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There are so many instances in life when we receive a big fat "No" when
all we wanted was a "Yes". Getting rejected or not receiving what we had
hoped for isn't easy for anyone and so many times when it happens to us,
we become discouraged, disheartened and in extreme cases we even become
depressed. What we must remind ourselves is that noes are a part of life
and just because we don't receive the answer that we had hoped for doesn't
mean that we didn't receive the right answer in that moment. I heard a
preacher once say "Some of God's greatest gifts to us are unanswered
prayers." How could that be? How could not answering our prayers be to
our benefit? I believe it is because God knows what is best for us. He
knows the way that we should take the Bible says. (Job 23:10)
No matter what you may be going through in life, I want you to have a
childlike trust that all will be well for you in the end. Don't get down
on yourself the next time you receive a no when all you had hoped for was
a resounding yes. You may not understand the reason right now. You may
not understand everything in this moment, but in time you will be thankful
for that no because it gave you strength, it gave you resolve, it gave you
determination and it made you realize how strong you were from the inside.
(Psalm 138:8)

The next time you are tempted to murmur and complain because things didn't
go your way, I encourage you to reevaluate your thought process and
whisper to the Lord that you don't understand why right now, but you are
trusting that His plans for your life are for good and your latter end
will be far greater than your former beginnings. Be thankful for the noes
in life because they will lead you to the greatest of Yeses. (Romans 8:28)

I hope this message encourages and challenges your heart to face each
rejection with faith that something better is coming your way. Don't get
discouraged or feel like giving up. Stay strong and determined and you
will see good coming your way.

PUTTING IT OUT THERE

"We used to play spin the bottle when I was a kid," says comedy writer Gene
Perret. "A girl would spin the bottle, and if the bottle pointed to you
when it stopped, the girl could either kiss you or give you a nickel. By
the time I was 14, I owned my own home."

Gotta admire persistence. Because rejection is hard to take. Especially
when it comes from someone you know. Or, come to think about it, someone
you don't know.

And we all want to be appreciated. We like being valued for what we do and
who we are.

American football coach Bum Phillips lives in a world where one can become
a hero or a heel in an amazingly short time. One mediocre season and a
coach, even a good one, can be out of a job. Like Phillips once said,
"There's only two kinds of coaches -- them that's been fired and them
that's about to be fired." Sounds like they might want to make friends
with rejection.

Few things hold people back more than the fear of rejection. They don't
ask for what they need because the answer may be no. They don't ask their
boss for a raise or for more time off. They don't ask for help. They are
afraid to be the first to say "I love you" (what if they don't hear "I
love you" back?). They don't ask for a better deal or a lower interest
rate. They don't submit that manuscript to a publisher. In short, they
don't let their wants and needs be known, for fear of being turned away,
turned down or turned out.

But the wonderful truth is this: If you can accept No for an answer, you
can ask for anything. ANYTHING. When no is an acceptable and okay answer
to what you'd like, you can fearlessly ask for whatever you need.

I love the expression, "I'm just putting it out there." Just put it out
there. Ask. And don't worry about the response. Nobody can say YES if you
never asked. Just put it out there and don't be afraid -- you may be
surprised at the answer you get. Sometimes people just need to be asked.
And if you don't get the response you want, are you any worse off than before?

Hey -- I'm just putting it out there.

Read and meditate on these scriptures:

Romans 8:35-37 "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall
tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or
peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day
long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these
things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us."

Psalm 139:17-18 "How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how
great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number
than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee."

Psalm 103:1-5 "Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless
His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits:
Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who
redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness
and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy
youth is renewed like the eagle's."

Psalm 46:1-3 "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in
trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and
though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the
waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the
swelling thereof. Selah."

What makes life so special is the unpredictability of it. None of us know
what will happen tomorrow, but when we have a trusting dependency upon the
Lord, we can rest assured that nothing will come our way that we will not
have the provision for. That is why I have such a lighthearted attitude
towards everything. I never take myself or life itself too seriously. I
don't worry, stress or have anxiety about what tomorrow holds because I
know the One will holds our tomorrows. The Lord is omniscient, omnipotent
and omnipresent which means He knows all things, at all times in all
places. There is nothing that can happen in this world or in our own
lives that God doesn't already know about. That is why we should enjoy
each day as it comes and get from it all that it offers us. We should live
life with the expectancy that good is coming our way no matter how bad our
situation may seem at any present moment. (Psalm 118:24) (Psalm 138:6-8)
Let us be thankful, let us be praise filled, let us remember God's
faithfulness in times past and let us do all that we can to be a shining
beacon of hope and love towards everyone we come into contact with. Living
our life with a faith that is unwavering and a confidence in God that is
steadfast is assuring that our latter end will be blessed no matter how
unsteady it may have seemed before. Be encouraged to trust the Lord no
matter what you may be facing right now. The Bible says that God will not
leave us nor forsake us so let us believe His Word and go forth living
confidently knowing that all will be well with us.
(Isaiah 49:14-16) (Hebrews 13:5-6)

I hope this message encourages and inspires your heart to rest in God's
ability to meet your needs and give you your hearts desires.

