LIFE'S STRUGGLES

Photo: butterflyblitz2010.webs.com

A man found a cocoon of an emperor moth. He took it home so that he could watch the moth come out of the cocoon. On the day a small opening appeared, he sat and watched the moth for several hours as the moth struggled to force the body through that little hole.

The moth seemed to be stuck and appeared to have stopped making progress. It seemed as if it had gotten as far as it could and it could go no farther. The man, in his kindness, decided to help the moth; so he took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon. The moth then emerged easily. But its body was swollen and small, its wings wrinkled and shriveled.

The man continued to watch the moth because he expected that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to and able to support the body, which would contract in time. Neither happened! In fact, the little moth spent the rest of its life crawling around with a small, swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly. The man in his kindness and haste did not understand that the struggle required for the moth to get through the tiny opening was necessary to force fluid from the body of the moth into its wings so that it would be ready for flight upon achieving its freedom from the cocoon. Freedom and flight would only come after the struggle. By depriving the moth of a struggle, he deprived the moth of health.

Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life. If we were to go through our life without any obstacles, we would be crippled. We would not be as strong as what we could have been. Give every opportunity a chance, leave no room for regrets, and don't forget the power in the struggle.

THE STUDENTS' BEATITUDE

Blessed are the students who stay in touch with God during their academic life,

they will always have a friend by their side.

Blessed are the students who study and go to all their classes,

they will become educated.

Blessed are the students who get involved in extracurricular activities,

they usually develop into well-balanced people.

Blessed are the students who volunteer to help others,

they will deepen their capacity to love.

Blessed are the students who keep away from drugs, alcohol and other dangerous activity,

they are least likely to get into trouble.

Blessed are the students who pray about and think through important decisions,

they will probably do God’s will.

Blessed are the students who keep in touch with family and friends,

they will have a good support system.

Blessed are the students who take time to discover their gifts and use them to better the world,

they will develop into mature Christians.

THE TEACHER'S BEATITUDE

BLESSED ARE THE TEACHERS WHO LOVE GOD,

for their students shall not be ignorant of their Creator and His plans concerning them.

BLESSED ARE THE TEACHERS WHO LOVE THE WORD OF GOD,

for their students shall know of the Way, the Truth and the Life.

BLESSED ARE THE TEACHERS WHO LOVE THE HOUSE OF GOD,

for they shall encourage their students to feel likewise.

BLESSED ARE THE TEACHERS WHO LOVE TO PRAY,

for their students shall feel the power of prayer and many shall find salvation.

BLESSED ARE THE TEACHERS WHO LOVE TO GIVE TO THE CAUSE OF CHRIST,

for they shall be an example.

BLESSED ARE THE TEACHERS WHO LOVE THE FAMILY ALTAR,

for they shall have their reward in this world and in the world to come.

BLESSED ARE THE TEACHERS WHO LOVE TO SPEAK KIND WORDS TO VISITING STUDENTS,

for thereby they win other boys and girls as well as their own students to Jesus Christ.

BLESSED ARE THE TEACHERS WHO LOVE TO BE COMPANIONS TO THEIR STUDENTS,

for they shall be called UNDERSTANDING.

BLESSED ARE THE TEACHERS WHO SPEND MUCH TIME IN LESSON PREPARATION,

for they shall grow even as they teach.

BLESSED ARE YE WHEN TIME SHALL BE SHORT, AND STUDENTS UNRULY,

for the Holy Spirit can still work in lives.

REJOICE, AND BE EXCEEDINGLY GLAD, FOR GREAT IS YOUR REWARD IN HEAVEN,

for other teachers have faced the problems you have before you.

GOD'S COVER LETTER

To Whom It May Concern:

I heard you were considering a new manager in your life. I would like to apply for the job. I believe I am the most qualified candidate. I am the only one that has even done this job successfully.

I was the first manager of human beings. In fact I made them, so naturally I know how humanity works, and what is best to get people back into proper working condition. It will be like having the manufacturer as your personal mechanic.

If this is your first time considering me, I would just like to point out that my salary has already been paid by the blood of my son, Jesus on the cross of Calvary. What I need from you is the acknowledgment that the price is sufficient to pay for all of your sin and your independence from Me. I need you to believe this in your heart and to tell somebody else about your decision with your mouth.

The next thing I ask is the right to change and fix your life so you can learn how to stay close to Me. I will make some major changes and revisions. They are not for you to worry about. I need your permission to execute these changes, My way and in My time. I will change your desires and give you the strength to make the changes.

