Remember GOD also has a son (Jesus) on the earth

COMPILATION OF INSPIRING STORIES but not without sufferings, peril and agonies.
by: Madeleine D. Macutay

Sometimes The Day Comes Author: Joy Sankhala

A True Champion
Sometimes the day comes By: Carole Yamaguchi as told to Anita Gogno
when you try your level best From: Chicken Soup for the Sports Fan's Soul
to achieve something
but you fail When our second child was born, Jim and I thought she was perfect, but the
doctor pointed out that her feet were turned inward. "Left uncorrected, it
Sometimes the day comes would be a problem," he told us.
when nobody understands you
and you feel that you are isolated We vowed to do anything we could to help our baby. When only two weeks
from the world old, I brought her back to the doctor, just as he had directed, and the doctor
put her tiny feet into casts, her precious baby toes just barely visible.
Sometimes the day comes Because she was growing, I had to take her back to the doctor every two
when you want to help the needy weeks to have each foot recast.
but find yourself unable to
because of some reasons Eventually the casting was finished and it was time for corrective shoes and
bars. Jim and I watched with hope and concern as she struggled to walk.
Sometimes the day comes Those first, awkward steps made us so proud. By the time she entered
when you are hungry and have a few bucks preschool, her steps appeared quite normal. Encouraged by her progress,
but you see the child laborers and buy food for them we looked for something else to help strengthen her lower body.

Sometimes the day comes As it turned out, she loved the ice!
when Mom comes up with one answer
and Father with another When she turned six, we enrolled her in skating lessons and soon she was
and you have to make your own decision gliding like a swan. We watched in wonderment as she skimmed the ice. She
wasn't the fastest nor the most coordinated skater. She had to work hard at
Sometimes the day comes every new movement, but she loved the ice and her dedication paid off. At
when you see that some people ditch others fifteen, she competed in both pairs-skating and the ladies' singles at the
because of their selfishness 1988 World Junior Championships in Australia, winning both events! At the
senior World Championships in 1991, she won the ladies' singles. Then we
found ourselves filled with love and admiration in France, at the 1992 Winter
Sometimes the day comes Olympics, as our daughter, Kristi Yamaguchi won the gold medal.
when you want to tell something to your parents
but find yourself unable to because
you think that they might get hurt or misunderstand you I thought back to the early years of challenge for Kristi - the years of fear for
us as her parents, and the same years of frustration for her as a child who
simply wanted to walk; the endless doctor visits; the arduous first baby steps
Sometimes the day comes with bars and corrective shoes. During those years, we didn't expect gold
when your friends drift apart medals and a stunning professional career ahead of her. We stood in awe of
not because you were not able to understand them Kristi herself, respecting her strength and dedication, and how far she had
but because they were not able to understand you come on two tiny feet that had once been bound in heavy casts. In our eyes,
Kristi had always walked with the grace of a true champion.
Sometimes the day comes
when you want to smile
but can't find a place to even weep Just Do It
Author: Neil Eskelin
Sometimes the day comes
when your beloved can't understand your feelings
and leaves you alone
and you look down and feel ashamed or embarrassed Author Elbert Hubbard told the story of an incident during the Spanish-
American War. It was imperative that the president get a message to the
leader of the insurgents. His name was Garcia and he was known to fighting
But sometimes the day comes somewhere in the mountains of Cuba, but no mail or telegraph could reach
when you learn from all your failure and think him. Someone said, "There's a fellow by the name of Rowan who will find
"Those who dare to fail greatly can achieve greatly." Garcia for you if anybody can."

Don't look down, look up.

You are one of the persons to whom GOD is closest

and He loves you.
Rowan took the letter without hesitation. He sealed it in a leather pouch Socrates asked the young man to walk with him towards the river.
strapped over his heart. He landed in the dark of night off the coast of Cuba When the water got up to their neck, Socrates took the young man by
and make his way to the mountains, and after much difficulty, found Garcia. surprise and ducked him into the water.
He handed him the letter, turned around and headed home. Hubbard tells The man struggled to get out but Socrates was strong and kept him there
this story in "A Letter to Garcia." Rowan didn't ask, "Exactly where is he?" or until he started turning blue.
"I doubt if I can do it." There was a job to be done and he did it. The young man struggled hard and finally managed to get out and the first
thing he did was to gasp and take deep breath.
Instead of making a dozen excuses why you can't complete the task, think Socrates asked 'What you wanted the most when you were there?' The man
about Rowan. Deliver the goods! replied 'Air'.
Socrates said 'that's the most secret to success. When you want success as
badly as you wanted air, you will get it.
There is no other secret'.
Adrift
Author: Adam Khan
In 1982 Steven Callahan was crossing the Atlantic alone in his sailboat when Double Time!
it struck something and sank. He was out of the shipping lanes and floating Author: Neil Eskelin
in a life raft, alone. His supplies were few. His chances were small. Yet when
dEthree fishermen found him seventy-six days later (the longest anyone has
survived a shipwreck on a life raft alone), he was alive -- much skinnier than Les Brown, a noted inspirational speaker, tells the story of one of his friends,
he was when he started, but alive. a salesman, who was in financial trouble because sales were down. Les
asked him, "How many phone calls are you making a day?" His friend
His account of how he survived is fascinating. His ingenuity -- how he answered, "Twenty five."
managed to catch fish, how he fixed his solar still (evaporates sea water to
make fresh) -- is very interesting. Les didn't hesitate with his advice. "Double them," he said. "Make fifty. Or
seventy-five. Or one hundred."
But the thing that caught my eye was how he managed to keep himself going
when all hope seemed lost, when there seemed no point in continuing the The salesman answered, "Aw, man. that's too much."
struggle, when he was suffering greatly, when his life raft was punctured and
after more than a week struggling with his weak body to fix it, it was still
leaking air and wearing him out to keep pumping it up. He was starved. He "Too much!" replied Les. "You tell me that you are behind on your bills and
was desperately dehydrated. He was thoroughly exhausted. Giving up would then you say it's too much. You know, one way to get back on your feet real
have seemed the only sane option. quick is to miss two car payments. How can you say anything is too much
when you have everything at stake?"
When people survive these kinds of circumstances, they do something with
their minds that gives them the courage to keep going. Many people in The advice Les Brown gave his friend needs to be heard by people
similarly desperate circumstances give in or go mad. Something the everywhere. It's amazing what we can do when we're "hungry" for success.
survivors do with their thoughts helps them find the guts to carry on in spite Most people who say "I've tried," haven't scratched the surface of their
of overwhelming odds. potential.

"I tell myself I can handle it," wrote Callahan in his narrative. "Compared to Today, why not make a commitment to achieve your personal best?
what others have been through, I'm fortunate. I tell myself these things over
and over, building up fortitude...." Learn and Earn
Author: Unknown
I wrote that down after I read it. It struck me as something important. And I've Contribution: Azallea Lesmana
told myself the same thing when my own goals seemed far off or when my
problems seemed too overwhelming. And every time I've said it, I have Chuan and Jing joined a wholesale company together just after graduation.
always come back to my senses. Both worked very hard.

The truth is, our circumstances are only bad compared to something better. After several years, the boss promoted Jing to sales executive but Chuan
But others have been through much worse. I've read enough history to know remained a sales rep. One day Chuan could not take it anymore, tender
you and I are lucky to be where we are, when we are, no matter how bad it resignation to the boss and complained the boss did not value hard working
seems to us compared to our fantasies. It's a sane thought and worth staff, but only promoted those who flattered him.
thinking.
The boss knew that Chuan worked very hard for the years, but in order to
So here, coming to us from the extreme edge of survival, are words that can help Chuan realize the difference between him and Jing, the boss asked
give us strength. Whatever you're going through, tell yourself you can handle Chuan to do the following. Go and find out anyone selling water melon in the
it. Compared to what others have been through, you're fortunate. Tell this to market? Chuan returned and said yes. The boss asked how much per kg?
yourself over and over, and it will help you get through the rough spots with a Chuan went back to the market to ask and returned to inform boss the $12
little more fortitude. per kg.