GUARANTEED DELIVERY

I got up early this morning, hopped in my car, and headed to the local post
office. I drove along with eager anticipation that something I had been
waiting for would be there. It had been ten days since I sent for it and I
was sure that it would finally be waiting in my mailbox today. When I got
there I slid my key into the box and opened the door. My face fell,
however, when I saw it was empty. I sighed and shut the door. "Maybe
tomorrow", I said to myself as I got in my car and headed home.

I didn't blame the post office for my disappointment. It is amazing how
many millions of letters and packages they deliver on time every single
day. I didn't blame the place I ordered it from either. They had said it
could be up to two weeks before I got it. I only blamed my own impatience.
I had never been one for waiting. I had always wanted everything in my
life right away, and it had taken God many years to teach me to take the
long view of eternity. Still, I was grateful to Him because there was one
package I always got guaranteed delivery.

You see, everyday I open the door of my soul and find the shining package
of God's love waiting on the doorstep. Everyday I open it and find my
spirit filled with joy. It is so wonderful knowing that God loves us all
completely and unconditionally. It is so glorious knowing that His love is
forever waiting to fill our hearts full to overflowing. It saddens me,
though, to know that so many people out there refuse delivery.

When you open the door of your soul today don't refuse delivery. When you
see that shining gift of God's love take it into your arms and welcome it
into your heart. Then go out and share it with everyone you meet. And
always remember that God's love is not only guaranteed delivery but also
guaranteed to grow in every heart that freely gives it to others.

Read and meditate on these scriptures:

Psalm 20:6-7 "Now know I that the LORD saveth His anointed; He will hear
him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand. Some
trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of
the LORD our God."

Romans 12:15-18 "Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them
that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things,
but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of
all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with
all men."

Psalm 103:1-5 "Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless
His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits:
Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who
redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness
and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy
youth is renewed like the eagle's."

Psalm 118:5-9 "I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me,
and set me in a large place. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what
can man do unto me? The LORD taketh my part with them that help me:
therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me. It is better to
trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in
the LORD than to put confidence in princes."

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment,
worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we
look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not
seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are
not seen are Eternal."

One thing we should always remember and keep in mind is that God has
created each of us as originals. I don't look like someone else, I don't
talk like someone else and I don't have someone else's traits. I have my
own. I am gifted and talented in my own special way and so are you. The
Lord has created each of us with our own special gifts, talents and
abilities that no one else possesses. We are special and unique in our
creation and we should be thankful to the Lord for making us so different
from one another. We are created differently because we each have a
different purpose. That is why we should live our life to its fullest
potential. We shouldn't worry about what everyone else is doing or what
everyone else has. We should run our race with confidence and assurance
that our life is significant and can be used to make this world a better
and brighter place. (Galatians 6:2-3) (Matthew 5:16)
The light that is instilled within our hearts is meant to shine forth to
illuminate the paths of others so that they may walk in the light as we
walk in the light. Let us use our differing gifts to bring glory and
honor to the name of the Lord so that His plans for our life will be
brought to fruition. Those of us who know the Lord should be focused and
determined in doing His bidding. I have dedicated my life to fulfilling
God's will so that every gift, every ability, every talent, every dream
will be brought to its fullest fruition before I breathe my last breath.
May that be all of our ultimate desires because if it is, we will change
this world in ways that we can't even think or imagine.
(Colossians 3:12-15) (1 John 4:20-21)

Be encouraged to see your life as greatly significant and have a deep and
assured knowing that you and God are a majority. I want you to know that
what God has placed within your heart is achievable, attainable and well
within your reach. Believe it for yourself and go forward in life making
a difference that will never be forgotten or erased. (Matthew 5:16)

I hope this message inspires and challenges your heart to run your race
with confidence and with a renewed determination to do all that God has
placed within your heart to do.

KEEPING UP WITH THE ANGELS

There is a question that has been troubling me for a long time now: just
exactly who are the Jones' and why am I supposed to be keeping up with
them? Every time I turn around I seem to be bombarded with a single
message: Buy! Magazines, radio, billboards and television keep telling me
that I need a bigger home, a newer car, more electronics, and fancier
clothes. If I get them my life will be complete and if I don't then I will
fall behind the Jones' and face utter misery. It is so ridiculous that I
just have to laugh.

Now I don't know who these mythical Jones' are. I am not sure how expensive
their house is or how shiny their newly bought car looks. I am uncertain
about how many new electronic goodies they have purchased or what they do.
I have no idea either about what designer labels are on their clothes. I
do know that I don't want to keep up with them, however. Life is more than
just things. Life is joy, laughter, and love. Life is friends and family.
Life is caring and sharing. Life is a gift from God and I am not going to
waste it shopping for more wrapping paper.

I think I will try to keep up with the angels rather than the Jones' then.
I may never match the love they share, the good they do, or the truth they
spread, but I sure will have the time of my life trying. I may not have as
much stuff to carry around, but that will leave my arms free for hugging.
My rooms and closets may not be as full, but my heart will be a lot
fuller. I may not seem as rich in the eyes of the world, but in the eyes
of Heaven I will be very wealthy indeed.

