... building where his son's class room used to be and began to dig. Why? What real hope did he have? What were the chances that his son could have survived such destruction? All he knew was that he had made a promise to always be there for his son. It was this promise that gave ... ... 12... 24... 36 hours. Then, in the 38th hour, he pulled back a boulder and heard his sons ' voice crying for help. Immediately, he screamed," ARMAND !" Back came the words," Dad !? I told them! I told the other ... the contents of each heart. Let me show you the loving heart of one father. In the midst of chaos and destruction, he rushed to his son's school. But instead of a school, he found a shapeless heap of rubble. Imagine what went through his mind. What would have gone through your mind ...

... church's pastor once again slowly stood up, walked over to the pulpit, and gave a very brief introduction of his childhood friend. With that, an elderly man stepped up to the pulpit to speak," A father, his son, and a friend of his son were sailing off the Pacific Coast ," he began," when a fast approaching storm blocked any attempt to get back to shore. The waves were so high, that even though the father was an ... excruciating decision of his life. to which boy would he throw the other end of the line. He only had seconds to make the decision. The father knew that his son was a Christian, and he also knew that his son's friend was not. The agony of his decision could not be matched by even the torrent of waves." As the father yelled out, 'I love you, son! ' he threw the line to his son's friend. By the ...

... sons. He wanted his sons to learn to not judge things too quickly. So he sent them each on a quest, in turn, to go and look at a pear tree that was a great distance away. The first son went in the winter, the second in the spring, the third in summer, and the youngest son in the fall. When they had all gone and come back, he called them together to describe what they had seen. The ... Four Seasons of a Tree Don't judge a life by one difficult season. There was a man who had four sons. He wanted his sons to learn to not judge things too quickly. So he sent them each on a quest, in turn, to go and look at a pear tree that was a great distance away. The first son went in the winter, the second in the spring, the third in summer, and the youngest son in the fall ...

... single word in a sentence-how can you judge the whole book ?" This time the people could not say much, but inside they knew that he was wrong. Twelve beautiful horses had come. The old man had an only son who started to train the horses. Just a week later he fell from a horse and his legs were broken. The people gathered again, and again they judged. They said," Again you proved right! It was a misfortune ... people would never come back. They came to the old man and they said," You were right, old man-this has proved a blessing. Maybe your son is crippled, but he is still with you. Our sons are gone forever" The old man said again," You go on and on judging. Nobody knows! Only say this, that your sons have been forced to enter the army and my son has not been forced. But only ...

... block from our home. I just completed a long twelve hour shift and was tired. The steps to our second floor flat seemed to go on forever. At the top, I started to take my coat off, when my son, Justin, burst through the door of his room," Dad! Dad! I'm going to play ball tonight"" What ?"" I'm playing baseball tonight !" Tired and weary, I stared down at him in confusion." ... for the throw. The catcher was always at home plate waiting for the throw home to tag a runner. The first baseman had his toe on the bag with his glove out to catch a throw and get an out. My son's team finished in third place that year-last. The city had a tournament for the various leagues. The best teams from each league competed for the city championship. Our league was small. No team had enough nine and ten year ...

... 1st and the family had once again gathered to celebrate. Right after dinner father called the boys aside." Well, it is time. Please share with me what you have placed in your box ," father said. The first son, eager to outdo the others, jumped to his feet and began sharing. From the box he pulled the business ledger, saying" This father, is the true measure of our success. There is no greater representation than the bottom ... frail man had to make a decision. His health had not been good over the past few years and the stress of keeping the business on course was beginning to wear on him. The challenge was in deciding which one of his sons would take his place. Each boy had the experience. Each one was capable of helping it grow in the future. But each had different personal values. As they gathered together to celebrate Father's birthday, he quietly pulled them aside from ...

... 9 year old boy, Mark, received a phone call in the middle of the afternoon. It was the teacher from her son's school." Mrs. Smith, something unusual happened today in your son's third grade class. Your son did something that surprised me so much that I thought you should know about it immediately" Mother's seldom want to hear from their child's teacher in the middle of the day. The mother was uneasy and nervous by such a beginning to a ... The Ant And The Grasshopper A mother of a 9 year old boy, Mark, received a phone call in the middle of the afternoon. It was the teacher from her son's school." Mrs. Smith, something unusual happened today in your son's third grade class. Your son did something that surprised me so much that I thought you should know about it immediately" Mother's seldom want to hear from their child's teacher in the middle of the day. The mother ...

... a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead. The captain lit a lantern. Suddenly, he caught his breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier. It was his son. The boy had been studying music in the south when the war broke out. Without telling his father, he enlisted in the Confederate Army. The following morning, heart broken, the father asked for permission of his superiors to give ... Out of respect for the father, they did say they could give him only one musician. The captain chose a bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of his dead son's uniform. This wish was granted. This music was the haunting melody we now know as" Taps" that is used at all military funerals. In case you are interested, these are the words to" Taps"." Day ...

... A host of angels came out of the sky. We saw this with our own eyes"" So did we ," Aram's father replied." So we were not dreaming"" Angels ?" Aram asked." Yes, my son. Angels just appeared to us and said that the long-awaited Messiah had just been born in Bethlehem"" In a stable in Bethlehem !" one of the strangers shouted in disbelief." Why would a Savior be born in a place like ... woman had given Aram the baby to hold." I did not think you had such strength in that arm ," he said." Have you not noticed ?" one of the others said." Noticed ?"" Yes, your son's arm. Am I the only one of us, including Aram, that has actually seen what has happened? Take a close look" Aram's father fell to his knees and squinted at the arm through the darkness. Then he let out ...

... Whether I was a receptionist or in management I always dealt with the public. During this time period at the age of 31 I had my first child, a set of identical twin boys, two years later I had my third son. One year later I was divorced. Life was hard. I was financially devastated, overwhelmed with massive responsibilities, and three beautiful sons who made it possible for me to endure all of it. I reminded myself every morning to keep ... faith in God and myself that I could be successful in anything I pursued, but the reality of my suppressed desire to fly was still ever present. Unfortunately my responsibilities as a mother came first and not what I personally wanted to fulfill for myself. They WERE my life, and so it went on. They grew up, graduated from high school and left for college. When my third son was approaching high school graduation in the Spring 05 I was currently unemployed from ...

... . She reached down and asked," May I ?" I nodded and handed him to her. She lifted him into her arms. She was quiet, as she walked back to face the congregation. Turning, she held my son high and said," This is the real meaning of Christmas: The birth of a new life !" She cradled my son as she spoke. A single tear trickled down my cheek. She walked around the sanctuary, displaying my son ... quickly moved the one before it to a better spot. I laughed when they told Grandma they decorated all by themselves. Near the bottom of the box, I found a brass plaque. It's a special memory. It has my son's name and birth date. Justin was supposed to be a New Year's Eve baby, but he decided not to miss Christmas. Justin was three weeks old, when we took him to the Christmas Eve service at our church. That night ...

... in getting ready for them earlier than I have ever had before. November 5th. That's when I began thinking Christmas and doing Christmas things. I will admit that I thought, no I believed that this would be the year my son and his wife would be announcing the approaching birth of their first child. That's how I justified pulling decorations out of the attic and down into my living and dining room so early. I even placed a count down on my cell phone ... marked it," The best Christmas yet !" As life would have it, it will not be the year of my son's big announcement but it still will be the" Best Christmas yet !" Why? It's simple. My son and I have this agreement. Whenever I ask him," What was your best Christmas ?" he always answers," The next one" Yes, I surrounded myself with all the stuff of Christmas. But I never really saw it until ...

... Daddy Hands I awoke in the night to find my husband, Marty, gently rocking our baby son, Noah. I stood for a moment in the doorway, watching this amazing man with whom I was so blessed to share my life, lovingly stroke Noah's fat pink cheeks in an effort to comfort him. I felt in my heart that something was seriously wrong with Noah. This was one of several nights Noah had been up, burning with a high fever. ... stop crying. My husband reassured me that he felt in his heart that Noah would be okay. We admitted Noah and were taken to his room right away. It was a tortuous night, filled with horrible tests that made my son's tiny little voice echo though the halls as he screamed over and over. I felt as if I were shattering from the inside out. My husband never wavered in his faith. He comforted me and Noah, and everyone who called to ...

... Of Boys And Bunnies My son has started his freshman year of college and appears to be functioning just fine without his mother. I'm trying hard to forgive him for that. On the drive home, after we'd helped him move into his dorm room and I'd made enough of a blubbery scene to thoroughly embarrass my boy, I got to thinking about his first day of preschool. On the short drive to the school that day, he'd clutched his favorite toy? a ... is bare in several places, worn down to the fabric by a little boy's fingers." Hi Malcolm ," I said to him, sounding again like Mr. Rogers." Long time no see !" I sat down on my son's bed and just stared at Malcolm for awhile. I rubbed his head several times. I think it made him feel better.~Jackie Papandrew~Copyright 2010 All Rights Reserved Jackie Papandrew is an award-winning writer, syndicated humor columnist, coffee ...

... the most loyal and well trained dog for her eager little boy. Without a moment's pause, the man replied," Oh, that's an easy question to answer. Follow me back and I'll show you the perfect dog for your son" Kevin and his mother followed the old man back to the last cage on the right." There she is ma'am. This would be the dog I'd choose and I'd already have her myself but we have a half-dozen dogs at home ... his increasing quietness and sadness with each passing episode and thought back to her childhood. Her parents surprised her one Christmas with a little scroungy mutt that she adored. She got this ugly little dog that Christmas when she was about her son's age and the guilt of not allowing Kevin to have a dog to be his best friend finally got to her. One afternoon after yet another episode of" Lassie ", she decided, right or wrong, to give in to Kevin's earlier ...

... , “ That is exactly like it happened. How did you know ?” He had forgotten that he had given me the information on his and mom ’ s early married life. Dad was proud of me. He also raised a son that went into mission work in this country. His second youngest daughter was / is an amazing mother, and his youngest daughter is a fantastic pianist. Dad raised four other sons by a second wife, after our mother passed away. ... father was easy to talk to about doctrine, or the Bible, or missions or things like that, but there were some topics that he never discussed, and that was anything to do with the ‘ facts of life. In our days, talk of ‘ sex ’ or ‘ facts of life ’ was a ‘ taboo ’ subject. I am glad that I had the father I had. He was like no other. And he had a GREAT BIG HEART. ...

... The Dog Next Door My 18-month-old son, Adam, called from the front porch." Look, Mama! Doggie" I dropped what I was doing and stuck my head out the door. Brandy, our next-door neighbor's 11-year-old golden retriever, was over again." Scat !" I said, scooping up Adam and brushing the dog hair off his T-shirt and shorts. Brandy's owner had died about a month earlier. The woman's family emptied the house, and a real ... as if she knew that spot was now hers. She closed her eyes. Her breathing deepened. Her whiskers twitched as she slept. She'd done an incredible thing and I wondered if she knew it. She might have saved my son's life. She'd certainly touched mine in a way no animal ever had. What a shame a dog like Brandy was abandoned. Were there more out there like her? I learned about other homeless goldens and took them in, and found ...

... was a momentous event, captured in pictures. The trail from the bridge leads off into dense woods, curving out of sight. This year, I stopped to take a picture of the bridge, as I always do. My son, all grown up, crossed ahead of me, then turned to look back, the trail with its unseen destination stretching ahead of him. I snapped the shot, then had to sit down on a rock to compose myself. Someday ... details. Grandma's memories of the trail center on which boulders and tree trunks provided the most privacy for the inevitable call of nature. Grandma is an expert at picking out secluded spots. Sadly, though, I am not. My son's favorite hiking story is about the time that I-not realizing my chosen spot could be seen from another part of the trail-exposed my backside to a group of college students. They're probably still in therapy. My husband and I ...

... insist upon forcing a square peg into a round hole, because in a round hole you, being a round peg, feel tight and comfortable. Now I call that irrational" The farmer responded," I don't see why my son has any right to fancy himself a square peg. when his father, and his grandfather, and his great-grandfather, have been round pegs; and it is agin ' nature for any creature not to take after its own kind"- ... The British novelist Edward Bulwer Lytton published the metaphor in a late 19th century book: Kenelm Chillingly asks," Does it not prove that no man, however wise, is a good judge of his own case? Now, your son's case is really your case-you see it through the medium of your likings and dislikings, and insist upon forcing a square peg into a round hole, because in a round hole you, being a round peg, feel tight and ...

... baking, decorating, and yes, even the all American pastime, overspending. Yet, still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and, of course, the true meaning of Christmas. My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six year old filled with hopes, dreams and laughter. For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's" Winter Pageant" I didn't have the ... good cheer. The melodies were fun, cute and lighthearted, but nowhere to be found was even the hint of an innocent babe, a manger, or Christ ’ s sacred gift of hope and joy. So, when my son's class rose to sing," Christmas Love ", I was slightly taken aback by its bold title. Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters and bright snowcaps upon their heads. Those ...

... represented there. It was the Race for Hope, Washington, DC on May 1st and in particular" Terry's High Hurdlers" that caught my attention. You see, my daughter-in-law, Sarah, ran in the 5K race. My son, Keith, had the winning design for the official race t-shirt. He's a graphic artist and photographer. She ran for Uncle Terry who died from brain cancer and her grandmother who recently passed. Sarah represents a strong family with roots deep ... faith, family values and love. She is my son's best friend and a brilliant light in my life. Sarah had never run a race before. She had participated in fund raising efforts and walked the good walk like many of us do. But this was both a physical and mental challenge for her. It was one of those things you must do, cannot fail, but doubt your abilities immediately after making the commitment. I spoke to her about how proud I ...

... hall, the little boy rose and eventually explored his way through a door marked:" NO ADMITTANCE" When the house lights dimmed, and the concert was about to begin, the mother returned to her seat and discovered that her son was missing. Suddenly, the curtains parted and spotlights focused on the impressive Steinway on stage. In horror, the mother saw her little boy sitting at the keyboard, innocently picking out" Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" At that moment ... The Great Lesson To encourage her young son's progress on the piano, a mother took the small boy to a Paderewski concert. After they were seated, the mother spotted a friend in the audience and walked down the aisle to greet her. Seizing the opportunity to explore the wonders of the concert hall, the little boy rose and eventually explored his way through a door marked:" NO ADMITTANCE" When the house lights dimmed, and the concert was about to begin ...

