HAPPY THOUGHTS 9

Dying to Self

(James Torro)

Would it be too shocking to say

that Christ’s birth

must be out of death?

Yet

in a sense

that is true.

When Christ is born

in our lives

we must somehow die.

We must die

to those misshapen values

we once lived by.

We must die

to the prejudices

that once governed our lives.

We must die

to the callousness

we once harbored

toward our neighbor’s

hurts and needs.

We must die

in these little ways

so that we may live

unto Christ

in a large way.

What else can

our Lord have meant

when he said:

“Whoever wants to preserve his own life will lose it and whoever loses his life for Me will find it.”

~ Matthew 16:33

So You Learn and Learn

(author unknown)

 After a while you learn

the subtle difference

between holding hands

and chaining a soul.

And you learn that love doesn’t

mean leaning and company

doesn’t mean security.

And you begin to learn

that kisses aren’t contracts

and presents aren’t promises.

And you begin to accept

your defeats with your head up and eyes ahead

with the grace of a woman or a man

– not the grief of a child.

And learn to build

all your roads on today

because tomorrow’s ground is

too uncertain for plans and futures

have a way of falling down

in mid-flight.

After a while you learn that

even sunshine burns

if you ask too much.

So you plant your own garden

and decorate your own soul

instead of waiting

for someone to bring

you flowers.

And you learn that you really can endure

that you really are strong and

you really do have worth.

And you learn and you learn

with every hello and goodbye you learn….

Chastening

“Despite not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked by Him.”~~ Hebrews 12:5

It is very easy to quench the Spirit; we do it by despising the chastening of the Lord, by fainting when we are rebuked by Him. If we have only a shallow experience of sanctification, we mistake the shadow for the reality, and when the Spirit of God begins to check, we say: “Oh, that must be the devil.”

Never quench the Spirit, and do not despise Him when He says to you: “Don’t be blind on this point any more; you are not where you thought you were. Up to the present I have not been able to reveal it to you, but I reveal it now.” When the Lord chastens you like that, let Him have His way. Let Him relate you rightly to God.

“Nor faint when thou are rebuked of Him.” We get into sulks with God and say – “Oh, well. I can’t help it; I did pray and things did not turn out right, and I am going to give it all up.” Think what would happen if we talked like this in any other domain of our lives.

Am I prepared to let God grip me by His power and do a work in me that is worthy of Himself? Sanctification is not my idea of what I want God to do for me; sanctification is God’s idea of what He wants to do for me, and He has to get me into the attitude of mind and spirit where at any cost I will let Him sanctify me wholly.

 ~ Oswald Chambers

Heaven’s Grocery Store

As I was walking down life's highway many years ago I came upon a sign

that read Heavens Grocery Store. When I got a little  closer the doors swung open wide, and when I came to myself I was standing inside.

I saw a host of angels. They were standing everywhere. One handed me a

basket and said "My child shop with care."

Everything a human needed was in that grocery store, and what you could

not carry you could come back for more.

First I got some Patience, Love was in that same row, further down was

Understanding, you need that everywhere you go.

I got a box or two of Wisdom and Faith a bag or two, and Charity of

course I would need some of that too.

I couldn't miss the Holy Ghost. It was all over the place, and then some

Strength and Courage to help me run this race.

My basket was getting full but I remembered I needed Grace, and then I

chose Salvation for Salvation was for free. I tried to get enough of that to

do for you and me.

Then I started to the counter to pay my grocery bill, for I thought I

had everything to do the Master’s will. As I went up the aisle I saw Prayer

and put that in, for I knew when I stepped outside I would run into sin.

Peace and Joy were plentiful, the last things on the shelf.  Song and

Praise were hanging near so I just helped myself.

Then I said to the angel, "Now how much do I owe?"

He smiled and said, "Just take them everywhere you go."

Again I asked "Really now, How much do I owe?"

"My child" he said, "God paid your bill a long long time ago."

……..(This poem originated in the Netherlands and is said to have been around the world 9 times.)

If you believe

She is 92 years old, petite, well poised,

and proud. She is

fully dressed

each morning by eight o'clock, with her

hair fashionably

coifed, and her

makeup perfectly applied, in spite of the

fact she is

legally blind.

Today she has moved to a nursing home. Her

husband of 70

years recently

passed away, making this move necessary.

After many hours of waiting patiently in

the lobby of the

nursing home, where

I am employed, she smiled sweetly when told

her room was ready.

