MOTHER'S DAY SPECIAL: TOWARD MORNING

Sometimes when I wake up early in the morning before it is light, I hear my baby talking in his crib. If I rise upon my elbow very gently so that he will not see me, I can see him there in the dim light, dark eyes with his fat hands clasped together or patting one another. All the while he makes those tender, inarticulate sounds in his own language.

To whom is he speaking in the dark, toward morning? He is still so near Heaven, this little one - is he talking in the language of the angels to some visitor invisible to me, but seen by his pure eyes? Is he making a report of his day’s events, his own progress, or asking after the welfare of others he loves in the land he left so short a time ago?

Perhaps the angel who cared for him comes in that holy hour, to sit with and love him yet awhile...t-o-w-a-r-d m-o-r-n-i-n-g

|| Unknown

MOTHER'S DAY SPECIAL: AS I LOOK BACK

As I look back on my life

I find myself wondering.....

Did I remember to thank you

for all that you have done for me?

For all of the times you were by my side

to help me celebrate my successes

and accept my defeats?

Or for teaching me the value of hard work,

good judgement, courage, and honesty?

I wonder if I've ever thanked you for the simple things...

The laughter, smiles, and quiet times we've shared?

If I have forgotten to express my gratitude

For any of these things,

I am thanking you now....

and I am hoping that you've known all along,

how very much you are loved and appreciated.

|| Unknown

Hundreds of stars in the pretty sky,

Hundreds of shells on the shore together,

Hundreds of birds that go singing by,

Hundreds of birds in the sunny weather.

Hundreds of dewdrops to greet the dawn,

Hundreds of bees in the purple clover,

Hundreds of butterflies on the lawn,

But only one mother the wide world over.

|| Unknown

MOTHER'S DAY SPECIAL: A PRECIOUS MOTHER

Mom, you've given me so much,

Love from your heart and the warmth of your touch.

The gift of life and you're a friend to me.

We have a very Special Bond which only comes from God...

I'm sure you agree.

As a child I would say Mommy I Love You,

Now you're my Mother so dear

I love you even more with each and every new year.

If I could had chosen, I would have picked no other.

Than for you ...

to be my lifelong friend and Precious Mother.

|| Unknown

Mom, for all these years

I'm sure you've had

a heart full of hopes and dreams

and special longings of your own.

And you've always listened and shared

my dreams, my wishes, and my heartaches

as if they were the only ones in the world...

That takes a lot of love, Mom

I understand that now

and I hope you realize

how much I thank you...

how much I love you...

and how much I wish you happiness.

|| Unknown

MOTHER'S DAY SPECIAL: TO MY MOTHER

For all the times you gently picked me up,

When I fell down,

For all the times you tied my shoes

And tucked me into bed,

Or needed something

But put me first instead.

For everything we shared,

The dreams, the laughter,

And the tears,

I love you with a "Special Love"

That deepens every year..

|| Unknown

When you're a child she walks before you,

To set an example.

When you're a teenager she walks behind you

To be there should you need her.

When you're an adult she walks beside you

So that as two friends you can enjoy life together…

|| Unknown

I know how often I took you for granted

when I was growing up.

I always assumed you'd be there

when I needed you...

and you always were.

But I never really thought about what that meant

till I got older and began to realize

how often your time and energy were devoted to me.

so now, for all the times I didn't say it before,

thank you, Mom....

I love you so very much!

|| Unknown

I LOVE YOU MOM

Mom's smiles can brighten any moment,

Mom's hugs put joy in all our days,

Mom's love will stay with us forever

and touch our lives in precious ways...

The values you've taught,

the care you've given,

and the wonderful love you've shown,

have enriched my life

in more ways than I can count.

I love you Mom || Unknown

You filled my days with rainbow lights,

Fairytales and sweet dream nights,

A kiss to wipe away my tears,

Gingerbread to ease my fears.

You gave the gift of life to me

And then in love, you set me free.

I thank you for your tender care,

For deep warm hugs and being there.

I hope that when you think of me

A part of you

You'll always see.... 

|| Unknown

If I could give you diamonds

for each tear you cried for me.

if I could five you sapphires

for each truth you’ve helped me see.