... about Hudson, who is doing volunteer service for his church in Russia. Hudson has already faced numerous threats and challenges from those who don't think well of Americans in Russia, and evidently things are getting worse. Hudson is someone else's son, but he's dear to my daughter, Beth, and therefore dear to me. And I want him to be well and safe-today and always. Let's see. that's one hand and four" other hands" Way more than ... quest for Olympic gold. Sure, I wish them well. I'll be watching, no doubt. But I'm talking about the five men who are, or who will one day be, the fathers of my grandchildren-my two sons, my two sons-in-law and a young man who, unless I miss my guess, appears destined to be my future son-in-law. These are five terrific young men, and I love each one of them for the goodness of their souls. ...

... manager-he still received an NIT championship ring that he wore until the day he died) Dad was used to going to games to watch his sons PLAY. I'm not sure how he felt about going to games to watch his son SIT. And cheer. And wave a towel. And, hopefully, hug. Still, Dad was always there in his suit and tie, usually standing in a corner of the gym, leaning against the wall. I'd make eye ... a college basketball team that won the NIT championship (OK, he was the equipment manager-he still received an NIT championship ring that he wore until the day he died) Dad was used to going to games to watch his sons PLAY. I'm not sure how he felt about going to games to watch his son SIT. And cheer. And wave a towel. And, hopefully, hug. Still, Dad was always there in his suit and tie, usually ...

... Marines and Tampons Tampons to the rescue in Iraq !! Don't worry, it's a good story, and worth reading. It's even humorous in parts. It's from the mother of a Marine in Iraq. My son told me how wonderful the care packages we had sent them were and wanted me to tell everyone thank you. He said that one guy we'll call Marine X, got a girl care package and everyone was giving him a hard time. My son said," Marine X got some really nice smelling lotion and everyone really likes it, so every time he goes to sleep they steal it from him" I told my son I was really sorry about the mistake, and if he wanted I would send Marine X another package. He told me not to worry about Marine X because e very time I send something to him, Marine X thinks it's for him too. He said when my husband and I sent the last care ...

... Jesus Really Does Love You Every Sunday afternoon, after the morning service at their church, the Pastor and his 11-year-old son would go out into their town and hand out Gospel tracts. This particular Sunday afternoon, as it came time for the Pastor and his son to go to the streets with their tracts, it was very cold outside as well as pouring down rain. The boy bundled up in his warmest and driest clothes and said" Okay Dad, I'm ready" His Pastor Dad asked," Ready for what ?"" Dad, it's time we gather our tracts together and go out" Dad responds," Son, it's very cold outside and it's pouring down rain" The boy gives his Dad a surprised look, asking," But Dad, aren't people still going to Hell, even though it's raining ?" Dad answers," Son, I am not going out in this weather" Despondently the boy asks," Dad ...

... . Yes, he is a born blind. Thank God he was able to hear the sound. He heard a small boy's voice saying," what a pleasant morning" but he, could not make any difference for the day and the night is the same for him. Then he heard a man saying to his neighbor" Ain't you coming to church this morning ", and continued," the day is beautiful and the church is decorated with great tidings for the son of David, JESUS is coming today". His mind was thinking about the beauty of the day." What is beauty ?" Said he, to himself. For he know not what it is. After a while, he heard a couple of by passers talking to each other about the new pieces of dress materials available in the market. The colors, make and the model, by then he were thinking about the variety they were talking which he can't see. ...

... stamina he could muster, he covered the boy who now had the ball, but that boy kicked it to another boy twenty feet away, and by the time he repositioned himself, it was too late-they scored a third goal. I soon learned who the goalie's parents were. They were nice, decent-looking people. I could tell that his dad had just come from the office-he still had his suit and tie on. They yelled encouragement to their son. I became totally absorbed, watching the boy on the field and his parents on the sidelines. After the third goal, the little kid changed. He could see it was no use; he couldn't stop them. He didn't quit, but he became quietly desperate futility was written all over him. His father changed too. He had been urging his son to try harder-yelling advice and encouragement. But then he changed. He became anxious. He tried to ...

... Everything about me seemed to rarify, the mysterious visitor herself becoming more airy and yet more distinct to my sight than before. I now began to feel as one dying, or rather to experience the sensations which I have sometimes imagined accompany dissolution. I did not think, I did not reason, I did not move; all were alike impossible. I was only conscious of gazing fixedly, vacantly at my companion." Presently I heard a voice saying,` Son of the Republic, look and learn, ' while at the same time my visitor extended her arm eastwardly. I now beheld a heavy white vapor at some distance rising fold upon fold. This gradually dissipated, and I looked upon a strange scene. Before me lay spread out in one vast plain all the countries of the world; Europe, Asia, Africa and America. I saw rolling and tossing between Europe and America the billows of the Atlantic, and between Asia ...

... He could hear the rumble of the train now, as he took hold of the lever and leaned backward to apply his full weight to the lever, locking the bridge. He kept applying the pressure to keep the mechanism locked. Many lives depended on this man doing the right thing. Then, coming across the bridge from the direction of his control shack, he heard a sound that made his blood run cold." Daddy, where are you ?" His four-year-old son was crossing the bridge to look for him. His first impulse was to cry out to the child," Run! Run !" But the train was too close; the tiny legs would never make it across the bridge in time. The man almost left his lever to run and grab his son and carry him to safety. But he realized that he could not get back to the lever in time. Either the people on the train or his son must die. ...

... Time and Loving Patience She's sits at my feet like a dog, as she always does, when I come home from work. What a difference seven years made in this little girl's life. The small grey cat, with a white nose and neck, stared at my sixteen-year-old son Justin through the bars of her cage at the animal shelter. She was the third cat he inspected. Justin's mom passed away four months before. He came home from school to an empty house and begged me for a cat-something to love him." Her name is Kitten" the lady said." She's two or three years old. Her owner was an elderly lady who passed away. Her son tried to take her in, but his son was allergic to cats, so she ended up here. I hope you can give her a home" She spilled it out like a car salesman giving the description of a car. I looked ...

... , and wonder if the sunshine would come out before another week passed. I guess it was one of things that made living in Michigan a challenge. The ever changeable weather! As we gathered around the table to eat that afternoon we were making our plans for Thanksgiving dinner, and who was bringing what. We always tried to invite a new family from church over, thinking perhaps they would be alone on Thanksgiving in a new area." Mom, our youngest son said, did you notice Mrs. Mitchell sitting in church today? She was blowing into her handkerchief and wiping her eyes" Our daughter said she thought it must be because her son had just passed away. I was stunned. My husband and I looked at one another and asked how she knew about this, we hadn't heard a thing! We knew about her son; but only that he had been wounded in the war, and didn ’ t live in the ...

... to him burying his face in the man's chest. I smiled with great satisfaction and heard a woman nearby say to me," That was kind of you to help him" I felt relieved and oddly validated as being one of the good guys in this world. Here is what I loved the most. I have seen parents and children reunited in similar situations. Most parents scream and yell at the child for having wandered off. This man held and comforted his son. Chills rushed over my body. My eyes filled with tears as I walked away. But it wasn't over. Later I found the same man down on his knees holding his son, Paul. He repeated this again and again." Son, I would never leave you. Never, ever, ever, ever leave you" I am shaking even as I write this now not just because of how wonderful that was, but I swear to you, I heard ...

... Ice Cream Last week I took my children to a restaurant. My six-year-old son asked if he could say grace. As we bowed our heads he said:" God is good. God is great. Thank you for the food, and I would even thank you more if mom gets us ice cream for dessert. And Liberty and justice for all! Amen" Along with the laughter from the other customers nearby, I heard a woman remark," That's what's wrong with this country. Kids today don't even know how to pray. Asking God for ice-cream! Why, I never !" Hearing this, my son burst into tears and asked me," Did I do it wrong? Is God mad at me ?" As I held him and assured him that he had done a terrific job and God was certainly not mad at him, an elderly gentleman approached the table. He winked at my son and said," I happen ...

... sang this song by Ginny Owens at church one Sunday as tears welled up in my eyes because it seemed so real to me. It was real. I was hurting. And I certainly didn't understand why I had to face the trials I was facing. I sit here one year later and realize that I'm not any closer to knowing the answer to that question. I sit here with more trials under my belt. I have literally been through a fire. My son and I spent over a week in separate hospitals recovering from 2nd and 3rd degree burns. My husband has had two hernia surgeries. My son has had 22 stitches from jumping through a glass table. My husband tore his ACL playing a game of basketball, and he still doesn't have a steady job. Although we have two vehicles now, they seem to break down at the most inopportune times. I have medical bills I can't pay. I honestly don't know from one ...

... inspiring with the qualities that I wish every human being had been graced with. Her last project of the term was called" Smile." The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and document their reaction. I am a very friendly person and always smile at everyone and say, hello, anyway. so, I thought, this would be a piece of cake, literally. Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband, youngest son, and I went out to McDonald's, one crisp March morning. It was just our way of sharing special play time with our son. We were standing in line, waiting to be served, when all of a sudden everyone around us began to back away, and then even my husband did. I did not move an inch. an overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside of me as I turned to see why they had moved. As I turned around I ...

... Then you would hold me tight against your chest and say," I missed you too, honey". During all my growing years I never had any fears, for I knew you would always be there for Momma and Me. You were my tower of strength; you were the invincible one! Whenever I was in need, you were always there for me! And as I grew into womanhood, you were there still. When I gave birth to my son, you were there to drive me to the hospital, you lovingly kissed my cheek and said," Honey, I can't help you with this one" but you did more than you will ever know. And when my husband left us without even a goodbye, you became Grandpa and Daddy to my son," Your Little Bud". You couldn't have been prouder! You were his father figure, mentor and friend. I will be forever grateful to you, ...

... Pinewood Derby (The wisdom of a child) My son Gilbert was eight years old and had been in Cub Scouts only a short time. During one of his meetings he was handed a sheet of paper, a block of wood and four tires and told to return home and give all to" dad". That was not an easy task for Gilbert to do. Dad was not receptive to doing things with his son. But Gilbert tried. Dad read the paper and scoffed at the idea of making a pine wood derby car with his young, eager son. The block of wood remained untouched as the weeks passed. Finally, mom stepped in to see if I could figure this all out. The project began. Having no carpentry skills, I decided it would be best if I simply read the directions and let Gilbert do the work. And he did. I read aloud the measurements, the rules of what we could ...

... low on the water, I figured I ’ d be able to reach over and lift him into the boat to admire him. I paddle to the opposite bank of the river, while reeling my line in, and come up alongside the weeds he was snagged under. I could feel him tugging on my line, he was big and strong, I just hoped he wasn ’ t too big to get into my boat. I was going to show my fisherman son a thing or two today, I just knew it. I lean forward in the boat, and begin pulling weeds up from the river bottom, slowly untangling the line. My heart beat with excitement, maybe I could get the boy to take a picture of me with my catch of the day. If's its big enough, maybe I'll even make the paper. I finally worked the line free of the weeds, and pulled the big boy up from the water to ...

... A Boys Race Prayer My son Gilbert was eight years old and had been in Cub Scouts only a short time. During one of his meetings he was handed a sheet of paper, a block of wood and four tires and told to return home and give all to" dad" That was not an easy task for Gilbert to do. Dad was not receptive to doing things with his son. But Gilbert tried. Dad read the paper and scoffed at the idea of making a pine wood derby car with his young, eager son. The block of wood remained untouched as the weeks passed. Finally, mom stepped in to see if I could figure this all out. The project began. Having no carpentry skills, I decided it would be best if I simply read the directions and let Gilbert do the work. And he did. I read aloud the measurements, the rules of what we could do and what we couldn't do ...

... , I thought about how I had sat in church that day knowing I had sinned. Yet, Jesus had blessed me with a wonderful vision. I knew he still loved me, unconditionally, in spite of my flaws. I thought, how can this be. Later that night, I started to read the Bible, the book of John. Jesus answered my question clearly: John 3: 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that who so ever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life. As I read further it said: For God sent not his son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned, but he that believeth not is already condemned because he has not believed. I had sought to know him with my whole heart and soul, and he had not disappointed me ...

... didn't take me five minutes to stop and check out a sale and get back into the car. On this particular fall day, the weather was pleasant and I decided upon an early start. I knew as soon as the doors opened the best buys were available, and I also knew that all the antique dealers would be the first people in line when the sale began at 9, and I wanted to beat them! As I was getting ready I overheard our son telling someone that he would hitch a ride with Mom, that she was getting ready to go out, and his car had been loaned to his younger brother. I told him I'd drop him on my way, but I wanted to make a couple of stops en route to his destination. He agreed to “ one ” or “ two ” stops. Down the road and past the corner deli and barber shop we went, and made tracks along a lone street where ...

... Sacrifice Play In Brooklyn, New York, Chush is a school that caters to learning disabled children. Some children remain in Chush for their entire school career, while others can be main streamed into conventional schools. At a Chush fund-raising dinner, the father of a Chush child delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all that attended. After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he cried out," Where is the perfection in my son Jerry? Everything God does is done with perfection. But my child cannot understand things as other children do. My child cannot remember facts and figures as other children do. Where is God's perfection ?" The audience was shocked by the question, pained by the father's anguish and stilled by the piercing query." I believe ," the father answered," that when God brings a child like this into the world, the perfection that He seeks is in the way people react to this child ...

... How Rich Are We? One day a father and his rich family took his son on a trip to the country with the firm purpose to show him how poor people can be. They spent a day and a night on the farm of a very poor family. When they got back from their trip, the father asked his son," How was the trip ?"" Very good Dad !"" Did you see how poor people can be ?" the father asked." Yeah !"" And what did you learn ?" The son answered," I saw that we have a dog at home, and they have four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of the garden; they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lamps in the garden; they have the stars. Our patio reaches to the front yard; they have a whole horizon" When the little boy was finished, his father was ...

... looking somehow as heavy as I felt. I couldn't run. I just sat there, watching him come to me, my pole motionless in my hands, barely breathing. I don't remember being afraid. No, it was more so feeling deeply sorrowful at hurting him. My eyes were watery when he came up. He just quietly sat alongside me and stared in the water with me. After what seemed a very long time he asked," How're they biting son? I couldn't speak. I was too near crying, and he deserved me acting with some dignity I thought. We sat quietly, a bird singing nearby, and I stuck out my chin as best I could, willing to take whatever beating he thought I needed, if he would only take me back. In a moment I will never forget, he said," Son, I've known since the first day you took the money. I watched out the window ...

