Cherish your loved ones

Good morning to all of you. I have been having a pretty rough time in my life these past couple weeks but one thing I have learnt - Never take anything for granted.

My God and my family means everything to me and it took some shaking up to see this.

I believe that sometimes we do take life and those who are most important to us for granted. Why do we treat the stranger with the respect that s/he deserves and we do not extend those courtesies to the ones who deserves it the most?

My friend Denise told me a story about a man and his mother that brought tears to my eyes and an awakening in my heart. The story goes like this:

After 21 years of marriage, my wife wanted me to take another woman out to dinner and a movie. She said I love you but I know this other woman loves you and would love to spend some time with you.

The other woman that my wife wanted me to visit was my MOTHER, who has been a widow for 19 years, but the demands of my work and my three children had made it possible to visit her only occasionally.

That night I called to invite her to go out for dinner and a movie.
"What's wrong, are you well," she asked? My mother is the type of woman who suspects that a late night call or a surprise invitation is a sign of bad news.

"I thought that it would be pleasant to be with you," I responded. "Just the two of us." She thought about it for a moment, and then said, "I would like that very much."

That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick her up I was a bit nervous. When I arrived at her house, I noticed that she, too, seemed to be nervous about our date. She waited in the door with her coat on. She had curled her hair and was wearing the dress that she had worn to celebrate her last wedding anniversary.

She smiled from a face that was as radiant as an angel's.
"I told my friends that I was going to go out with my son, and they were impressed, "she said, as she got into the car. "They can't wait to hear about our meeting".

We went to a restaurant that, although not elegant, was very nice and cozy. My mother took my arm as if she were the First Lady. After we sat down, I had to read the menu. Half way through the entries, I lifted my eyes and saw Mom sitting there staring at me. A nostalgic smile was on her lips "It was I who used to have to read the menu when you were small," she said.

"Then it's time that you relax and let me return the favor," I responded. During the dinner, we had an agreeable conversation - nothing extraordinary, but catching up on recent events of each other's life. We talked so much that we missed the movie.

As we arrived at her house later, she said, "I'll go out with you again, but only if you let me invite you." I agreed.

"How was your dinner date?" asked my wife when I got home. "Very nice. Much more so than I could have imagined," I answered.

A few days later, my mother died of a massive heart attack. It happened so suddenly that I did not get to do anything for her.

Some time later, I received an envelope with a copy of a restaurant receipt from the same place mother and I had dined. An attached note said: "I paid this bill in advance. I wasn't sure that I could be there; but nevertheless, I paid for two plates - one for you and the other for your wife. You will never know what that night meant for me. I love you, son."

At that moment, I understood the importance of saying in time: "I LOVE YOU!" and to give our loved ones the time that they deserve. Nothing in life is more important than God and your family. Give them the time they deserve, because these things cannot be put off till "some other time."

"May Peace Be With You" Stay Blessed.

Nauds says - Success is not measured by the place you reach in life; it’s measured by the obstacles you overcome.

God's Positive Answers

Morning to all of you. So the reason why I have not been posting much this week is because I had one of the most trying periods of my life. So I am getting there. Sometimes when we think that there - "OK, that's it, I have had enough" - something or someone comes and gives you a sliver of hope. My girl Akilah dropped this on me; enjoy.



God Bless!!!!


You say: "It's impossible"
God says: All things are possible
(Luke 18:27)

You say: "I'm too tired"
God says: I will give you rest
(Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: "Nobody really loves me"
God says: I love you
(John 3:16 & John 3:34 )


You say: "I can't go on"
God says: My grace is sufficient
(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)


You say: "I can't figure things out"
God says: I will direct your steps
(Proverbs 3:5-6)


You say: "I can't do it"
God says: You can do all things
(Philippians 4:13)


You say: "I'm not able"
God says: I am able
(II Corinthians 9:8)


You say: "It's not worth it"
God says: It will be worth it
(Roman 8:28 )


