The Best Blessing by Shalene Kearney

To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities. Acts 3:26 NKJV

On November 13, 2004, my mother passed away suddenly of a heart attack in her sleep. She was 48 years old, and looked healthier than she had in years. (She had suffered through cancer, physical abuse, a gastric bypass and reversal- due to malnutrition, along with a host of other things.) Her passing devastated me. I was not yet a believer in my Lord. My mother and I had a love/ hate relationship for most of my life, but we were beginning to be friends when she died. In fact, I thank the Lord that the day before her death, she spent the day at my house playing with my kids and visiting with me. That in itself was a blessing, but not the one I want to talk to you about.

I spent the next three weeks in a grief induced daze. I became depressed and anxious; unable to sleep and unable to eat. I became a hollow eyed, skeleton of myself. But the worst was yet to come. On December 7, 2004, my husband learned that I had been spending money on some credit cards he thought were paid off, and I had kept this a secret from him. He wanted a divorce. A time when I thought I could feel no more pain, brought shards of glass shooting into my heart. The one best thing in my life, aside from my children, was going and it was all my fault for my deception. I now became passively suicidal- meaning that although I wasn't going to do it myself, I wished for an end to come. I also resented my children because they were the only thing that kept me from ending my life. I found myself wishing I didn't have them, because then I could end it. I knew where the gun was. I knew where the pills were, but I wouldn't leave them like I was.

I had begun seeing a counselor and taking medication for my depression and trauma, but as much as he was helping me to deal with the day to day grief, I was still only a shell of myself. I sat on my back porch one evening, thinking of the mess I had made of my life, wondering where I would go from here. Then a thought came to me. I remembered a time when I was young and upset about something that had happened, and had cried myself to sleep. While I was asleep, I had a dream that I crawled up into the lap of Jesus and as he cradled me like a baby, I cried out my tears of pain and he comforted me.

Now, for me this was huge. I was not a believer at this point in my life, but to remember something about a Savior I had long ago dismissed as fancy, and even argued against in conversation, and for that to be the only comfort I could think of.... I just fell to my knees. For the first time in years, I cried out to Him. I asked Him to save my marriage. I made promises, knowing full well that that isn't how He works (I remembered that from my childhood.) However the promise I made was not that I would be good, not that I would quit sinning, but that I would never doubt Him again. That I would follow Him all the rest of my days.

Now, I'm not so deluded as to think that God granted my prayer only because I made promises, but He did answer my prayer- rather quickly even. My husband had barely spoken to me in about two weeks. Him- the always affectionate husband, had not come near me to hug or kiss me in all that time. He was distancing himself for the divorce to come. However, not 10 minutes after I cried out to the Lord and asked Him to save my marriage, my husband joined me on the back porch, gave me a hug and a kiss and said that he had been thinking about it and wanted to work on our marriage, because he did love me! Now let me be clear here. No one knew I had just prayed and in fact would be shocked to learn that I would be keeping the promise I had just made. Especially that I had made such a promise.

While the answer to my prayer was and is a blessing- my husband and I are happily married now and have since had another child; the blessing that God gave me that day was turning me from my sinful ways. It was a painful lesson to be sure, and not one that I would like to repeat; but I would do it all again, to know the peace that only a love of God, and acceptance of Jesus as my Savior has brought to my life. I still have rough days, and the depression that my mother's death caused to be diagnosed, still lingers (it is genetic, not just stress induced); but I have peace knowing that my God will see me through, so long as I depend on Him, and not on myself.

If my story has touched you, won't you please consider asking God into your life, and accepting Christ as your Savior, if you have not already? And if you have, take a moment and thank God for the blessings he's bestowed upon you. Not just the obvious ones, but also the turning you away from your iniquiites.

Lord, I pray today that my personal testimony to your mercy and kindness will reach someone that needs to hear your words. I pray that through my pain, they will see an image of themselves and ask you to turn them from their sinful ways. I pray that you continue to use me and my life's story to reach out to others, and to Glorify Your Holy Name. I pray these things in Jesus Holy Name. Amen.