Please keep your hands out of the way. Don't try to help me and Don't resist me. I really do need your full commitment and cooperation. If you give me those, the process can go smoothly, without delays.

Yours Sincerely,
GOD

P.S. I created the heavens and the earth. I AM. BELOW IS MY RESUME...

GOD
Everywhere
All over, Every Place 00000
Phone: (123) 456-PRAY

EXPERIENCE
From the beginning of time. Before the beginning of time. From everlasting to everlasting. I made time.

ABILITY
All Powerful

PRIOR EMPLOYMENT
*Created the universe, put the galaxies in place, formed man.
*Established heaven and earth by My spoken Word and am currently holding up the world by My power.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING
*I AM and I have all knowledge.

CHARACTER REFERENCE
Love, light, and life (1John 4:16, 1John 1:5, John 14:6).
A representative, but by no means conclusive list of other character traits follows:

• Wisdom - James 1:5
• Comfort - 2 Corinthians 1:3
• Truth - John 8:32
• Healer - 1 Peter 2:24
• Strength - Phil. 4:13
• Forgiveness - 1John 1:9
• Provider - Phil. 4:19
• Mercy - Ephesians 2:24
• Good - Matt. 19:17
• Peace - Romans 14:17

AVAILABILITY

• Willing and ready to take over your life.
• Able to put your life together again.
• Will bring all of who I AM into your life.
• Can start now.
• Will transform your life if you let Me.

SALARY REQUIREMENT

• Work in your life has already been paid for through the blood of My Son, Jesus.
• Your only responsibility is to commit initially and on a daily basis.
• To trust and obey what Jesus has done and wants to do in your life.

Other references available upon request.

A CHECKBOOK’S BEATITUDE

Image: blog.agcss.com

Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for they only spend what they have.

Blessed are the meek,

for they will invest prudently.

Blessed are those who mourn,

for the bill for their party will be reasonable.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for their money makes everyone's life better.

Blessed are the merciful,

for they will be forgiven as they forgive the debts of others.

Blessed are the pure of heart,

for they look past the clothes to the man inside.

Blessed are the peacemakers,

for peace costs less than war.

Blessed are the persecuted,

for the culture of selfishness doesn’t recognize them.

PROMISE YOURSELF

Photo: katie rivers

To be so strong that nothing

can disturb your peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness, and prosperity

to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel

that there is something in them

To look at the sunny side of everything

and make your optimism come true.

To think only the best, to work only for the best,

and to expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others

as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past

and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful countenance at all times

and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself

that you have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear,

and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world,

not in loud words but great deeds.

To live in faith that the whole world is on your side

so long as you are true to the best that is in you.

― Christian D. Larson

THE CHURCH I KNOW

If this is not a place where tears are understood,

Where do I go to cry?

If this is not a place where my questions can be asked,

Where do I seek?

If this is not a place where my spirit can take wing,

Where do I go to fly?

If this is not a place where my feelings can be heard,

Where do I go to speak?

If this is not a place where you'll accept me as I am,

Where do I go to be?

If this is not a place where I can learn and grow,

Where can I be just me?

That's the church I know.

Joining the church will not save but the saved will join the church || Rick Scarbough

CHARACTER - WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT

Photo: Katie Rivers

We tried so hard to make things better for our kids that we made them worse. For my grandchildren, I'd like better. I'd really like for them to know about hand-me down clothes and home-made ice-cream and leftover meat loaf sandwiches. I really would.

I hope you learn humility by being humiliated, and that you learn honesty by being cheated. I hope you learn to make your own bed and mow the lawn and wash the car. And I really hope nobody gives you a brand new car when you are sixteen.

It will be good if at least one time you can see puppies born and your old dog put to sleep. I hope you get a black eye fighting for something you believe in, I hope you have to share a bedroom with your younger brother. And it's all right if you have to draw a line down the middle of the room, but when he wants to crawl under the covers with you because he's scared, I hope you let him.

When you want to see a movie and your little brother wants to tag along, I hope you'll let him. I hope you have to walk uphill to school with your friends and that you live in a town where you can do it safely. On rainy days when you have to catch a ride, I hope you don't ask your driver to drop you two blocks from school so you won't be seen with someone as uncool as your Mom.

If you want a slingshot, I hope your Dad teaches you how to make one instead of buying one. I hope you learn to dig in the dirt and read books. When you learn to use computers, I hope you also learn to add and subtract in your head. I hope you get teased by your friends when you have your first crush on a girl, and when you talk back to your mother that you learn what ivory soap tastes like.