If I could give you rubies

for the heartache that you’ve known

If I could give you pearls

for the wisdom that you’ve shown.

Then you’ll have a treasure, mother,

that would mount up to the skies

That would almost match

the sparkle in your kind and loving eyes.

But I have no pearls, no diamonds,

As I’m sure you’re well aware

So I’ll give you gifts more precious

My devotion, love and care.

|| Unknown

MOTHER'S DAY SPECIAL: A MOTHER'S LOVE

There are times when only a Mother's love

Can understand our tears,

Can soothe our disappoints

And calm all of our fears.

There are times when only a Mother's love

Can share the joy we feel

When something we've dreamed about

Quite suddenly is real.

There are times when only a Mother's faith

Can help us on life's way

And inspire in us the confidence

We need from day to day.

For a Mother's heart and a Mother's faith

And a Mother's steadfast love

Were fashioned by the Angels

And sent from God above...

|| Unknown

Her love is like an island

In life's ocean, vast and wide

A peaceful, quiet shelter

From the wind, the rain, the tide.

'Tis bound on the north by Hope,

By Patience on the West,

By tender Counsel on the South

And on the East by Rest.

Above it like a beacon light

Shine Faith, and Truth, and Prayer;

And thro' the changing scenes of life

I find a haven there.

|| Unknown

I AM A SOLDIER

I am a soldier in the Army of my God.

The Lord Jesus Christ is my Commander-in-Chief.

My church leaders are my superior officers.

The Holy Bible is my code of conduct.

Faith, prayer, and the Word are my weapons of warfare.

I have been taught by the Holy Spirit,

Trained by experience,

Tried by adversity

And tested by fire.

I am a volunteer in this Army,

And I am enlisted for Eternity.

I will either retire in this Army at the Rapture

Or die doing my duty to this Army;

But I will not get out,

Sell out,

Be talked out,

Or pushed out.

By the grace of God,

I am faithful,

Reliable,

Capable

And dependable.

If my God commands me,

I am there.

If He needs me in the Sunday School,

To teach the children,

Work with the youth,

Help adults

Or just sit and learn,

He can use me

Because I am there!

I am a soldier.

I am not a baby.

I do not need to be pampered,

Petted,

Primed up,

Pumped up,

Picked up

Or pepped up.

I am a soldier.

No one has to phone me,

Remind me,

Write me,

Visit me,

Entice me,

Or lure me.

I am a soldier.

I am not a wimp.

I am in place,

Saluting my King,

Obeying my orders,

Praising His name,

And doing battle for His kingdom!

No one has to send me flowers,

Gifts, food,

Cards, candy

Or give me handouts.

I do not need to be cuddled,

Cradled,

Or catered to.

I am committed.

I cannot have my feelings hurt

Bad enough to turn me around.

I cannot be discouraged enough

To turn me aside.

I cannot lose enough

To cause me to quit.

When Jesus called me into His Army,

I had nothing spiritually.

If I end up with nothing physically,

I will still come out ahead.

I will win.

My God has and will continue

To supply all of my needs.

I am more than a conqueror.

I will triumph ultimately.

I can do all things through Christ.

The devil cannot defeat me.

People cannot disillusion me.

Weather cannot weary me.

Sickness cannot discourage me.

Money cannot buy me.

Governments cannot silence me

And Hell cannot handle me.

I am a soldier.

Even death cannot destroy me.

For when my Commander

Calls me from this battlefield,

He will promote me to Captain

And then allow me to rule with Him.

I am a soldier in the Army,

And I'm marching, claiming victory.

I will not give up.

I will not look back.

I am a soldier,

Marching Heaven bound.

Here I stand!

Will you stand with me?

Will you enlist by trusting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?

If you already have, be sure you are reporting to your Commander with a:

"Here am I, send me, Sir!"

BEAUTY IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER

She was not beautiful.

Nothing about her was extraordinary.

Nothing about her made her stand out in a crowd.

She grew up in a family of six.

The eldest, she learned responsibility at an early age.