My Beautiful Mother

Are You Watching?? by Shalene Kearney

Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near. In the same way , when you see all these things taking place you can know that his return is very near, right at the door. I tell you the truth this generation* will not pass from the scene before all these things take place. Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear. However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. And since you don't know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert and pray! Mark 13:28-33 (NLT)

I had a conversation recently, in which the topic was Jesus' return. Oh how I long for that day! I do not long for the suffering that I know will take place amongst the unbelievers, but I do long to go home. Do you watch and wait and pray for that day to come? Do you even believe that that day will come? I pray for the sake of your eternal soul, that you do.

So many times, we get caught up in our daily lives and the "busyness" of life and don't remember that this life is not all there is. There is a Higher purpose for our lives here on Earth. Are you living your life as though each day could be the last? Do you make a point to mirror Christ's love to everyone you come into contact with, so that you just might be the catalyst for their salvation through Jesus Christ's sacrificial blood? Or do you think to yourself, "I'll do it tomorrow?"

---Lord, I pray today that you show me every opportunity to mirror your love in all my activities. That you will show me every opportunity to share Your Good News. And I pray that you will move within me so that I do share that Good News. I pray that you give me the strength and the wisdom to do so. I pray that you will speak through me, because like Moses, I fear I do not have the gift of speech necessary to convince others. Only through you can I attain the level of perfection that you created me for. I pray for your swift return Lord, so that I may come home, and sit at your feet in worship. In Jesus' Holy Name I Pray.
Amen

LOVE IN ANY LANGUAGE by Vonette Bright

"Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners - of whom I am the worst" ( 1 Timothy 1:13-15). Becka answered the knock at her front door. There were three nicely dressed women. Becka was from a Middle Eastern country and didn't have many friends.

She opened the door and spoke to the women. Becka explained that she didn't speak English very well. Then to her surprise, one lady spoke to Becka in her language! She asked if she could tell her about Jesus. Becka said, "Yes."

The woman opened her Bible. And Becka was amazed to see that the woman's Bible was written in Arabic! But she was more shocked by the words from the Bible. The words opened Becka's heart to God's love. She invited Jesus into her heart through prayer. Becka believed God sent the ladies to open her eyes to His truth.

Friend, use the abilities God has given you to reach others for Christ.

HOLINESS By Gail Rodgers

"Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place" (Psalm 51:6).

The preacher was talking about "holy living." Sharon yawned. It made her think of quiet monasteries. Surely "holiness" could not to be expected in this day and age! She dismissed the word as old and musty and the sermon as irrelevant.

Before going to sleep, Sharon opened her Bible. Tonight she would read a quick Psalm. Verse 6 of Psalm 51 jumped out at her:
"Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place."

The Holy Spirit shone His light into her heart. Suddenly, with clarity, she understood what holiness was. God was whispering to her heart. "Holiness is truth in the inner parts."

She hadn't expected God to really speak to her heart tonight. The inner parts were the places no one else saw...only God. This was where her true attitudes lived, this was where she hid the words that sprang to her mind when she was angry, this was where the justifications of her little white lies were tucked away.

Sharon had recently asked God to help her become "whole" as she struggled with some issues in her life. She had had no idea that "wholeness" comes through "holiness."

Sharon knew she needed God's wisdom to teach her in these hidden places. A new desire for holiness sprang up in her heart. With the light of God's Spirit shining on these hidden areas Sharon knew she wanted to live differently.

What a revelation. God had so gently taken her heart and drawn her on toward wholeness. Never again would she see "holiness" as musty and irrelevant.

She asked God to forgive her for the hidden things in her heart. With His help she would begin telling the truth in her inner part. She thanked Him for showing her the true meaning of a holy life. She asked Him to bring His wisdom into the places where attitudes, words and integrity were hidden issues that were silently robbing her of all God wanted to do in and through her. Holiness...the pathway to wholeness!

~Father God, today I want to thank You that You never leave me alone. You always draw me on in my walk with You. Thank you for showing me that holiness is simply "truth in the inner parts." Today I invite You to penetrate my inner parts and reveal to me the areas where You want to free me from hidden thoughts, words, attitudes, and integrity issues only I know about. I need Your wisdom in these places as I journey on to wholeness. Thank you for the light of Your Holy Spirit in my heart. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

AM I QUIET? By Marilyn Ehle

"I have stilled and quieted my soul..." (Psalm 131:2).

Whether it be the insistent cry of the corporate ladder, the more vocal cry of small children, or the never-ending cry of our loneliness, cacophony surrounds us. However, even the most "type A" personally eventually discovers that the soul, that deep place within, longs - indeed requires - stillness.