Secret of Success Boss told Chuan, I will ask Jing the same question? Jing went, returned and
Author: Unknown said, boss, only one person selling water melon. $12 per kg, $100 for 10 kg,
he has inventory of 340 melons. On the table 58 melons, every melon
weighs about 15 kg, bought from the South two days ago, they are fresh and
red, good quality.
A young man asked Socrates the secret of Success. Socrates told the young
man to meet him near the river the next morning. They met.
Chuan was very impressed and realised the difference between himself and you sit on whatever talent you possess! The better question is not "What
Jing. He decided not to resign but to learn from Jing. ability do I have that is useful?" It is rather "How will I use whatever ability I
have?"
My dear friends, a more successful person is more observant, think more
and understand in depth. For the same matter, a more successful person
sees several years ahead, while you see only tomorrow. The difference
between a year and a day is 365 times, how could you win?
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your
name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will
Think! how far have you seen ahead in your life? How thoughtful in depth be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow
are you?
you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the LORD your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior…” (Isaiah 43:1-3 NKJV)
One Step
Author: Unknown Success Is a Self-Conscious Thing Author: Cara Grippa

It's about being aware of greatness and doing whatever it takes to get there.
Foolish people with all their other thoughts, have this one too: They are It's about being drenched in sweat, after 80 minutes, knowing you've given
always getting ready to live, but never living. nothing less than your best.

Your success will start when you begin to pursue it. To reach your goal or to It's about looking your opponent in the eyes, knowing you've out-hustled,
attain success, you don't need to know all of the answers in advance. You out-worked, and out-played them time and time again. And most of all, it's
just need to have a clear idea of what your goal is. about getting up and winning after you've fallen and no one else thinks you
can.
Don't procrastinate when faced with difficult problems. Break your problems
into parts, and handle one part at a time. Hard work is a self-willing thing. No one brings the best out of you better than
yourself. Only you can ask yourself how much you want it. Only you can ask
Develop tendencies toward taking action. You can make something happen yourself how much it means to you. And only you can ask yourself if you'll do
right now. Divide your big plan into small steps and take that first step right whatever it takes.
away.
Hard work is about being willing to sacrifice. Sacrifice selfishness, sacrifice
Everyone who ever got where they are had to begin where they were. Your laziness, and sacrifice the will to lose. Hard work is never mistaken, but only
big opportunity is where you are right now. noticed. Hard work is about realizing what's best for everyone, especially
yourself each and every day of your life.
A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Take it.
Winning is a team thing. At no time does one player mean less than another.
Every single player matters. Every action you do affects others somewhere
Sitting on Your Talent along the line.
Author: Steve Goodier
Winning is about seeing a team and realizing that for that season, they are
your life. It's about being there for them, it's about seeing them as family and
being willing to do whatever it takes. Winning is about spotting the goal and
There was a man played piano in a bar. He was a good piano player. People achieving it, not for yourself, but for them.
came out just to hear him play. But one night, a patron told him he didn't
want to hear him just play anymore. He wanted him to sing a song.
Winning is the number one outcome of success and hard work. Do whatever
it takes.
The man said, "I don't sing."

But the customer was persistent. He told the bartender, "I'm tired of listening
to the piano. I want that guy to sing!"
Positive Thought- A Strong Tool Of Success Author: Unknown
The bartender shouted across the room, "Hey buddy! If you want to get paid, Once upon a time there was bunch of tiny frogs that arranged a running
sing a song. The patrons are asking you to sing!" competition. The goal was to reach the top of very high tower. A big crowd
had gathered around the tower to see the race and cheer on the contestants.
So he did. He sang a song. A piano player who had never sung in public did
so for the very first time. And nobody had ever heard the song Mona, Mona The race began. Honestly, no one in the crowd really believed that the tiny
Lisa sung the way it was sung that night by Nat King Cole! frogs would reach the top of tower. You heard statements such as, "They will
NEVER make it to the top. Or: Not a chance that they will succeed. The
He had talent he was sitting on! He may have lived the rest of his life as a tower is too high!"
no-name piano player in a no-name bar, but because he had to sing, he
went on to become one of the best-known entertainers in America. The tiny frogs began collapsing, one by one, except for those, who in fresh
tempo were climbing higher and higher.
You, too, have skills and abilities. You may not feel as if your "talent" is
particularly great, but it may be better than you think! And with persistence, The crowd continued to yell, "Its too difficult!!! No one will make it!"
most skills can be improved. Besides, you may as well have no ability at all if
More tiny frogs got tired and gave up, but one continued higher and higher T-minus 3 seconds. Computers are initiating all the commands now and they
and higher. This one wouldn't give up! must receive three simultaneous commands - Arm, Fire 2 and Fire 1 - in
order for the pyrotechnics to begin.
At the end, everyone else had given up climbing the tower, except for one
tiny frog. After a big effort, he was the only one who reached the top! THEN The Arm commands signals a capacitator to 40 volts. The Fire 2 command
all the other tiny frogs naturally wanted to know how this one frog managed signals flames from the three main engines to fire through a thin barrier and
to do it? down a flame tunnel that is 490 feet long and 40 feet high. The Fire 1
command is issued to arm the side boosters to deliver 6.2 million pounds of
A contestant asked the tiny frog how he had found the strength to succeed thrust.
and reach the goal. It turned out.... that the winner was deaf!!!!
T-minus 2 seconds.
Never listen to other people tendencies to be negative or pessimistic....
because they take your most wonderful dreams and wishes away from you- T-minus 1 second.
the ones you have in your heart!
T-minus Zero: The side booster rockets are ignited and the eight explosive
SUCCESS TAKES OFF LIKE A ROCKET bolts blow. When the bolts detonate the shuttle is free to move. And the bolts
fall into a tray of sand.
Author: Patrick Combs
The first thing you see are large billowing white steam clouds blasting away
It was a dream come true. My brother and I were in Orlando Florida to from the rocket because 300,000 gallons of water is being flooded in to
witness our first Space Shuttle Launch. The Discovery was scheduled to deaden a reverberating sound wave that would shake the shuttle into
soar at 10:14 AM on a blue sky September day. I'd seen it go up so many fragments.
times on television, but now I was only minutes away from seeing it launch
with my own eyes - hearing it with my own ears. Through the steam, at the base of the skyscraper-like- rocket, you see the
fire power - and it's brilliant red, white-hot-orange, and blinding yellow. Then
If you've never gone to Orlando and witnessed a live launch, you ought to the Space Shuttle begins to inch off the pad.
because it is spectacular and unforgettable - And it's the ultimate
demonstration of the nature of success: Success Takes Off Like a Rocket. Your chest is thumped with an inaudible shock wave an instant before your
ears are filled with a roaring thunderous sound.
Witnessing the Take Off:
And the shuttle inches, and inches, and claws its way upward - so slowly at
Standing close to the Space Shuttle drives home one unforgettable point - first that you swear a full ascent would never be possible. Barely moving.
the Shuttle is the height equivalent of a 15 story building - it weighs 4.5 Burning up massive amounts of fuel. Thousands upon millions of pounds of
million pounds - and NASA is endeavoring to lift it 200 miles off the ground. thrust lifting the shuttle hardly at all. .... But with ever increasing ease, the
On TV the accomplishments looks so much smaller - so much easier. shuttle picks up and roars into the sky, headed into space attaining a speed
of over 17,000 mph.
Throngs of people are standing around with you to watch the Shuttle go. You
can feel the anticipation tingling in your hands. Then the countdown begins It is within the first two minutes off the Space Shuttle launch where the great
through the small speakers of hundreds of portable radios all tuned to the success lesson is present. Fact: 85% of the shuttle's fuel is expended within
NASA station. It's enough to get your heart beating out of your chest. the first 2 minutes just to get the 15 story super structure 1/12 of the way to
it's orbital altitude.
The tremendous feat starts with one very small human step. During pre-
launch activities, a person pulls a manual lock pin from each of the shuttle's And that's exactly how success takes off: The first steps you take towards
two side booster rockets - so that at T-minus five minutes, the shuttle's 'Safe launching a successful career, project, or product are the hardest and will
and Arm Device' can be rotated to the 'Arm' position. require an enormous expenditure of energy - a great big push. However, if
you persist through the launch phase, which can seem almost futile for quite
some time, guaranteed - everything get's easier and easier and your results
From this point on, the primary action is shared by two side booster rockets,
get bigger and bigger.
three main engines, on board and command central computers, and eight
bolts. The Shuttle is supported on the mobile launch pad with eight28 inch
bolts that detonate on ignition. Do the work it takes to get off the launch pad. Astronauts show us that the
view is brilliant.
T-minus 10 seconds
T-minus 9 seconds
T-minus 8 seconds
T-minus 7 seconds So Wise Author: Unknown