May you skin your knee climbing a mountain, burn your hand on a stove and stick your tongue on a frozen flagpole. I don't care if you try a beer once, but I hope you don't like it. And if a friend offers you dope or a joint, I hope you realize he is not your friend.

I sure hope you make time to sit on a porch with your Grandpa and go fishing with your Uncle. May you feel sorrow at a funeral and joy during the holidays. I hope your mother punishes you when you throw a baseball through your neighbor's window and that she hugs you and kisses you at Christmas time when you give her a plaster mold of your hand.

These things I wish for you - tough times and disappointment, hard times and happiness. To me, it’s the only way to appreciate life.

by Paul Harvey

A PARENT’S BEATITUDE

culturefyes.ca

Blessed are those parents who make their peace with spilled milk and with mud, for of such is the kingdom of childhood.

Blessed is the parent who engages not in the comparison of his child with others, for precious unto each is the rhythm of his own growth.

Blessed are the fathers and mothers who have learned laughter, for it is the music of the child’s world.

Blessed and wise are those parents who understand the goodness of time, for they make it not a sword that kills growth but a shield to protect.

Blessed and mature are they who without anger can say "no", for comforting to the child is the security of firm decisions.

Blessed is the gift of consistency, for it is heart’s-ease in childhood.

Blessed are they who accept the awkwardness of growth, for they are aware of the choice between marred furnishings and damaged personalities.

Blessed are the teachable, for knowledge brings understanding, and understanding brings love.

Blessed are the men and women who in the midst of the unpromising mundane, give love, for they bestow the greatest of all gifts to each other, to their children, and in an ever-widening circle, to their fellow men.

FOREVER FRIEND

Photo: Unknown Source

Sometimes in life, you find a special friend. Someone who changes your life just by being part of it. Someone who makes you laugh until you can't stop. Someone who makes you believe that there really is good in the world. Someone who convinces you that there really is an unlocked door just waiting for you to open it. This is forever friendship.

When you're down and the world seems dark and empty, your forever friend lifts you up in spirit and makes that dark and empty world suddenly seem bright and full. Your forever friend gets you through the hard times, the sad times an dthe confused times.

If you turn and walk away, your forever friend follows. If you lose your way, your forever friend guides you and cheers you on. Your forever friend hold your hand and tells you that everything is going to be okay.

And if you find such a friend, you feel happy and complete because you need not worry.

You have a forever friend, and forever has no end!

LIVE FOR TODAY

..................................Oooo

Some people .............( .....)

come into our lives..... )..../

and quickly go.......... (__/

oooO

(..... ) .......Some people

..\.. ( ........become friends

...\__)...... and stay a while...

leaving beautiful .....Oooo

footprints on our ....(...... )

hearts.......................)... /

............................. (_ _/

oooO

.(..... )...... and we are

...\... ( ....... never quite the same again

.... \__) ......because we have

made a good friend!

Yesterday is history.

  Tomorrow a mystery.

    Today is a gift.

      That's why it's called the present!

Right Now -

-somebody is very proud of you.

-somebody is thinking of you.

-somebody is caring about you.

-somebody misses you.

-somebody wants to talk to you.

-somebody wants to be with you.

-somebody hopes you aren't in trouble.

-somebody is thankful for the support you have provided.

-somebody wants to hold your hand.

-somebody hopes everything turns out all right.

-somebody wants you to be happy.

-somebody wants you to find him/her.

-somebody is celebrating your successes.

-somebody wants to give you a gift.

-somebody thinks that you are a gift.

-somebody hopes you're not too cold, or too hot

-somebody wants to hug you.

-somebody loves you.

-somebody admires your strength.

-somebody is thinking of you and smiling.

-somebody wants to be your shoulder to cry on.

-somebody wants to go out with you and have a lot of fun.

-somebody thinks the world of you.

-somebody wants to protect you.

-somebody would do anything for you.

-somebody wants to be forgiven.

-somebody is grateful for your forgiveness.

-somebody wants to laugh with you.

-somebody remembers you and wishes that you were there.

-somebody is praising God for you.

-somebody needs to know that your love is unconditional.

-somebody values your advice.

-somebody wants to tell you how much they care.

-somebody wants to share their dreams with you.

-somebody wants to hold you in their arms.

-somebody wants you to hold them in your arms.

-somebody treasures your spirit.

-somebody wishes they could stop time because of you.

-somebody praises God for your friendship and love.