I am amazed that the writer of Psalm 131 does not ask for a seminar, retreat or religious "professional" to teach him how to be quiet. He simply says, "I have stilled and quieted my soul..." Did he hide in a cave in the midst of actual battle for moments of spiritual re - arming? Perhaps it was during the daily schedule of unrelenting decision-making as king that he escaped into a quiet side room of the palace?

In our modern world with its press of sound via television, radio, iPods, internet and cell phones, it becomes imperative for the Christian to learn how to "still and quiet" the soul. But this is not a habit that comes naturally; we are attuned to the clock and calendar, somehow wanting instant quietness without effort. Anyone who has suffered through learning to play a musical instrument knows the tendency to skip over those daily and often frustrating practice sessions. In similar fashion, any spiritual practice must also be actually practiced.

The psalmist says that the result of a stilled and quieted soul is the attitude of a small child who leans close to his mother, fully confident in her love, care and protection. There is ultimate and sure blessing ahead for the one who is learning to be still and quieted.

~Lord, I am impatient for so many things. I want results without effort, without practice. Not only does my head know that I need quiet, but the core of my being longs for it. Please help me understand and practice the disciplines that will lead to a stilled soul.

Love God with all your weakness by Jon Walker

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind ….'” (Luke 10:27 NIV)

No doubt it sounds strange, but in order to love God with all your strength, you have to admit that you are weak and that your strength is limited.

By doing this, you acknowledge God as the true source of your strength, and that in your weakness, he is strong. You become strong as you become totally dependent upon him, allowing his strength to work through you.

As you allow God to show his strength, you will find yourself doing things you never thought possible. God promises you can do all things through the Father as he gives you his strength (Phil. 4:13). You’ll take steps of faith you never thought possible, and you’ll love others in a way you never imagined as God supplies you with supernatural strength and energy.

God is strong and he wants you strong. He will change you in places where you cannot change yourself, and he will transform the broken places of your life in order to use them for his own glory.

God doesn’t ask you to take steps of faith alone; he is with you in every step, filling you with a grace-charged strength. God only asks you to take one step of faith at a time.

So what?

· Tell God you need his strength – and really mean it this time. Ha! When you try to love and serve others with just your own strength, you’ll inevitably fail. After all, there are a lot of frustrating, unlovable people out there. (Just ask some of my friends!) And that’s OK because God wants you to fail in your own strength so you’ll start to rely upon his strength.

· You can’t love God wholeheartedly – Jesus knows you won’t be able to love God with your whole heart until you become dependent upon his strength to do so. You simply can’t do it through your own energy or strength, but Jesus also knows you’ll come to realize this yourself the more you attempt to love God – and others – on your own. At that point, you’re faced with a very clear but difficult choice: Keep on keeping on in your own strength, wondering why this abundant life thing doesn’t work, or take the “Nestea plunge” into the deep end of dependence on God’s strength.

· One step of faith at a time – Relying on God’s strength doesn’t mean he will require you to take giant leaps of faith. He’s taking you on a lifelong journey, and my experience is that God only asks for one step at a time. The so-called “leaps of faith” you see some people take actually are the culmination of a lot of little steps of faith that you may not be aware of. The first step is to ask God to be your strength as you take your first steps of faith. Willingness to rely on him is a step of faith.

ONLY GOD by Winsome Smith

"The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth" (Psalm 145:18).

We like to feel that we're capable, in control. We know our goals, our resources, and our limitations. We expect minor obstacles on the path, of course, but most of us face times in life when we feel quite self-sufficient.

Dare we name that self-sufficiency for what it is?
When we attempt to live our lives on our own terms, we fall victim to some of the oldest lies. They go back to the Garden. We think God has withheld something that would make life more fulfilling, that our way is better, and that we can do life on our own. Pride tells us that we can live life on our own terms and in our own power.

Eventually we face problems and challenges that introduce a note of frustration into our lives. We are faced with a relationship gone sour, a loved one who is suffering, a need that is bigger than we can handle. We may enlist the help or concern of friends or family. Then we realize that they too are unable to make the problem go away. "It's impossible," we say, and we turn away in discouragement.

Is it possible, dear one, that the challenge you face is the key to a deep, profound joy, one rooted in intimacy with God Almighty? An overwhelming task, a difficult relationship, the burden on your heart can drive you to a deeper dependence on God Himself. Is there some impossibility facing you that you cannot manage on your own? Have you become tired of trying? Invite the God of the impossible into that place.