At T-minus 6.6 seconds the main engine start commands are issued by the An old country doctor was celebrated for his wisdom. "Dr. Sage," a young
on board computers and the three engines stagger start - all approximately man asked, "how did you get so wise?"
within a quarter of a second of one another.
"Weren't hard," said the doc. "I've got good judgment. Now, good judgment
T-minus 5 seconds. come from experience," he continued. "And experience - well, that comes
from having bad judgment."
T-minus 4 seconds. The main engines have achieved 90-percent thrust
within three seconds. They are ready to deliver 1.1 million pounds of thrust.
Not only does Jesus know who you are, He loves you, and accident. This would happen within two to three months time, but she
wants to be with you forever. Indeed, the world will promise couldn't say exactly when. The man went home, depressed and worried
you many things; and you can even try to prosper in it. telling himself how he never really believed in fortune tellers. Why should he
now?
Worldly pleasure may make you feel good for a moment;
however, it will ultimately leave you feeling empty, because it
can’t give you what is needed most, that is, love. Only God When two months passed, he had thought about what she said, day in and
day out. Now he decided to lock himself in his house where he wouldn't
can do that, because God is love. Moreover it is quite clear
come close to any busses for the next month.
from what’s happening around us that the world is not the
solution to our problems; rather, Jesus Christ is. And “neither
death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor Another 3 weeks went by when the man came down the stairs from his
bedroom to make some coffee. His little son had left his toys on the floor of
things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor which one was a little toy bus. The man stepped on the bus, after his last
any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the step down the stairs, slipped and knocked his head against the stairway
love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38- railing and died instantly.
39 NKJV)
Moral of the story: "Live life on the edge, don't lock yourself away."
The Greatest General Author: Neil Eskelin
Weakness or Strength?
Let tell you about a man who died and met Saint Peter at the pearly gates. Author: Bits & Pieces, August 15, 1996, Economic Press Inc.
Realizing Saint Peter was a wise and knowledgeable person, he said, "Saint Source: Linda's Inspiration Pointe
Peter, I have been interested in military history for many years. Tell me who
was the greatest general of all times?"
Sometimes your biggest weakness can become your biggest strength. Take,
for example, the story of one 10-year-old boy who decided to study judo
Saint Peter quickly responded, "Oh, that's a simple question. It is that man despite the fact that he had lost his left arm in a devastating car accident.
right over there," as he pointed nearby.

The boy began lessons with an old Japanese judo master. The boy was
The man said, "You must be mistaken, Saint Peter. I knew that man on doing well, so he couldn't understand why, after three months of training the
earth. He was just a common laborer." master had taught him only one move.

"That's right, my friend," replied Saint Peter. "But he would have been the "Sensei," the boy finally said, "Shouldn't I be learning more moves?"
greatest general of all time -- if he had been a general."

"This is the only move you know, but this is the only move you'll ever need to
You were created with natural abilities and an internal compass that guides know," the sensei replied.
you toward a particular focus for your life. That's only the starting point; the
next step is yours. You have an obligation to expand that potential to its
ultimate destiny. Not quite understanding, but believing in his teacher, the boy kept training.

Michelangelo said, "It is only well with me when I have a chisel in my hand." Several months later, the sensei took the boy to his first tournament.
Discover what you are supposed to do and do it! Surprising himself, the boy easily won his first two matches. The third match
proved to be more difficult, but after some time, his opponent became
impatient and charged; the boy deftly used his one move to win the match.
Still amazed by his success, the boy was now in the finals.
You Can Start To Win At Any Time Author: Unknown

To solve any problem or to reach your goal, you don't need to know all the This time, his opponent was bigger, stronger, and more experienced. For a
answers in advance. But you must have a clear idea of the problem or the while, the boy appeared to be overmatched. Concerned that the boy might
goal you want to reach. get hurt, the referee called a time-out. He was about to stop the match when
the sensei intervened.
All you have to do is know where you're going. The answers will come to you
of their own accord. Don't procrastinate when faced with a big difficult "No," the sensei insisted, "Let him continue."
problem, break the problem into parts, and handle one part at a time.
Soon after the match resumed, his opponent made a critical mistake: he
If you can get up the courage to begin, you have the courage to succeed. It's dropped his guard. Instantly, the boy used his move to pin him. The boy had
the job you never start that takes the longest to finish. Don't worry about won the match and the tournament. He was the champion.
what lies dimly at a distance, but do what lies clearly ahead.
On the way home, the boy and sensei reviewed every move in each and
Your biggest opportunity is where you are right now. Once you begin you're every match. Then the boy summoned the courage to ask what was really on
half done. when you realise you want to spend the rest of your life with his mind.
somebody You want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible
"Sensei, how did I win the tournament with only one move?"

Don't Let Fear Hold You Back Author: Unknown "You won for two reasons," the sensei answered. "First, you've almost
mastered one of the most difficult throws in all of judo. And second, the only
A man once went to a fortune teller, curious to know what she would say known defense for that move is for your opponent to grab your left arm."
about his future. The fortune teller looked into her magic ball and then her
facial expression said it all. The man would die, she said, involved in a bus
The boy's biggest weakness had become his biggest strength. If you think you are beaten, you are;
If you think you dare not, you don't!
If you'd like to win, but you think you can't,
1 Chronicles 28:20 It's almost certain you won't.
David also said to Solomon his son, "Be strong and
courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or If you think you'll lose, you're lost;
discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will For out in the world we find
Success begins with a fellow's will;
not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of It's all in the state of mind!
the temple of the LORD is finished.
(NIV) If you think you're outclassed, you are;
You've got to think high to rise.
You've got to be sure of yourself
Psalm 27:1 Before you 'll ever win the prize.
The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be Life's battles don't always go
afraid? To the stronger or faster man;
But sooner or later the man who wins
(NKJV) Is the person who thinks he can!

If I Had My Life To Live Over Author: Erma Bombeck 20 Words to the Wise Author: Unknwon

I would have talked less and listened more.

01. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and
the sofa faded. 02. Dear God: I have a problem. Sometimes, it's me.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the "GOOD" living room and worried much 03. Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional.
less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
04. There is no key to happiness. The door is always open.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his
youth.
05. Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day
06. Do the math. Count your blessings.
because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

07. Faith is the ability to not panic.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in
storage.
08. Laugh every day, it's like inner jogging.
I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass
stains. 09. If we worry, we probably didn't pray. If we pray, we probably don't worry.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more 10. As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home every day.
while watching life.
11. Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.
I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth
would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day. 12. The most important things in our homes are the people.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't 13. When we get tangled up in our problems, be still. God wants us to be still
show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime. so He can untangle the knots for us.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every 14. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.
moment realizing that the wonderment growing inside me was the only
chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
15. He who dies with the most toys is still dead. And who knows where he
has gone?
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now
go get washed up for dinner."
16. We do not remember days, but moments. Life moves too fast, so enjoy
your precious moments.
There would have been more "I love yous" ... more "I'm sorrys" ....but mostly,
given another shot at life, I would seize every minute.... look at it and really
17. Nothing is real to you until we experience it, otherwise it's just hearsay.
see it... live it... and never give it back.

