

Jumping out of the car, he approached a man he saw every Sunday, a man he'd never seen in uniform.

"Hi, Bob. Fancy meeting you like this."

"Hello, Jack." No smile.

"Guess you caught me red-handed in a rush to see my wife and kids."

"Yeah, I guess." Bob seemed uncertain. Good. "I've seen some long days at the office lately. I'm afraid I bent the rules a bit - just this once." Jack toed at a pebble on the pavement. "Diane said something about roast beef and potatoes tonight. Know what I mean?"

"I know what you mean. I also know that you have a reputation in our precinct." Ouch. This was not going in the right direction. Time to change tactics.

"What'd you clock me at?"

"Seventy. Would you sit back in your car please?"

"Now wait a minute here, Bob. I checked as soon as I saw you. I was barely nudging 65." The lie seemed to come easier with every ticket.

"Please, Jack, in the car."

Flustered, Jack hunched himself through the still-open door. Slamming it shut, he stared at the dashboard. He was in no rush to open the window. The minutes ticked by. Bob scribbled away on the pad.

Why hadn't he asked for a driver's license?

Whatever the reason, it would be a month of Sundays before Jack ever sat near this cop again. A tap on the door jerked his head to the left. There was Bob, a folded paper in hand. Jack rolled down the window a mere two inches, just enough room for Bob to pass him the slip.

"Thanks." Jack could not quite keep the sneer out of his voice.

Bob returned to his police car without a word. Jack watched his retreat in the mirror. Jack unfolded the sheet of paper. How much was this one going to cost?

Wait a minute. What was this? Some kind of joke? Certainly not a ticket.

Jack began to read:

"Dear Jack,

Once upon a time I had a daughter. She was six when killed by a car. You guessed it -- a speeding driver. A fine and three months in jail, and the man was free. Free to hug his daughters. All three of them. I only had one, and I'm going to have to wait until Heaven before I can ever hug her again. A thousand times I've tried to forgive that man. A thousand times I thought I had. Maybe I did, but I need to do it again. Even now. Pray for me. And be careful, Jack, my son is all I have left."

"Bob"

Jack turned around in time to see Bob's car pull away and head down the road. Jack watched until it disappeared. A full 15 minutes later, he, too, pulled away and drove slowly home, praying for forgiveness and hugging a surprised wife and kids when he arrived.

Life is precious. Handle with care. This is an important message; please pass it along to your friends. Drive safely and carefully. Remember, cars are not the only things recalled by their Maker.

~ Author Unknown ~

[HisDaughter]

Everything I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten

Most of what I really need to know about how to live and what to do, and how to be, I learned in kindergarten. Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate school mountain, but there in the sandbox at nursery school.

These are the things I learned:

Share everything.

Play fair.

Don't hit people.

Put things back where you found them.

Clean up your own mess.

Don't take things that aren't yours.

Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.

Wash your hands before you eat.

Flush.

Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.

Live a balanced life.

Learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.

Take a nap every afternoon.

When you go out into the world, watch for traffic, hold hands and stick together.

Be aware of wonder.

Remember the little seed in the plastic cup? The roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that. Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the plastic cup -- they all die. So do we.

And then remember the book about Dick and Jane and the first word you learned, the biggest word of all: look.

Everything you need to know is in there somewhere. The Golden Rule and love and basic sanitation. Ecology and politics and sane living.

Think what a better world it would be if we all -- the whole world -- had cookies and milk about 3 o'clock every afternoon and then lay down with our blankets for a nap. Or if we had a basic policy in our nation and other nations to always put things back where we found them and cleaned up our own messes. And it is still true, no matter how old you are, when you go out into the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together.

~ Robert Fulghum ~

[HisDaughter]

God Will Not Ask

God will not ask what kind of car you drove, but He will ask how many people you drove who did not have transportation.

God will not ask the square footage of your house, but He will ask how many people you welcomed into your home.

God will not ask about the clothes you had in your closet, but He will ask how many you helped to clothe.