God alone can change hearts, renew minds, and restore relationships so that they mirror the Father's relationship with His Son. God alone can bring an abiding peace in hearts that have been set in opposition to Him and to one another. God alone can take unspeakable pain and turn it into a place of blessing. God alone can turn mourning to joy and desperation to a rock-solid hope. God alone can make us new.

Only God specializes in the impossible. Will you join with me today in asking God for what only He can do? Take time to talk to Him today about the impossibilities in your life and the lives of those you love.

Prayer: Lord, I face impossible circumstances and relationships today. I lay aside my own agenda and timetable, and ask for Your guidance and provision. Would you work in these situations? Show me who You are in the middle of my difficulty. I entrust myself to You this day, knowing that You alone are my sufficiency.

TRIPLE-A RELATIONSHIP GUIDE by Gail Rodgers

True spirituality is evidenced in our lives through our relationships. It's one of the most nitty gritty places where we desperately need the Spirit of God on a daily basis.

Think of the three most important relationships in your life right now. Think of each one of the individuals in those relationships. Ask God to help you build into that relationship today in these three ways.

All relationships need the triple-A treatment. Be intentional in offering:

Appreciation

Watch for the things you can appreciate in a specific person today. Focus on the positives. Be willing to express appreciation where you can. So often we don't take the time to notice the things someone else does for us. Watch for the things you may have started to take for granted and voice your appreciation sincerely.

Attention

Be willing to slow down long enough today to give some focused attention to someone in your top three relationships. Stop to really listen when they are talking to you. Make the effort to look into their eyes when you are speaking with them or listening to them. Book a time with them to go for coffee or do something you keep meaning to do together. Be intentional about your awareness and consideration of the other person.

Affection

Give affection to these most important people in your life. Don't be stingy with hugs or pats. Speak with tenderness and kindness in your voice rather than the hurried irritation that creeps into "too busy" lives. Say "I love you" to those dearest to you often. Offer your spouse some focused time of physical attention. Touch is one of the greatest gifts we can give to those we love.

Jesus' words in John 13:35 when he said, "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another", really begins at home.

Father God,

Thank You for the special people You have put into my life. I confess that I am often too busy to take the time to apply these three A's to my relationships. Help me today to be deliberate in giving appreciation, attention and affection. May my life and my part in my relationships be characterized by Your love. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Will God help me? By Jon Walker

"'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind' and 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Luke 10:27 NIV)

You learn to trust God by obeying him in small ways.

At this point in your faith-walk, you probably agree that God is the supreme ruler of the universe, powerful enough to overcome any problem or defeat any enemy. "Everything comes from him; everything happens through him; everything ends up in him." (Romans 11:36 MSG)

And if that is true, then our struggle to take a step of faith is not over the issue of whether or not God can deliver – he clearly can do that.

The real the question is: Can we trust God to be sensitive to our needs(or what we perceive to be our needs?

Perhaps the resistance you and I exhibit when we’re faced with a faith-step is because we seriously doubt God will look out for our best interests – “Yes, I believe God can work this out, but will he?”

And this often lapses into the speech of behavior that says, “I know I can work this out, but I’m not sure God will – at least I’m not sure he will do it the way I want to see it done.”

The incredible thing is this: God patiently understands your hesitancy, so he made the first move toward establishing a loving, trusting relationship with you. He didn't wait until you could be trusted to receive his love, and he doesn’t insist you become trustworthy before he trusts you with precious gifts. (Romans 5:6-8)

This means that by taking small steps of faith, obeying God in small ways, “We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand – out in the wide open spaces of God's grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise.” (Romans 5:2 MSG)

So what?

· God is trustworthy in everything (Psalm 33:4) – He is love (1 John 4:16b), and therefore patient and kind; he's never rude or self-seeking; he's not easily angered, and he keeps no record of wrongs; he does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth; he always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres; he never fails. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8) He is always fair (Deuteronomy 32:4), and he’s never failed to fulfill one of his promises. (Joshua 21:45)

· Meditate on God’s faithfulness – When you struggle to trust God, meditate upon his faithfulness and love. Remember that, for now, we "know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled." (1 Corinthians 13:9-10, MSG) "Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. Remember the Lord in everything you do, and he will show you the right way." (Proverbs 3:5-6) God is calling you to grow up in your faith and to trust steadily in him.
(1 Corinthians 13:11-13, MSG)

· Take your fears (lack of trust) to him – God's perfect love casts out all fear, and that means you can safely tell him about your doubts and fears. He isn't angry when you struggle with your faith. Imagine a father watching his child take those first baby steps. Like a father overjoyed that his child is learning to walk, your Heavenly Father encourages you to take small steps of obedience.