As she maneuvered her walker to the

elevator, I provided

a visual description

of her tiny room, including the eyelet

curtains that had

been hung on her

window.

"I love it," she stated with the enthusiasm

of an

eight-year-old having just

been presented with a new puppy.

"Mrs. Jones, you haven't seen the

room...just wait," I said.

Then she spoke these words that I will

never forget "That

does not have

anything to do with it," she gently

replied.

"Happiness is something you decide on ahead

of time. Whether

I like my room

or not, does not depend on how the

furniture is arranged. It

is how I

arrange my mind. I have already decided to

love it.

It is a decision I make every morning when

I wake up. I have

a choice.

I can spend the day in bed recounting the

difficulty I have

with the parts of

my body that no longer work, or I can get

out of bed and be

thankful for the

ones that do work. Each day is a fgift, and

as long as my

eyes open, I will

focus on the new day and all of the happy

memories I have

stored away...just

for this time in my life.

Old age is like a bank account. You

withdraw from what you

have already put

in.

I believe- that our background and

circumstances may have

influenced who we

are, but we are responsible for who we

become.

I believe- that no matter how good a friend

is, they're

going to hurt you

every once in a while and you must forgive

them for that.

I believe- that just because someone

doesn't love you the

way you want them

to doesn't mean they don't love you with

all they have.

I believe- that true friendship continues

to grow, even over

the longest

distance. Same goes for true love.

I believe- that it's taking me a long time

to become the

person I want to be.

I believe- that you should always leave

loved ones with

loving words. It may

be the last time you see them.

I believe- that you can keep going, long

after you can't.

I believe- that we are responsible for what

we do, no matter

how we feel.

I believe- that either you control your

attitude or it

controls you.

I believe- that heroes are the people who

do what has to be

done when it

needs to be done, regardless of the

consequences.

I believe- that money is a lousy way of

keeping score.

I believe- that my best friend and I can do

anything or

nothing and have the

best time.

I believe- that sometimes the people you

expect to kick you

when you're down,

will be the ones to help you get back up.

I believe- that sometimes when I'm angry I

have the right to

be angry, but

that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I believe- that maturity has more to do

with what types of

experiences you've

had and what you've learned from them and

less to do with

how many birthdays

you've celebrated.

I believe- that it isn't always enough to

be forgiven by

others. Sometimes

you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I believe- that no matter how bad your

heart is broken the

world doesn't stop

for your grief.

I believe- that just because two people

argue, it doesn't

mean they don't

love each other. And just because they

don't argue,

it doesn't mean they do.

I believe- that you shouldn't be so eager

to find out a

secret. It could

change your life forever.

I believe- that two people can look at the

exact same thing

and see something+

totally different.

I believe- that your life can be changed in

a matter of

hours by people who

don't even know you.

I believe- that even when you think you

have no more to

give, when a friend

cries out to you you will find the strength

to help.

I believe- that credentials on the wall do

not make you a

decent human being.

I believe- that the people you care about

most in life are

taken from you too soon.

(Author Unknown)

 My First Christmas in Heaven

I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below

With tiny lights like heaven’s stars reflecting on the snow.

The sight is so spectacular - please wipe away that tear

For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear

But the sound of music can’t compare with the Christmas choir up here.

I have no words to tell you of the joy their voices bring

For it’s beyond description to hear the angels sing.

So be happy for me, dear one, you know I hold you near

And be glad I’m spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I send you each a special gift from my heavenly home above

I send you each a memory of my undying love

After all love is a gift more precious than pure gold,

It was always most important in the stories Jesus told,

Please love and keep each other as My Father said to do.

For I cannot count the blessings of the love He has for you

So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear,

For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

~~Author unknown 

The U in JesUs    

Before U were thought of or time had begun,
God even stuck U in the name of His Son.
And each time U pray, you'll see it's true,
You can't spell out JesUs and not include U.

You're a pretty big part of His wonderful name,
For U, He was born; that's why He came.
And His great love for U is the reason He died.
It even takes U to spell crUcified.

Isn't it thrilling and splendidly grand,
He rose from the dead, with U in His plan?
The stones split away, the gold trUmpet blew,
And this word resUrrection is spelled with a U.

When JesUs left earth at His upward ascension,
He felt there was one thing He just had to mention.
"Go into the world and tell them it's true,
That I love them all - Just like I love U."

So many great people are spelled with a U,
Don't they have a right to know JesUs too?
It all depends now on what U will do,
He'd like them to know, But it all starts with U.