Remember you came into this world with nothing and that is how you will
leave it too. Why not spend your days here loving others, sharing joy and
growing in oneness with God? Why not spend your time here making this
world better for us all? You won't be keeping up with the Jones', but your
soul will be flying with the Angels.

Read and meditate on these scriptures:

James 1:2-5 "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers
temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire,
wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth
to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."

Psalm 23:1-4 "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to
lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He
restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His
name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they
comfort me."

Psalm 37:23-26 "The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and He
delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down:
for the LORD upholdeth him with His hand. I have been young, and now am
old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging
bread. He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed."

Philippians 1:6 "Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun
a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."

A family friend told me a wonderful story of God's love, mercy and grace
that I would like to share with you. My friend told of how his grandmother
or his mother's mother was taken to the hospital and was very near death.
The woman was 90 years old, but her mind and intellect was sharp as ever.
When my friend found out that his grandmother was near death, he bought a
plane ticket to send his mother to be with her mother in California in her
final moments. When she arrived at the hospital, the doctors had said
that the grandmother only had hours to live, but my friend's mother was
determined to keep her alive just a little bit longer. She prayed with
her mother and asked the Lord to give her an extended time so that she may
witness to her mother about Jesus Christ. The woman who is 90 years old
had never accepted Christ as Lord and Savior because she stuck with her
traditions which she had been taught as a child. She continued to pray to
the Saints instead of going to the One who Gives Life and Life Everlasting.
With only a few hours to live as the doctors had said, the elderly woman
was prayed for by her daughter, my friend's mother, and soon after she
regained her strength, she began speaking with her daughter and the other
family members that were in the hospital room with her. My friend's
mother then spoke to her mother again about the saving grace of Jesus
Christ. She told her mother what she had said so many times before, but
this time my friends grandmother really listened to her daughter. She
asked her mother if she would like to receive Jesus as her Lord and Savior
and this time she said Yes. She prayed and asked Jesus to come into her
heart to be her Lord and Savior and that was the beginning of a great
journey for that sweet elderly woman.

A few days later after feeling better she left the hospital and went home
to be with her family. That night as she went to sleep, the older woman
had a dream. She dreamed that there were two men waiting for her. One
man was dressed in very dark clothing, with a very scary demeanor and
disposition. He grabbed her by the arm and tried to drag her away with
him even hitting her on the head to make her comply, but then a man clothed
in white standing afar off from her whose demeanor was shining as a light
motioned for her to come to him. She was very scared and confused and
asked the man dressed in white who he was and without speaking she felt
him say "I am Jesus." He then wrapped a shining, gleaming white robe
around her and she was amazed at the beauty of this robe. And then she awoke.

As she fell back asleep, she had another dream. This time she was standing
with two men at the edge of a vast ocean filled with thousands upon
thousands of people who were trying to stay above water, but they couldn't.
The woman instinctively knew that she should have been in the water with
them, but she didn't understand why she wasn't. She asked the men why she
was standing with them and not in the water with everyone else and they
answered and said "You have been saved from that fate because of your faith
and trust in The Lord Jesus." And then she awoke. In the morning she told
her sons and daughters the dreams that she had and they were all amazed.

The following night she had another dream. This time the two men took her
on a journey and showed her many wonderful things including a beautiful,
magnificent, humongous white house. She was amazed at the beauty of this
house and asked whose it was. She thought someone either very important
or very wealthy could only afford to live in that giant mansion. To her
shock and amazement the men told her that this was going to be her house,
but that it wasn't finished yet. She would have to spend a little more
time back at her old house so that the new one can be finished for her.
Then she awoke. She was amazed at the beauty that she saw. (John 14:1-3)

She told her daughter of all the wonderful things that she was shown and
her daughter rejoiced at the mercy and grace of the Lord Jesus. During
that month the elderly woman continued to have visions. She would be wide
awake and she could see angels preparing food for her to eat and another
time she could see the robe that she was given by Jesus being cleaned three
different times and every time the robe was cleaned, it became whiter and
whiter. She said it looked as if it had electricity flowing through it
with the way it was shining and glimmering. About a month later that
elderly lady graduated to Heaven and moved into her newly finished White
House. (Acts 2:17) (1 Kings 19:5-8) (Revelation 7:13-14)

I am so thankful for the Lord's mercy and grace. The Bible says that God
wishes for none to perish, but that all would come to repentance. It took
ninety years, but that woman finally came to know the Lord Jesus as her
Lord and personal Savior. I believe the Lord extends His mercy towards us
because His love is so great for us. God waits with open arms for us to
call upon Him and receive His goodness, mercy and grace that comes without
pretense, without motive and without judgment. His grace and mercy covers
our sins as if they were never committed. He paid the price for our
salvation on the cross of Calvary and all who open their hearts to the
Lord Jesus Christ receive that same covering that washes away every sin,
every shortfall and every mistake. (2 Peter 3:9) (Ezekiel 33:11) (Romans 10:9-13)

When God looks upon the redeemed, He doesn't see their sins, but rather He
sees the blood of His Son covering them and in turn reconciling us back to
God again. Never think that you are so bad that God can't forgive you.
He waits as a loving Father ready to grab you up in His arms and show you
His eternal love. Also don't do as so many others have done and put your
trust and faith in the Saints that so many pray to. They have no more
power than you and I do because they were once human just like we are.
Instead go to the One who created the Saints, go to the One who holds all
power in Heaven and on Earth and trust in Jesus for your eternal salvation.
There is no other way and thankfully God has made Jesus so easily
accessible to us all. (1 John 1:7-10) (1 Corinthians 2:9-10) (Acts 4:12)

Call upon Him and be redeemed and make Heaven your eternal home. When you
do, you will be eternally secured and you will have a big, beautiful White
House to call your own.