As she grew stronger and brighter,

She instilled a gentle cheer to whomever she met.

She was not beautiful.

But she made others feel beautiful about themselves.

She meets a rebel boy who thinks he’s all man.

Befriending him, she teaches him how to read,

A little boost the man needed to go to college.

They became friends fast and she fell

Fast in love with her rugged, handsome student.

The “man” then finds himself in a dilemma:

He soon found himself in love with a girl.

A girl so beautiful, she turned even the grouchiest man’s head.

Her hair was a halo of light around her,

Her eyes the bluest blue of ocean.

Like an angel, he tells his tutor —

Like a beautiful angel.

The girl swallows a lump at her throat.

She was not beautiful,

She did not possess the heart of the one she loved,

But she did not care.

As long as he was happy,

She would be — or she tried to be.

She helped him write the most beautiful letters to his angel,

All the time envisioning that it was she herself

Receiving those very letters.

And so the girl helped him choose the right words,

Buy the right gifts for his angel.

His angel brought him much joy

And much pain to the girl who cried behind her smiles.

But that never stopped her from giving more

Than she would ever receive.

Then one day, the most terrible thing imaginable broke loose.

The angel he loved left him for another man,

A richer, more successful man.

The boy was stunned.

He was so hurt he did not speak for days.

The girl went to him.

He cried on her shoulder and she cried with him.

He hurt and so did she.

Time went by.

And so the wounds heal.

The boy realizes something about his friend/tutor

He never realized before.

How her laughter sounded heavenly,

How her smiles brightened up the darkest days.

And, simply, how beautiful — yes, beautiful —

she looked to him!

Beautiful.

This plain, simple girl was beautiful to him.

And he began to fall,

Fall so in love with this beautiful girl.

One day, he picked up all his courage to see her.

He walked to her house, nervous and fidgeting,

Running his thoughts over and over in his head.

He was going to tell her how beautiful she was to him.

He was going to tell her how wonderfully in love he was

with her.

He knocked.

No one was home.

The next day he found out,

The beautiful girl he loved had a brain aneurysm

That put her into a coma.

The doctors were grim and the family decided to let her go.

One final time he got to see her.

He held her hand,

He stroked her hair,

And he cried for this beautiful girl.

He cried for he will never see her smile

Or hear her speak his name.

He cried.

But it was too late.

The beautiful girl was buried and the heavens broke out

In a beautiful spring shower, weeping for their loss.

She was the most beautiful girl in the world.

Look around you.

Aren’t there a lot of plain faces?

Take a good look,

A real good look, or you might miss out

On that beautiful person.

Forever.

NO TIME TO PRAY

I knelt to pray but not for long,

I had too much to do.

I had to hurry and get to work

For bills would soon be due.

So I knelt and said a hurried prayer,

And jumped up off my knees.

My Christian duty was now done

My soul could rest at ease.

All day long I had no time

To spread a word of cheer.

No time to speak of Christ to friends,

They'd laugh at me I'd fear.

No time, no time, too much to do,

That was my constant cry,

No time to give to souls in need

But at last the time, the time to die.

I went before the Lord,

I came, I stood with downcast eyes.

For in his hands God held a book;

It was the book of life.

God looked into his book and said

"Your name I cannot find.

I once was going to write it down...

But never found the time"

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER AGAIN

If I had to live my life over again
I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.
I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains. I would have cried and laughed less while watching television - and more while watching life.
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
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.
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."
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 see it...live it...and never give it back.

A STATE OF MIND

If you think you are beaten, you are:
If you think you dare not, you won't
If you like to win, but don't think you can
It's almost certain you won't.

If you think you'll lose, you're lost;
For out in the world you'll find
Success begins with a fellow's will;
It's all in a state of mind.

For many a game is lost,
Ere even a play is run,
And many a coward fails
Ere even his work begun.

Think big and your deeds will grow,
Think small and you'll fall behind;
Think that you CAN and you WILL;
It's all in a state of mind.

If you think you are out-classed, you are;
You've got to think high to rise;
You've got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win a prize.