-somebody can't wait to see you.

-somebody loves you for who you are.

-somebody loves the way you make them feel.

-somebody wants to be with you.

-somebody wants you to know they are there for you.

-somebody's glad that you're his/her friend.

-somebody wants to be your friend.

-somebody stayed up all night thinking about you.

-somebody is alive because of you.

-somebody is wishing that you noticed him/her.

-somebody wants to get to know you better.

-somebody wants to be near you.

-somebody misses your advice/guidance.

-somebody has faith in you.

-somebody trusts you.

-somebody needs you to send them this letter

-somebody needs your support.

-somebody needs you to have faith in them.

-somebody will cry when they read this.

-somebody needs you to let them be your friend.

-somebody hears a song that reminds them of you.

I FORGIVE YOU

Nothing is as painful,

As unforgiveness to the soul.

A heart that's torn asunder,

With forgiveness becomes whole.

A single kind word spoken,

Means more than countless words.

The three words, "I forgive you,"

Are all that need be heard.

To a soul that has been wounded,

Like a healing, cooling balm.

Forgiveness soothes and comforts,

Till at last the soul is calm.

For the soul that seeks forgiveness,

When forgiveness can't be found.

It struggles vainly everyday,

To hear that simple sound.

The power in those three kind words,

Can heal a heart that's broken.

But that heart cannot begin to heal,

As long as words remain unspoken.

Compassion in it's purest sense,

Reside in those three words.

The three words, "I forgive you,"

Are all that need be heard.

NO REGRETS!

If I knew it would be the last time that I'd see you fall asleep,

I would tuck you in more tightly and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time that I see you walk out the door,

I would give you a hug and kiss and call you back for just one more.

If I knew it would be the last time I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,

I would video tape each action and word, so I could play them back day after day.

If I knew it would be the last time, I could spare an extra minute or two to stop and say "I love you,"

Instead of assuming you would know I do.

If I knew it would be the last time I would be there to share your day,

Well, I'm sure you'll have so many more, I can let just this one slip away.

For surely there's always tomorrow to make up for an oversight,

And we always get a second chance to make everything right.

There will always be another day to say our "I love you's,"

And certainly there's another chance to say our "Anything I can do's?"

But just in case I might be wrong, and today is all I get,

I'd like to say how much I love you and I hope we never forget,

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone, young or old alike,

Today may be the last chance you get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you're waiting for tomorrow, why not do it today?

For if tomorrow never comes, you'll surely regret the day,

That you didn't take that extra time for a smile, a hug, or a kiss,

Too busy to grant someone what turned out to be their last wish.

So hold your loved ones close today, whisper in their ear,

Tell them how much you love them and that you'll always hold them dear.

Take time to say "I'm sorry," "Please forgive me," "Thank you" or "It's okay".

And if tomorrow never comes, you'll have no regrets about today.

YOUR LIFE IS SIGNIFICANT

The pencil-maker took the pencil aside, just before putting him into the box. "There are 5 things you need to know," he told the pencil, "Before I send you out into the world. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best pencil you can be."

"One: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in Someone's hand."

"Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you'll need it to become a better pencil."

"Three: You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make."

"Four: The most important part of you will always be what's inside."

"Five: On every surface you are used on, you must leave your mark. No matter what the condition, you must continue to write."

The pencil understood and promised to remember, and went into the box with purpose in its heart.

Now replacing the place of the pencil with you.  Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best person you can be.

One: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in God's hand. And allow other human beings to access you for the many gifts you possess.

Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, by going through various problems in life, but you'll need it to become a stronger person.

Three: You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.

Four: The most important part of you will always be what's on the inside.

Five: On every surface you walk through, you must leave your mark. No matter what the situation, you must continue to do your duties.

Allow this parable on the pencil to encourage you to know that you are a special person and only you can fulfill the purpose to which you were born to accomplish.

Never allow yourself to get discouraged and think that your life is insignificant and cannot make a change.

THE STAGES OF FRIENDSHIP

In kindergarten your idea of a good friend was the person who let you have the red crayon when all that was left was the ugly black one.

In first grade your idea of a good friend was the person who went to the bathroom with you and held your hand as you walked through the scary halls.

In second grade your idea of a good friend was the person who helped you stand up to the class bully.

In third grade your idea of a good friend was the person who shared their lunch with you when you forgot yours on the bus.

In fourth grade your idea of a good friend was the person who was willing to switch square dancing partners in gym so you wouldn't have to be stuck do-si-do-ing with the dork of the class.