... Mother's Day In Georgia The story of" Making Pancakes" reminds me of Mothers Day in Georgia in 1970. I had just retired from the Air Force and was in Milledgeville attending Georgia, College. That Mothers Day Sunday, my family and I were at Molesville Baptist Church waiting for the Preacher to begin when I looked around noticing our 12-year-old son was absent. My wife and I looked at each other with questioning eyes, thinking he was probably outside playing with his friends. Ten or fifteen minutes later the choir was singing and still no son. Thirty minutes later the preacher was well into his sermon and still no son. I knew in my heart of hearts the only thing wrong was his priorities, which as soon as we came face-to-face again, I would direct him into knowing what was important and what was not important. Since we only lived about a block from the church, all through the sermon I was thinking he had ...

... Award-winning writer: Jackie Papandrew Airing My Dirty Laundry! Dude, Where's My Son? My son recently turned 13, and the last traces of that sweet little boy who thought I hung the moon seem to have vanished. In his place is a strange, slouching creature with a pencil-thin mustache and adolescent angst oozing from every pore. This extraterrestrial I once called flesh and blood, whose mood swings dwarf the Grand Canyon, seems intent on bungee jumping from that rickety bridge connecting a child with adulthood. And I think he plans on dragging his rapidly aging mother along for the ride. A drastic language change was the first indication of alien infestation in my once-cherished offspring. The rosy-cheeked cherub who used to run to me, eyes shining with adoration and shouting" Mommy !" began to address me (and everyone else) as" Dude" At 13 months, he was a sponge, joyfully soaking up new words, becoming more communicative every day ...

... Junior and Sammy This is the story of Junior, the cat, and his" daughter" Sammie, the Pomeranian. We were blessed with Junior, an oversized cat, who sees himself as delicate and fragile, and expects to be treated as such. Junior was given to my son and we think he was about two years old. He had ruled the house alone and happily so for many months. I had told my son about seeing a story on the news regarding some" meth head" that had burned his dog alive because the poor thing wouldn't quit barking, and it had no water or food. This must have made a huge impression on him. He had attended an auction with several of his friends, which was to benefit Toys for Tots. A local woman had donated a registered Red Pomeranian puppy, not quite 6 weeks old. Two of the folks who were bidding were known to be drug users, and ...

... rhythm of gleaming steel and metal. Malls full of shoppers haggling over goods and rushing to sales. The farmer plowing a field in endless rows, praying for rain. The roar of the buses and trains and planes. Tiny windows glittering amber light within the towering skyscrapers overlooking it all. Our land. Our freedom. Our country. Home after home I passed, as I commuted to my destination. Maybe someone in that endless row lost a father or brother or son or even a daughter. A life given so I could have mine. A century of lives given so we could have futures Thousands of soldiers who now lie forgotten in cemeteries washed away by time. Granite markers long gone, their names crumbled away by the winds and the sun and the rains. The once dotted hillside no longer carries the scars of their fight for ours. Wounds of battle long gone, only rolling fields of meadow grass dotted with the occasional wildflower, ...

... '" So I thought, that for my mamma's birthday that I'd like to go look for my dad. I know it would be the best present that my mamma ever has had. She said she don't want him to come back, but she must, cause she's always so sad. I'll tell him that we really love him, and we need him, so awfully bad" The lady, whose name was Amelia, said," Take me now, son, to your home. Do you have any brothers or sisters, or are you and she there all alone ?"" Just Mama and me ," was his answer," since my daddy took off for to roam. My mama said that's just what happened. And she told me she's glad that he's gone" Amelia smiled down at the small boy, who told her that his name was Jack. He led her on down a dark alley, through debris, to ...

... sin. He covers our sin and brings us into His Holy kingdom. Think about other details of the pearl. The longer the pearl stays in the oyster the more valuable it becomes. Isn't that the character of our God? When He found us we were nothing more than an irritation to Him, but by God's grace, we can be of some value to His Kingdom! God is using our time now to conform us into a beautiful image of His dear Son. The pearl is formed in a Living Object! No dead rock is the pearl, it comes from life. The very life of the oyster is given to the pearl. What a blessed God that He gives us this chance. In Him we enjoy eternal life, and much more! Our God has communicated with us in pictures so we comprehend the richness of His Love. The Pearl to me is just one more analogy of how God can take an irritant ( ...

... surprise and only then, with the gift of a matching shepherd, did we realize that the lamb was part of a nativity set. Each night we grew more excited to see what piece we would receive. Each was exquisitely beautiful. The kids kept trying to catch the givers as we slowly built the scene at the manger and began to focus on Christ's birth. On Christmas Eve, all the pieces were in place, all but the Baby Jesus. My 12-year-old son really wanted to catch our benefactors and began to devise all kinds of ways to trap them. He ate dinner in the minivan, watching and waiting, but no one came. Finally, we called him in to go through our family's Christmas Eve traditions. But before the kids went to bed, we checked the front step-- no Baby Jesus! We began to worry that my son had scared them off. My husband suggested that maybe they dropped the Jesus and ...

... are in their own world and they don ’ t want you interrupting their day. Folk on the subway don ’ t talk ” So I ’ d been given the rules ahead of time. People did not want me trying to be friendly. Well that was going to be difficult if not impossible. We climbed on as the train (sub way) pulled in and there was only one seat. My husband nodded at me to take it while he and our son stood. I scrunched into the space beside a grey-haired woman and immediately she muttered in a disgruntled manner, “ Oh Yeah she had to sit here. Make me all uncomfortable. I shoulda known ” “ I ’ m sorry ” I told her. “ Do you want me to move ?” With a huge sigh she muttered back, “ I suppose you can stay ” The words were okay but the tone of her voice told me I was not welcome in the seat ...

... down at the little boy and said," You go down the street to that big white house and you knock on the door. When they open the door you just say 'John 3: 16 ' and they will let you in" So the boy walked up the steps to the door, and knocked on the door and a lady answered. The little boy looked up and said," John 3: 16" The lady said" Come on in, Son" She took him in and she sat him down in a split bottom rocker in front of a great big old fireplace and she went off. He sat there for a while, and thought to himself" John 3: 16. I don't understand it, but it sure makes a cold boy feel warm" Later she came back and asked him" Are you hungry ?" He said," Well, just a little. I haven't eaten in a couple of days ...

... replied. The visit left Frank touched, and with an unexpected flicker of joy in his heart. He understood that his sorrow was not the only sorrow in the world. Before he left the Flats, he had given away the remainder of his gifts. The plaid jacket had gone to a shivering boy. Now Frank trudged homeward, cold and uneasy. How could he explain to his parents that he had given his presents away?" Where are your presents, son ?" asked his father as Frank entered the house. Frank answered," I gave them away"" The airplane from Aunt Susan? Your coat from Grandma? Your flashlight? We thought you were happy with your gifts"" I was-very happy ," the boy answered quietly." But Frank, how could you be so impulsive ?" his mother asked." How will we explain to the relatives who spent so much time and gave so much love shopping for ...

... all, he was very unhappy on the inside. His wife was growing old, and the couple was childless. He had always wanted a little boy to carry on the family legacy. Miraculously, his wife became pregnant in her later years, and she gave birth to a little boy. The boy was severely handicapped, but the man loved him with his whole heart. When the boy was five, his mom died. The dad drew closer to his special son. At age 13, the boy's birth defects cost him his life and the father died soon after from a broken heart. The estate was auctioned before hundreds of bidders. The first item offered was a painting of the boy. No one bid. They waited like vultures for the riches. Finally, the poor housemaid, who helped raise the boy and loved him, offered $5 for the painting and easily took the bid. To everyone's shock, the auctioneer ripped ...

... getting ready to graduate from college. For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer's showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted. As Graduation Day approached, the young man awaited signs that his father had purchased the car. Finally, on the morning of his graduation, his father called him into his private study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him. He handed his son a beautifully wrapped gift box. Curious, and somewhat disappointed, the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible, with the young man's name embossed in gold. Angry, he shouted at his father and said" with all your money, you give me a Bible ?" and stormed out of the house. Many years passed and the young man had become very successful in business ...

... that. Anyway, God said, 'Give me a light! ' and someone did. Then God made the world. He split the Adam and made Eve. Adam and Eve were naked, but they weren't embarrassed because mirrors hadn't been invented yet. Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating one bad apple, so they were driven from the Garden of Eden. Not sure what they were driven in though, because they didn't have cars. Adam and Eve had a son, Cain, who hated his broth er as long as he was Abel. Pretty soon all of the early people died off, except for Methuselah, who lived to be like a million or something. One of the next important people was Noah, who was a good guy, but one of his kids was kind of a Ham. Noah built a large boat and put his family and some animals on it. He asked some other people to join him, but ...

... " With a stubby pencil, sharpened with a knife, Fred wrote my number on a piece of cardboard." I'll give it some thought" he said again. Fred called a few days later and arrived at our home soon after. I showed him our plans and the room where the fireplace would be built." Well, like I said, I don't normally do this type of work, but I think I have some spare time" Fred and his sons came back a few weeks later. They brought in several wheelbarrow loads of blue stone and dumped them on the unfinished floor. His sons brought in bags of cement, buckets of water, a box to mix them in, and left the old man alone. Fred lowered himself to his knees, both of them cracking loudly. His back creaked, when he bent to reach for a rock. I lowered myself to the floor to watch. He studied the pile. ...

... bed early and tried to sleep. Her words came to me over and over." I've never cared for anyone but you. I've never cared for anyone but you" How I wished I could believe her! I don't know when I finally fell asleep. Mom, I had a dream from God. An angel of the Lord came to me. His words pulsated through my mind so intensely I can remember them as if it were yesterday." Joseph, Son of David ," he thundered," do not fear to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit" I couldn't believe my ears, Mom. This was the answer! The angel continued," She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins" The angel gripped my shoulders with his huge hands. For a long moment ...

... Everybody Knows Everybody PROLOG (SkyWriting.Net ): The following is a true story. No editing was done, so you could experience the overall tone of the story about a Father and the unconditional love of his young son. Enjoy... Today was a special day, the type of day which restores a faith of sorts. And in that faith I found a lesson, taught to me by my 6-year-old son, Brandon. I watched him at the kitchen table carefully packing his lunch-bag. I was going to take him along with me to work. As he put it," I'm going to be a worker-man" Carefully laid out before him was a arrangement of everything he required to get him through the day-a small coloring book, crayons, small box of smarties, blueberry muffin, egg-salad" samich" (as he called it) and 3 small Easter eggs. To know Brandon is to understand that time has no meaning ...

... at her knee and look up from the floor and ask what she was doing. She informed me that she was embroidering. I told her that it looked like a mess from where I was. As from the underside I watched her work within the boundaries of the little round hoop that she held in her hand, I complained to her that it sure looked messy from where I sat. She would smile at me, look down and gently say," My son, you go about your playing for a while, and when I am finished with my embroidering, I will put you on my knee and let you see it from my side" I would wonder why she was using some dark threads along with the bright ones and why they seemed so jumbled from my view. A few minutes would pass and then I would hear Mother's voice say," Son, come and sit on my knee" This I did only to be ...

... taking turns on the makeshift trampoline. I had been watching them for sometime and could not contain myself any longer. I made a bet with my kitchen window that I could do that too. Being in my 30's didn't mean I couldn't have fun. I energetically bounced out the backdoor and ran down the steps of the deck as if I was a teenager myself." I want to try that ," I announced to my children." Now, mom ," my son warned," I don't think you better" My kids were used to my eager enthusiasm but they were also aware of some of my health problems." I can do that, just watch me !" I wasn't over the hill! I still knew how to have fun." Well mom, you best be careful"" I'm fine, come on let's do it. You get on that side and I'll get on this side ," I said to my teenage son ...

... this day of cutbacks and downsizing:" I'm sorry, I'm afraid your position has been deemed obsolete. In this crazy world that values baby seals more than human lives, there's nothing that can guarantee our desirability or worth. But in God's Kingdom, things are different. 1 Corinthians 6: 20 says," you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body" We were bought at a price. What price? The price of God's own Son. The price of blood shed on a cross. Let's face it. You and I were on display at the cosmic yard sale, gathering dust because our sin, our weakness, our rebellion had left us so tarnished that no one would consider us valuable. No one that is, except God. He valued us enough to send His Son to pay our price. Amazing! The next time your neighbor, your family, your employer, the world in general, ...

... The Face On The Other Side Of The Glass I've been there. I know how it feels to be on the inside looking out at the world. Oh, not from the comfort of my home. I do enjoy that view. I am speaking about the view from inside a hospital. Now, what would make me remember that? The first day of Spring. It was on that day 13 years ago, my son, Keith had his operation to remove the cancerous tumor from his leg. Maybe it would have been different if we were closer to home. Perhaps I would have been looking out the window at familiar landmarks and I would have found comfort in it. This, however, was in stark contrast. I have passed by hospitals a thousand times and never thought about what it would be like to be a face on the other side of the glass. Yes, I've visited with friends and family before when they ...

... . Everyone was home with friends and family enjoying their Thanksgiving turkey. Jimmy was tempted to have a bit more dinner himself, but his second helping sat on the car seat beside him along with a big hunk of Mom's homemade pumpkin pie and a Thermos bottle of hot coffee. Jimmy wouldn't succumb to temptation and eat more today. For the past two years, Jimmy had established a tradition for himself. He had never suffered a hungry day in his life. The son of an unwed teenaged mother, he was given up for adoption as an infant and was taken in by a Christian family. When he was fifteen, to honor his Lord as well as his parents, he decided to take his second helping of Thanksgiving dinner to the park to share with a homeless man or woman. His first year, he had found a man who had been on his own since he was thirteen. In the summer he worked odd jobs, but ...

... suntanned diamond cutter rarely made eye-contact. Leo stared up at his boss's forehead and McComb stared down at his desk pens." Who do you think you are, Robin Hood ?" McComb asked." Who are you, Sir ?", Leo said politely," the evil sheriff of Nottingham ?" McComb's bloated face reddened." These roses are city property-part of our departmental budget. You can't steal them. We can't give a rose to every family who loses a son or a husband in this war ," McComb said. Leo responded," We're civil servants, aren't we ?" McComb nodded yes." Well, what's more civil than giving one white rose to someone who's given a son to protect us? If you and the mayor would visit these homes with me, you might change your minds. After all, I present the rose from 'Your Parks Department, ' not from Leo Small"" OK, I see, Leo ," ...

... Life is a Bag of Frozen Peas A few weeks after my first wife, Georgia, was called to heaven, I was cooking dinner for my son and myself. For a vegetable, I decided on frozen peas. As I was cutting open the bag, it slipped from my hands and crashed to the floor. The peas, like marbles, rolled everywhere. I tried to use a broom, but with each swipe the peas rolled across the kitchen, bounced off the wall on the other side and rolled in another direction. My mental state at the time was fragile. Losing a spouse is an unbearable pain. I got on my hands and knees and pulled them into a pile to dispose of. I was half laughing and half crying as I collected them. I could see the humor in what happened, but it doesn ’ t take much for a person dealing with grief to break down. For the next week, ...