God will not ask what your highest salary was, but He will ask if you compromised your character to obtain it.

God will not ask what your job title was, but He will ask if you performed your job to the best of your ability.

God will not ask how many friends you had, but He will ask how many people to whom you were a friend.

God will not ask in what neighborhood you lived, but He will ask how you treated your neighbors.

God will not ask about the color of your skin, but He will ask about the content of your character.

God will not ask about your social status, but He will ask what kind of class you displayed.

God will not ask how many material possessions you had, but He will ask if they dictated your life.

God will not ask how much overtime you worked, but He will ask if your overtime work was for yourself or for your family.

God will not ask how many promotions you received, but He will ask how you promoted others.

God will not ask what you did to help yourself, but He will ask what you did to help others.

God will not ask what you did to protect your rights, but He will ask what you did to protect the rights of others.

God will not ask how many times your deeds matched your words, but He will ask how many times they did not.

God will not ask why it took you so long to seek salvation, but He'll lovingly take you to your mansion in heaven.

~ Author Unknown ~

[HisDaughter]

Heart Of Stone


I was born with a heart of stone
The hardest of hearts was all I had known
Casting off emotions that welled within
Ignoring them completely with a casual grin
I would keep friends at a distance
Building solid walls in firm resistance
No one could penetrate my heart of stone
I had then found myself cold and alone

I worked on maintaining my wall every day
Sealing up the cracks with mortar and clay
Grounded deep and firm within my soul
With it there I had complete control
I was proud of the great shield I had built
It blinded me from any shame or guilt
Little did I know how lonely I would be
Frigid and dark my heart was within me

When I was most alone inside my heart
I began to crumble and slowly fall apart
My mortar seemed to run dry
No more patching, my wall began to die
The firm foundation started to erode
Brick by brick and load by load
The stone began to chip and break
It was then that life gave one last shake

The wall had fallen and broken to pieces
Then I felt one of the greatest releases
I had worked so hard to build this wall
The greatest release was to see it fall
When it fell, I learned a lesson so great
Life is not built on the things I create
Importance lies in the love that I share
To show everyone that I really do care

That moment I received something new
A heart of flesh and a crisp life view
My heart of stone had been replaced
This gave my soul a brand new taste
A soft heart ready to freely give love
A new spirit; a spirit given from above
Fresh excitement flows like a river
My thanks goes to the great gift Giver


Ezekiel 36:26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.


 

[HisDaughter]

HEART PRINTS

Whatever our hands touch
We leave fingerprints!
On walls, on furniture.
On doorknobs, dishes, books,
As we touch we leave our identity.

Oh please wherever I go today,
Help me leave heart prints!
Heart prints of compassion
Of understanding and love.
Heart prints of kindness
and genuine concern.

May my heart touch a lonely neighbor
Or a runaway daughter,
Or an anxious mother,
Or, perhaps, a dear friend!

I shall go out today
To leave heart prints,
And if someone should say
"I felt your touch,"
May that one sense be...
YOUR LOVE

Amen

~ Author Unknown ~

[HisDaughter]

He Is

He is the First and Last,
The Beginning and the End!
He is the keeper of Creation
And the Creator of all!
He is the Architect of the universe
And the Manager of all times.
He always was, He always is,
and He always will be...
Unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated,
And never Undone!
He was bruised and brought healing!
He was pierced and eased pain!
He was persecuted and brought freedom!
He was dead and brought life!
He is risen and brings power!
He reigns and brings Peace!
The world can't understand him, The armies can't defeat Him,
The schools can't explain Him, And the leaders can't ignore Him.
Herod couldn't kill Him, The Pharisees couldn't confuse Him,
And the people couldn't hold Him!
Nero couldn't crush Him, Hitler couldn't silence Him,
The New Age can't replace Him, And Donahue can't explain Him away!
He is light, love, longevity, and Lord.
He is Goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God.
He is Holy, Righteous, Mighty, Powerful, and Pure.
His ways are right, His word is eternal,
His will is unchanging, and His mind is on me.
He is my Redeemer, He is my Savior,
He is my guide, And He is my peace!
He is my Joy, He is my comfort,
He is my Lord, And He rules my life!
I serve Him because His bond is love, His burden is light,
And His goal for me is abundant life.
I follow Him because
He is the wisdom of the wise,
The power of the powerful, The ancient of days,
The ruler of rulers, The leader of leaders,
The overseer of the overcomers,
And the Sovereign Lord of all that was, and is, and is to come.
And if that seems impressive to you,