You say: "I can't forgive myself"
God says: I Forgive you
(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)


You say: "I can't manage"
God says: I will supply all your needs
(Philippians 4:19)


You say: "I'm afraid"
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
(II Timothy 1:7)


You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"
God says: Cast all your cares on ME
(I Peter 5:7)


You say: "I'm not smart enough"
God says: I give you wisdom
(I Corinthians 1:30)


You say: "I feel all alone"
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you
(Hebrews 13:5

Two Types of People

God is a Good God; (Yes he is);
God is a Good God; (Yes he is);
God is a Good God; (Yes he is);
God is a Good God; (Yes he is);

He Picked me up;
He Turned me around;
He Set my feet;
On Solid Ground.!!!!!

Hello family, how are u today? I am Blessed and I hope you are too.

I would like to share with you a little story that my close friend Kerwin told me. Its simple, but effective. Please enjoy the message. GOD BLESS!!!!!!

A holy man was having a conversation with the Lord one day and said, "Lord, I would like to know what Heaven and Hell are like." The Lord led the holy man to two doors.

He opened one of the doors and the holy man looked in. In the middle of the room was a large round table. In the middle of the table was a large pot of stew which smelled delicious and made the holy man's mouth water. The people sitting around the table were thin and sickly. They appeared to be famished. They were holding spoons with very long handles that were strapped to their arms and each found it possible to reach into the pot of stew and take a spoonful, but because the handle was longer than their arms, they could not get the spoons back into their mouths.

The holy man shuddered at the sight of their misery and suffering. The Lord said, "You have seen Hell."

They went to the next room and opened the door. It was exactly the same as the first one. There was the large round table with the large pot of stew which made the holy man's mouth water. The people were equipped with the same long-handled spoons, but here the people were well nourished and plump, laughing and talking.

The holy man said, "I don't understand." " It is simple" said the Lord, "it requires but one skill. You see, they have learned to feed each other, while the greedy think only of themselves."

When Jesus died on the cross he was thinking of you!

Jesus' Blood on Trial

There is strength in the name of the Lord;
There is power in the name of the Lord;
There is hope in the name of the Lord;
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

A blessed hello to all of you.

One of the things that really hurts me is when persons judge others by their past sins. For all have sinned and fall short of God's Glory. None of us is blameless of committing a wrong.

Jesus told the accusers of the woman caught committing adultery "He who is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone.......Woman where are your accusers, hath no man condemned thee?...... Neither do I condemn thee: go and sin no more". (John 8:7-11)

This is still true today. It does not matter what you have done in the past. In Christ Jesus old things are pass away and everything becomes new (2 Corinthians 5:17). However, some people still needs to be reminded of this.

One night in a church service a young woman felt the tug of God at her heart. She responded to God's call and accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior.

The young woman had a very rough past, involving alcohol, drugs, and prostitution. But, the change in her was evident.

As time went on she became a faithful member of the church. She eventually became involved in the ministry, teaching young children.

It was not very long until this faithful young woman had caught the eye and heart of the pastor's son. The relationship grew and they began to make wedding plans. This is when the problems began.

You see, about one half of the church did not think that a woman with a past such as hers was suitable for a pastor's son. The church began to argue and fight about the matter. So they decided to have a meeting.

As the people made their arguments and tensions increased, the meeting was getting completely out of hand. The young woman became very upset about all the things being brought up about her past.

As she began to cry the pastor's son stood to speak. He could not bear the pain it was causing his wife to be. He began to speak and his statement was this:

"My fiancee's past is not what is on trial here. What you are questioning is the ability of the blood of Jesus to wash away sin. Today you have put the blood of Jesus on trial. So, does it wash away sin or not?"

The whole church began to weep as they realized that they had been slandering the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Too often, even as Christians, we bring up the past and use it as a weapon against our brothers and sisters. Forgiveness is a very foundational part of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. If the blood of Jesus does not cleanse the other person completely then it cannot cleanse us completely. If that is the case, then we are all in a lot of trouble.