Read and meditate on these scriptures:

Romans 5:8-10 "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we
were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified
by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we
were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more,
being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life."

Revelation 22:8-9 "And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I
had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel
which shewed me these things. Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not:
for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them
which keep the sayings of this book: worship God."

Ephesians 2:8-10 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of
yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should
boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good
works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."

2 Corinthians 5:17-21 "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new
creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

It is important that we always believe in ourselves and have a deep and
assured knowing that our life is meant for greatness. It is easy to
believe the lie that we should live in mediocrity simply because we have
fallen short in times past, but for the believers in Christ, what we must
remember and keep in mind is that we are a new creation. When we opened
our hearts to the Lord Jesus, the Bible says old things have passed away
and behold all things have become new. You get a brand-new slate when you
come to God. You can start over in confidence knowing that now with God
by your side you can reach those goals, you can pursue those dreams, you
can reach forth towards the heights of victory that once seemed so distant.
(2 Corinthians 5:17-18) (Ezekiel 36:26-27)
In order to reach victory, you must believe in yourself even in the times
when you stumble and fall short. Don't be hard on yourself the next time
you stumble or fail. If we fail at a certain task we are simply learning
how something didn't work, but if we keep at it, eventually we will find
success and the lessons that we learned in our failing stage serves a
greater purpose in strengthening our resolve and our will to overcome in
the difficult or discouraging stages of life. Always remember that
everything in life serves a purpose. Whether for good or for bad, lessons
are being taught to us at every point in our life. Our job is to learn
the lessons and not repeat the mistakes. (Proverbs 24:16) (Psalm 145:14-19)

Another thing that hinders our victory are the words that we speak. Be
very conscious to the words that you are constantly saying. Don't
criticize yourself, don't put yourself down, don't belittle yourself or
allow others to. Your own self image will dictate the level of victory
that you will have. Be encouraged to bless your life with your words.
Speak as an overcomer and not as an underdog. Believe in yourself as God
believes in you and nothing shall be impossible. Stand up when you get
knocked down, try again even when you feel like giving up and recognize
that nothing can come your way that you don't already have the strength
within you to overcome. Remind yourself that you are Strong in the Lord
and in the Power of His Might. (Proverbs 6:2) (James 3:4-5)

Always remember and keep in mind that God wishes to use us in significant
ways to bring Glory and Honor to His Name. When we excel, when we
triumph, when we overcome, when we fulfill our life's purpose, we are in
essence making the Lord proud that we stood in our authority and took
ahold of everything that God had for us. When we stand before Him on that
glorious day having used up our life to the full as His ambassadors, may
we hear those wonderful words "Well done thou good and faithful servant."
(Ephesians 6:10) (Matthew 25:21)

I hope this message inspires and challenges your heart to speak well over
your life and to believe that greatness lies within your being that is
meant to come forth and make this world a better place.

YOUR OWN BEST FRIEND

Most people report that they do not usually feel confident. But exciting
things can happen when we actually believe in ourselves. Here is a man who
believed in his own ability even as a boy, and that confidence helped
shape his adult life.

At the turn of the last century, a young boy quit school to help with the
family expenses. When he was fifteen, he became interested in automobiles
and worked in a garage. He subscribed to a correspondence home study
course on automobiles and, after a long day in the garage, studied at the
kitchen table by lamplight.

When he felt ready, he walked into the Frayer-Miller Automobile Company of
Columbus, Ohio. When Mr. Frayer noticed him, he asked, "Well, what do you
want?"

"I just thought I'd tell you I'm coming to work here tomorrow morning,"
the boy replied.

"Oh! Who hired you?"

"Nobody yet, but I'll be on the job in the morning. If I'm not worth
anything, you can fire me."

Early the next morning the young man returned to the plant. Noticing the
floor was thick with metal shavings and accumulated dirt and grease, the
boy got a broom and shovel and set to work cleaning the place.

Because of his self-confidence and work ethic, Eddie Rickenbacker's future
was predictable. He went on to excel in many fields, including automobile
racing, piloting World War 1 planes and founding what was to become one of
America's largest airline companies - Eastern Airlines.

There is no magic bullet to instantly become a self-confident person. But
it begins with one of the most important relationships in your life - your
relationship with yourself. People who become more confident habitually
encourage themselves. They become their own best friend.

Rob Bremer asks the question, "If you had a friend who talked to you like
you sometimes talk to yourself, would you continue to hang around with
that person?" If the answer is "Yes!" you are on the track to becoming
more self-assured.