... to the Church carrying a rusty, bent, old bird cage, and set it by the pulpit. Several eyebrows were raised and, as if in response, Pastor Thomas began to speak." I was walking through town yesterday when I saw a young boy coming toward me, swinging this bird cage. On the bottom of the cage were three little wild birds, shivering with cold and fright. I stopped the lad and asked," What you got there son ?"" Just some old birds ," came the reply." What are you gonna do with them ?" I asked." Take 'em home and have fun with 'em. I'm gonna tease 'em and pull out their feathers to make 'em fight. I'm gonna have a real good time"" But you'll get tired of those birds sooner or later. What will you do then ?"" Oh, I got some cats. They like birds. I'll take 'em to them ...

... Thanks For The Thorns Sandra felt as low as the heels of her Birkenstocks as she pushed against a November gust and the florist shop door. Her life had been easy, like a Spring breeze. Then in the fourth month of her second pregnancy, a minor Automobile accident stole her ease. During this Thanksgiving week she would have delivered a son. She grieved over her loss. As if that weren't enough her husband's company threatened a transfer. Then her sister, whose holiday visit she coveted, called saying she could not come. What's worse, Sandra's friend infuriated her by suggesting her grief was a God-given path to maturity that would allow her to empathize with others who suffer." Had she lost a child? -No -she has no idea what I'm feeling ," Sandra shuddered." Thanksgiving? Thankful for what ?" she wondered." For a careless driver whose truck was hardly scratched when he rear-ended her? For an airbag that saved ...

... Riding Tandem" When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don't throw away the ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the engineer" -Corrie Ten Boom Teaching a child to ride a bike can be difficult. I watched as my daughter worked with her son as they went back and forth on the street in front of the house where we were all staying on vacation. I sighed wistfully as I watched because it didn ’ t seem that long ago that I was doing that very thing with her. We were on Hilton Head Island and there are bike trails everywhere but Ben hadn ’ t yet gotten the hang of riding a bike on his own. I guess we could have found some training wheels somewhere but Ben was getting old enough that he wanted to ride without them. Since we were in a strange place, we decided that Ben just wasn ’ t ready to go on the bike trails ...

... window and read what is engraved on the back of it" The burglar read:" Presented to Calvin Coolidge, Speaker of the House, by the Massachusetts General Court" And now he was more surprised!" Are you President Coolidge ?" he asked. He evidently did not think he'd find the President sleeping in a hotel!" Yes, I am, and I don't want you to take that charm ," he said. Then he asked," Why, Son, are you doing this ?" The young man explained that he and a friend traveled to Washington during their college break. They spent all of their money and had no money to pay the hotel bill or pay for train passage back to school." If you don't mind ," he said," I'll just take the wallet" Coolidge did mind. He knew he had about $80 in his wallet. So he said," How much will it take to pay ...

... Our Time A young man learns what's most important in life from the guy next door. It had been some time since Jack had seen the old man. College, girls, career, and life itself got in the way. In fact, Jack moved clear across the country in pursuit of his dreams. There, in the rush of his busy life, Jack had little time to think about the past and often no time to spend with his wife and son. He was working on his future, and nothing could stop him. Over the phone, his mother told him," Mr. Belser died last night. The funeral is Wednesday" Memories flashed through his mind like an old newsreel as he sat quietly remembering his childhood days." Jack, did you hear me ?"" Oh, sorry, Mom. Yes, I heard you. It's been so long since I thought of him. I'm sorry, but I ...

... . 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4 When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. Psalm 34: 18 As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. Isaiah 40: 11 One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. Revelation 21: 3-4 And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. Revelation 21: 3-4 I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus. John 17: 23 For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. John 17: 26 He is the exact representation of my being. Hebrews 1: 3 He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you. Romans 8: 31 And to tell you that I am not counting your sins. 2 Corinthians 5: 18-19 Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. 2 Corinthians 5: 18-19 His death was the ...

... Richards, the former pole-vault champion, shares a moving story about a skinny young boy who loved football with all his heart. Practice after practice, he eagerly gave everything he had. But being half the size of the other boys, he got absolutely nowhere. At all the games, this hopeful athlete sat on the bench and hardly ever played. This teenager lived alone with his father, and the two of them had a very special relationship. Even though the son was always on the bench, his father was always in the stands cheering. He never missed a game. This young man was still the smallest of the class when he entered high school. His father continued to encourage him but also made it very clear that he did not have to play football if he didn't want to. But the young man loved football and decided to hang in there. He was determined to try his best at every practice, and perhaps he'd ...

... ? Watch creation. Watch what always is. One always becomes what one has caused. Did I not hear you boast of misery and pain, of death and dying? Are you not the Father of such things ?" Just then, a very bright light shone so brightly that there was not a shadow to be seen, not even under a rock. It was all things. It was the flowers and the bees and all love and life. It was the SON, a different SON." Where are you now? Called the Light to the dark." Come see my secret !" But the dark was quiet because it wasn't anywhere. [Contributed by Marjeana Martin (BlueAngelBabie @aol.com)-from 'Daily Wisdom '] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... The Cross Room The young man was at the end of his rope. Seeing no way out, he dropped to his knees in prayer." Lord, I can't go on ," he said." I have too heavy a cross to bear" The Lord replied," My son, if you can't bear it's weight, just place your cross inside this room. Then open another door and pick any cross you wish" The man was filled with relief." Thank you, Lord ," he sighed, and did as he was told. As he looked around the room he saw many different crosses; some so large the tops were not visible. Then he spotted a tiny cross leaning against a far wall." I'd like that one, Lord ," he whispered. And the Lord replied," My son, that's the cross you brought in"~~~~~When life problems seem overwhelming, it helps to ...

... would not soon forget, Harold went running after the young couple, shouting as loud as he could-" Wait! Don't go Joseph. Bring Mary back! You can have MY room !" I think little Harold may have understood the real issue of Christmas better than anyone else there that night. How can you leave Jesus outside? You have to make room for Jesus. And that may be the issue for you this Christmas. What will you do with this Son of God who came to earth to find you? Jesus is the One who trades a throne room for a stable, and the praise of angels for human mockery. This is the Creator who gives Himself on a cross! The Bible gives us the only appropriate response:" The life I now live I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Gal. 2: 20) You look at what Jesus did to ...

... life, she was grounded. The little “ heart ” notes began to dwindle from sight. The times we spent in the kitchen became few and far between. Her clothing choices became more revealing and our “ talks ” turned into “ 20 questions ,” as the gap between me and my daughter grew wider and wider. It was Christmas Eve, and I was busy preparing the meal, and appetizers, when I urged the kids to help out. Although our two sons were included, I always expected more out of my daughter. After all, she WAS a female! In the midst of my complaining to her, she burst out with an emotional, “ Mom, I am NOT like you. I don't like domestic duties. I am going to be a “ career woman ” with a maid and a cook! I don't have the same interests as you! I'm not just going to stay at home; I am going to ...

... back into the sandbox. The little boy grunted, struggled, pushed, shoved-but his only reward was to have the rock roll back, smashing his chubby fingers. Finally he burst into tears of frustration. All this time the boy's father watched from his living room window as the drama unfolded. At the moment the tears fell, a large shadow moved across the boy and the sandbox. It was the boy's father. Gently but firmly he said," Son, why didn't you use all the strength that you had available ?" Defeated, the boy sobbed back," But I did, Daddy, I did! I used all the strength that I had !"" No, son ," corrected the father kindly." You didn't use all the strength you had. You didn't ask me" With that the father reached down, picked up the rock, and removed it from the sandbox. Do you have" rocks" in ...

... down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence. Finally the day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all. He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper. The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone. The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. He said," You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out. It won't matter how many times you say I'm sorry, the wound is still there. A verbal wound is as ...

... Spelling Lessons “ That was really stupid ” I said out loud as I was reading over something I had written down incorrectly. “ We don ’ t say that word, Mom ,” my son, Jeremy, quickly informed me as his little daughter was playing on the floor with her dollhouse. That was really obtuse ” I quickly rephrased my words as I dredged up a vocabulary word from my high school days. “ Thanks, Mom, now she ’ s going to be telling people that they are O-B-T-U-S-E ”, he spelled. “ S-O-R-R-Y ” I mischievously spelled back to him and then thought better of it because that is probably one word that doesn ’ t get used enough anymore. Jeremy seems to have taken a sudden interest in spelling lately. For example, I hear him saying such things as: “ I H-A-T-E it when that happens ”, “ In this game you have to K-I-L-L the monsters with lasers ” and “ This D-U-M-B ...

... " ic-n-ing" on the cupcakes which is why I look the way I do today. The smell of rain and we gathered under the pavilion waiting for the rides to start again. Charcoal smoke and fatty cheeseburgers filled the air as nearby" pitnickers" took advantage of the break in the day. The smell of rain in your hair as I wrapped the towel around you." I told you to come in as soon as it started ," I said to my son, even knowing he wouldn't. Perhaps hoping he wouldn't. After all he's just a boy. The smell of rain and the steam rises off the roof of the building nearby. I am on guard duty in Navy boot camp and this dumpster could very well be attacked by the enemy at any moment. It is mid-day in a hot Florida sun. I love writing to my brother to tell him about the air conditioned barracks we sleep in. He was in the" ...

... majesty. I want so much to attend the banquet, but I have no royal robes to wear. Please, sir, if I may be so bold, may I have one of your old garments so that I, too, may come to the banquet ?" The beggar shook so hard that he could not see the faint smile that was on the king's face." You have been wise in coming to me ," the king said. He called to his son, the young prince." Take this man to your room and array him in some of your clothes" The prince did as he was told and soon the beggar was standing before a mirror, clothed in garments that he had never dared hope for." You are now eligible to attend the king's banquet tomorrow night ," said the prince." But even more important, you will never need any other clothes. These garments will last forever" The beggar dropped to ...

... dark and most of the children had headed home to the warmth of dry clothing and a cup of hot chocolate perhaps. I thought it safe to find a spot alongside the hills I once played on. They aren't so big any more. But at this point I find big thoughts in little things. I laid back and closed my eyes. Off in the distance I could hear the laughter. Wanting it to be so, I swear it was my own two sons and my wife, Marianne making all the noise. Then their voices faded as they have in reality. I remained there in near silence until I heard the crunching sound of bitter cold air and freshly packed snow under foot. It startled me at first, but I remained still until the sound grew louder and the steps quicker." Are you Okay ?" his voice broke the silence. Sitting up I could see a man silhouetted against the bright moonlight now reflecting off the ...

... is our big moment. Ready? Stop! Drop! Splash! Up! We ’ re outta here! You ’ re doing great! Just keep doing what I do and you ’ ll be fine" Those two pelicans have gone on down the coast, but I see similar scenes everyday. There is the mother who sits with her daughter sharing her years of experience as a wife, a mother, and a lady. There ’ s the father showing his son how to hold a baseball bat and how to stand at the plate. An older mechanic patiently explains the strange noise under the hood to the new guy. An experienced teacher illustrates her technique of classroom discipline to the recent graduate. The long-time student of the Word explains a text to his disciple. Jesus when he asked Peter," Do you love me ?" People taking time to share their wisdom, explain their success, and reveal their failures. Both benefit from the ...

... Father's Day Rookie Technically, Adam is a father this Father's Day. I know-he hasn't changed a single diaper, or taken a turn staying up late with a fussy baby. He hasn't rocked his son to sleep, or bounced him on his knee, or tucked him sweetly in his cradle. And there isn't one spit up stain on any of his jackets or collars. But he's still a father this Father's Day. Technically. Adam's first child won't actually be born until September. Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, we already know he is a boy-he and Andrea have named their son Alexander-and that he has Adam's nose and, according to one observer anyway, Andrea's eyes (although I can't for the life of me figure out how anyone could tell that-I mean, his eyes are still closed, for Pete's sake !). So Adam is still a rookie when it comes to being a father ...

... The Blessing Of Thorns Sandra felt as low as the heels of her shoes as she pushed against a November gust and the florist shop door. Her life had been easy, like a spring breeze. Then in the fourth month of her second pregnancy, a minor automobile accident stole that from her. During this Thanksgiving week she would have delivered a son. She grieved over her loss. As if that weren't enough, her husband's company threatened a transfer. Then her sister, whose holiday visit she coveted, called saying she could not come for the holiday. Then Sandra's friend infuriated her by suggesting her grief was a God-given path to maturity that would allow her to empathize with others who suffer. She has no idea what I'm feeling, thought Sandra with a shudder. Thanksgiving? Thankful for what? She wondered. For a careless driver whose truck was hardly scratched when he rear-ended her? For an airbag that saved her life but took ...

... the dough over and over. The repetitive motion is relaxing, almost hypnotizing. I let the dough rise again, pop it in the oven, and soon the house is full of it ’ s heavenly aroma. When it ’ s done, I wait for it to cool enough to cut that first delicious slice. As I wait, I admire it. It ’ s a work of art, shaped and molded with time and experience. I looked at my son the other day and realized, raising children is a lot like making a loaf of bread. At first, they are tiny and helpless and yes, even messy. All the ingredients are there to create a fine human being, but we have to knead, mold, and shape them, until they rise into fine adults. Most children reach a stage, usually in their mid to late teens, where they resist the kneading. They think they no longer need our ...

... with your heart, and soul. You must have patience. And most of all, you must believe. Many years and counting, my dad has joined me every Christmas eve. You see, we are both single. Or in some books, its called divorced. But, no matter. A tradition was born way back when, which has continued to this day. It ’ s usually only us, but often my mom and step dad, or my son will join us. Hours later, with our bellies full and presents unwrapped, mom and step-dad leave behind kind words and good cheer, and journey home. I gaze at my tired pappy sitting in the recliner, his many presents carefully stacked nearby. A John Deere tractor clock, a John Wayne coffee cup. More tokens to add to his dozens of dusty collections, which he will carefully place on his enormous bookcase. The cup of coffee near him is almost empty ...

... " It might take a long time for both of us to die"" You are stubborn, Bonard ," the old Indian muttered." And you talk too much" The two old friends sat side by side in silence, staring into the fire for many minutes. Then Bonard said," By the way, I saw an old friend of yours today" When Running Wolf didn't reply, Bonard continued." Jody came to the house with his wife and son Sprout. They're there now" Running Wolf turned toward Bonard. A slight smile played on his old, cracked lips." My godson is here ?"" Yup. All the way from St. Louis. They took the train to be with us for Thanksgiving. Only took them a day to get here. Remember the time we went to St. Louis and how long it took for us ?"" Many days"" Two weeks"" How does Jody look ...