In fifth grade your idea of a friend was the person who saved a seat on the back of the bus for you.

In sixth grade your idea of a friend was the person who went up to your new crush, and asked them to dance with you, so that if they said no you wouldn't have to be embarrassed.

In seventh grade your idea of a friend was the person who let you copy the social studies homework from the night before that you had forgotten about.

In eighth grade your idea of a good friend was the person who helped you pack up your stuffed animals and old baseball cards so that your room would be a "high schooler’s" room, but didn't laugh at you when you finished and broke out into tears.

In ninth grade your idea of a good friend was the person who went with you to that "cool" party thrown by a senior so you wouldn't wind up being the only freshman there.

In tenth grade your idea of a good friend was the person who changed their schedule so you would have someone to sit with at lunch.

In eleventh grade your idea of a good friend was the person who gave you rides in their new car,

convinced your parents that you shouldn't be grounded, consoled you when you broke up with your significant other and found you a date to the prom.

In twelfth grade your idea of a good friend was the person who helped you pick out a college,

assured you that you would get into that college, helped you deal with your parents who were having a hard time adjusting to the idea of letting you go.

At graduation your idea of a good friend was the person who was crying on the inside but managed the biggest smile one could give as they congratulated you.

The summer after twelfth grade your idea of a good friend was the person who

Helped you clean up from that party.

Helped you sneak out of the house when you just couldn't deal with your parents.

Assured you that now that your significant other were back together, you could make it through anything.

Helped you pack up for college and just silently hugged you as you looked through blurry eyes at 18 years of memories you were leaving behind.

And finally on those last days of childhood, went out of their way to come over and send you off with a hug, a lot of memories and reassurance that you would make it in college as well as you had these past 18 years.

But most importantly sent you off to college knowing you were loved.

Now, your idea of a good friend is still the person who

Gives you the better of the two choices.

Holds your hand when you're scared.

Helps you fight off those who try to take advantage of you.

Thinks of you at times when you are not there.

Reminds you of what you have forgotten.

Helps you put the past behind you but understands when you need to hold on to it a little longer.

Stays with you so that you have confidence.

Goes out of their way to make time for you.

Helps you clear up your mistakes.

Helps you deal with pressure from others.

Smiles for you when they are sad.

Helps you become a better person.

However, most importantly, loves you!

THE NATURAL HIGHS OF LIFE

Falling in love.

Laughing so hard your face hurts.

A hot shower.

No lines at the store.

A special glance.

Getting mail.

Taking a drive on a pretty road.

Hearing your favorite song on the radio.

Lying in bed listening to the rain outside.

Hot towels out of the dryer.

Walking out of your last final.

Finding the sweater you want is on sale for half price.

Chocolate milkshake.

A long distance phone call.

Getting invited to a dance.

A bubble bath.

Giggling.

A good conversation.

A care package.

The beach.

Finding a $20 bill in your coat from last winter.

Laughing at yourself.

Midnight phone calls that last for hours.

Running through sprinklers.

Laughing for absolutely no reason at all.

Having someone tell you that you're beautiful.

Laughing at an inside joke.

Friends.

Falling in love for the first time.

Slumber parties.

Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you.

Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep.

Your first kiss.

Being part of a team.

Making new friends or spending time with old ones.

Playing with a new puppy.

Late night talks with your roommate that keep you from sleeping.

Having someone play with your hair.

Sweet dreams.

Hot chocolate

Road trips with friends.

Swinging on swings.

Watching a good movie cuddled up on a couch with someone you love.

Song lyrics printed inside your new CD so you can sing along without feeling stupid.

Going to a really good concert.

Getting butterflies in your stomach every time you see that one person.

Making eye contact with a cute stranger.

Winning a really competitive game.

Making chocolate chip cookies!

Having your friends send you homemade cookies!

Spending time with close friends!

Running through the fountains with your friends.

Riding a bike downhill.

The feeling after running a few miles-an accomplishment!

The feeling you get the first time you step on stage.

Seeing smiles and hearing laughter from your friends...

Holding hands with someone you care about.

Wearing your boyfriend's shirt that still smells like his cologne.

Running into an old friend and realizing that things (good or bad) never change.

Discovering that love is unconditional and stronger than time.

Riding the best roller coasters over and over.

Hugging the person you love.

Watching the expression someone's face as they open a much-desired present from you.

Kisses on your forehead from the first and only boy you have ever loved.

Watching the sunrise.

Getting out of bed every morning and thanking God for another beautiful day!