Beware: Doing Things In Haste!

"Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset. "
(~St Francis de Sales)

Have you ever experienced making a decision or doing things in a hurry, because there was no much time left? Well, I am an expert on that! Hahaha! When everything is to be done in its last minute, many things go wrong than accomplishing things the right way. First of that, is the stress that goes with the hurrying up. I can't help myself being angry because I must do things in just a snap of my finger. And at times, I say words that are unpleasant to the ear,and so, I had created another stress for another person who heard it ; So the "hate feeling" began to spread. Another bad effect of hurrying is that, you forget so many things. When going somewhere, you might left something at the house ,or drop something on the road. Or if the hurrying up is for making a decision, other important details to consider are left out, thus making a wrong decision. Things made in a haste, often create disasters. So what is my point in saying these things? Beware of doing things in a hurry!( I have to remind myself a thousand times about these things-because I am always guilty of this!)I wish you the best of today, though busy and tired, may the spirit of calmness be with you!

Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
(Psalm 27:14 NIV)

It is the best time to pray and listen to God's voice, when things might seem to be short of time...and when you think that you don't have the time to pray...then, more is the need to seek God's help, because in hurrying up, the devil's ways are more likely to succeed! Seek wisdom from God. Beware of making things in haste because they often go to waste!

Twenty Cans of Success

Twenty Cans of Success

1. Why should I say I can't when the Bible says I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13)?
   
   
2. Why should I lack when I know that God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19)?
   
   
3. Why should I fear when the Bible says God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7)?
   
   
4. Why should I lack faith to fulfill my calling knowing that God as allotted to me a measure of faith (Romans 12:3)?
   
   
5. Why should I be weak when the Bible says that the Lord is the strength of my life and that I will display strength and take action because I know God (Psalm 27:1; Daniel 11:32)?
   
   
6. Why should I allow Satan supremacy over my life when He that is in me is greater than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4)?
   
   
7. Why should I accept defeat when the Bible says that God always leads me in triumph (2 Corinthians 2:14)?
   
   
8. Why should I lack wisdom when Christ became wisdom to me from God and God gives wisdom to me generously when I ask Him for it (1 Corinthians 1:30; James 1:5)?
   
   
9. Why should I be depressed when I can recall to mind God's lovingkindness, compassion, and faithfulness and have hope (Lamentations 3:21-23)?
   
   
10. Why should I worry and fret when I can cast all my anxiety on Christ who cares for me (1 Peter 5:7)?
    
    
11. Why should I ever be in bondage knowing that there is liberty where the Spirit of the Lord is (2 Corinthians 3:17)?
    
    
12. Why should I feel condemned when the Bible says I am not condemned because I am in Christ (Romans 8:1)?
    
    
13. Why should I feel alone when Jesus said He is with me always and He will never leave me nor forsake me (Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5)?
    
    
14. Why should I feel accursed or that I am the victim of bad luck when the Bible says that Christ redeemed me from the curse of the law that I might receive His Spirit (Galatians 3:13-14)?
    
    
15. Why should I be discontented when I, like Paul, can learn to be content in all my circumstances (Philippians 4:11)?
    
    
16. Why should I feel worthless when Christ became sin on my behalf that I might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21)?
    
    
17. Why should I have a persecution complex knowing that nobody can be against me when God is for me (Romans 8:31)?
    
    
18. Why should I be confused when God is the author of peace and He gives me knowledge through His indwelling Spirit (1 Corinthians 14:33; 2:12)?
    
    
19. Why should I feel like a failure when I am a conqueror in all things through Christ (Romans 8:37)?
    
    
20. Why should I let the pressures of life bother me when I can take courage knowing that Jesus has overcome the world and its tribulations (John 16:33)?
    

[ Taken from "Daily in Christ" by Neil Anderson -- sent by 'andychaps_the-funnie

The Parable Of The Two Screws

The Parable Of The Two Screws

Once upon a time there were two screws fastening a vital part of a gasoline engine. One of the screws was haughty and proud of it's shining head. The second screw was quiet, intent only on doing its job to the best of its ability.

One day a speck of rust appeared on the head of the second screw. Filled with vain pride of its own beauty, the first screw began to laugh at the second. "Your head is tarnished," the first said to the second. "Look at you. Your perfect luster is gone."

The second screw said nothing. Instead, it concentrated on what it was doing.

"How ugly you have become," the first screw chortled, "and how beautiful I have remained." Then it began to laugh so hard at the second screw that it failed to notice that it was working itself loose. Finally it dropped off the engine and plunged into a small pool of dirty oil below.