Without confidence, you are not likely to move far in the direction of
your dreams. But become your own best friend and almost anything will be
possible.

Read and meditate on these scriptures:

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto
thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall
direct thy paths."

Jeremiah 31:3 "The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have
loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I
drawn thee."

Psalm 37:23-25 "The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he
delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down:
for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. I have been young, and now am
old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread."

Isaiah 59:1 "Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save;
neither His ear heavy, that it cannot hear."

Are you happy in life? Do you have joy in your heart? Do you wake up each
morning eager to see what the new day has waiting for you? The answer
should be yes to each of these questions because we are a blessed people.
No matter how tough a situation in our life may presently seem, we still
have much to be thankful for. No matter the storms that rage around us at
any particular time, we can still choose to see the good that is in our
life and give praises to God for them. It is all in our perspective on
how we see our life. We can rejoice over the good or we can complain
about the bad. The decision is ours to make. It is completely within our
control on how our countenance will be. It can either be cheerful or it
can be sorrowful. (Deuteronomy 30:19-20)
In my walk with the Lord these past 16 years I have always chosen to bless
the Lord with my words and never come to Him with my complaints. God is
too faithful for me to forget the many times that He has intervened in
times past and delivered me from my troubles. He has never failed me
before so why should I come before the Lord with my complaints now? Rather
I choose to give the Lord thanks that every answer to my hearts desires is
on its way. In moments of trial or discouragement, I say to the darkness
that light is coming soon after. I say to the raging storms that calmness
is soon coming. I say to the bad report that you are not here to stay
because God has crowned me with His loving favor. I choose to see the good
in every situation, in every circumstance, in every trial, every
tribulation, every setback, every failure and I give thanks for the good
that I can still see. (Psalm 37:23-26) (Psalm 34:1-8)

Be encouraged to take on this type of mentality when your joy is trying to
be stolen from you. Hold on to it with all your might. See your blessings
and not your trials. Focus on the good that is in your life and do not
give in to murmuring or complaining when you are tempted to do so. Give
God thanks for your abundance and let Him know that you are trusting His
plans for your life. Stay in faith, stay encouraged, stay joyful, have an
attitude of gratitude and you will find every trial, every challenge and
every discouraging situation flee from you as quickly as it had appeared.
Always remember that when faith stands up, fear will dissipate.
(Psalm 69:30-34) (Hebrews 11:6)

I hope this message encourages and challenges your heart to choose joy and
happiness today and live your life to its fullest potential.

HAPPINESS IS THE WAY

We convince ourselves that life will be better after we get married, have
a baby, then another. Then we are frustrated that the kids aren't old
enough and we'll be more content when they are.

After that, we're frustrated that we have teenagers to deal with. We will
certainly be happy when they are out of that stage.

We tell ourselves that our life will be complete when our spouse gets his
or her act together, when we get a nicer car, are able to go on a nice
vacation, when we retire.

The truth is, there's no better time to be happy than right now. If not
now, when?

Your life will always be filled with challenges. It's best to admit this
to yourself and decide to be happy anyway.

One of my favorite quotes comes from Alfred D. Souza. He said, "For a long
time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin - real life. But
there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through
first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, or a debt to be
paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles
were my life."

This perspective has helped me to see that there is no way to happiness.
Happiness is the way. So, treasure every moment that you have and treasure
it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to
spend your time...and remember that time waits for no one.

So, stop waiting until you finish school, until you go back to school,
until you lose ten pounds, until you gain ten pounds, until you have kids,
until your kids leave the house, until you start work, until you retire,
until you get married, until you get divorced, until Friday night, until
Sunday morning, until you get a new car or home, until your car or home is
paid off, until spring, until summer, until fall, until winter, until you
are off welfare, until the first or fifteenth, until your song comes on,
until you've had a drink, until you've sobered up, until you die, until
you are born again to decide that there is no better time than right now
to be happy.

Happiness is a journey, not a destination.

Work like you don't need money,
Love like you've never been hurt,
And dance like no one's watching.

God has given each of us a "gift" that we are to use to glorify His name!
Do you know yours?

Read and meditate on these scriptures:

James 1:2-5 "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers
temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire,
wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth
to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."

2 Corinthians 4:15-17 "For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant
grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the
inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but
for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory."

Jeremiah 29:11-14 "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith
the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Then shall ye call upon Me, and ye shall go and pray unto Me, and I will
hearken unto you. And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search
for Me with all your heart. And I will be found of you, saith the LORD..."

Joshua 1:8-9 "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but
thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do
according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way
prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded
thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou
dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."