Life's battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster man,
But sooner or later, the man who wins
Is the fellow who thinks he can.

EIGHT GIFTS THAT DON'T COST A CENT

This simple checklist can help measure how you are nurturing your relationships.

The Gift of Listening

But you must really listen. Don't interrupt, don't daydream, don't plan your response. Just listen.

The Gift of Affection

Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.

The Gift of Laughter

Clip cartoons. Share articles and funny stories. Your gift will say, "I love to laugh with you."

The Gift of Solitude

There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.

The Gift of a Favor

Every day, go out of your way to do something kind.

The Gift of a Written Note

It can be a simple "Thanks for the help" note or a full sonnet. A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime.

The Gift of a Compliment

A simple and sincere, "You look great in red," "You did a super job," or "That was a wonderful meal" can make someone's day.

The Gift of a Cheerful Disposition

The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to someone.

YOU STILL HAVE HOPE

If you can look at the sunset and smile,

then you still have hope.

If you can find beauty in the colors of

a small flower, then you still have hope.

If you can find pleasure in the movement

of a butterfly, then you still have hope.

If the smile of a child can still warm your heart,

then you still have hope.

If you can see the good in other people,

then you still have hope.

If the rain breaking on a roof top can still

lull you to sleep, then you still have hope.

If the sight of a rainbow still makes you

stop and stare in wonder, then you still have hope.

If the soft fur of a favored pet still feels pleasant

under your fingertips, then you still have hope.

If you meet new people with a trace of excitement

and optimism, then you still have hope.

If you give people the benefit of a doubt,

then you still have hope.

If you still offer your hand in friendship to

others that have touched your life,

then you still have hope.

If receiving an unexpected card or letter

still brings a pleasant surprise,

then you still have hope.

If the suffering of others still fills your with

pain and frustration, then you still have hope.

If you refuse to let a friendship die,

or accept that it must end,

then you still have hope.

If you look forward to a time or place of

quiet and reflection, then you still have hope.

If you still buy the ornaments, put up the

Christmas tree or cook the turkey,

then you still have hope.

If you can look to the past and smile,

then you still have hope.

If, when faced with the bad, when told

everything is futile, you can still look up and

end the conversation with the phrase...

"yeah...BUT.," then you still have hope.

Hope is such a marvelous thing.

It bends, it twists, it sometimes hides,

but rarely does it break.

It sustains us when nothing else can.

It gives us reason to continue and courage

to move ahead, when we tell ourselves we'd rather give in.

Hope puts a smile on our face when the heart cannot manage.

Hope puts our feet on the path when our eyes cannot see it.

Hope moves us to act when our souls are confused of the direction.

Hope is a wonderful thing, something to be cherished and nurtured, and

something that will refresh us in return.

And it can be found in each of us,

and it can bring light into the darkest of places.

NEVER LOSE HOPE!

BE AT PEACE

Do not look forward in fear to the changes of life;

Rather look to them with full hope that as they arise,

God, whose very own you are, will lead you safely through all things;

And when you cannot stand it, God will carry you in His arms.

Do not fear what may happen tomorrow;

The same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of you today and every day.

He will either shield you from suffering or will give you unfailing strength to bear it.

Be at peace and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.

St. Francis de Sales

THE PREACHER'S WIFE

You may talk of the work of the greatest of man,
You may rave about statesmen and teachers;
You may tell all about their achievements, and then,
Let me tell you of the wives of the preachers.

No Martyr was ever more steadfast and true
No soldier was ever more brave;
She's a genius at home, she's a diplomat, too;
And the Best Mother God ever gave.

She has met disappointments with courage so high;
She has battled grim poverty, too.
With a smile on her face and a light in her eye,
And a hope each morning that's new.

She is often alone, but she'll never complain;
And she cheerfully stays by the stuff;
Knowing well that her loss is her dear Master's gain,
And His smile of approval's enough.

She never gets all the credit that's due,
For most of it goes to the preacher;
Few know of the faith and courage so true,
Of this gentle and wonderful creature.