... How difficult could her burden be? I thought. The Lord removed my burden and placed Joan's on my shoulders. I sank to my knees beneath its weight." Take it off !" I said." What makes it so heavy ?"" Look inside" I untied the straps and opened the top. Inside was a figure of her Mother-in-law, and when I lifted it out, it began to speak." Joan, you'll never be good enough for my son ," it began." He never should have married you. You're a terrible mother to my grandchildren" I quickly placed the figure back in the pack and withdrew another. It was Donna, Joan's youngest daughter. Her head was bandaged from the surgery that had failed to resolve her epilepsy. A third figure was Joan's brother. Addicted to drugs, he had been convicted of killing a police officer." I see why her burden is so heavy, Lord. But ...

... Cat Angel My son Tony is 17. On October 2nd, he celebrated his second anniversary of being seizure free following brain surgery. This story is not about him, it is about his guardian angel. Sixteen years ago a guardian angel walked into our lives in the form of a cat. He was a year old and immediately bonded with Tony. For sixteen years he watched over Tony. Whenever he sensed that Tony was going to have a seizure, which in those days was often, he would tear through the house calling me and leading me to wherever Tony was in the house. Then he would sit on top of Tony preventing him from getting up and endangering himself, waiting for the seizure to come. After the seizure was over, he would nuzzle near Tony's ear purring him back to reality. There were many challenges for all of us over the years, but finally two years ago my son underwent brain surgery that would ...

... Cave Babies My son told me how his daughter, little one-year-old, Tessa, was demanding to have the remote control for the television. He said she reminded him of a cave man, or perhaps a cave baby in this case, because of the way she was acting. She kept reaching and screaming for the remote. On a whim, my son decided to give it to her and see just what she would do with it. Upon finally receiving the prized remote, she pushed the buttons over and over but nothing happened. She tried screaming at it several times but still nothing happened. Next, she took the remote over to the television and smacked it against the TV, whacking it again and again as she yelled louder and louder at it. Finally, since nothing else seemed to work, she decided to try tasting the remote. It evidently didn ’ t taste good so she looked at it hard, screamed at it ...

... could do it again ?" Tears streamed down my cheeks." Honey, you mean you would go through this again? You had so much pain !"" I want our dream of a girl and a boy" Her hand rested on the blankets warming our new daughter-the gold of her band accented by the white cloth.******************" Mr. Smith, meet your new son" The nurse smiled and placed him in my arms." Hi, Justin !" He cried and waved his tiny arms in response. I placed our new son in Georgia's arms." Thank you! Thank you so much !" I bent and kissed her. My left hand stroked her cheek. The gold band sparkled with her perspiration." I love you"****************** We sat ...

... said" I know. I am giving the Baby Jesus my smoking habit. The whole thing: the cigarettes, the lighters, the the cravings, the crabbiness, the ashtrays both dirty and clean, everything about smoking is what I am giving to the Baby Jesus". He was delighted and ran to tell his sister. They were filled with such joy and here I was stunned and very worried. I was obsessed with cigarettes and I had just told my son that I was giving up smoking as a gift to the baby Jesus. Was I nuts ?? Could I do it ?? No, I knew in my heart that I could not give up smoking and I also knew that this broken promise to my son, would stay with both of us for years to come. So. I prayed and said" Look Jesus I am sorry for jumping the gun here but I made this promise to my child and now I need You ...

... shoes and candy? Really, why was he doing any of this? Widow Jensen had closer neighbors than us. It shouldn't have been our concern. We came in from the blind side of the Jensen house and unloaded the wood as quietly as possible, then we took the meat and flour and shoes to the door. We knocked. The door opened a crack and a timid voice said," Who is it ?"" Lucas Miles, Ma'am, and my son, Matt. Could we come in for a bit ?" Widow Jensen opened the door and let us in. She had a blanket wrapped around her shoulders. The children were wrapped in another and were sitting in front of the fireplace by a very small fire that hardly gave off any heat at all. Widow Jensen fumbled with a match and finally lit the lamp." We brought you a few things, Ma'am ," Pa said and set down the sack of flour. ...

... boys and girls"" That is very sad" said the little boy who wanted to fly." Do you think we could be friends ?" he said to the little boy in the sandbox." Sure" said the little boy. The two little boys played for hours. They made sand castles and made really funny sounds with their mouths. Sounds which made them laugh real hard. Then the little boy's father came with a wheel chair to pick up his son. The little boy who had always wanted to fly ran over to the boy's father and whispered something into his ear." That would be okay ," said the man. The little boy who had always wanted to fly like a bird ran over to his new friend and said," You are my only friend and I wish that there was something that I could do to make you walk and run like other little boys and girls. But I can't. But there ...

... always felt like something was missing from my life and though I have nieces and nephews that I love very much, it just wasn't the same as having a baby of my own. I tried to get pregnant again but it just didn't happen. Then, I found out a few years later that I have Poly-Cystic Ovarian Syndrome and the doctors said I'd never get pregnant again. It took a long time but I eventually accepted this, dealt with the loss of my son the best I could, and got on with life. In 1995, I met my current husband, Kenny, whom I've been married to for more than 13 years now. On January 21, 2009, I went to my doctor because I just hadn't felt well for a month. I got a big surprise. My doctor said," You're pregnant !" Kenny and I were shocked to say the least. I was also VERY worried that something would go wrong and ...

... said the little boy. The pair came closer to the castle and the gate-keeper watched them approach. The Man looked down and winked at the boy. The boy really thought the Man might be crazy. until he looked back at the gate-keeper-who was smiling now! The big gate in front of the castle was swung wide open. The little boy was amazed!" Who are You ?" asked the little boy in astonishment." Why, I'm the King's Son. By placing your trust and faith in Me, you can enter the Castle and be with the King ," said the Man. The little boy had a huge smile on his face." Can I go home and tell my parents about You ?" asked the little boy." So they can come to visit and praise the King, too !" Jesus threw His head back and laughed. He thought that was the best thing that anyone could do. Would you like ...

... kitchen window. It happened many years ago, but it was a view that I can still see in my mind ’ s eye. It was one of those significant moments that has always stayed in my memory. It was a spring day, a Saturday, and I was washing the dishes when I happened to look out the kitchen window into the back yard. My husband, Mike, was out cultivating the garden with a tiller. Right behind him was our son, Jeremy, who was four years old at the time. Mike was moving the tiller very slowly in order to do a good job of breaking up the soil for planting. My son was just inches behind my husband and each time that Mike took a step, Jeremy took a step. He would carefully put his own small foot in the huge imprint made from my husband ’ s boot. Jeremy had to really stretch in order to imitate the larger stride of his ...

... ?" she asked as she held up hers." Yes, exactly like that ," I said in amazement. I never see those any where." So tell me. In this day of wash and wear, never needs ironing clothes, why do you still use the clothes line ?" She walked down off the steps and approached me. Every step was an effort for her aged body. So I appreciated the time she was taking to chat with me." Son, it's this way. My Mother taught me that every day is new. So new in fact it is nothing like yesterday and certainly no way near what tomorrow will be. So she wanted her children to head into each new day clean and fresh like the day itself. There is nothing in the world like clothes that have hung in the sunshine"" Not even clothes that smell" fresh as all outdoors ", with a little Bounce in the dryer ?" I asked ...

... did next surprised me. My wonderful mother took part of the food she had prepared for our dinner and we walked across the street to the super market. She gave some of it to everyone who worked there. That's why they all knew her and loved her. I said, 'Mama, you can't afford to do this. You barely have enough money to take care of yourself. You shouldn't be doing this"" She looked at me and said, 'My son, you know I am a Christian. I go to church every Sunday. I cannot read a word in that Bible, but I know what it says. On every page, the Bible says 'love ' And 'love ' means we must share" I would have driven all the way across town just to hear that story of his mother's faith. I have no idea whether he told it because the following Sunday was Mother's Day. On Saturday, Margaret and I drove ...

... dotted with caves, most of them man-made. Two thousand years ago, some of the caves were carved into the soft white limestone by shepherds. Here these outcasts of society made their homes and raised their families. Other caves were hollowed out as stables. These were dark, dank, filthy holes, fit only for the animals that inhabited them. In one of these unspeakably dirty hollows-surrounded by sheep, donkeys, and maybe a camel or two-the Son of Man was born of a virgin. It was a night that changed the world. The Jews had been anxiously expecting a Messiah for 500 years before He actually appeared. The prophets of old had predicted it and, since Jews were indoctrinated in the Scriptures from childhood, nearly everyone knew the prophecies by heart. Yet, with anticipation came misconception. A king, they said, should be born into a palace surrounded by magnificence, not in a lowly stable. Furthermore ...

... He stood silently for a moment as the words he had spoken a few minutes earlier replayed in his mind:" If only I were a goose, then I could save them !" Then he thought about what he had said to his wife earlier." Why would God want to be like us? That's ridiculous !" Suddenly it all made sense. That is what God had done. We were like the geese, blind, lost, perishing. God had His Son become like us so He could show us the way and save us. That was the meaning of Christmas, he realized. As the winds and blinding snow died down, his soul became quiet and pondered this wonderful thought. Suddenly he understood what Christmas was all about, why Christ had come. Years of doubt and disbelief vanished like the passing storm. He fell to his knees in the snow, and prayed his first prayer:" Thank You, God, for ...

... about 12 years old, a new preacher came to his church. He would always go in late and slip out early to avoid hearing the question," Who's your daddy ?" But one day, the new preacher said the benediction so fast he got caught and had to walk out with the crowd. Just about the time he got to the back door, the new preacher not knowing anything about him, put his hand on his shoulder and asked him," Son, who's your daddy ?" The whole church got deathly quiet. He could feel every eye in the church looking at him. By now, everyone knew the answer to the question, 'Who's your daddy? ' This new preacher, though, sensed the situation around him and using discernment that only the Holy Spirit could give, said the following to that scared little boy. 'Wait a minute! ' he said, 'I know who you are. I see the family resemblance ...

... track and onto the bed? But I wasn ’ t impressed with that either, at least not then. My husband was just as stunned and speechless as I was. All we could do is take it all in and try to keep our shock and horror in check. He stood both boys in the corner and told them, “ don ’ t move, until we get this room cleaned up ” “ Can you leave the doors there daddy ?” our oldest son asked. “ AND don ’ t talk either ,” he replied. It took us hours that day to get the room back to normal. I had to wash everything that was thrown out the window. The poor shoes couldn ’ t be saved; they were completely ruined along with every nerve in my husband ’ s body and mine. Oh yes, I asked that question that day and a few others along the way until their adulthood. But not once did I ...

... What Exactly Is A Hero? Once, many years ago, I pulled a family out of a burning car somewhere in the middle of Wyoming. Last week I received a telephone call from a woman who could not stop crying as she told me that one of my stories had saved her son from committing suicide. In closing she called me “ a hero ” That got me to thinking about what a hero really is. Was I a hero because I pulled a family from a burning car? If so, how could I be a hero just because I wrote a story that saved someone ’ s life? Today I decided to look up the word “ hero ” in the dictionary to see exactly what it meant. It read “ A person who does something brave ” As I read on it also said “ A person who is good and noble ” That statement impressed me more than did the part about being brave. That got ...

... church once in awhile, believed in God, but shoved it all down my throat with a vengeance." Do as I say, not as I do" He wasn't a drinker or smoker. He worked hard, very hard, like my brother, his entire life to give family all they needed. He adored my mom. Sang to her. Danced with her. Said" I love you" But he couldn't say" I love you" to his sons without mumbling it. If he did, it was because something was wrong, someone died and he suddenly realized how delicate life was. The point is, being a father isn't easy. Oh, you can certainly get someone pregnant, but that doesn't make you a dad. Being a dad is the part that's difficult, confusing and misunderstood. Today's image of manhood is confusing. If you are too tough on your children, you're uncaring, out of touch, mean ...

... What Happened? The other day I saw a father, mother and two sons on the line in front of me at Dunkin Donuts. It was obvious that they had just come from a soccer game. The two young boys were dressed in thin shorts and tee shirts, while their parents were dressed warmly in jeans and thick jackets. The two boys never stopped shivering the entire five minutes we were in line together. What is going on in society when we are making our kids play sports, in every kind of foul weather, including rain, snow and icy winds just for the pleasure of watching them participate in some kind of sport? It seems that we are living vicariously through our kids no matter what the cost is to them or us. Whatever happened to calling off a game because it is too cold or too wet? When did we start playing sports on Mother's Day? I always remember being home with my mother and ...

... our car and we sat stranded in the road. Charlie got out and began the long walk to our home. He was going to bring our big truck back and pull the car home with it. There was nothing we could do but wait in the car. I told stories and we sang nursery rhymes for what seemed like hours. I was getting more worried by the minute but did not want the children to know I was so scared. Finally my youngest son John who was three climbed over into the front seat beside me and said," Mommy, my daddy is gonna freeze to death out there. And we will freeze too" I said" No John, Daddy will be coming with the truck soon !" But the darkness and blowing snow was covering our car and made it impossible to see anything outside. John climbed over into the back seat and knelt down on the floorboard of the car. He prayed," Jesus ...

... like you a reason to carry on. Be patient, great things will once again loom in your horizon. If you find yourself gazing down into that deep abyss as I did, contemplating your purpose of life-wait for that gust of wind to once again breathe hope back into your wounded spirit. I promise you, it will come.~Shelley Madden~< shellmadde at aol.com >Copyright 2011 Shelley Madden is an author who resides in Wise County, Texas with her son, Dustin, along with her ponies, poultry, dogs and cats. She enjoys writing, fishing, shooting her pink guns, and falling off her horse, Diamond. She writes a weekly column for an Entertainment magazine, and is a frequent contributor to Heartwarmers and Petwarmers. Her short stories have also been published in newsprint and on numerous websites and e-zines across the nation. She aspires one day to learn how to change the light bulb in her gun cabinet. [ ...

... -and the fun begins! You can't find all the parts, the parts don't fit together, you read and re-read and re-read the directions, you count and re-count and RE-count the parts, you hit your left thumb with the hammer held by your right thumb -you let out a scream -and the nightmare begins! Remember? Two thousand years ago, a carpenter's life was turned upside down by the news that his betrothed was with child -not his! The child was the Son of God, promised by prophets of old, and Joseph was about to become the early caregiver of the Lord Jesus Christ. And loving caregiver, I can imagine, this carpenter was -can you see him making wooden toys for Little Boy Jesus? Can you see him patiently showing Young Teen Jesus the" tricks of the trade ," so He too, could become a GOOD carpenter from Nazareth? Jesus, the CARPENTER?-Joseph, you better forget the dreams you hold ...

... cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be. When you thought I wasn't looking, I looked. and wanted to say thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking. Do they see Christ (in your life) when you think they aren't looking? Addendum-Galations 2: 20" I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me. So I live my life in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" [By: David Walls-from KJ] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... The Powers Of Love By all accounts, the Powers ' household was like any other in the Mt. Greenwood community. With five daughters close in age, and a son, there was, no doubt, never a dull moment for their patient parents. And I thought having two daughters less than two years apart was a challenge! Like any other family overflowing with females, they fought, snuck each others clothes and, in coming of age years, shared the all important teen-age secrets. They supported each other in bad times and shared the laughter in happy times. Not much has changed in the years since they have grown into adults. I recently read an empowering story about the Powers women. They have joined forces to fight breast cancer with what they call Team KA-POW. Membership to this team includes many friends and family who support Annie and Kathleen, both cancer patients who are dedicated to raising funds to find a cure for this ...

... The Sign" Feel like driving a car today ?" I asked my son on the telephone. Several minutes earlier, one of the local car dealers had telephoned and asked if I might pick up a new car in Vidalia and bring it back to Brunswick." Always use a little extra Christmas money ," replied Roger Junior." Let me change clothes and I'll be over in a few minutes ," he said. It was about 6: 30 in the morning when we made our way onto the 95 interstate freeway, heading northbound. As we traveled along it was suggested that I buy breakfast for the two of us. Being a little hungry, I agreed and pulled off at the next exit. Very carefully, I pulled into a parking space located right next to a handicap spot. I smiled back as one of the two women said" Good morning" to us, as they were unloading a wheelchair from the side of a ...

... washer. Young John helped with the washing, and across the years he developed an affection for the old, green Bendix. But eventually the war ended. Their friends returned. In the meantime he had forgotten how the machine came to be in their basement in the first place. When the friends came to take it away, John grew terribly upset-and let his feelings be known. His wise mother sat him down and said," Wait a minute, Son. You must remember, that machine never belonged to us in the first place. That we ever got to use it at all was a gift. So, instead of being mad at it being taken away, let's use this occasion to be grateful that we had it at all" The lesson proved invaluable. Years later, John watched his eight-year-old daughter die a slow and painful death of leukemia. Though he struggled for months with her death, John could not really ...

... him though. Think of the time I would save if I spent less of it in search for the ultimate bargain. Actually, I don ’ t need to shop to find the deal of the century. I ’ ve already found it-and not just the deal of this century, but of every century. The best deal I ever got is the one God made two thousand years ago. He paid a ransom for me with the life of His only son. By sacrificing Jesus, He purchased my freedom from the power of sin and death. His blood bought eternal life for me. I know I'll never find a better deal in any mall on earth. The price has been paid. You too can get the same deal. The choice is yours.-Marsha Jordan-[ by Marsha Jordan Copyright 2004, (jordans @newnorth.net)-submitted by: Marsha Jordan-Ed: Anon.] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All ...

... Spirit" Frankie crinkled his nose." Start learning ?"" Yep. It takes the rest of your life to figure out how to keep the Christmas Spirit in your heart all year long"" Like the Lady at Mapes" I hugged Frankie and felt the warmth and brilliance of the Lady's hug once more." Yes Bud, just like her"~Teri Goggin-Roberts~< Indigomuse63 at aol.com >Teri says" This is a true story about the day my son learned 'the truth ' about Santa. Frank is now 22 and Sarah is 18 and both are still big fans of Santa! I have shared this story with many friends over the years who faced being asked The Santa Question. I hope it helps you too !" Please click on the link below and let Teri know what you think of her story. [by: Teri Goggin-Roberts Copyright 2009, (Indigomuse63 at aol.com)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net ...

... before the entrance of the shepherds-who had hurried to the stable because angels had told them the Christ had been born there-the animals again fell silent. The only humans who had heard them were Mary, Joseph and, of course, the Christ child. The legend of the talking animals persists to this day in Scandinavia. And every Christmas Eve, wide-eyed children creep into stables just before midnight to hear the animals praise God for the wondrous birth of His Son. Of course, adults scoff at this." Old wives tales ," they grump." Those children should be home in bed, not out in the cold waiting for the family cow to preach a sermon" But the children know-or at least believe-that animals really do praise God at midnight every Christmas Eve. And who of us-those who believe in an all-powerful God-can say that it really doesn't happen? Jesus looked at them and said ...

... family, and yes, my country. Although things don't look very good sometimes, God is still in control of the universe, including countries and flags. The flag is not an idol to me but a symbol of good and not evil. Our flag stands for our country and for freedom and that freedom has often been costly. Many have served and some given even their lives. My father and my brother served during two different wars and now I have a son in the military. I do not put my trust in flags, constitutions, or governments. You are right about that, Tim, they will not save you. I do put my trust in the God who can save us and who causes kingdoms to rise and fall. If America will turn back to God, she will still be a great country." If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek ...

... fields. Lately this process had involved taking a truck to the local water rendering plant and filling it up with water. But severe rationing had cut everyone off. If we didn't see some rain soon. we would lose everything. It was on this day that I learned the true lesson of sharing and witnessed the only miracle I have seen with my own eyes. I was in the kitchen making lunch for my husband and his brothers when I saw my six-year old son, Billy, walking toward the woods. He wasn't walking with the usual carefree abandon of a youth but with a serious purpose. I could only see his back. He was obviously walking with a great effort. trying to be as still as possible. Minutes after he disappeared into the woods, he came running out again, toward the house. I went back to making sandwiches; thinking that whatever task he had been doing was completed. Moments later, however, ...

... was caring enough to do something, or show love to someone because I wanted to. I have been that way all of my life. I was always the kid who shared whatever money I had, candy I bought, or time I had available with people who needed it more than I did. But no one ever recognized that. No one. The only other time I heard it was when, while going through my divorce, my first wife told my son Keith," That the way your father is, he wants to save the world" She didn't mean it in a nice way. I do, by the way. I want to save the world. So, last Friday, when I walked into the office I knelt down next to Ann Marie. I told her," Although I am an inspirational writer and speaker, I have a poor self image. I do lots of things for lots of people. ...

... Walk In Jesus ' Footsteps Lee Strobel tells about a mother from Costa Mesa, California who told about the day her three-year old son was on her heels wherever she went. She was having trouble doing her routine chores." Whenever I stopped to do something and turned back around I would trip over him ," she said." Several times I suggested fun activities to keep him occupied, but he would just smile and say, 'That's alright Mommy I'd rather be in here with you ' He continued to follow me and after the fifth trip, my patience wore thin and I asked him why he was following me constantly" He said," My Sunday school teacher told me to walk in Jesus ' footsteps but I can't see him so I'm walking in yours" The greatest way we can teach our children about and show our loved ones the love of Jesus is through the example of how we live, and how we model his love ...

... else would give him a thing for his dime! Sensing the boy's reluctance, the shop owner added," I just happened to have some roses on sale for ten cents a dozen. Would you like them ?" This time Bobby did not hesitate, and when the man placed the long box into his hands, he knew it was true. Walking out the door that the owner was holding for Bobby, he heard the shop keeper say," Merry Christmas, son" As he returned inside, the shop keeper's wife walked out." Who were you talking to back there and where are the roses you were fixing ?" Staring out the window, and blinking the tears from his own eyes, he replied," A strange thing happened to me this morning. While I was setting up things to open the shop, I thought I heard a voice telling me to set aside a dozen of my best roses for a special gift. ...

... Waiting For The Wind. My nephew's 10 year old son came for a visit one hot, July weekend. I was enticing him to stay inside by joining him in a nintendo game. After being mercilessly defeated by a more experienced player, I suggested that we relax awhile. I collapsed into my favorite recliner to let my neck muscles relax and my ego recover from such a beating. He had slipped out of the room and I was catching a few relished moments of peace and quiet." Look, Alice ," he said enthusiastically as he ran over to the chair where I was recovering." I found a kite. Could we go outside and fly it ?" Glancing out a nearby window, I noticed there was not a breeze stirring." I'm sorry, Tripper ," I said, sad to see his disappointed eyes, but thankful for the respite from more activity." The wind is not blowing today. The kite won't ...

... be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn" Luke 2: 1-7 Did I leave Him outside? Did I forget to bring Him with me? Was His presence what I had been missing in all the family fun? No room? I looked over and two others had also found their Bibles and it suddenly seemed the house had miraculously expanded-the Guest of honor had arrived and ...

... Phim took my hand after the sermon and told me it was one of the finest sermons he had ever heard. Years later I would ask Paw Phim if he really understood what I said, and he told me," Of course not, but what your face and heart said on that day spoke much louder than what came out of your mouth. I knew then that you loved the Thai people, and it was then I became to love you like a son" WOW! Aren't I a lucky man? Paw Phim was the last stop on my circuit of" good byes" It was the most difficult. I didn't usually bring food when I went to visit him because it offended him. But I was tired of seeing him get up at 4: 00 in the morning and walk over a mile on those swollen, beaten up knees, to go to a small pond to seine a few little fish for me to have ...

... seems like a lot of money for just a sack lunch. Probably wouldn't be worth five bucks. I'll wait till we get to base ' His friend agreed. I looked around at the other soldiers. None were buying lunch. I walked to the back of the plane and handed the flight attendant a fifty dollar bill. 'Take a lunch to all those soldiers ' She grabbed my arms and squeezed tightly. Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me. 'My son was a soldier in Iraq; it's almost like you are doing it for him ' Picking up ten sacks, she headed up the aisle to where the soldiers were seated. She stopped at my seat and asked ,'Which do you prefer-beef or chicken? ' 'Chicken, ' I replied, wondering why she asked. She turned and went to the front of plane, returning a minute later with a dinner plate from first class. 'This is your thanks ' After we ...

... walking into the local Wal-Mart store when I noticed an older man walking beside a younger man. The younger man was wearing army fatigues. I was curious so I stopped and asked," Excuse me young man, but I was just wondering if you were in the service or are you just wearing fatigues ?" The young man stated that he was really in the army and then his Dad added in a strong voice that was filled with pride," This is my son and he has just returned from his second tour in Iraq" I told him how glad I was that he had returned home safely and then I said," Young man, I would like to do something for you that no one outside of my family did for me when I returned home from serving in Viet Nam"" What is that ?" he asked." I'd be proud to welcome you home by shaking your hand if I might and say thank you for ...

... street again in September. The color will be creeping into the hills by then. My mouth waters when I think about it. Come to think of it Mark also sells blueberry cobbler. I wonder if that ’ s as good as his barbeque?~Ken Pierpont~< ken at kenpierpont.com >All Rights Reserved Ken is a storyteller, writer, and pastor from Michigan. He met his wife Lois in college. They have been married thirty years and have four sons, four daughters, two grandsons and stories to tell. He is the author of" Sunset on Summer" He also publishes a free weekly newsletter-click to subscribe. [by: Ken Pierpont Copyright 2008, (ken at kenpierpont.com)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... Fast Pitch In Heaven I met Tracy the spring our youngest son was playing on the baseball travel team with her older brother. She was a thin, happy spirited little gal. Always with her parents to cheer for her brother and the team. She told me she had been playing softball with the girls ' team in the nine-year-old division, and they were pretty bad, but she did her best and loved the game. She wanted to play fast pitch when she got older. I told her she was making a good start playing, even if they didn't always win! As spring turned into summer and we traveled throughout the state playing against teams in our division, I noticed Tracy's Mom was quite watchful of her actions, always concerned if there was a chill in the air as we sat in the area where Moms sit during these games, mostly on hard bleachers! While Dads seemed to stand near the coach's corner, ...

... Finding A Voice I attended a writer's group recently to get feedback on the latest chapter in my book. There were so many people there that evening that discussion was limited. When I arrived home my thirteen-year-old son shrugged off my disappointment and asked me to read the chapter to him instead. So I settled into a chair and read," Down The Avenue ", a chapter about spending my allowance as a nine-year-old child. As innocent as it seems, the experience was a metaphor for how choice and risk were handled by a child affected by alcoholism. Each week, the trip" down-the-avenue" culminated at Woolworth's lunch counter where I dreamed of someday ordering a banana split. An umbrella with colorful balloons hanging from each rib was suspended above the counter." Pop a balloon and pay 1 cent to 63 cents !" Imagine paying one cent for a banana split! But I never had more than fifty cents. (And I shuddered at the ...

... on, no matter how the deed was done. On the night to remember God ’ s greatest gift, His coming as a babe, Saint Nicklaus gave small gifts and candy to poor children who came to his church door. He stood and told one and all the story of the Christ child ’ s birth. His death and resurrection and all that is worth. All this was done to remind them, and us, of God ’ s gift, His Son. A gift given to all, regardless of what they ’ ve done. So how can I say this man did not live and that he does not live today? His life was such a shining example of Christ ’ s love for us. So now, in his great spirt and unfailing heart felt love, many of us reach out to others to give gifts that remind all who receive of God ’ s love for them. So does he live? As ...

... this, they placed one of these arrangements on each veteran's grave. The veterans of the village also led a processional to the cemeteries and flags were flown at half-mast all over the town in honor of those who had died in the war. This observance in Waterloo, N.Y, continued on thereafter as a yearly observance. In the South there was a group of women who were probably one of the earliest groups who decorated the graves of their fallen husbands, fathers, sons, and brothers. There was a hymn written about this in 1867, by Nella L. Sweet. The dedication reads: “ To The Ladies of the South who are Decorating the Graves of the Confederate Dead ” and the hymn reads:" Kneel Where Our Loves Are Sleeping ” Words by G.W.R. Music by Mrs. L. Nella Sweet Kneel where our loves are sleeping, Dear ones days gone by, Here we bow in holy reverence, Our bosoms heave the ...

... . I am so thankful and would not change my decision for one minute. But it seems that my job is only part-time now. I can remember wanting time and complaining that there was never any time for ME! Days were filled with tending to scraped knees, changing diapers, baking cookies, watching Sesame Street, and going to play group or the grocery store. Oh, Lord, how I long to have one daughter in the shopping cart, holding my son on my hip, and my eldest daughter trailing behind asking," Can we get Oreos, mommy, pleeeease ?" And while my children will always need me, their demand for my time continues to diminish. I'm scared, God. Please help me to trust You. Help me to trust that You know exactly what You have in store for me. Help me to trust and know that it is good, and that it is Your will. Help me to know ...