One thing that we can never do in this life is out run God's love for us.
No matter how many times we fall short, miss the mark, stumble, falter or
fail, we can still rest assured that our Heavenly Father will forgive us,
restore us and allow us to try again. God's mercies are renewed every
day. His lovingkindness towards us never wanes or lessens because of our
shortfalls. God's grace and mercy covers us in our time of need and we
are shown a pure love that envelops us and shows us that we are not beyond
redemption. The Lord Jesus told a parable that shows how great God's
mercy is towards His beloved child and I would like to share it with you.
(Psalm 69:16) (Isaiah 41:10)
The story of the prodigal son is about a father who had two sons, the
younger of which had asked his father for his portion of inheritance that
he would receive when his father died. The father gave his young son his
inheritance and after he had received it, the younger son gathered all of
his belongings and moved to a far country where he wasted his inheritance
with riotous living. After he had foolishly spent all of his inheritance,
there was a severe famine in that land and he began to starve and be in
want. He found a job in the field feeding pigs and he was so hungry that
he longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but
no one gave him anything to eat. (Luke 15:11-16)

When he came to his senses he thought "How many of my father's hired men
have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and
go back to my father and say to him: 'Father, I have sinned against heaven
and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me
like one of your hired men.'" He got up and went to his father, but while
he was still a long way off, his father saw his son and was filled with
compassion for him. The father ran to his son, threw his arms around him
and kissed him. The son said to the father, "I have sinned against heaven
and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son." But the
father ordered his servants to bring out the best robe and put it on his
son. He also put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. He told
the servants to bring the fatted calf and kill it and prepare a feast to
celebrate his sons return. He said "This son of mine was dead and is alive
again; he was lost and is found." (Luke 15:17-24)

I believe that this is how God looks upon us when we fall away from Him.
He wishes for us to return to Him to be redeemed and reconciled back with
the Father again. Always remember and keep in mind that God's love is
unlike anything we've ever experienced. It is eternal, it is unwavering,
it is all encompassing and is available to all who will simply receive it.
If you have fallen away from the Lord and found yourself in the pigs pen,
I want you to know that God waits with open arms ready and willing to
receive you unto Himself again. His love is that great for you and I.
Know that you can call upon the Lord without fear or trepidation and the
Lord will hear your heart's cry. He will forgive you, cleanse you and
make you a new creation and all you have to do is ask Him for it.
(2 Peter 3:9) (Joel 2:12-13) (2 Corinthians 5:17)

I hope this message inspires and encourages your heart to think about God's
love for you and know that He waits with open arms for you to call upon Him.

RUNNING INTO HIS ARMS

This life is so full of beautiful moments. All you have to do is open your
eyes and your heart to see them. I saw one just the other day. The local
elementary school had just let out and I found myself behind a school bus
as I was driving home. The bus stopped by a house sitting on top of a
hill. A little girl no more than 7 years old hopped down the bus steps and
started running up the driveway toward the house.

The smile on her face was contagious. Her long hair was bouncing off her
shoulders and her pink backpack was trailing behind her as she ran. I
looked up the hill to see where she was going and saw her Dad waiting on
her. As she got closer and closer her Dad smiled and knelt down to greet
her. The second she got to him he wrapped his powerful arms around her and
gave her a huge hug.

My eyes watered a bit as I watched this scene and remembered all the times
my own children had ran into my arms with smiling faces and loving hearts.
Every single hug from them was a fountain of youth and a treasure of joy.

My lovely trip down memory lane was interrupted when I heard the car behind
me honk its horn. I saw the school bus quickly pulling away and started to
follow it again. I did so, however, with a fuller heart and lighter spirit
than I had before. I took that beautiful moment and stored it safely in my
soul where I knew it would remain forever.

One day we all will leave this school of learning and love and finally get
to go home again. I know that when it is my time that I will sprint from
that bus and right into my Heavenly Father's arms. I know that my smile
will be bright and my heart will be light. Enjoy your day here at school
then. Teach, love, and learn. But know that one day you will be going home
to where the hugs are eternal and the love never ends.

Read and meditate on these scriptures:

Psalm 145:14-18 "The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those
that be bowed down. The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them
their meat in due season. Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the
desire of every living thing. The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and
holy in all his works. The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him,
to all that call upon him in truth."

Psalm 103:10-14 "He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us
according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so
great is His mercy toward them that fear Him. As far as the east is from
the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us. Like as a
father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear Him. For
He knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust."

Romans 10:9-11 "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus,
and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead,
thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness;
and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture
saith, Whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed."

2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men
count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any
should perish, but that all should come to repentance."

Psalm 103:1-5 "Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless
His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits:
Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who
redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness
and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy
youth is renewed like the eagle's."

One thing we should always remember and keep in mind is that God cares for
our well-being. How can that be true? How can God all the way up in
heaven care about you personally? The answer can be found easily through
the life of Jesus Christ. The only reason Jesus came to this Earth was to
suffer and die for our sins so that we might be redeemed and reconciled
back to God The Father again. The Lord wishes to meet our needs and give
us our hearts desires, but we must be willing and obedient to follow His
voice and do all that He commands us to do. We cannot live in rebellion
and expect God to bless us. The only way we receive His blessings is to
be obedient to His Word. We must follow the right path, do the right
things, be in fellowship and communion with the Lord so that the still
small voice of the Holy Spirit is clearly heard within our spirit.
(Isaiah 1:19-20) (1 Kings 19:11-13)
I encourage you to surrender your will and your life to the Lord. He
wishes to take you higher than you've ever been, farther than you've ever
thought you could go and make your latter end much more blessed than your
meager beginnings. Is it possible? The Bible says with God all things
are possible. There is nothing too difficult for the Lord to do through
our lives, but we must be willing participants to believe God and trust in
His unfailing, undying and unending love for you when I. No matter what
you may be going through, no matter how hard the storms rage around you, I
want you to know that peace belongs to you, but you must take ahold of it
for yourself. When you do, you will find every obstacle dissipate, every
challenge met, every storm wane and every dark night give way to a
glorious and shining sunrise. Stand firm, dig your heels in and believe
that goodness and mercy follows you all the days of your life.
(Matthew 19:26) (Psalm 23:6)

I hope this message encourages and inspires your heart to believe for great
things in life and know that you can overcome when the difficult times
come your way.