With the first screw no longer holding up its end of the load, the second was faced with doing the work of two. Meanwhile the first screw, now covered with grimy oil, wailed and lamented. "Just look at me! I'm dirty and filthy and all my beauty is gone. By laughing at the blemish on my friend the second screw, I worked myself loose and fell into the muck. Now I'm doomed."

Now, it just so happened that a short time later the owner of the engine started it up. He immediately noticed that something didn't sound right -- the engine was running rough. When he checked, he instantly saw that one of the two screws holding the vital part was missing. "Ah ha!" the owner said. "One of the screws must have worked itself loose and fell to the ground, but I don't see it. Maybe it fell into that puddle of old oil."

The owner reached into the oil and found the missing screw. "Look at you," the owner said. "You're all covered with grime and oil. How ugly you are. But I will fix that right away." The owner reached for a nearby rag and wiped all the oil and grime off the first screw until it shone even brighter than before. Then he replaced it on the part. Before he turned away, he noticed a little speck of tarnish on the head of the second screw. With the second rag, he wiped the head clean and bright. Then the owner walked away.

Finally the engine was started. The two screws, now equally beautiful, held the part tight. "Forgive me, my friend," the first screw said to the second. "In my vanity, I was so busy laughing at your blemish that I did not notice that I was working myself loose."

"And what have you learned?" the second screw quietly asked.

"I learned not to judge others because I have my own sins to deal with."

"Then," the second screw said, "I forgive you."

"Thank you, my friend. And rest assured, my vanity will remain forever at the bottom of that dirty puddle of oil."

"Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered." (Psalm 32:1 NIV)

[ by Ed Price (The Loving Heart) -- from Wes ]

Forgiveness is God’s Way

Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
Luke 6:37 KJV

THE FIELD MOUSE GOES TO CHURCH

By Elnora Watters

The small Church Mouse was wondering around the hall's of the church heading for the kitchen when he saw another mouse coming out of the kitchen.

"Hey Mouse, where did you come from?" asked the Church Mouse.

"Oh you scared me, who are you?" asked the new Mouse.

"First answer my question, who are you and where did you come from?"

questioned the Church Mouse. " I am a Field Mouse, I was looking for something to eat in the shed behind thisplace and someone shut me in" answered the Field Mouse.

The Church Mouse walked around the Field Mouse and noticed he was very thin "How did you get in here?" asked the Church Mouse "If you were locked in the shed, how did you get out?"

"Today someone opened the door and I hid in a box" squeaked the mouse "next thing I knew the box was moving and here I am."

The Church Mouse looked at the Field Mouse for a second then said "That must have been the man who cleans the church, he came in today."

"I'm hungry, " whined the Field Mouse, there wasn't any food in the shed."

"That is why I was heading for the kitchen" the Church Mouse said as he ran toward the room "Food is scarce right after the man cleans the church."

Both mice ran all around the room but didn't find a crumb.

"What are we going to do?" asked the Field Mouse.

"Oh I know every inch of this place and haven't starved yet" answered the Church Mouse "Come on, follow me and I will show you spots the man always misses."

After going from room to room the mice had found enough food to last for several days. The Church Mouse knew the church is closed more than it is open.

The Church Mouse took the Field Mouse to his hiding place and stored the food.

Later that day the Church Mouse asked his new friend "What is it like out there in the field?"

"Sometimes it is fun and other times it is scary" answered the Field Mouse

"Cats, dogs and birds are always trying to catch me. There is lots of food but getting it without getting caught is hard."

"I don't have problems with other animals but when people come to church you better stay out of the way" squeaked the Church Mouse.

"Why? Does a lot of people come to this place called Church?" asked the Field Mouse.

"Wow! there sure are a lot of people, all sizes. Every room in this place is packed with people" answered the Church Mouse. "I like the music, it sure is nice. This man, called a Minister, gets up in front and talks about someone called JESUS. The minister says this person called JESUS takes care of all who believe in him."

"What happens after these people leave?" asked the Field Mouse.

"After they all leave, I go food hunting, boy it is like a banquet, every room has food in it" smiled the Church Mouse.

"Do you think I can stay here in the place called Church?" asked the Field Mouse.

The Church Mouse thought for a while then answered "It will be hard finding enough food for two to eat. These people only come here three times a week except when there is something special going on. This man comes before a day called Sunday and cleans the Church, but if you want, we can try though, it might be fun."