How Do You Think? Author: Unknown

18. It's all right to sit on our pity pot every now and again. Just be sure to So does each person. Some people come to fruition quickly, others
flush when you are done. contribute more significantly in later years.

19. Surviving and living our life successfully requires courage. The goals and If you've not yet come into your own, don't worry. Tend to your work and
dreams we seek require courage and risk-taking. Learn from the turtle -- it aspirations with care. Don't give up; but rather be patient, for growth can be
only makes progress when it sticks out its neck. slow. Remember, storms and disease are devastating, but they can also
prune you and make you stronger. With proper nurture, you will in time enjoy
20. Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because a full harvest.
your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what
others think you are. There is a time for everything and everybody. And the time to begin is now.

Proverbs 1:7
Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools
despise wisdom and discipline. (NLT) Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, And whose hope
is the LORD. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,
Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear
Proverbs 3:7 when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding
evil. (NIV) fruit. “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately
wicked; Who can know it? I, the LORD, search the heart, I
test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways,
Did you know...? Author: Steve Goodier According to the fruit of his doings. (Jeremiah 17:7-10 NKJV)

That Joan of Arc was only seventeen when she was riding at the head of the Determination
army that liberated France from the English? Author: Unknown

That John Calvin was twenty-six when he published his "Institutes"? In 1883, a creative engineer named John Roebling was inspired by an idea
to build a spectacular bridge connecting New York with the Long Island.
That John Keats died when he was twenty-six? However bridge building experts throughout the world thought that this was
an impossible feat and told Roebling to forget the idea. It just could not be
done. It was not practical. It had never been done before.
That Shelley was thirty when he was drowned, but not before he left English
literature his classic "Odes"?
Roebling could not ignore the vision he had in his mind of this bridge. He
thought about it all the time and he knew deep in his heart that it could be
That Sir Isaac Newton had largely discovered the working of the law of done. He just had to share the dream with someone else. After much
gravitation when he was twenty-three? discussion and persuasion he managed to convince his son Washington, an
up and coming engineer, that the bridge in fact could be built.
That Henry Clay, the "great compromiser," was sent to the United States
Senate at twenty-nine and was Speaker of the House of Representatives at Working together for the first time, the father and son developed concepts of
thirty-four? how it could be accomplished and how the obstacles could be overcome.
With great excitement and inspiration, and the headiness of a wild challenge
That Raphael painted his most important pictures between twenty-five and before them, they hired their crew and began to build their dream bridge.
thirty?
The project started well, but when it was only a few months underway a
That Mozart only lived thirty-five years? tragic accident on the site took the life of John Roebling. Washington was
injured and left with a certain amount of brain damage, which resulted in him
Of course, most of us will never achieve the prominence of these not being able to walk or talk or even move.
extraordinary individuals. Nor should we -- we are each cut from a unique
pattern. But many people feel as if they should be leaving more of a mark on "We told them so."
the world. When I was a young man I wanted to make things happen. After a
few years I realized I would have to content myself with watching most things "Crazy men and their crazy dreams."
happen. (Now I often find that I have no idea at all what is happening!)
"It`s foolish to chase wild visions."
It helps to remember that there is a time for everything - and everybody. Our
time to bear good fruit may be yet to come. In fact, we may do our best work,
or find our unique place, later in life. Everyone had a negative comment to make and felt that the project should
be scrapped since the Roeblings were the only ones who knew how the
bridge could be built. In spite of his handicap, Washington was never
Colorado aspen trees grow vigorously. After the devastation of a forest fire, discouraged and still had a burning desire to complete the bridge and his
frequent occurrences in the Rockies, aspens are sometimes the first trees to mind was still as sharp as ever.
return. They re-forest an area quickly,providing shade for slower-growing
spruce and pine saplings. These evergreens grow slower, but may live many
years longer than the aspens. Each tree grows in its own time. He tried to inspire and pass on his enthusiasm to some of his friends, but
they were too daunted by the task. As he lay on his bed in his hospital room,
with the sunlight streaming through the windows, a gentle breeze blew the
flimsy white curtains apart and he was able to see the sky and the tops of the You thought an evil thought
trees outside for just a moment. You thought the thought again
You turned the thought to action and now your bound in sin.
It seemed that there was a message for him not to give up. Suddenly an idea Come to me-
hit him. All he could do was move one finger and he decided to make the even if
best use of it. By moving this, he slowly developed a code of communication You say “But I knew better, I belong to you”
with his wife. Child, I am not surprised by anything you do.
I made you in my image I fashioned you with care,
When you cried tears into your pillow, remember I was there.
He touched his wife's arm with that finger, indicating to her that he wanted I have always been and always will I be.
her to call the engineers again. Then he used the same method of tapping For even when you do those things, you still belong to me.
her arm to tell the engineers what to do. It seemed foolish but the project Even if you do these things, Oh child, don’t you see?
was under way again. Even if, even if, you still can come to me.
There is a secret place I have created where you may seek my face, this
For 13 years Washington tapped out his instructions with his finger on his place I have for you is called “The Father’s Warm Embrace”
wife's arm, until the bridge was finally completed. Today the spectacular And when I have held you in my arms and rocked you, listening closely to
Brooklyn Bridge stands in all its glory as a tribute to the triumph of one man's your fears,
indomitable spirit and his determination not to be defeated by circumstances. I will place you on my lap and wipe away your tears.
It is also a tribute to the engineers and their team work, and to their faith in a Then, I will smile. A smile to let you know I am pleased.
man who was considered mad by half the world. It stands too as a tangible For when you hurt and when you sinned, still- you came to me.
monument to the love and devotion of his wife who for 13 long years So, do not draw back from me my child,
patiently decoded the messages of her husband and told the engineers what I am Abba Father to you, remember in my word I said -Behold,
to do. I make all things new.
I will forgive you, heal you, restore you,
Perhaps this is one of the best examples of a never-say-die attitude that I will shower you with grace.
overcomes a terrible physical handicap and achieves an impossible goal I will never turn my back to you, but you will see my face.
On your journey home, when I see you I will run…..
Even if, Even if, My child, even if just come.
Don't Ever Author: Unknown
A Butterfly Story
Don't ever be reluctant to show your feelings when you're happy, give in to it. Author: Unknown
When you're not, live with it.

Don't ever be afraid to try to make things better. You might be surprised at
A man found a cocoon of a butterfly. One day a small opening appeared; he
the results.
sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its
body through that little hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It
Don't ever take the weight of the world on your shoulders. appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could and it could go no farther.
Then the man decided to help the butterfly, so he took a pair of scissors and
Don't ever feel threatened by the future take life one day at a time. snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon. The butterfly then emerged
easily. But it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings.
The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected that, at any
Don't ever feel guilty about the past what's done is done. Learn from any
moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the
mistakes you might have made.
body, which would contract in time.
Neither happened! In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling
Don't ever feel that you are alone there is always somebody there for you to around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly.
reach out to. What the man in his kindness and haste did not understand was that the
restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly. To get through
Don't ever forget that you can achieve so many of the things you can the tiny opening were nature's way of forcing fluid from the body of the
imagine. butterfly into its wings, so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its
It's not as hard as it seems. freedom from the cocoon

Don't ever stop loving. Don't ever stop believing. Don't ever stop dreaming Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life. If nature allowed
your dreams. us to go through our life without any obstacles, it would cripple us. We would
not be as strong as what we could have been. And we could never fly...
Even If Author: Darlene Eastes

Your heart is breaking

Expect The Best Author: Unknown
Your mind is unclear
Your tired and restless and full of fear
Come to me- A little girl walked daily to and from school. Though the weather this
even if particular morning was questionable and clouds were forming, she made her
You say words you shouldn’t trek to the elementary school. As the afternoon progressed, the winds
You don’t do things you should whipped up, along with thunder and lightning.
You doubt and try to change,
but never think you could. The child's mother, concerned that her daughter would be frightened and
Come to me- possibly harmed by the storm got into her car and drove along the route to
even if her child's school.
As she did so, she saw her little daughter walking along happily but at each When I stand out in the yard, and tell God and the world how weak I am, all
flash of lightning the child would stop, look up, and smile. of a sudden it is like my shirt changes to a superhero shirt, and I am wearing
a red cape. With God in charge, I truly CAN DO ALL THINGS! So can you!
Stopping the car, the mother called to the child to get in with her. As they
drove toward school, the girl continued to turn toward each lightning flash Jesus said in Matthew 17:20 “…for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a
and smile. grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to
yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.”
The Mother asked, "What are you doing?" I guess it is a good thing that I like the mountains just where they are!