SUCCESS IN SPITE OF ADVERSITY

Nothing in the early life of James Cash Penney indicated that his name
would one day become a household word in homes across the United States.
Born in 1875, he grew up on a small farm in Kentucky. His father was a
minister in the Primitive Baptist Church. Both parents were committed
Christians who instilled a deep and abiding faith in their children.

While Penney was a teenager his minister father became the victim of
church politics and was removed from his position. The ensuing financial
hardship for the family meant that Penney had to leave school, taking a
job to help support the family. He began to work as a clerk in a local
store. Although he didn't realize it at the time, this modest start was
providential and would propel him into an illustrious career as a retailer.

After working in various stores, Penney was able to purchase a one-third
interest in a dry goods store in Kemmerer, Wyoming. The date was April 14,
1902. Kemmerer was a small mining town of less than 1,000 people. Penney
and his wife lived in a tiny attic apartment above the store. Their
furniture consisted of a large empty dry goods box for a table and smaller
boxes for chairs. When their first child was born, Penney's young wife
wrapped their infant in a blanket, allowing it to sleep under a counter
while she stood beside it, working alongside her husband, serving their
customers.

From that humble beginning J. C. Penney would eventually preside over 1,700
stores. He would lead the country's largest chain of department stores,
each one bearing his name. The influence of Penney's godly parents became
evident with the growth of his business, as he began to describe his chain
as the Golden Rule Stores, based on the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:12: "Do
for others what you would like them to do for you."

Although his enterprise made him incredibly wealthy, Penney's life was not
devoid of setbacks and troubles. In fact, beginning in 1929, events took
place that nearly cost Penney his life.

When the Great Depression struck the country, it came at a time of great
financial vulnerability for Penney. While his stores continued to do well,
Penney had been adding outside interests, and these were proving to be
extremely costly. In order to finance these interests, Penney borrowed
heavily. In addition, Penney was becoming a major philanthropist, giving
generously to organizations and individuals. The Depression prompted banks
to request repayment of his loans sooner than anticipated. Suddenly cash
flow was tight, and Penney was finding it difficult to meet payment
schedules. Constant and unrelenting worry began to take a toll. "I was so
harassed with worries that I couldn't sleep, and developed an extremely
painful ailment," he said.

Concerned about his deteriorating health, Penney checked himself into the
Kellogg sanitarium at Battle Creek, Michigan, the Mayo Clinic of its era.
There, Dr. Elmer Eggleston, a staff physician, examined Penney, declaring
that he was extremely ill. "A rigid treatment was prescribed, but nothing
helped," Penney recalled. He was attacked by the twin demons of
hopelessness and despair. His very will to live was rapidly eroding. "I
got weaker day by day. I was broken nervously and physically, filled with
despair, unable to see even a ray of hope. I had nothing to live for, I
felt that I hadn't a friend left in the world, that even my family had
turned against me."

Alarmed by his rapidly deteriorating condition, Dr. Eggleston gave Penney
a sedative. However, the effect quickly wore off, and Penney awakened with
the conviction that he was living the last night of his life. "Getting out
of bed, I wrote farewell letters to my wife and to my son, saying that I
did not expect to live to see the dawn."

Penney awakened the next morning, surprised to find himself alive. Making
his way down the hallway of the hospital, he could hear singing coming
from the little chapel where devotional exercises were held each morning.
The words of the hymn he heard being sung spoke deeply to his condition.
Going into the chapel, he listened with a weary heart to the singing, the
reading of the Scripture lesson, and the prayer. "Suddenly something
happened," he recalled. "I can't explain it. I can only call it a miracle.
I felt as if I had been instantly lifted out of the darkness of a dungeon
into a warm, brilliant sunlight. I felt as if I had been transported from
**** to Paradise. I felt the power of God as I had never felt it before."

In a life-transforming instant Penney knew that God, with His love, was
there to help. "From that day to this, my life has been free from worry,"
he declared. "The most dramatic and glorious 20 minutes of my life were
those I spent in that chapel that morning." The words from the hymn that
spoke so eloquently and miraculously to J. C. Penney were "God will take
care of you."

The hymn God used to save J. C. Penney's life was written by Civilla
Durfee Martin. Not much is known about the hymn writer. She lived between
1866 and 1948, writing the hymn in 1904. The inspiration for the words may
have come from 1 Peter 5:7: "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he
cares about what happens to you."