Try this for size:
His goal is a relationship with ME!
He will never leave me, Never forsake me,
Never mislead me, Never forget me, Never overlook me,
And never cancel my appointment in His appointment book!
When I fall, He lifts me up!
When I fail, He forgives!
When I am weak, He is strong!
When I am lost, He is the way!
When I am afraid, He is my courage!
When I stumble, He steadies me!
When I am hurt, He heals me!
When I am broken, He mends me!
When I am blind, He leads me!
When I am hungry, He feeds me!
When I face trials, He is with me!
When I face persecution, He shields me!
When I face problems, He comforts me!
When I face loss, He provides for me!
When I face Death, He carries me Home!
He is everything for everybody, everywhere,
Every time, and every way.
He is God, He is faithful.
I am His, and He is mine!
My Father in heaven can whip the father of this world.

So, if you're wondering why I feel so secure,
understand this...
He said it and that settles it.
God is in control,
I am on His side,
And that means all is well with my soul.
Every day is a blessing for GOD Is!
I love the Lord
And thank Him for all that He does in my life.
Yes, I do love Jesus!
He is my source of existence
And my Saviour.
He keeps me functioning each and every day.

Without Him, I will be nothing.
Without Him, I am nothing,
But with Him I can do all things.
Philippians 4:13

[HisDaughter]

IN THE MIDST

Wednesday, five o'clock, for most people in Jackson this time marks the end of a hard workday, but for me it was only halfway to what would lead to the longest day of my life. Eric, my husband, was going to meet me at the land where we were building our new house.

I was driving to Mother's to pick up our four-year-old daughter, Ericka, as she was at that age when she loved to help with everything. After picking Ericka up from Mother's, we drove off to "The Land," as we called it.

Eric and I were one of four couples, all friends, who came together and bought around a hundred acres of undeveloped woods to build our homes. At this time we were in the process of building our new house.

Halfway listening to Ericka's stories about her day, I began to doubt whether "The Land" is where God wanted us to stay. There had been two brush fires recently, both coming within twenty yards of the house. Was God telling us to move? I questioned this to a co-worker, but her reply was that God had His hand of protection upon us. If He didn't, then the house would've been consumed by the brush fires.

As we turned into the gravel driveway, I could see Eric and Corey were there. Corey, our 11-year-old son, was playing with a friend. Guess he needed a break, as we were at the house site daily for the past six months. This particular January evening, Eric, Ericka, and I were on the second floor doing our normal cleanup duties. Ericka decided to sweep with the wide push broom while Eric vacuumed the dust ... his chore today, as he did whichever Ericka decided not to do at that moment.

I was about five feet away in the balcony area picking up scrap 2x4 remnants. As I bent over to grab another piece, I heard a "ping" echo below us, as the Shop Vac was not running. Fear gripped me as the only thought that noise could've been was a broom handle hitting the concrete slab twelve feet below. Call it a mom's intuition.

After rushing to the end of the balcony, I saw Ericka ... lying unconscious on the floor! Screaming, I flew down the stairs. As I turned the corner, Eric was by her side. He vaulted over the balcony to help our baby. Several attempts were made to try and wake her, but nothing happened.

Finally, she opened her eyes, though they were both fixed in an upper left position. My thoughts were "this is the first sign of head trauma!" Her neck had no control as a newborn. Fear mounted as I could not speak, but grabbed Ericka from Eric and held her close to me. He ran to get the car as I rocked her in my arms.