There is coming a day when the whole world shall hear
From the lips of the Crucified One,
Her story in full, told in words sweet and clear,
Hear Him say to her softly, "well done."

And I think that when all of their labors are o'er,
And we know all their unselfish lives,
We'll honor more highly than ever before
The preachers' most wonderful wives.

THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALL

A weary mother returned from the store,
Lugging groceries through the kitchen door.
Awaiting her arrival was her 8 year old son,
Anxious to relate what his younger brother had done.

"While I was out playing and Dad was on a call,
T.J. took his crayons and wrote on the wall!
It's on the new paper you just hung in the den.
I told him you'd be mad at having to do it again."

She let out a moan and furrowed her brow,
"Where is your little brother right now?"
She emptied her arms and with a purposeful stride,
She marched to his closet where he had gone to hide.

She called his full name as she entered his room.
He trembled with fear--he knew that meant doom!
For the next ten minutes, she ranted and raved
About the expensive wallpaper and how she had saved.

Lamenting all the work it would take to repair,
She condemned his actions and total lack of care.
The more she scolded, the madder she got,
Then stomped from his room, totally distraught!

She headed for the den to confirm her fears.
When she saw the wall, her eyes flooded with tears.
The message she read pierced her soul with a dart.
It said, "I love Mommy," surrounded by a heart.

Well, the wallpaper remained, just as she found it,
With an empty picture frame hung to surround it.
A reminder to her, and indeed to all,
Take time to read the handwriting on the wall

FOR YOU - ALWAYS

If I could catch a rainbow
I would do it just for you
and share with you its beauty
On the days you're feeling blue.

If I could build a mountain
You could call your very own
A place to find serenity
A place to be alone

If I could take your troubles
I would toss them in the sea
But all these things I'm finding
are impossible for me.

I cannot build a mountain
Or catch a rainbow fair
But let me be what I know best -
A friend who's always there.

COMFORT ZONE

I used to have a comfort zone where I knew I wouldn't fail.
The same four walls and busy work were really more like jail.
I longed so much to do the things I'd never done before,
But stayed inside my comfort zone and paced the same old floor.

I said it didn't matter that I wasn't doing much.
I said I didn't care for things like commission checks and such.
I claimed to be so busy with things inside my zone,
But deep inside I longed for something special of my own.

I couldn't let my life go by just watching others win.
I held my breath; I stepped outside and let the change begin.
I took a step and with new strength I'd never felt before,
I kissed my comfort zone goodbye and closed and locked the door.

If you're in a comfort zone, afraid to venture out,
Remember that all winners were at one time filled with doubt.
A step or two and words of praise can make your dreams come true.
Reach for your future with a smile; success is there for you!

HARSH WORDS

I ran into a stranger as he passed by,
"Oh excuse me please" was my reply.
He said, "Please excuse me too;
I wasn't watching for you."
We were very polite, this stranger and I.
We went on our way saying good-bye.
But at home a difference is told,
how we treat our loved ones, young and old.
Later that day, cooking the evening meal,
My son stood beside me very still.
As I turned, I nearly knocked him down.
"Move out of the way," I said with a frown.

He walked away, his little heart broken.
I didn't realize how harshly I'd spoken.
While I lay awake in bed,
God's still small voice came to me and said,
"While dealing with a stranger, common courtesy you use,
But the children you love, you seem to abuse.
Go and look on the kitchen floor,
You'll find some flowers there by the door.
Those are the flowers he brought for you.
He picked them himself: pink, yellow and blue.
He stood very quietly not to spoil the surprise,
and you never saw the tears that filled his little eyes."

By this time, I felt very small,
and now my tears began to fall.
I quietly went and knelt by his bed;
"Wake up, little one, wake up," I said.
" Are these the flowers you picked for me?"
He smiled, "I found 'em, out by the tree.
I picked 'em because they're pretty like you.
I knew you'd like 'em, especially the blue."
I said, "Son, I'm very sorry for the way I acted today;
I shouldn't have yelled at you that way."
He said, "Oh, Mom, that's okay. I love you anyway."
I said, "Son, I love you too,
and I do like the flowers, especially the blue."