THE WELL-DRESSED CHRISTIAN WOMAN by Joyce Averils

"So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it" (Colossians 3:12-14, The Message).
For the past couple of weeks I've received several spring fashion catalogues in the mail. I'm pretty sure you may have received some too. The women are "decked out" from head to toe with color-coordinated accessories. The goal of these catalogues is to encourage you think about how you might look in the advertised fashions so that you will go out and buy them.

I like to shop just as much as the next woman. However, I'm careful to remind myself that while looking my best, I must not forget to make sure that I'm well-dressed spiritually too. Clothes may wear out, go out of style or no longer fit, but a beautiful spirit will last for eternity.

Some women have personal shoppers and stylists to assist them with looking their best. As a Christian, you have access to the ultimate stylist. Colossians 3:12 says that God has already picked out a wardrobe for you. You should dress in:

Compassion
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32).

Kindness
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." (Galatians 5:22-23).

Humility
"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom." (Proverbs 11:2).

Quiet Strength/Gentleness
"Let your gentleness be evident to all." (Philippians 4:5).

Discipline/Patience/Long Suffering
"A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense" (Proverbs 19:11).

Your Heavenly Father is so awesome that He even provides you with an all-purpose garment even better than your "little black dress." The Christian woman's basic, all-purpose garment is love. No matter what else you put on, Colossians 3:1 says to wear love and you will always be one of the best dressed women in the room.

Love
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails" (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a).

My Challenge to You:
As you pack away your winter clothing and replace them with your spring and summer outfits, take a look at your spiritual wardrobe. Are you wearing the wardrobe God picked out for you? Is there anything that needs to be replaced? Does your all purpose garment need a little spring cleaning? Remind yourself daily that you can be a well-dressed Christian woman.

The Joy of Praise by Muriel Larson

Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits" (Psalm 103:2).
Have you ever wondered where the forget-me-not sky-blue flower got its name? Legend says it was derived from the last words of a German knight who drowned while trying to retrieve this flower for his lady. That German lady probably remembered her gallant knight for a long time because of his last poignant words.But there is someone else who is far, far more important to people all over the world than that nameless knight. And the marvelous things He has done for us cry out for the remembrance in praise. Yet we forget our Lord and His benefits all too easily in this busy world, don't we? And we may stand in church week after week singing praise songs to God without the thankful joy that should be experienced with their singing. I have seen many who have sung such songs in church choirs never crack a smile of joy!

SPECIAL PEOPLE

One reason God called David a "man after my own heart" was because David frequently reminded himself and others of God's benefits, and he regularly praised God for them. "Bless the Lord" means "Praise the Lord!"
How much less depressed we would be if we started each day praising the Lord for all the wonderful things He has done for us! The Lord forgives us all our sins; He heals our diseases. He redeemed us from eternal damnation; He loved us even while we were yet rebellious sinners. He crowns us with love and compassion. When we delight ourselves in Him, He gives us the desires of our hearts. The Lord loves us with an everlasting love!

WHAT HAPPENS TO OUR JOY?

My people have forgotten me," God said sadly to Jeremiah of the Israelites.
And if truth be told, we for whom He died often forget Him and all He has done for us, don't we? We get so easily wrapped up in even such good things as going to church, fellowshipping on a human basis with Christian friends, working, tending to our families, etc. etc. etc. And our Lord gets lost in the shuffle. So does our joy. Then one day maybe we wake up and ask ourselves, "What happened to that thrilling joy and spirit of praise I used to have?" Well, when something good isn't used, we don't benefit from it any more. And if we have put our Lord and praising Him regularly on the back burner, no wonder we have lost our joy! If that is where you're at now, why now start glorying in the Lord and in all the wonderful things He has done for you? Get back your joy! Have a great day by praising Him for His benefits every morning when you awake.

How Do You Pray, and Who Do You Pray For

Your thumb is nearest you, so begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember.