The Church Mouse knew the schedule of the comings and goings of the humans. He also knew the two mice had to find more food if the Field Mouse was going to stay.

The next few days, the mice searched every inch of the building for every crumb they could find.

Early one morning the mice heard the front door open, "Run to our hiding place!" yelled the Church Mouse.

"Who is that?" cried the Field Mouse, as he ran along with the Church Mouse.

"Today is one of the times the humans come to Church, now you will get to hear some beautiful music and hear this man call a minister talk about JESUS. whispered the Church Mouse. "After they leave we will find lots of food."

Both mice stayed in their hiding place, listening to the music and hearing more about this person JESUS.

The Field Mouse whispered to the Church Mouse "These people sound so friendly I wish we could meet them."

"Are you crazy, Mouse? Even though they sound nice they don't like mice. We are not people" The Church Mouse squeaked loudly.

"Well I wish we were people, then we could ask them about JESUS " whined the Field Mouse.

"Shoo, The minister is talking about having something called Bible School next week. I was here when they had it last year and boy did I have the food then. They also talked a lot about JESUS during that time." The Church Mouse said with a smile.

The next week the mice felt like they had gone to food heaven. both mice learned a lot during the week of Bible School and were very happy to be in this church building.

"I bet a lot of mice would like to be here" Laughed the Field Mouse.

"Don't even think that, remember the times food is scarce and if the humans saw a lot of mice they would chase us outside where the cats, dogs and birds would get us. Do you want that again?" asked the Church Mouse.

"No but I am thinking about going out in the field again and finding some of my friends and tell them about this person called JESUS" answered the Field Mouse. " I would be like the minister said today 'I could be a Missionary."

"Would you sneak in once in a while and tell me how things are going outside?" whined the Church Mouse.

"Yes, I will stop by once in a while, but now I better go while the people have the door opened" answered the Field Mouse.

The Church Mouse squeaked a sad Good-bye to the Field Mouse as he disappeared in the grass.

Both mice knew they would see each other again some day.

The End

Mission Gives Life Meaning…

"Make your life a mission — not an intermission."
Arnold Glasgow

"Each of us has been put on earth with the ability to do something well. We cheat ourselves and the world if we don’t use that ability as best we can."
George Allen

"Do not act as if you had a thousand years to live."
Marcus Aurelius

God Calls Upon Us to Share His Message....

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16 NIV

An Inspirational Story Of Hope and Success....(Michelle Yeoh)

Michelle Yeoh – The Lesser Known Story

Michelle Yeoh also known as Yeoh Choo Kheng was born in Ipoh, Malaysia. At a very young age she dreamt of being a ballerina. Unfortunately, at the age of 16 she suffered a serious back injury and her professional dancing career was shattered.

Michelle would have given up her dreams and become a lawyer instead. Against her doctor’s advice, she continued pursuing her dreams. She believed that if she cannot dance, there must be something else she can do. In 1983, at the age of 21, she won the Miss Malaysia beauty pageant. This won the attention of Jackie Chan and the Hong Kong movie industry.

In 1988 after her 5th movie, she married to retire from the silver screen. Her marriage was somehow laden with tears and loneliness. It ultimately ended in 1992.

So again, another of her life dreams was shattered away. But Michelle did not brood over spilled milk. Although she had been away from the movie industry for over 4 years, she had a remarkable comeback. She co-starred with Jackie Chan in Police Story 3: Supercop. It was the top grossing film in Asia for the year. Michelle Yeoh became the most popular and highest paid actress in Asia with a huge cult following throughout the world.

Michelle Yeoh also became the leading lady in the James Bond movie – Tomorrow Never Dies and won the hearts of Hollywood. She is currently the epitome of the lady of the next millennium, one with beauty, brain and brawn.

At that time when I did my first action film, it was completely a man’s world. They took a look at me and said “Little Malaysian girl, beauty queen, what does she know?” at that moment I thought, I will never let anyone look at me and think “What do you know?” I might not know lot but I am wiling to learn.

***Michelle Yeoh***

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Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.
Psalm 31:24 KJV

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When We Seek God’s Blessings and Discover His Plan, We Succeed…

Success, success to you, and success to those who help you, for your God is with you….
1 Chronicles 12:18 NIV

But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.
2 Chronicles 15:7 NIV


Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
Proverbs 16:3 NIV

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"Write on you heart that everyday is the best of the year" - (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

ATTITUDE- What today will be like is up to me!!!

ATTITUDE

I woke up early today, excited over all I get to do before the clock strikes midnight.