The child answered, "Well, I must do this, God keeps taking pictures of me." When you and I allow Jesus to take charge of our hands, He will do truly
amazing and impossible things with them. Things that are so tremendous
that our imaginations aren’t big enough to picture them before they happen.
God will not let us down:
Has God been calling for you? Has He asked you for your hands and
Isaiah 41:10 Fear not; for I am with you. Be not dismayed; for obedience? Have you responded with, “I can’t.” or “I am too weak.”? Have
I am your God. I will strengthen you; yea, I will help you; yea, you answered, “Not me God, pick someone stronger, more qualified.”?
I will uphold you with the right hand of My righteousness. Good. We honestly can’t. We are honestly too weak. We are woefully under
qualified. Now let God fill you, your heart and your hands, and get prepared
to do great things. Be prepared to watch God use your hands to change
Who can harm or condemn those who belong to God?
hearts and minds. Be ready to be awed as God uses your hands to feed the
hungry and love the unloved. Be ready to be touched as God uses your
Isaiah 54:17 "No weapon that is formed against you shall hands to bandage wounded souls.
prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against you in
judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the James 4:7a, “Submit yourselves therefore to God.” Then fasten your
servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of Me", says seatbelt, because God is going to do something great!
the LORD.

I Can’t, I Can
Author: Guy K. Henry I Know I Can Author: Maxine Wright

I know that motivational speakers and therapists discourage the use of the Recently I had the privilege of spending a few days with both of my
phrase, “I can’t”. They think it is too negative. But it’s true, I really can’t! daughters and four grandchildren. The older I get, the more I cherish the
times we have together and when things become hectic, as they are bound
too with three families together, I remind myself of this precious fleeting time.
Sure, there are occasions when I can respond with a hearty “I can!” For
example, I can brush my teeth. I can make a cheese sandwich. I can cuddle
up with my dogs. During the visit, we all went roller-skating. My job was to watch Jeremy,
eleven months old, while the others showed their expertise on the rink floor.
Before long I realized that I had another duty - keeping myself from having a
However, when it comes to the really big and important things, it seems that I heart attack while watching my oldest grandson, Joshua, learn to skate.
have to respond with, “I CAN’T!” It’s less of being negative than it is of being
absolutely truthful. I CAN’T change a person’s heart. I CAN’T feed all the
hungry children in my neighborhood. I CAN’T mend a soul that’s been Joshua is a very determined, independent eight year old, who is already very
wounded. I CAN’T fill an unloved person with love. much a perfectionist. He met this new challenge in the same way. He
allowed his aunt to help him for about one turn around the rink and then he
struck out on his own. I cannot describe to you how hard he tried. He did not
My hands are too weak. I can’t. My heart is too timid. I can’t. My will is too realize that skating did not require picking your feet up in the same manner
distracted. I can’t. I can’t. I can’t! as walking does. Therefore, as he went around the rink, his arms were
flapping; his legs very rubbery looking and his entire body seem to have
It is then that I find the verse Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through come unglued. Then he would fall; maybe sprawl is a better word to describe
Christ which strengtheneth me.” All things? I can do things bigger than his collapse on the floor. He would hit that floor so hard and I held my breath
making a cheese sandwich? If I believe that verse is true, and I do, then I waiting to see what parts of his body would be left on the floor when he got
CAN! up. Every time he fell, he would fight to get back up as fast as he could,
ready to start again. He did this repeatedly. As I watched him, I hurt. He
More accurately, WE CAN! I don’t mean you the reader and me the writer. I would smash his nose, bend his arms back behind him, not to mention the
mean Jesus and I CAN. I mean Jesus and you CAN. I really mean Jesus, danger of the other skaters whizzing by him as he lay on the floor struggling
you and I CAN! to get back up. There was nothing I could do but pray he would not get hurt
as I watched him battle around that rink time after time.
It is not conventional to announce one’s weakness. Usually we try to hide
them. When it comes to Christ, something amazing happens when we He would not quit or slow up. When he would stumble in for a quick rest, I
acknowledge and broadcast our own weakness. Consider 2 Corinthians would ask him if he was ok. He would look at me with those big puppy dog
12:9-10 “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength brown eyes and say, "Yes, Mimi; this is fun. Am I doing good, Mimi?" I would
is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my smile and say "yes" and off he would go looking like a circus clown doing
infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (10) Therefore I take somersaults in his falling act.
pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in
distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” As I watched Joshua, I realized that we do the same thing throughout life.
We all have dreams and goals we try to achieve in our lives. We start out all
excited, believing that we can conquer any problem or any obstacle that
comes our way. Then we get knocked down. We get back up, dust ourselves this traffic!”  Or you may be agonizing over a misdirected life decision, “Why
off and start again. Next thing we know, we are kissing the ground again and did i major in Computer Science in college instead of English? I always did
we find it a little harder to get up. We start again but with less enthusiasm enjoy writing. Why didn’t I follow my passion?” Or you may be struggling with
and zeal. The next time we fall, it is very easy to just stay down. Some of us other issues like a car accident that turned out to be your fault or a failed
get back up but then we sit down not bothering to try again. We find it easier marriage that ended in divorce. Looking back on these incidents now, they
to quit than to keep trying and continue getting bumped and bruised in the may seem  so trivial, but at the time, the thoughts or decisions may have
progress. Some give up on a dream just when success is in sight. seemed like the most important issues in the world!

Joshua came flying into the stands and said "Mimi I need a drink." As we Just remember that God has a plan for your life. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us, “For
were getting a drink, he skated around on the carpeted area of the rink. I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you
Suddenly he was not picking his feet up as much. He was pushing off, and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  Whatever road
shifting his weight from one foot to another and lo and behold, he was your life takes or whatever decisions that you are making, it will all work out
actually skating. His arms were more still and his whole body seem to come for the good in the long run.  Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things
back together. I was so proud. I squealed, "Joshua that is it. You are really work together for good to those who love God, who have been called
skating." He looked at me a little puzzled and said, "I know Mimi. I have been according to his purpose.” As long as you continue to trust God and put him
skating all night." first in your life you will succeed. Romans 8:37, “No, in all these things we
are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust
That is when I realized his secret of success. Joshua did not know that he in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in
was not skating like every one else. He was doing the best he knew how to all your ways acknowledge him, and he will will direct your paths.”
do and was putting a 100% of himself into his efforts. He never knew that he
did not look like the others or that he was not an expert. It did not matter to Don’t forget to continue thanking God for all that He has done for you.  Ha is
him. He just kept working hard and his efforts paid off. Soon he was going still working through you, even in the most difficult of times. And yes, even
around the rink like a pro making it look so easy to the ones watching him. when God seems silent, He is still there with you!

Joshua taught me two important lessons that night. The obvious lesson is to So if you are currently working toward a specific goal on life’s journey and
keep trying, keep getting up and never quit. Never say never and have the what you thought was going to work out several months ago is no longer
confidence that you can do anything if you work hard enough. The other working out for you, don’t give up! Take some time to regroup. Revise your
lesson was not as obvious but was probably the most important to learn. plans, reshape your goals, and get back in there!
Keep your eyes on your goals and not on the people or circumstances
around you. Joshua was concentrating so hard that he did not see the other “… a lot of times the world doesn’t put rocks in our way. Instead we put them
smooth skaters around him. He had his mind's eye set on what he wanted to there ourselves.  When we hold on to our mistakes, we’re throwing rocks in
do, therefore that is what he saw himself doing. He never saw the stumbling our own path…  when we detach ourselves from worry and let go of our
or awkwardness that others may have seen. He did not care what he looked mistakes, the road always opens up.  That’s why if you want to make a
like to others; he only cared about finishing the task. How many times do we commitment to never quitting, one of the first steps is to simply get out of
quit a task because we think we look foolish to others? your own way.”  – Russell Simmons

We left that night with a very happy camper. We did our share of ranting, Don’t waste any more time continuing to be angry with yourself and by all
raving and praising but Joshua needed no one's approval. He knew he had means, forgive yourself for not getting it right this time.  Whatever the issue
done his best, had been determined to learn and had refused to quit. He was was.  Move forward with your life, starting with right now!
satisfied with himself. That made him happy! Now isn't that a great lesson to
learn? I know it was for this Mimi.