The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct, and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.



The middle finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the President as well as Leaders in business, industry, and administration. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.



The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble, or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.



And lastly comes our little finger, the smallest finger of all which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, "The least shall be the greatest among you." Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.

 

Above all else, remember to PRAY!!

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-8 NLT

ALL THE GOOD THINGS By Sister Helen P. Mrosla

Philippians 1:3: "Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God."

Courage is fear that has said it's prayers.

He was in the first third grade class I taught at Saint Mary's School in Morris, Minn. All 34 of my students were dear to me, but Mark Eklund was one in a million. Very neat in appearance, but had that happy-to-be-alive attitude that made even his occasional mischievousness delightful.

Mark talked incessantly. I had to remind him again and again that talking without permission was not acceptable. What impressed me so much, though, was his sincere response every time I had to correct him for misbehaving: "Thank you for correcting me, Sister!" I didn't know what to make of it at first, but before long I became accustomed to hearing it many times a day.

One morning my patience was growing thin when Mark talked once too often, and then I made a novice-teacher's mistake. I looked at him and said, "If you say one more word, I am going to tape your mouth shut!"

It wasn't ten seconds later when Chuck blurted out, "Mark is talking again." I hadn't asked any of the students to help me watch Mark, but since I had stated the punishment in front of the class, I had to act on it.

I remember the scene as if it had occurred this morning. I walked to my desk, very deliberately opened my drawer and took out a roll of masking tape. Without saying a word, I proceeded to Mark's desk, tore off two pieces of tape and made a big X with them over his mouth.

I then returned to the front of the room. As I glanced at Mark to see how he was doing he winked at me.

That did it! I started laughing. The class cheered as I walked back to Mark's desk, removed the tape and shrugged my shoulders. His first words were, "Thank you for correcting me, Sister."

At the end of the year I was asked to teach junior-high math. The years flew by, and before I knew it Mark was in my classroom again. He was more handsome than ever and just as polite. Since he had to listen carefully to my instructions in the "new math," he did not talk as much in ninth grade as he had in the third.

One Friday, things just didn't feel right. We had worked hard on a new concept all week, and I sensed that the students were frowning, frustrated with themselves--and edgy with one another. I had to stop this crankiness before it got out of hand. So I asked them to list the names of the other students in the room on two sheets of paper, leaving a space between each name. Then I told them to think of the nicest thing they could say about each of their classmates and write it down.

It took the remainder of the class period to finish the assignment, and as the students left the room, each one handed me the papers. Charlie smiled. Mark said, "Thank you for teaching me, Sister. Have a good weekend."

That Saturday, I wrote down the name of each student on a separate sheet of paper, and I listed what everyone else had said about that individual. On Monday I gave each student his or her list. Before long, the entire class was smiling. "Really?" I heard whispered. "I never knew that meant anything to anyone!" "I didn't know others liked me so much!"

No one ever mentioned those papers in class again. I never knew if they discussed them after class or with their parents, but it didn't matter. The exercise had accomplished its purpose. The students were happy with themselves and one another again.

That group of students moved on. Several years later, after I returned from vacation, my parents met me at the airport. As we were driving home, Mother asked me the usual questions about the trip--the weather, my experiences in general. There was a light lull in the conversation. Mother gave Dad a sideways glance and I simply said, "Dad?" My father cleared his throat as he usually did before something important. "The Eklunds called last night," he began.

"Really?" I said. "I haven't heard from them in years. I wonder how Mark is."

Dad responded quietly. "Mark was killed in Vietnam," he said. "The funeral is tomorrow, and his parents would like it if you could attend." To this day I can still point to the exact spot on I-494 where Dad told me about Mark.

I had never seen a serviceman in a military coffin before. Mark looked so handsome, so mature. All I could think at that moment was, Mark, I would give all the masking tape in the world if only you would talk to me.

The church was packed with Mark's friends. Chuck's sister sang "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." Why did it have to rain on the day of the funeral? It was difficult enough at the graveside. The pastor said the usual prayers, and the bugler played taps. One by one those who loved Mark took a last walk by the coffin and sprinkled it with holy water.

I was the last one to bless the coffin. As I stood there, one of the soldiers who had acted as pallbearer came up to me. "Were you Mark's math teacher?" he asked. I nodded as I continued to stare at the coffin. "Mark talked about you a lot," he said.