... said. The words reverberated in his mind:" If only I could become one of them then I could save them" And then, at last, he understood God's Heart towards mankind, and he fell on his knees in the snow and Worshipped God. Addendum-John 1: 14" The Word became a human being and, full of grace and truth, lived among us. We saw his glory, the glory which he received as the Father's only Son." [Author Unknown-from several sources-Thank You!] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... summer day; I tried filling it to capacity. Despite being a young mother of four active children I still found time that morning to take in a round of golf with the girls. The afternoon was spent with my kids at the local recreation club to which we belong. I worked at perfecting my diving skills while the kids splashed and played, soaking up the sun's penetrating rays. The late afternoon and evening, we spent at the ball field where our oldest son played Little League baseball. I noticed dizziness and a blurring of my vision but brushed it off thinking I had just over done in the heat of the day. Over the next weeks the symptoms only worsened and I was hospitalized and given the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. That conclusion was reached over thirty years ago. I was less than happy with the verdict but did not let it defeat me. I have never really blamed anything or anyone for the sentence that was doled ...

... put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child my mother taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots. They dried the tears of my children and caressed the love of my life. They held my rifle and wiped my tears when I went off to war. They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent. They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son. Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special. They wrote the letters home and trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse and walked my daughter down the aisle. Yet, they were strong and sure when I dug my buddy out of a foxhole and lifted a plow off of my best friends foot. They have held children, consoled neighbors, and shook in fists of anger when I didn't understand. They ...

... Holding Hands My sons and I decided to go walking around the lake near our home the other day. It is such a glorious place to spend an afternoon in the Springtime when the leaves are coming out on the trees and the flowers are coming up through the ground. It has a well worn gravel path that circles the entire lake. You can walk at your own pace and delight in all the natural beauty that surrounds you. It is the perfect place to get back in touch with God and to fill your soul with joy. The only problem is that with the path being so near the water, erosion sometimes causes holes to develop along the walkway. It was while we were walking along it the other day that one of these holes caught my oldest boy unawares. He stumbled and almost fell but thankfully was able to reach out and take my hand. I steadied him and we walked on for awhile holding hands and feeling ...

... caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon the floor. They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child my mother taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots. They held my husband and wiped my tears when he went off to war." They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent. They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son. Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special. They wrote my letters to him and trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse." They have held my children and grandchildren, consoled neighbors, and shook in fists of anger when I didn't understand." They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body. They have been sticky and wet, bent and ...

... the poor. I couldn ’ t be happier, as I gaze above me, and see that towel of victory drifting in the autumn winds." For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. Today, if ye will hear his voice" Psalms 95: 7~Shelley Madden~< shellmadde at aol.com >Copyright 2011 Shelley Madden is an author who resides in Wise County, Texas with her son, Dustin, along with her ponies, poultry, dogs and cats. She enjoys writing, fishing, shooting her pink guns, and falling off her horse, Diamond. She writes a weekly column for an Entertainment magazine, and is a frequent contributor to Heartwarmers and Petwarmers. Her short stories have also been published in newsprint and on numerous websites and e-zines across the nation. She aspires one day to learn how to change the light bulb in her gun cabinet. [ ...

... was hungry to do more. During each school day he decided to do something small in hopes it might cause someone to think about spiritual things. He left his Bible open on the dashboard of his truck. At 4 A.M. one morning after the tragedy, Mr. Scott looked around as he was beginning an interview with NBC's Maria Shriver and noticed a circle of people around John's truck, talking about the Bible on the dashboard. Mr. Scott spoke of his son, Craig, who escaped death after looking down the barrel of a gun. He escaped because his friend crouched next to him in the library, Isaiah Shoels, was black and a more desirable target for the two gunmen who hurled numerous racial slurs and put-downs in his direction before killing him execution-style. Cassie Bernall's story has received more national attention. She too answered the gunmen's question of" Do you believe in God ?" in the affirmative, taking a bullet after her response ...

... and drinking hot tea. Well after a few cups of hot tea, I just happened to be in the bathroom when the phone rang. I thought, oh well, whoever it was could just leave a message. I listened as the phone continued to ring but no message was left on the machine. No sooner had the phone quit ringing when my cell phone began ringing and playing a bouncy tune. I knew then that it was probably my husband or my son. The men in my family are very persistent. I had just opened the bathroom door when the phone rang yet again, all of this in a matter of seconds, but this time I picked up the phone. “ Where were you ?” my husband asked as if I ’ d been gone for a week. “ I was in the bathroom ,” I explained. “ Well, I ’ m out here on the farm by the east gate and the truck is ...

... p.m, Christmas Eve of 1949. We were dog tired. We had sold almost all of our toys; and all of the layaways, except one package, had been picked up. Usually we kept the store open until everything had been claimed. We wouldn't have been happy on Christmas knowing that some child's gift was still on the layaway shelf. But the person who had put a dollar down on the package never returned. Early Christmas morning we and our twelve-year-old son, Tom, opened gifts. But I'll tell you, there was something humdrum about this Christmas. Tom was growing up; I missed his childish exuberance of past years. As soon as breakfast was over Tom left to visit his friend next door. Herman mumbled," I'm going back to sleep. There's nothing left to stay up for" So there I was alone, feeling let down. And then it began. A strange, persistent urge. It seemed to ...

... they took a seat. The hushed atmosphere was unlike any cafeteria I ’ d ever found a meal in; many a schoolteacher might trade her very degree to behold such order and respect each had for one another. I glanced down the darkened hall near me. Row after row of the homeless lay upon their blankets, the only thing shielding them from the unforgiving concrete floor, and from the world. A gymnasium brimming to almost overflow of mothers and dads and even sons and daughters. Bursting at the seams with uncles and aunts, and maybe even a forgotten friend or two. I taste a salty tear as I attempt in vain to nonchalantly stroll amongst the forgotten, amongst the down trodden. I wanted to be one with them. I wanted to feel in my heart, to the deepest crevices of my soul, what it meant to have nothing. No home, no job, no love. No medical care, no vehicle, ...

... A Dog In The Road I remember when I first graduated college. I was already married with a baby son. I had an education degree but full time teaching jobs where I lived were scarce. For a few years then I did my best to make ends meet by substituting as much as possible. I would get up early each morning and hope for the phone to ring. A call meant work and every penny counted. On one particularly cold morning I got a call to work at a grade school 15 miles away. Only a light snow coated the roads so I wasn ’ t worried about the trip. What I didn ’ t realize, though, was that water from the previous day ’ s rain had frozen on a patch of the road before the snow covered it. This was on a part of the road that curved around the edge of a mountain. Going off on one side of the road would land you ...

... bigger the push, the bigger the push back. Running in circles means you are trying to push ahead. Sometimes we run in small circles while other times we run in large circles that encompasses our entire life. I have discovered that those circles are not a useless, waste of time. They actually are creating something. As you get older and you look back at your life you begin to see them differently. Like the circles I ran in when both my son and my wife had cancer. Like the circles I ran in when my father died. Or that circle I am still running in as a writer. While in the seemingly endless circles, I saw no real value. I ran confused. I ran in fear. I ran away always returning to the same spot, but a little farther down the road in life. Like today. You may find yourself running or walking in an endless maze of circles. But, ...

... rip the paper for she was sure that this was a keeper, a moment she will never forget. Removing the lid she found a chocolate heart that was broken into pieces along with a note:" The lady said all she had left was a broken heart. I told her so did we"" I am so sorry that Dad left us Mom. But I just wanted you to know we still have each other" Happy Valentines Day, Love, Your son, Adam What better love on Valentine's Day then the love of a mother and child." I believe in You !"~Bob Perks~" Reflect upon your present blessings-of which every man has many-not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some"-Added by Editor: SkyWriting.Net [by: Bob Perks Copyright 2009 (2believe @comcast.net)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... biggest smile ever. When the boy opened the door to his own house a short time later, his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face. She asked him," What did you do today that made you so happy ?" He replied," I had lunch with God. You know what? She's got the most beautiful smile I've ever seen !" Meanwhile, the old woman, also radiant with joy, returned to her home. Her son was stunned by the look of peace on her face and he asked," Mother, what did you do today that made you so happy ?" She replied," I ate Twinkies in the park with God. You know, He's much younger than I expected" [By: Julie A. Manhan-from Aiken Drum (Aiken @AikensLaughs.com)] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... A Lasting Impression" Jimmy, look at the impression you left in the sand ," the man said to his son." Daddy what's a" pression ?" the young child asked." That's" impression" Jimmy. The spot where you were lying on the sand sunk in around your body and when you got up it was there. Your feet do the same thing, they leave footprints"" Oh, but you can't see my face ," Jimmy replied." No, because you were lying on your back. It's like the impression you put in Mr. Johnson's new cement sidewalks"" You mean my hand print ?"" Yes, but you also left another kind of impression. An impression on his mind"" Mr. Johnson's brain is made of sand ?" His father laughed and then leaned over for one of those" parental moments"" No, you left an impression on his memory. It's called a bad ...

... saved, always saved. I have been cleansed by and washed in the blood of Jesus. Knowing this, gives me a peace of God and peace with God to pillow my head every night knowing that whether I go or whether I stay, I'm a winner either way. Because I don't deserve His salvation and did not do anything to earn it, sometimes, though, I wake up not feeling saved and wondering why God it would please God to bruise His Son for me. When I do, I am reminded of a young boy, an older man, and an out-of-sight kite. The story goes of a young boy flying a kite in the park one windy afternoon. The kite was so small and so high that an elderly man sitting on a bench watching him could not see the kite high in the heavens. After watching him a few minutes, he walked over asking the young boy what he was doing." Flying ...

... up his nose in the time it takes to tie your 4-year-old's shoe. Your proudly potty-trained 3-yr-old will always have to" go" after she's bundled into long underwear, pants, and a snow suit. A mom can have a 102 degree fever, hacking cough, and horrible rash, but she still has to make supper, make a cover for a 6th grade Science book, and take a sliver out of an 8-year-old's finger. If head lice is invading your son's class, he'll pick that day to borrow Josh's comb (even though he usually never combs his hair). A teenager may call your jokes lame-but she usually repeats them to her friends. Nothing feels better after a hard day at the office, dentist, or tax accountant, than a big hug and sticky" tootsie roll" kiss from your favorite kid. The best presents are not made of gold or silver, but consist of uncooked macaroni noodles glued to ...

... the next aisle." You're fifteen-years-old Denny; now be a good boy and let the man pass by" I acknowledged her and continued to talk to Denny for several more minutes about summer, bicycles and school. I watched his brown eyes dance with excitement because he was the center of someone's attention. He then abruptly turned and headed toward the toy section. Denny's mom had a puzzled look on her face and thanked me for taking the time to talk with her son. She told me that most people wouldn't even look at him, much less talk to him. I told her that it was my pleasure and then I said something I have no idea where it came from, other than by the prompting of the Holy Spirit. I told her that there are plenty of red, yellow and pink roses in God's garden, however," Blue Roses" are very rare and should be appreciated for their beauty and distinctiveness. You see ...

... ain't comin !" He spoke to me about his 23 years as an Air Force pilot. Bombed Berlin. He served in England for a good portion of that time. I was overwhelmed with his story. I asked how he felt about killing people. He said it was part of his job." My father told me not to think about it. But I can't help it" I thanked God for connecting me with him. He continued. Two of his sons were killed in Vietnam. He had eight children. How powerful! Just like it was in the old days, big families. For a period he played on a major hockey team out of Pittsburgh. My heart stopped. What a find Perks! Then spent 8 years with the Steelers. Wait a minute. What an incredible man. Why haven't we read about this great man living here in the Valley?" Yes Buddy. I have lived a great life. ...

... to" fall out of formation" and to join the barnyard ducks-the worldly ways of life. But look what happened to Wally. He thought he would just" check-it-out" for awhile and then leave when he wanted to. But he couldn't do it. Sin is like that. Sin is a trap, and it has a way of changing us into people we don't even want to become. Eventually we lose touch with who we really are-the sons and daughters of the Most High. We become barnyard ducks. Addendum-James 5: 19-20 (NIV)" My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner away from his error will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins" [Author and orginal source unknown.] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... up to the still barefoot minister and respectfully asked why he did this. The pastor looked slightly embarrassed, picked up the shoes and socks and told me a story from his student years:" My seminary professor told me I was a fine preacher, but that I had one fault. I was too arrogant. Too proud. I remembered that. And I remember my roots, too" He then told me that he had grown up as a janitor ’ s son and took his shoes off when he visited his Dad. Those were his roots. In the years since, he had earned several degrees and his gifts had brought him to this church. He was successful and praised, but he never wanted to forget where he came from." Whenever I start getting too proud and smug, I look down at my shiny Brooks Brothers shoes and fancy socks and realize it ’ s time to take off my" successful well-dressed suit-and-tie pastor ...

... " Teach the children that I, Santa Clause symbolize the generosity and good will we feel during the month of December" He then brought out a HOLLY LEAF." Teach the children that the holly plant represents immortality. It represents the crown of thorns worn by our Savior. The red holly represents the blood shed by Him" Next he pulled from his bag a GIFT and said," Teach the children that God so loved the world that HE gave HIS begotten SON"" Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift." Teach the children that the wise men bowed before the Holy BABE and presented HIM with gold, frankincense and myrrh. We should always give gifts in the same spirit of the wise men" Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a CANDY CANE and hung it on the tree." Teach the children that the candy cane represents the shepherds ' crook. The crook on the staff helps to bring back ...

... It was playing right before my eyes and I couldn't wait to hear how it ended. It wouldn't be until the next day that I would learn the outcome. I was like a kid at Christmas. I love this stuff. I wanted to jump up and clap my hands when I heard how it really turned out. I wanted to hear a happy ending. In the mean time, mom was struggling with it all. She felt the need to make her son play. Personally, I wanted to see a stand off like the scene from" High Noon" The coach at one end, Johnny at the other. It turns out that Jake called Johnny and told him to play anyway. I'm not sure how true that was, but Johnny showed up. No High Noon. In fact, in my eyes it got worse. In my fantasy world, this would have been the great twist in the plot. The boy shows ...

... I like it so much that I made it my permanent residence. My neighbors, the" Been Forgiven" and the" We're Saved" are so very helpful. By the way, you don't have to carry around the heavy baggage anymore either. That load is lifted from your shoulders upon arrival. Just thank God for salvation. If you need directions, just look into your heart, and enter by" Grace Way" No taxes or other cost. God's Son paid the price, in full, for all sins and transgressions, a long time ago. Look me up if you're ready for a total change in your life. I now live on" His Will Way" Sincerely," Born Again" Addendum-2 Corinthians 5: 17 (NKJV)" Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new" [Author Anonymous] ...