FAITH IN THE MIDST OF FAILURE

Key #3 to Happiness – Forgive Yourself! “If you have made mistakes, there is always another chance for you. You
may have a fresh start any moment you choose, for this thing we call ‘failure’
“If you have made mistakes, even serious ones, there is always another is not the falling down, but the staying down.”              — Mary Pickford,
chance for you. You may have a fresh start any moment you choose. For Canadian actress
this thing we call “failure” is not the falling down, but the staying down.” –
Mary Pickford, Canadian actress
If you have a strong, unwavering faith in the Lord, He will guide you, even in
the least productive times in your life.  You are still God’s child, in times of
As Christians, we are taught at an early age to forgive others.  We even
success as well as in times of failure.  He continues to love you (and me)
recite in the Lord’s Prayer, “… we forgive those who trespass against us.”
even through our difficult phases.  God does not hold your transgressions
And I am sure that must of us can recall the line from a poem written by
against you, as the world does.
English writer Alexander Pope, “To err is human, to forgive is divine.”

Romans 8;1-3 NIV Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who
We learn that we must also ask God for His forgiveness when we sin or
are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life
otherwise go against God’s word.  1 John 1:9 (NIV) admonishes us, “If we
set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to
confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify
do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own
us from all unrighteousness.” But how do we learn to forgive ourselves?
Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned
sin in sinful man.
If you are anything like me, you may be your own worst critic. You may
spend countless hours beating yourself up tor making a few mistakes in your
He promises to give you new life, even when you have failed in your
life.  You may obsess over such things as “Why did I make that stupid
endeavors.
comment in the business meeting this morning?” or “Why did I take the
expressway this morning instead of the local streets? Now I am stuck in all
Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I "What’s the difference?" asked the puzzle father.
am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making
a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. "There’s a big difference," replied the little girl.

But what must you do? You must trust God with this promise. You may not "If I hold your hand and something happens to me, chances are that I may
know what the future holds for you, but this is where your faith must kick into
let your hand go. But if you hold my hand, I know for sure that no matter
gear.
what happens, you will never let my hand go."
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on
your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct With Jesus you can do anything:
your paths.
+++ Phillipians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who
According to Dennis Bratcher, in his commentary, Abraham’s Faith Journey, strengthens me.
“… the future that God calls us to is not dependent on our efforts to make it
happen. It’s dependent upon our willingness to have faith in God to make
happen what we can’t make happen on our own. And it also tells us that God
is faithful to those whom he has called in spite of their failure and laughter.”
+++ God will give us mercy and grace:
So what about you? Is it time to trust God even though it seems at times that
nothing is going right in your life? Have you given up, feeling like it’s too late Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of
to be a productive person of purpose because you have failed so often? grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in
Don’t allow your failures to derail you. ***Having faith in God will keep you on time of need.
the right path even in the midst of failure.

“There is no failure except in no longer trying. There is no defeat except from Hebrews 3:6
within, no really insurmountable barrier save our own inherent weakness of But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are
purpose.” — Elbert Hubbard, American writer his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which
we boast.

Isaiah 35:4
Friends in the Desert Spiritual Story by Unknown
... say to those with fearful hearts, "Be strong, do not fear;
Two friends were walking through the desert. During some point of the your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with
journey, they had an argument and one friend slapped the other one in the divine retribution he will come to save you."
face. The one who got slapped was hurt, but without saying anything, wrote
in the sand: Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am
"Today my best friend slapped me in the face." your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold
you with my righteous right hand.
They kept on walking, until they found an oasis, where they decided to take
a bath. The one who had been slapped got stuck in the mire and started Psalm 44:6-8
drowning, but the friend saved him. After he recovered from the near I do not trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory;
drowning, he wrote on a stone: but you give us victory over our enemies, you put our
adversaries to shame. In God we make our boast all day long,
"Today my best friend saved my life." and we will praise your name forever.
The friend who had slapped and saved his best friend asked him, "After I
hurt you, you wrote in the sand and now, you write on a stone, why?" Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast,
The friend replied, when someone hurts us we should write it down in sand, because he trusts in you.
where the winds of forgiveness can erase it away. But, when someone does
something good for us, we must engrave it in stone where no wind can ever Matthew 11:28
erase it." "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will
give you rest.

Hold My Hand Spiritual Story by Unknown Carrots, Eggs, or Coffee Spiritual Story by Unknown
Once a little girl and her father were crossing a bridge. The father was kind
A young woman went to her grandmother and told her about her life and
of scared so he asked his little daughter, "Sweetheart , please hold my hand
how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to
so that you don’t fall into the river."
make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It
seemed as one problem was solved, a new one would pop up.
The little girl said, "No, Dad. You hold my hand."

Her grandmother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and
placed each on a high fire, and soon the pots came to boil. In the first pot  
she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she
placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a You don't plan to be sad.
word. In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the
carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed You don't plan to be hurt.
them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl.
You don't plan to be broke.
Turning to her granddaughter, she asked, "Tell me what you see."
You don't plan to be betrayed.
"Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied. Her grandmother brought her closer
and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The You don't plan to be alone in this world.
grandmother then asked the granddaughter to take an egg and break it.
After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg. Finally, the You plan to be happy. You don't plan to be shattered.
grandmother asked the granddaughter to sip the coffee. The granddaughter
smiled as she tasted its rich aroma then asked, Sometimes if you work hard enough, you can get what you want.

"What does it mean, grandmother?" But MOST times, what you want and what you get are two different things.

Her grandmother explained that each of these objects had faced the same  We, mortals, plan. But so does God in the heavens.
adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong,
hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it
Sometimes, it is difficult to understand God's plans especially when His plans
softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell are not in consonance with ours.
had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its
inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. Often, when God sends us crisis, we turn to Him in anger. True, we cannot
After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water. choose the cross that God wishes us to carry, but we can carry that cross
"Which are you?" she asked her granddaughter. with courage knowing that God will never abandon us nor send something
we cannot cope with.
God's Plan
Sometimes, God breaks our spirit to save our soul.
Some things are beyond planning.
Sometimes, He breaks our heart to make us whole.
And life doesn't always turn out as planned.
Sometimes, God allows pain so we can be stronger.
You don't plan for a broken heart.
Sometimes, God sends us failure so we can be humble.
You don't plan for a failed business venture.
Sometimes, God allows illness so we can take better care of ourselves.
You don't plan for an adulterous husband Sometimes, God takes everything away from us so we can learn the value of
everything He gave us.
or a wife who wants you out of her life.
Make plans, but understand that we live by God's grace.
You don't plan for an autistic child.

You don't plan for spinsterhood.

How do you Feel?
You don't plan for a lump in your breast.
 Lord, I feel.....
 
Beaten...yet
You have made me more than a conqueror (Rom 8:37).
You plan to be young forever.
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved
us
You plan to climb the corporate ladder.

You plan to be rich and powerful. Bound....yet

You are my deliverer (Rom 11:26).
You plan to be acclaimed and successful. And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: "The deliverer will come from
Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.
You plan to conquer the universe.