What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus! End of case!!!!

"Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." Psalm 55:23

Thanks Gailann

Blind Girl & Life is a Gift

A blessed and wonderful morning to all. I have always found that we often loose sight of what is really important in life. We get caught up in the everyday cares of this world and fail to stop and think about all that God has blessed us with and what we should be thankful for.

This happens to all of us. Today, I challenge you to take five minutes out of your busy day and sit back and reflect on all the good in your life, I know I will. I am sure that after this you would not think that life is so bad after all.

My friend Ajene sent me an email and I would love to share it with you. Please as you read, reflect on your own life and the special people you share it with.

God Bless


Blind Girl

There was a blind girl who hated herself just because she's blind. She hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend. He's always there for her. She said that if she could only see the world, she would marry her boyfriend.

One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her and then she could see everything, including her boyfriend. Her boyfriend asked her, "now that you can see the world, will you marry me?" The girl was shocked when she saw that her boyfriend is blind too, and refused to marry him.

Her boyfriend walked away in tears, and later wrote a letter to her saying. "Just take care of my eyes dear."

This is how the human brain changes when our status changes. Only a few remember what life was like before and who's always been there even in the most painful situations.


Life is a Gift

Today before you think of saying an unkind word - Think of someone who can't speak.

Before you complain about the taste of your food - Think of someone who has nothing to eat.

Before you complain about your husband or wife - Think of someone who's crying out to God for a companion.

Today before you complain about life - Think of someone who went too early to heaven.

Before you complain about your children - Think of someone who desires children but
they're barren.

Before you argue about your dirty house, someone didn't clean or sweep - Think of the people who are living in the streets.

Before whining about the distance you drive - Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.

And when you are tired and complain about your job - Think of the unemployed, the disabled and those who wished they had your job.

But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another - Remember that not one of us are without sin and we all answer to one maker.

And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down - Put a smile on your face and thank God you're alive and still around.

Life is a gift, Live it, Enjoy it, Celebrate it, And fulfill it.

Excuses

Good Morning beautiful people. Do u know that we are all wonderfully made by God? Well if not, you do now.

I am a reader of the Daily Encounter. About a week or so ago I was reading on Excuses.

I have to confess that I too am very guilty of making excuses. I hope that you are blessed and touched. It went something like this:

And how did Adam excuse and justify himself when he sinned and disobeyed God? Many say he blamed Eve. But he really blamed God. "It was the woman you gave me that made me do it," he said to God! And then the woman blamed the serpent!

I often wonder how many of us blame either God or the devil for the things that have gone wrong in our lives, things which were the direct result of the choices we made all by ourselves. Sometimes, to blame God, the devil, or anybody else for our problems is a handy excuse to hang on to if we don't want to face reality, accept responsibility, and grow up!

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, help me always to be honest with myself and face reality and always accept responsibility for the things I say, the things I do, the feelings I feel, and the motives behind all of these. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Luke 10:29.

Great is the Measure

OK Guys I know it’s been a while but I was super-busy.

Tonight I would love to share with you one of my favorite songs ever. It’s simple but effective.

Enjoy. Love you guys.

Great is the Measure:

Think about his Love;
Think about his Goodness;
Think about his Grace that’s brought us through;
For as High as the Heavens above;
So Great is the Measure of our Father’s Love;
Great is the Measure of our Father’s Love.

How could I forget his Goodness?
How could I forget his Mercies?
He Satisfies;
He Satisfies;
He Satisfies my Desires

Great is the Measure;
Great is the Measure;
Great is the Measure of Our Father’s Love.

The Tale of Three Trees

OK This is one of my favorite books. I only heard the story last Christmas. Although this book was designed for children, face it, we all have a child within us. Some of us just has to dig a little deeper to find it that's all.