The opening lines read:

Be not dismayed whate'er betide,
God will take care of you;
Beneath His wings of love abide,
God will take care of you.

God will take care of you,
Through every day, o'er all the way;
He will take care of you,
God will take care of you.

Read and meditate on these scriptures:

Psalm 145:15-18 "The eyes of all wait upon Thee; and Thou givest them their
meat in due season. Thou openest Thine Hand, and satisfiest the desire of
every living thing. The LORD is righteous in all His ways, and Holy in
all His works. The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon Him, to all
that call upon Him in truth."

Psalm 103:2-5 "Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems
your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender
mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is
renewed like the eagle's."

2 Samuel 22:29-33 "For You are my lamp, O Lord; The Lord shall enlighten
my darkness. For by You I can run against a troop; By my God I can leap
over a wall. As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the Lord is
proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. For who is God, except the
Lord? And who is a rock, except our God? God is my strength and power, And
He makes my way perfect."

Jeremiah 31:3 "The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have
loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I
drawn thee."

Psalm 16:8-11 "I have set the LORD always before me: because He is at my
right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory
rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For Thou wilt not leave my
soul in ****; neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption.
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in Thy presence is fulness of Joy; at
Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."

It is easy to tell someone to be thankful for the blessings that they
possess, but if they don't take the time to be introspective and think
about their blessings, then they really won't see how much they truly
possess. What we must realize about life is that it is fleeting. What we
have today is not promised to us tomorrow and that is why we should live
each day thankful for the blessings of that day. We have so much to be
thankful for in life, but many times we focus more on what we lack rather
than being grateful for all that we do possess. I have learned that a
thankful heart is a contented heart and when I choose to bless the Lord
with my words of praise and thanksgiving, I am also blessing my own life
by recognizing and appreciating all that I have been given.
(Psalm 34:1-3) (1 Thessalonians 5:18) (Psalm 121:1-8)
The next time you are tempted to murmur and complain about the little that
you may lack, I encourage you to spend those few minutes thinking about
your many blessings. Think about your health, your family, your children,
your spouse, your job, your home, your car, your friends, your eyesight,
your legs, your heart, your lungs, your kidneys, your hands, and the list
can go on and on. Life without any one of these blessings will be much
more difficult than we can think or imagine and that is why we should take
the time to give thanks for them. An attitude filled with gratitude will
make one truly rich and will elevate their life to even greater heights.
See how truly fortunate you are and make every effort to live gratitude
minded because the good in your life greatly outweighs any bad by
comparison. (Deuteronomy 30:19) (Psalm 9:1-2) (Psalm 28:7-8)

I hope this message inspires and challenges your heart to focus on your
many blessings and choose to be thankful for each of them.

ONE GOOD DAY

I had one good day today. It started out with a morning walk with my dogs
under the starlight before dawn. It was so beautiful. Looking up I thanked
God for the stars, the Earth, and my life. After the walk it was time for
a warm breakfast followed by some exercises and prayer. Then I headed out
to the office. The sun was out and glistened off the melting snow. The
sight made me smile and since I was alone with nobody else's ears to
offend I sang along with the CD playing in my car with a loud voice and a
happy heart.

My good day was just beginning, however. I helped it along by giving a
cheerful greeting to everyone I met. I shared smiles and was happy to have
them returned. I offered a helping hand to one friend and a pat on the back
to another. Later at the store I opened the door for a lady with her arms
full of packages. I bought a few boxes of pancake mix to put in the food
drive collection bin. I told a tired cashier what a good job she was doing
and watched her whole face light up.

When I got home I gave my daughter a hug, kissed my oldest son on the head,
and laughed and played with my youngest son before doing some work on the
computer. Then I answered letters trying to share a little good humor, a
kind word, a bit of inspiration, and a loving thought or two with my
friends around the world. Later in the evening I spent some quiet time
reading a good book, petting my dogs on the head, and scratching my old
grey cat under her chin. Finally I ended the day the way I started it:
walking my dogs under the starlight, and thanking God for this world, my
life, and the chance to live for one more good day.

Perhaps the key to having a great life is to live it one good day at a
time. Perhaps the key to being happy in this world is to love all we today
and let God take care of our tomorrow. May all of your today's be good ones.

\Read and meditate on these scriptures:

Psalm 28:6-8 "Blessed be the LORD, because He hath heard the voice of my
supplications. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in
Him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my
song will I praise Him. The LORD is their strength, and He is the saving
strength of His anointed."

Psalm 34:1-6 "I will bless the LORD at all times: His praise shall
continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the
humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and
let us exalt His name together. I sought the LORD, and He heard me, and
delivered me from all my fears. They looked unto Him, and were lightened:
and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried, and the LORD heard
him, and saved him out of all his troubles."

Psalm 111:1-5 "Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole
heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation. The works
of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.
His work is honourable and glorious: and His righteousness endureth for
ever. He hath made His wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is
gracious and full of compassion. He hath given meat unto them that fear
Him: He will ever be mindful of His covenant."

Psalm 33:20-22 "Our soul waiteth for the LORD: He is our help and our
shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His
Holy Name. Let Thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in Thee."