After the funeral, most of Mark's former classmates headed to Chuck's farmhouse for lunch. Mark's mother and father were there, obviously waiting for me. "We want to show you something," his father said, taking a wallet out of his pocket. "They found this on Mark when he was killed. We thought you might recognize it."

Opening the billfold, he carefully removed two worn pieces of notebook paper that had obviously been taped, folded, and refolded many times. I knew without looking that the papers were the ones on which I had listed all the good things each of Mark's classmates had said about him. "Thank you so much for doing that" Mark's mother said. "As you can see, Mark treasured it."

Mark's classmates started to gather around us. Charlie smiled rather sheepishly and said, "I still have my list. It's in the top drawer of my desk at home."

Chuck's wife said, "Chuck asked me to put this in our wedding album."

"I have mine too," Marilyn said. "It's in my diary."

Then Vicki, another classmate, reached into her pocketbook, took out her wallet, and showed her worn and frazzled list to the group. "I carry this with me at all times," Vicki said without batting an eyelash. "I think we all saved our lists."

That's when I finally sat down and cried. I cried for Mark and for all his friends who would never see him again.

Philippians 1:3: "Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God."

today'sTHOT============================

Courage is fear that has said its prayers.

KNIT TOGETHER by Brigitte Straub

The importance and vitality of building one another up in love (according to Paul in letters to believers in Ephesus.)

For because of Him the whole body, closely joined and firmly knit together by the joints and ligaments with which it is supplied, when each part is working properly grows to full maturity, building itself up in love" (Ephesians 4:16).
As Paul instructs the body of believers in Ephesus concerning the importance and vitality in the building up of one another in love, he gives a wonderful illustration of what this looks like.
Paul uses the words "joined" and "knit together" to describe the close bonds with one another. And again, in Colossians 2:2, he says, "For my concern is that their hearts may be encouraged as they are knit together in love."
Something spiritual occurs as two souls form a bond with one another. This can be a good thing as we see in the godly relationship of David and Jonathan. "The soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul" (1 Samuel 18:1).
We are also warned in Proverbs 1:10, 15 about bonds with the wrong types of friends: "My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent... my son, do not walk in the way with them keep your foot from their path." 1 Corinthians 15:33 says we must not entertain evil company, for they corrupt good habits.
A good friendship will produce good fruit. "You will know them by their fruits... every good tree produces good fruit , but a bad tree bears bad fruit" (Mathew 7:16a, 17). What kind of people are you close with? Who do you have a strong bond with? Perhaps there is a friendship that needs re-evaluating.

Ask the Holy Spirit if there is anyone or anything in your life that you are connected with that takes the place of where God should be in your life. Ask Him to tear down anything that is ungodly, so He becomes all in your life. And then ask Him to show you those with whom should have close friendships. As He places people in your life that He himself has appointed, thank Him, and lift one another up in love.

Prayer: Father, we love You and thank You for sending Your Son, as a revealer of Who You are. We thank You that we are able to experience a close, intimate relationship with You. Holy Spirit, please guide us in the area of friendships, that they would be godly and form good fruit. Show us any areas in our life that are not pleasing to You so we may learn to walk the way You have called us to. In Jesus' name, amen.

SpiritualGrowth

 

PrayerBasket

If you would like to have some quiet time with God each day,consider putting together a prayer basket which contains a small Bible, adevotional, prayer journal, highlighter, pen, and notecards to send to a friendor family member you have prayed for. Even if you just have five minutes ofquiet time during the day, you'll be more likely to keep your appointment withGod if everything that helps you focus on Him is in oneplace.

Be Generous

Be generous with yourtime, your praise, and your prayers. My son has often reminded me, "Hey mom,when are YOU gonna slow down? Did you pray yet today?" Gotta love a kid who atage 7 can re-ground you! He knows when I have not stopped to pray, refocus, andre-energize!

Daily BibleStories

Start eachday off right by beginning it with time in God's Word. Each morningas you sitdown together for breakfast, spend some time reading Bible stories to yourchildren. Depending on the age of your kids, read from a Bible Story Book,Bible, or devotional that includes a Bible passage with a life applicationstory. Take a moment to recite a memoryverse and end withashortprayer.

"Copyright Hearts at Home 2006, used with permission. For more information about Hearts at Home: 1-309-888-MOMS or www.hearts-at-home.org."