The name of the book is The Tale of Three Trees and and it was written by Angela Elwell Hunt and Illustrated by Tim Jonke.

I was contemplateing whether or not to share this with you but when my friend Maritta emailed me with the same story and expressed how it has helped her view things differently, I realised that I would be selfish to keep this to myself so enjoy and I hope you do get the message. God Bless.

Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods. They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said, "Some day I hope to be a treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. I could be decorated with intricate carving and everyone would see the beauty.

Then the second tree said, "Some day I will be a mighty ship. I will take Kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull."

Finally the third tree said, "I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill and look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time
and people will always remember me."

After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. When one came to the first tree he said, "This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter, "and he began cutting it down.
The tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.

At the second tree the woodsman said, "This looks like a strong tree. I should be able to sell it to the shipyard." The second tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.

When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true. One of the woodsmen said, "I don't need anything special from my tree, I'll take this one," and he cut it down.

When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what
he had prayed for.

The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end. The third tree was cut into large pieces, and left alone in the dark.

The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams. Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time.

Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe.

The men woke the sleeping man, and He stood and said "Peace" and the storm stopped. At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat.

Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it.

The moral of this story is that when things don't seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, God will give you great gifts.

Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined.

We don't always know what God's plans are for us.
We just know that His ways are not our ways, but
His ways are always best.

May your day be blessed. And until we meet
again, may God cradle you in the palm of His hand.

(A song we used to sing at my old school)

Bloom, Bloom, Bloom where you're planted;
You will find your way;
Bloom, Bloom, Bloom where you're planted;
You will have your day.

Refiner and Purifier

Good Blessed Morning to all of you. My friend Gene sent me an email which really had me thinking about my life and Christ's oh so very important role in it. I hope this has the same effect on you as it has me:-

Malachi 3:3 says:

"He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."

This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.

That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities. The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver."She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it"

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.

"Life is a coin. You can spend it anyway you wish, but you can only spend it once."

Devotion: Lord Jesus

Purify my heart;

Let me be as Gold and precious Silver

Purify my heart;

Let me be as Gold, pure Gold.

Refiner's Fire;

My Heart's one desire;

Is to be Holy;

Set apart for you Lord;

I choose to be Holy;

Set apart for you my Master;

Ready to do your Will.

The Two Trees in the Garden

The Two Trees (Part 1)


“And out of the ground the Lord God caused to grow every tree that is pleasing to the sight and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” (Genesis 2:9)

I have often wondered about the two trees in the Garden of Eden. What roles did both trees play? What are/were their significance?

My constant curiosity of this important topic has led me to Rick Joyner’s Book – There were Two Trees in the Garden.

In Chapter 1 of this book, the Author described these two trees as the ones “which challenged the course of the entire human race”.

He also purports that God’s intention in putting the two trees in the midst of Eden with a warning not to eat from the tree of life. Was not done on a whim but rather by warning as the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil was poisonous.

I would think that the most logical question which arises is why would the most omnipotent God, the great I am create such a fruit? At this point it would be easy to say to say that the Lord’s ways are higher than our ways, but that would seem to be a cop out.

A while back I clearly remember reading that God’s purpose for man was indeed to bring him into the knowledge of good and evil. This being done through a process, the end result being a matured person, who having come to such knowledge is able to handle this information or power responsibly. This being having come to such knowledge chooses life, chooses not to sin but to live righteously before the Lord.

For which one of us places a loaded gun into the hands of a child. You see God’s intention was and still is that man would serve him and fellowship with him.

Can one really think that God was surprised when Adam ate of the fruit? I say a resounding NO! For Revelations 13:8 speaks of the Lamb who was slain from the foundation of the earth. This being the same Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of man and gives life abundantly.

Can we then say that it is the Christ who is the tree of life? If so, then Satan is the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

We are, therefore, from one or the other lineage. One only has to look at the fruits born of each.