The ride to the hospital seemed like an eternity for us, though it was only 20 miles away. Eric tried to call on the cell phone for an escort, but it was almost 9 p.m.; and they could not find us. He began asking Ericka all sorts of questions to check her mentality and awareness of the surroundings.

She would recite her name and answer his questions with a "yes, ma'am" before quickly correcting herself with "I mean 'yes, sir'" in between her cries. At one point she asked Eric to sing "Jesus Loves Me." As he started, I began crying harder. In between a line he broke down and Ericka finished it. Driving into the hospital's parking lot, Eric called 911 back to let them know we arrived (without the escort).

Once at the hospital, Ericka began vomiting -- another sign of head trauma. Immediately they began IV's, X-rays, CT scans, etc., to determine any damage to the right side of her head where she landed onto the concrete. We concluded she was pushing the push broom and backed off the edge in between the studs of the wall, which were twelve inches apart.

We contacted family and friends, to begin the prayer chain. During her tests, we saw blood coming from the Ericka's right nostril ... causing us to panic again. Minutes seemed like hours, hours like days, as they completed one test after another. Finally the doctor came to give us the diagnosis. He said Ericka only had a minor concussion! Praise God, we were overjoyed!

A nurse commented to me, "You know, children are so resilient."

Though sometimes true, I explained to her that only God safely carried my baby down twelve feet onto the floor. Soon after, she was released from the hospital. We praised the Lord for His blessings during the time, which had passed, though we did not know the extent of the miracle and the many who had interceded in prayer for Ericka.

Two thirty that morning I called my cousin, Eydie, in Louisiana to give her the news. She said her dad called and left a message on the answering machine, but all he knew was Ericka fell from the second floor. Nothing else was known.

Eydie said, upon hearing the message, she came down with a sharp pain on the right side of her head, but didn't know why. Together, she and her husband prayed in intercession for Ericka, anointing Eydie's head for the pain. Upon "Amen" of the prayer, Eydie's pain in her head went away instantly. She told me she knew at that moment Ericka would be fine, as she felt the heaviness lift away.

Five days later Eric and I went back to the house. We were able to put some of the pieces together: Measuring over 24 inches wide, the push broom had to fall just right to get in between the 12-inch space from one stud to another.

Second, in order to hear the broomstick echo on the floor, the Shop Vac had to be off. This was no coincidence, as Eric never stops working until the job is done. Also, we went upstairs and saw the rail on the balcony Eric vaulted over, which was cracked horizontally the length of the board.

Together we talked about the doctor's report, stating the small of the cartilage on top of Ericka's right ear cushioned the blow that may have been a part of saving her life. We know it was God.

Also, during this week, we find out that a man (Tonye) from our church held a prayer with his group at work the day following the accident at 2:15 p.m. That turned out to be the exact hour Ericka vomited for her last time another answer to prayer.

On September 1, 2000, the most unbelievable thing happened ... I had the kids' picture made by a "new" photographer in our area, a couple of months back. She is a super Christian woman who left me a wonderful note with my pictures, explaining how she considered her photography a gift that God has graciously given her, and along with this gift she feels that God gives her people not only to photograph, but also to pray for.

So after I read the note, I decided to email her a thank you for the note and for some reason decided to share the story of Ericka with her.

Her Response: "I'm trying really hard to see through teary eyes to reply to this. You won't believe this, but here goes: I was sitting in my office where I used to work when Tonye came in. He started telling me that he wanted me to pray about something. I said 'Sure, what is it?'

"He hung his head to try to conceal the tears in his eyes and started telling me about a precious little girl named Ericka who had just fallen 12 feet to a concrete slab and had been rushed to the hospital with head injuries. I immediately started praying and alerted our entire prayer group by email to ask them to pray also. I never dreamed that I would actually get to see this little miracle, much less get to take her picture. Of course, it's probably a good thing I didn't know who she was when I was taking her picture because I don't think I would have been able to quit hugging her long enough to work."

This is totally amazing to me. Our God is an awesome God! We believe that not only did God save her life, but also through THE POWER OF PRAYER, she is normal today.

Matthew 18:20 says, "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."