Confused....yet
You plan to fall in love - and be loved forever.
You are my counselor (Isa 9:6).
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on Vulnerable....yet
his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, [a] Mighty God, You are my strength and my strong tower (Ps 18:2).
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in
whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn [a] of my salvation, my
A failure....yet stronghold.
You have made me an overcomer (1 Jn 5:4).
For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has
overcome the world, even our faith Worthless....yet
You see me as a pearl of great price (Matt 13:46).
When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he
Fearful....yet had and bought it.
You did not give me a spirit of fear, but of power, of love, andof a sound mind
(2 Tim 1:7).
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of For Each Negative Thing We Say to Ourselves, God Has A Positive Answer
self-discipline. For It.

You say: "It's impossible"

Friendless....yet God says: "All things are possible" (Luke 18:27)
You are a friend who sticks closer to me than a brother (Prov 18:24). Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who
sticks closer than a brother.
You say: "I'm too tired"
God says: "I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28-30)
In darkness....yet Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you
You are a light unto my path and a lamp unto my feet (Ps 119:105). rest.Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my
burden is light.

Lonely.....yet
You promised never to leave me nor forsake me (Heb 13:5). You say: "Nobody really loves me"
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you God says: "I love you" (John 3:16 & John 13:34)
have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you;never will I forsake For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever
you." believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you
must love one another.
Misjudged....yet
I'm accepted and approved by You (Eph 1:4). You say: "I can't go on"
For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and God says: "I will direct your steps" (Proverbs 3:5-6)
blameless in his sight. In love Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own
understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your
paths straight.
Poor....yet
You supply all my need according to Your riches in glory (Phil 4:19).
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in You say: "I can't do it"
Christ Jesus. God says: "You can do all things" (Philippians 4:13)
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Sick....yet
You are the Lord who heals all my diseases (Ps 103:3). You say: "I'm not able"
…who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, God says: "I am able" (II Corinthians 9:8)
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all thingsat all
times, having all that you need, you will abound in every goodwork.
Troubled....yet
You are my peace (Jn 14:27).
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you asthe world You say: "It's not worth it"
gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. God says: "It will be worth it" (Romans 8:28)
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love
him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Unclean....yet
You are the purifier and refiner of my life (Mal 3:3).
He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify theLevites and You say: "I can't forgive myself"
refine them like gold and silver. Then the LORD will havemen who will bring God says: "I FORGIVE YOU" (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
offerings in righteousness, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and
purify us from all unrighteousness.
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
You say: "I can't manage"
God says: "I will supply all your needs" (Philippians 4:19) NEVER AGAIN will I confess or focus on defeat, because the Word says:
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in "God always causes me to triumph in Jesus Christ." (2 Corinthians 2:14)
Christ Jesus.
NEVER AGAIN will I confess or focus on a lack of wisdom, because the
Word says: "Christ Jesus has become for me wisdom from God." (1
You say: "I'm afraid"
Corinthians 1:30) and "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who
God says: "I have not given you a spirit of fear" (2Timothy 1:7)
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."
self-discipline. (James 1:5)

NEVER AGAIN will I confess or focus on sickness, because the Word says:
You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated" "With His stripes I am healed." (Isaiah 53:5) and Jesus "Himself took my
God says: "Cast all your cares on ME" (I Peter 5:7) infirmities and bore my sickness." (Matthew 8:17)
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
NEVER AGAIN will I confess or focus on bondage, because the Word says:
"Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." (2 Corinthians 3:17) and "My
You say: "I don't have enough faith" body is the temple of the Holy Spirit." (1 Corinthians 6:19)
God says: "I've given everyone a measure of faith" (Romans 12:3)
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself
more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, NEVER AGAIN will I confess or focus on worries and frustration, because
in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. the Word says: I am "Casting all my cares upon Him who cares for me." (1
Peter 5:7)

NEVER AGAIN will I confess or focus on condemnation, because the Word

says: "There is now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus."
You say: "I'm not smart enough" (Romans 8:1) I am in Christ, so therefore I am free from condemnation!
God says: "I give you wisdom" (I Corinthians 1:30)
It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for NEVER AGAIN will I confess or focus on loneliness, because the Word says:
uswisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Jesus said, "I am with you always, even till the end of the age [forever]."
(Matthew 28:20) and "I will never leave you, nor forsake you." (Hebrews
13:5)
You say: "I feel all alone"
God says: "I will never leave you or forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5)
NEVER AGAIN will I confess or focus on curses or bad luck, because the
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you
have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake Word says: "Christ has redeemed me from the curse of the Law, being made
you" a curse for me: that the blessings of Abraham might come upon the gentiles
[that's me] through Jesus Christ: That we might receive the promise of the
Spirit through faith." (Galatians 3:13-14)

NEVER AGAIN will I confess or focus on discontent, because the Word says:
"I have learned in whatever state (circumstances) I am, to be content."
NEVER AGAIN (Philippians 4:11)

NEVER AGAIN will I confess or focus on unworthiness, because the Word

NEVER AGAIN will I confess or focus on "I can't," because the Word says: "I
says: "He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become
can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians
the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Corinthians 5:21)
4:13)

NEVER AGAIN will I confess or focus on confusion, because the Word says:
NEVER AGAIN will I confess or focus on fear, because the Word says: "God
"God is not the author of confusion, but of peace." (1 Corinthians 14:33) and
has not given me a spirit of fear, but one of power, love and a sound mind."
"We have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God,
(2 Timothy 1:7)
that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God." (1
Corinthians 2:12)
NEVER AGAIN will I confess or focus on doubt and a lack of faith, because
the Word says: "God has dealt to each one [every person] a measure of
NEVER AGAIN will I confess or focus on persecution, because the Word
faith." (Romans 12:3)
says: "If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)
NEVER AGAIN will I confess or focus on weakness, because the Word says:
NEVER AGAIN will I confess or focus on the domination of sin over my life,
"The Lord is the strength of My life" (Psalm 27:1) and "The people that know
because the Word says: "The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has
their God shall be strong and carry out great exploits." (Daniel 11:32)
made me free from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:2)
NEVER AGAIN will I confess or focus on the supremacy of Satan over my
NEVER AGAIN will I confess or focus on insecurity, because the Word says:
life, because the Word says: "Greater is He that is within me than he that is
"When you lie down, you will not be afraid; Yes, you will lie down and your
in the world." (1 John 4:4)
sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden terror, Nor of trouble from the When people argue for their limitations they say: “I can’t do “X” because…”
wicked when it comes; For the LORD will be your confidence, And will keep The common excuse is: “It’s just the way I AM.” More likely the truth is: “It’s
your foot from being caught." (Proverbs 3:24-26) just the way I THINK I AM.”

NEVER AGAIN will I confess or focus on failure, because the Word says: "In While growing up, most probably, teachers, parents and friends tell us things
all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." like: “You’re hopeless at mathematics, you sing like a duck and you can’t
(Romans 8:37) draw to save yourself.” They say: “Life is tough, you’ll always be
unsuccessful… You can never be somebody someday! And we go and act it
NEVER AGAIN will I confess or focus on frustration, because the Word says: out, almost like we are in a play. We believe it, even if it ruins our life.
"You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because
he trusts in You." (Isaiah 26:3) We are miserable because we believe we are. We are unsuccessful because
we believe we can never be successful. So rise above your own limitations.
NEVER AGAIN will I confess or focus on fear of the future, because the BELIEVE THAT YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO FINISH COLLEGE AND
Word says: "As it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have BE SUCCESSFUL AND YOUR CHOSEN FIELD OF ENDEAVOR AND FOR
entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those SURE… YOU WILL BE!!!
who love Him." But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit." (1 Cor
*** Looking back, when I was sitting in those chairs listening to our guest
2:9-10)
speaker then, I told myself: One day, I’ll come back and be the next guest
speaker and share my own story in that platform. I believed it would happen
NEVER AGAIN will I confess or focus on troubles, because the Word says:
and it happened today.
Jesus said, "In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I
have overcome the world." (John 16:33) CONSIDER THIS: YOUR LIFE IS A PERFECT REFLECTION OF YOUR
BELIEFS.
MY OWN ABC’s TO SUCCESS
By: Madeleine D.Macutay, CPA When you change your deepest beliefs about the world, your life changes
accordingly.
ATTITUDE – YOUR ATTITUDE DETERMINES HOW FAR YOU CAN
SUCCEED!
COURAGE TO CONQUER YOUR OWN LIMITATIONS: YOU CAN BE
ATTITUDE
AttiTUDE BETTER THAN AVERAGE.
atTiTude
Eh ano ka nga ba? Defining the word “average,” someone said, “Average” is the best of the
worst and the worst of the best.”
Attitude – is a mental disposition towards objects, persons, situations
YOUR ATTITUDE IS YOUR CHOICE! A lady once came up to John Maxwell (author of bestselling leadership
1. Posible pero mahirap books) after he had preached on success and asked me, “What’s wrong with
2. Mahirap pero possible. being average?”