I have responsibilities to fulfill today.

I am important.

My job is to choose what kind of day I am going to have.

Today I can complain because the weather is rainy

or I can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free.

Today I can feel sad that I don't have more money

or I can be glad that my finances encourage me to plan my purchases wisely and guide
me away from waste.

Today I can grumble about my health or I can rejoice that I am alive.

Today I can lament over all that my parents didn't give me

when I was growing up or I can feel grateful that they allowed me to be born.

Today I can cry because roses have thorns

or I can celebrate that thorns have roses.

Today I can mourn my lack of friends

or I can excitedly embark upon a quest

to discover new relationships.

Today I can whine because I have to go to work

or I can shout for joy because I have a job to do.

Today I can murmur dejectedly because I have to do housework

or I can feel honored because God has provided shelter

for my mind, body and soul.

Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped.

And here I am, the sculptor who gets to do the shaping.

What today will be like is up to me.

I get to choose what kind of day I will have!



Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
I Thessalonians 5:16-18 KJV


This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24 KJV

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By Our Work, We Are Known

By Our Works,We Are Known




Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might….
Ecclesiastes 9:10 NIV





Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
Colossians 3:23 NIV





And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Colossians 3:17 KJV

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The Barnyard Duck

The Barnyard Duck

A flock of wild ducks were flying in formation, heading south for the winter. They formed a beautiful V in the sky, and were admired by everyone who saw them from below.

One day, Wally, one of the wild ducks in the formation, spotted something on the ground that caught his eye. It was a barnyard with a flock of tame ducks who lived on the farm. They were waddling around on the ground, quacking merrily and eating corn that was thrown on the ground for them every day. Wally liked what he saw. "It sure would be nice to have some of that corn," he thought to himself. "And all this flying is very tiring. I'd like to just waddle around for a while."

So after thinking it over a while, Wally left the formation of wild ducks, made a sharp dive to the left, and headed for the barnyard. He landed among the tame ducks, and began to waddle around and quack merrily. He also started eating corn. The formation of wild ducks continued their journey South, but Wally didn't care. "I'll rejoin them when they come back North in a few months, he said to himself.

Several months went by and sure enough, Wally looked up and spotted the flock of wild ducks in formation, heading north. They looked beautiful up there. And Wally was tired of the barnyard. It was muddy and everywhere he waddled, nothing but duck doo. "It's time to leave," said Wally.

So Wally flapped his wings furiously and tried to get airborne. But he had gained some weight from all his corn-eating, and he hadn't exercised his wings much either. He finally got off the ground, but he was flying too low and slammed into the side of the barn. He fell to the ground with a thud and said to himself, "Oh, well, I'll just wait until they fly south in a few months. Then I'll rejoin them and become a wild duck again."

But when the flock flew overhead once more, Wally again tried to lift himself out of the barnyard. He simply didn't have the strength. Every winter and every spring, he saw his wild duck friends flying overhead, and they would call out to him. But his attempts to leave were all in vain.

Eventually Wally no longer paid any attention to the wild ducks flying overhead. He hardly even noticed them. He had, after all, become a barnyard duck.

Sometimes we get tired of being the kind of ducks we should be -- followers of Jesus Christ. It's not always easy to be obedient to God and to discipline ourselves to hang in there for the long haul. When we are feeling that way, that's when Satan tempts us to "fall out of formation" and to join the barnyard ducks -- the worldly ways of life.

But look what happened to Wally. He thought he would just "check-it-out" for awhile and then leave when he wanted to. But he couldn't do it. Sin is like that. Sin is a trap, and it has a way of changing us into people we don't even want to become. Eventually we lose touch with who we really are -- the sons and daughters of the Most High. We become barnyard ducks.

Addendum -- James 5:19-20 (NIV) "My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner away from his error will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins."

[ Author and orginal source unknown. ]

Horse Sense

HORSE SENSE

Just up the road from my home is a field, with two horses in it. From a distance, each looks like every other horse. But if one stops the car, or is walking by, one will notice something quite amazing.

Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him. This alone is amazing.

Listening, one will hear the sound of a bell. Looking around for the source of the sound, one will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field. Attached to her bridle is a small bell. It lets her blind friend know where she is, so he can follow her.

As one stands and watches these two friends, one sees how she is always checking on him, and that he will listen for her bell and then slowly walk to where she is, trusting that she will not lead him astray.

Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges.
He watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need.

Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by God and those whom he places in our lives. Other times we are the guide horse, helping others see God.