(Author unknown)

GOD WOULD SAY

“When I created the heavens and the earth, I spoke them into being.

When I created man, I formed him and breathed life into his nostrils.

But you, woman, I fashioned after I breathed the breath of life into man.

I allowed a deep sleep to come over him so I could patiently and perfectly fashion you.

Man was put to sleep so that he could not interfere with the creativity.

From one bone, I fashioned you.

I chose the bone that protects man's life.

I chose the rib, which protects his heart and lungs and supports him

as you are meant to do.

 Around this one bone, I shaped you and I modeled you.

I created you perfectly and beautifully.

Your characteristics are

like his rib, strong yet delicate and fragile.

You provide protection for the most delicate organ in man, his heart.

  His heart is the center of his being;

His lungs hold the breath of life.

The rib cage will allow itself to be broken before it will allow damage to the heart.

You were not taken from his feet, to be under him,

nor were you taken from his head, to be above him.

You were taken from his side, to stand beside him and be held close to him.

You are my beautiful little girl.

You have grown to be a splendid woman of excellence,

and my eyes fill when I see the virtues in your heart.

Your eyes, don't change them.

Your lips, how lovely when they part in prayer.

Your hands so gentle to touch.

I've caressed your face in your deepest sleep.

I've held your heart close to mine.

Of all that lives and breathes, you are most like Me.

Adam walked with Me in the cool of the day, yet he was lonely.

He could not see me or touch Me. He could only feel me.

So everything I wanted Adam to share and experience with me, I fashioned in you;

 my holiness, my strength, my purity, my love, my protection and support.

You are special because you are an extension of Me.

Man represents my image, woman my emotions.

Together, you represent the

totality of God.”

 ~(Author Unknown)

KEEP THE FAITH

Warning: Exposure to the SON may prevent burning!

 GOD won't be looking for your medals, degrees or diplomas, he'll be looking for your scars!

 Give GOD what's right, not what's left!

 Seven days, without prayer, makes one weak!

 Trade GOD your pieces for HIS peace!

 When you get tired talking to your friend about GOD, talk to GOD about your friend!

 Life is fragile, handle it with PRAYER!

 Man's way leads to a hopeless end!

GOD'S way leads to an endless hope!

Every time, the devil reminds you of your past, remind him of his future!!!

 He who kneels before GOD can stand before anyone!

To be almost saved, is to be totally lost!

 Grace is not an excuse to sin, but it is the power not to!

 When JESUS is all we have, we realize, JESUS is all we need!

 Sorrow looks back, worry looks around, FAITH looks up!

 JESUS became what we are, so we can become like HE is!

  If you're a Christian, earth is the only hell you'll never know!

 If you can't sleep, don't count sheep, talk to the Shepherd!

 In this life it's not what you have, but who you have that counts!

 There are many things in my life for which I am ashamed, but JESUS is not one of them!

When was the last time you told GOD you loved HIM?

HE is still listening!

Feed your faith and your doubts will starve to death!

CHRIST'S return is near..........don't miss it for the world!!

 Be an organ donor, give your heart to JESUS!

 JESUS, don't leave earth without HIM!

 Be ye fishers of men, you catch them, JESUS will clean them!

 When you slip into eternity, will you be taking smoking or non-smoking?

 ATHEISTS, you've got a big surprise coming!

  When someone gets you hot and bothered, just turn on your PRAYER conditioner.

  If you stand for nothing, you'll fall for anything!

THE ALPHABET FOR LIVING

A lthough things are not perfect

B ecause of trial or pain

C ontinue in thanksgiving

D o not begin to blame

E ven when the times are hard

F ierce winds are bound to blow

G od is forever able

H old on to what you know

I magine life without His love

J oy would cease to be

K eep thanking Him for all the things

L ove imparts to thee

M ove out of "Camp Complaining"

N o weapon that is known

O n earth can yield the power

P raise can do alone

Q uit looking at the future

R edeem the time at hand

S tart every day with worship

T o "thank" is a command

U ntil we see Him coming

V ictorious in the sky

W e'll run the race with gratitude

X alting God most high

Y es, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but...

Z ion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!

 Love and peace be with you forever, Amen.

MY COMMITMENT AS A CHRISTIAN

I'm part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have stepped over the line.

The decision has been made. I'm a disciple of Jesus Christ.

 I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals.

 I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity.

I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power. My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, deluded, or delayed.

 I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won't give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ.

 I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me - my banner will be clear!

- (Author Unknown)