Attitude by Charles Swindoll He replied, “If you’re not a Christian, nothing’s wrong with being average. If
you’re a Christian, then you must not be content until you develop to the
“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude to fullest extent the potential God has given you. In doing this, you’ll bring glory
me, is more important than facts. to God and be lifted above the average.”

It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than TO RISE ABOVE THE COMMON PLANE OF LIVING YOU NEED A LITTLE
circumstances, than failures, than success, than what other people think or MORE DETERMINATION THAN THE AVERAGE PERSON.
say or do.
Great people are just ordinary people with an extraordinary amount of
It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. determination. When those around you quit and throw up their hands, grit
your teeth and dig in a little deeper. Success is achieved and maintained by
It will make or break a company… a church… a home…
those who keep trying. Go ahead- admit it: Today you may not be what you
want to be, hope to be, or dream of becoming, but the one key to achieving
The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we
your dream is determining not to quit.
will embrace for that day.
Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “A man is a hero not because he is braver than
I am convinced that LIFE IS 10% WHAT HAPPENS TO ME and 90% HOW I
anyone else, but because he is brave for ten minutes longer.” A track star
REACT TO IT.
who runs a long distance learns to depend upon his “second wind.” He runs
And so it is with you…. WE ARE IN-CHARGE OF OUR ATTITUDES. until he’s weary and exhausted. But he doesn’t stop there. The average
runner decides to quit, but the track star knows that if he can endure a little
BELIEFS – YOUR BELIEFS DETERMINE YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE more pain, he’ll get this “second wind.” Until a person has tried hard enough
and long enough to get his “second wind,” he’ll never know how much he
According to Frank Lloyd Wright - “The thing always happen that you believe can accomplish. REMEMBER: ABILITY IS 95% “STICKABILITY.”
in and the belief in a thing makes it happen.”
DISCIPLINE
Have the discipline to do little things you don’t like, and you can spend your GIVE TO GOD ALL THAT YOU ARE AND ALL THAT YOU EVER HOPE TO
life doing the big things you do like. BE.

Discipline is not everyone’s favourite word. In popularity, it probably slots The Book of Proverbs tells us that: People may make plans in their minds,
somewhere between dentist and diarrhea. But self-discipline makes all the but only the Lord can make them come true. (Proverbs 16:1). Therefore,
difference. Life is a trade off between instant pleasure and a long-term depend on the Lord in whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
reward. (Proverbs 16:3)

Self-discipline in the little things – studying instead of TV- leads to a big Our lives are in God’s hands. It is never a waste to trust HIM COMPLETELY
thing- better grades… better qualifications… for our Creator knows what’s best for us. I’ll end with one of my favorite
verses in the Bible. Jeremiah 29:11-14 says and I quote: “FOR I KNOW THE
The key to self-discipline is not an iron will. It is knowing WHY YOU WANT PLANS THAT I HAVE FOR YOU. PLANS TO PROSPER YOU; PLANS TO
SOMETHING. If you really know WHY you want to get out of debt, it’s easier GIVE YOU A HOPE AND A FUTURE. THEN YOU WILL CALL UPON ME
to save. If you’re clear about why you want to improve your qualifications for AND PRAY TO ME AND I WILL LISTEN TO YOU.” YOU WILL SEARCH
better job opportunities in the future, it’s easier to study. FOR ME. AND WHEN YOU SEARCH FOR ME WITH ALL YOUR HEART,
YOU WILL FIND ME! I WILL LET YOU FIND ME, SAYS THE LORD.
ENVISION YOURSELF TO BE THE BEST OF WHAT YOU CAN BE!

Many good people with a lot of potential are going nowhere because they
have no dream. Mac Davis says, “There’s nothing to do but hang a man
when he has no dreams.” I’m convinced that some elderly people become
depressed and die much earlier than necessary because they quit looking
into the future with hope and expectation and begin looking back into the
past with futility and frustration. A good dream is like cream- it will lift you to HOW IMPORTANT IS HOPE TO US?
the top.
 When we are trapped in a tunnel of misery, hope points to the
FROG PRINCIPLE : WATCH OUT FOR DETERIORATION! FOR light at the end.
COMPLACENCY!  When we are overworked and exhausted, hope gives us fresh
energy.
There is an often-quoted story of a frog and a bucket of water. It illustrates  When we are discouraged, hope lifts our spirits.
 When we are tempted to quit, hope keeps us going.
the law of deterioration…
 When we lose our way and confusion blurs the destination, hope
dulls the edge of panic.
If you take an intelligent, happy frog and drop him into a bucket of boiling
 When we struggle with a crippling disease or a lingering illness,
water, what will the frog do? Jump out! Instantly, the frog decides: “This is no hope helps us persevere beyond the pain.
fun- I’m gone!”  When we fear the worst, hope brings reminders that God is still in
control.
If you take the same frog, or a relative, and drop him into a bucket of cold  When we must endure the consequences of bad decisions, hope
water, put the bucket on the stove and gradually heat up the bucket of cold fuels our recovery.
water, put the bucket on the stove and gradually heat up the bucket, what  When we find ourselves unemployed, hope tells us we still have a
then? The frog’s relaxing… a few minutes later he says to himself: “It seems future.
warm in here.” Soon enough, you have a cooked frog.  When we are forced to sit back and wait, hope gives us the
patience to trust.
The moraleof the story? Life happens gradually. Like the frog, we can be  When we feel rejected and abandoned, hope reminds us we are
fooled, and suddenly it’s too late. We need to be aware of what is happening. not alone … we’ll make it.
 When we say our final farewell to someone we love, hope to the
life beyond gets us through our grief.
QUESTION – If you woke tomorrow twenty kilos heavier, would you be
–Charles Swindoll in his book Hope Again
worried? Sure you would! You’d be calling the hospital: “Emergency! I’m
FAT!” But when things happen gradually, a kilo this month, a kilo next month,
we tend to let it go. Matthew 7:24
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts
For people who go broke, put on weight, get divorced, it usually isn’t one big them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on
disaster- it’s a bit today and a bit tomorrow- and then one day “Kaboom!” – the rock.
and they say: “What happened?”
Matthew 8:13
Life is accumulative. ONE THING ADDS TO ANOTHER- like the drops of Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go! It will be done just as
water that wear away the rock. The frog principle is telling us to watch the you believed it would." And his servant was healed at that
trends. Each day, we ask ourselves: “Where am I heading? Am I fitter, very hour.
healthier, happier, more prosperous than I was last year?” If not, we need to
change what we are doing. Matthew 9:22
Jesus turned and saw her. "Take heart, daughter," he said,
Here’s the scary thing- THERE’S NO STANDING STILL. You’re either "your faith has healed you." And the woman was healed from
gaining or slipping. that moment.
Matthew 15:28
Then Jesus answered, "Woman, you have great faith! Your
request is granted." And her daughter was healed from that
very hour.

Matthew 21:21-22
Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not
doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but
also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the
sea,' and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive
whatever you ask for in prayer."

Mark 9:23
"'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who
believes."

Mark 11:22-23
"Have faith in God," Jesus answered. "I tell you the truth, if
anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,'
and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says
will happen, it will be done for him."

Mark 16:16
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever
does not believe will be condemned.