... . Then Nicholas forsook his wealth to answer a call to the ministry. At the nearby city of Myra a bishop supervised all the churches of the region. When the bishop died, the bishops and ministers from other cities and villages (Nicholas among them) gathered to choose a successor. Nicholas was in the habit of rising very early and going to the church to pray. This morning an aged minister awaited him in the sanctuary." Who are you, my son ?" he asked." Nicholas the sinner ," the young minister replied." And I am your servant"" Come with me ," the old priest directed. Nicholas followed him to a room where the bishops had assembled. The elderly minister addressed the gathering." I had a vision that the first one to enter the church in the morning should be the new bishop of Myra. Here is that man: Nicholas" Indeed they did choose him as bishop. Nicholas ...

... way through. It may have been that Dad confused baking powder with baking soda, or perhaps he ignored both while he was mixing the dough by hand. One day, my brother watched every move my Dad made during the process and still couldn't determine where he went wrong." I dunno, Dad. Maybe if you washed your hands first ," my brother mumbled." Where did you learn to make biscuits like this, anyway ?"" From your Grandpa, son. It's an old family recipe that he passed on to me" Well, Dad must not have paid enough attention to Grandpa's instructions, because I can tell you that Grandpa's biscuits never looked like that. There's something about a good bowl of gravy, though, that covers a multitude of mistakes. When we poured the gravy over the biscuits, they tasted wonderful. Still, there would be a stack of disc-shaped biscuits left over." How about a little bee spit ...

... out there, and probably always will be! Perhaps that's why there is such an emphasis in the New Testament on growing up. In 1 Corinthians 14: 20, Paul says," Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil, be infants, but in your thinking be adults" And in Ephesians 4: 13 we're told that the goal of the Church is that we would" all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ" Finally, the writer of Hebrews says," Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity" (Heb 6: 1a). How important is growth and maturity in our Christian lives? Well, let me put it to you this way: the more we grow, the more we glorify Christ and fulfill His purpose for our lives. Sounds kind ...

... warm, soft and cuddly. Every few minutes she would sigh and turn her head to kiss me on the tip of my nose. How could I say no to that? I used to. It wasn't my dogs, but my kids. They'd come tugging at my leg, running around the house, begging me to play and if I was" too busy" I'd tell them" Later, Daddy's busy right now" Now, I hear from my one son nearly every day by phone or text message. I don't hear from my youngest at all. The calls are nice, the texting is today's way of saying" thinking of you !" but I'd give anything to see him more often. Have him tug at my leg and ask me to play. I'd stop what I'm doing without hesitation. I'd play. Maybe I don't hear from my youngest boy because I didn't play enough. Maybe I didn't pay attention to him when ...

... on my own. But then he told me how much rent would be-a ridiculously low figure that included one home-cooked meal a day. I thought about the offer for about a minute and decided to move in. At the end of the semester I had planned to find other living arrangements, since the daughter was to return home. But they asked if I wanted to stay on another term, suggesting I move across the hall and share a room with their son. By this time I seemed to have been adopted into their family-her people became my people, as it was put so beautifully in the old biblical story of Ruth. I happily accepted the offer. As I vacated the daughter's bedroom, I thought it might be nice to have a little sister to look after. But when I later met my new sister, I realized that this idea of looking after her might be more interesting than I first imagined. We ...

... got to explain yours ," I said." I have no faith !" he said." Sure you do"" Okay, go for it" he said." Do you feel the wind ?" I asked." Sure"" You can't see it, but you believe it's there"" Ah, but I can feel it"" You can feel faith, too"" How ?"" Faith was there when I found out both my wife and son had cancer. I felt it in my heart. I touched it when I touched their faces in the last moments before they went into surgery. I couldn't see it. I could feel it soak deep into my being giving me peace. A peace only a man of faith can have"" But that was faith in the doctor. You saw the doctor, you heard him speak. That's not faith that's fact"" But I had faith in his abilities. ...

... Take The Plunge" Watch me dive off the high board, Dad ," my ten-year-old son called out. I looked up to the ten-foot-high diving board and waited as he stood at the edge, stooped over, arms extended. He had jumped off the high board many times before, but now his nerve seemed to falter as he contemplated streaking through the air headfirst. The swimming pool was vacated, so he could take his time." You can do it, Robby ," I encouraged. But he couldn't. Not that evening. For 20 minutes he attempted to muster the courage to make the plunge, and he finally gave up when the pool closed for the night." I feel disappointed in myself ," Robby said on the way home." I feel terrible. I know I can do it, though. I know I can" He persuaded me to take him swimming again the next evening. Like the night before, ...

... . She rarely had time for things like that but it was a special day, it was Easter and the message that filled our thoughts was, “ He is risen !” This Easter I will again attend sunrise service. As the sun rises in the sky, I will once more be reminded, “ He is risen !” It is an awesome thought to know that the same God who created the sunrise loves us and wants to live in our hearts. May the SON rise in your heart this Easter.~Pamela Perry Blaine~March 12, 2008 pamyblaine @blaines.us About Pamela: She enjoys writing, music, and country living. She writes" Pam's Corner" for the local newspaper and many of her writings have been published on the internet as well as in several books. Pam says," I have loved music and writing ever since I can remember. I play piano at church and I'm an avid reader. One of my ...

... rescuer for the gift of life and for each new day. How do thank someone for such a gift? The joys and experiences of life that I have experienced these years have all been a gift from someone who was ready to rescue a stranger who was completely helpless and doomed. This was not the first time that I have been rescued! Colossians 1: 13 states for he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves At another time in my life I was riding alone and far from God. I needed to be rescued from my own sinful self-centered ways. I was doomed to eternal death. Jesus was the one who meet me at the road-side and rescued me from certain eternal death in hell. I prayed a simple prayer of faith that went like this; Dear God, Forgive me, I m a sinner. I place my faith in you to be my Lord and ...

... I could not stay, so she sent me to live with my grandmother. She has been so good to me that I want to give that pretty flower to her for loving me" When the little boy finished I could hardly speak. My eyes filled with tears and I knew I had been touched in the depths of my soul. I reached up and unpinned my flower. With the flower in my hand, I looked at the boy and said," Son, that is the nicest thing I have ever heard, but you can't have this flower because it's not enough. If you'll look in front of the pulpit, you'll see a big bouquet of flowers. Different families buy them for the church each week. Please take those flowers to your granny because she deserves the very best" If I hadn't been touched enough already, he made one last statement and I will always cherish it. He said," What a wonderful ...

... the room." His Name is Jesus" Turning, I saw a man whose very presence seemed to light the room. He was almost too much to look at. I found myself walking towards Him and in a shaking voice I whispered," Sir, I'll wash the dishes or sweep the floors or take out the trash. I'll do anything I can do to repay you for all of this" He opened His arms and said with a smile," Son, all of this is yours if you just come unto me. Ask me to clean you up and I will. Ask me to take away the stains and it is done. Ask me to allow you to feast at my table and you will eat. Remember, the table is reserved in your name. All you must do is accept this gift that I offer you" Astonished, I fell at his feet and said," Please, Jesus. Please clean ...

... it now. I do know that she died, but I remember more about how she lived. When my divorce was finalized, I believed that I would never forget the exact date. The form arrived in the mail. I shook when I opened it. There was a day and time stamped on it." I will never forget this" But I did. I believed, too, that I would always remember every single date of each chemo treatment my son Keith had. There were so many it is all a blur now. His cure helped me to forget. With tear soaked clothing and blood stained hands, I knew I would never forget the exact time that I came upon a car accident. Seeing the young man pinned in the back on the floor of his car frightened me so that I thought I'd be traumatized forever. I remember running to my car to get a copy of my New Testament, and returning, ...

... Keep Singing Like any good mother, when Karen found out that another baby was on the way, she did what she could to help her 3-year-old son, Michael, prepare for a new sibling. They find out that the new baby is going to be a girl, and day after day, night after night, Michael sings to his sister in Mommy's tummy. The pregnancy progresses normally for Karen, an active member of the Panther Creek United Methodist Church in Morristown, Tennessee. Then the labor pains come. Every five minutes. every minute. But complications arise during delivery. After hours of labor a C-section is required. Finally, Michael's little sister is born. But she is in serious condition. With siren howling in the night, the ambulance rushes the infant to the neonatal intensive care unit at St. Mary's Hospital, Knoxville, Tennessee. The days inch by. The little girl gets worse. The pediatric specialist tells the ...

... , so that we could be together and so that she could sit next to the window. They refused, saying they thought they should stay in their assigned seats. Meanwhile, a mother and her three children were in a panic several rows ahead of us. There had been a mistake in their boarding passes, the whole family had been split up. The passengers in her row also refused to move elsewhere. The mother could hold her baby, but her 6-year-old son and his older brother had been scattered around the plane. She was very concerned about the younger boy sitting with strangers. She was in tears, yet nobody offered to help her. Suddenly the Scout leader stood up and said," Ma'am, I think we can help you" He then spent five minutes rearranging his group so that adequate space was available for the family. The boys followed his directions cheerfully and without complaint, and the mother's relief was obvious. Kallie ...

... for a frosted sugar cookie." Lord, I don't need much, but right now, I would love a frosted sugar cookie. I will sit in front of my electric fireplace, sip a cup of tea, and remember a wonderful moment in my life. It's not too much to ask on this special occasion." You need to answer so many prayers. Most need more than I do, but a cookie would be great on the birthday of your son. It's all I ask" The year before, she saw a cookie in the store. It was expensive, but she thought it would be worth it-just a frosted Christmas tree, not too much to ask for. She took it home and prepared her tea. A cookie and tea were great together, but the cookie was hard as rock and inedible. She was disappointed. On Christmas Eve, she opened the door of her small apartment and found a ...

... really Him! He had a beard, shoulder length hair, white robe and sandals. Of course it was Him! I see His picture every Sunday at church. Look for Him today. Beyond the angry driver, away from the distractions of the newspaper headlines, apart from the needy cell phone, separated from our busy schedule. I hear people say Jesus has just vanished. Maybe $25.00 is getting in our way of finding Him." For even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many"~Matthew 20: 28 NLT~Tom Rogers~Copyright 2010 All Rights Resrved [by: Tom Rogers, Copyright 2010 (tomrogers @rocketmail.com)-submitted by: Tom Rogers] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... Jerry Lewis Plays Basketball? Mine was not a family of sports enthusiasts. Oh, there were those occasions when we might go to a stock car race or the occasional bowling tournament, but none of my family participated in high school sports. In fact, my personal encounters with sports may require therapy. Let me explain. When I was in third grade, there was this guy who had been held back nineteen times, in fact his son just passed on to fourth grade the year before (OK, that's not true). This guy was as big as third graders come. He even had a voice reminiscent of Sylvester Stallone. A group of us guys gathered around the basketball hoop on the playground. The basketball was thrown skyward and a few of them even hit the backboard. I was probably the smallest kid in class and I had never actually gotten the ball before-ever. In my school, the unwritten rule was ...

... forever? Now is the accepted time of salvation. The rapture is imminent. All born-again Christians, living and deceased, will leave earth in the" twinkling of an eye" when the trumpet sounds and Jesus calls. Don't take the chance of being" left behind" Get saved, then baptized. Fly away with family and friends when Jesus calls. Sample Prayer: Dear God, I realize that I am a sinner and believe and understand that you sent your Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross as payment for my sins. I accept Him as my Lord and Saviour. Please forgive all of my sins and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Thank you God. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen. Peace be with you, and. Have A Jesus Filled Day. [by: John H. Arney, Copyright 2005-submitted by: John H. Arney (johnarney @starnetok.net)] Inspirational ...

... birthday. I was still on an old bike with training wheels. Of course, I wanted to be on a new bike like my older brother. My parents lived paycheck to paycheck and did not want to buy a new bike for a 4 year old that didn't even know how to ride. But I begged and pleaded anyway. To no avail. However, the silver lining to the" no" that I kept receiving was when my dad said," Son, when you can ride a bike without training wheels, I'll buy you a new bike" This past week while on vacation, I was spending the day, like most days off at the pool in my backyard. I've got 4 kids aged 12 (Austin ), 10 (Hunter ), 4 (Taylor ), and 2 about to be 3 (Skylar). Now, Austin and Hunter are capable of swimming and staying out of any trouble in the pool. Taylor has ...

... something I will never forget. The tears filled my eyes that day, as the blood must have filled the trenches in battle. That moment burned in my mind forever. On November 11th, please take a moment to remember those who fought for our freedom and those that continue to fight for it. May God bless them all.-Michael T. Smith <mtsmith @qwestonline.com >Michael lives in Fort Lee, New Jersey, with his wife, Ginny and son. He writes for a hobby and works as a project manager in telecommunications and is currently working on a collection of his stories to be called," From My Heart to Yours" You can read more of Michael's stories or sign up for his twice weekly posts at: http :// archives.zinester.com / 86758 / [By: Michael T. Smith Copyright 2006 (mtsmith @qwestonline.com)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... Magnolia I spent the week before my daughter's June wedding running last-minute trips to the caterer, florist, tuxedo shop, and the church about forty miles away. As happy as I was that Patsy was marrying a good Christian young man, I felt laden with responsibilities as I watched my budget dwindle... so many details, so many bills, and so little time. My son Jack was away at college, but he said he would be there to walk his younger sister down the aisle, taking the place of his dad who had died a few years before. He teased Patsy, saying he'd wanted to give her away since she was about three years old! To save money, I gathered blossoms from several friends who had large magnolia trees. Their luscious, creamy-white blooms and slick green leaves would make beautiful arrangements against the rich dark wood inside the church. After the rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding, we banked ...

... ribbon and placed it right on his boss's jacket above his heart. As he gave him the last extra ribbon, he said," Would you do me a favor? Would you take this extra ribbon and pass it on by honoring somebody else? The young boy who first gave me the ribbons is doing a project in school and we want to keep this recognition ceremony going and find out how it affects people" That night the boss came home to his 14-year-old son and sat him down. He said," The most incredible thing happened to me today. I was in my office and one of the junior executives came in and told me he admired me and gave me a blue ribbon for being a creative genius. Imagine. He thinks I'm a creative genius. Then he put this blue ribbon that says 'Who I Am Makes A Difference ' on my jacket above my heart. He gave me an extra ribbon and asked me to ...

... She says," I've always been amazed at Laurie, at her resilience and her determination. I'm proud of her for her willingness to share with others and for the care she demonstrates toward family, friends and even strangers" ABOUT THE WRITER Braun-Haley lives in Central Alberta. She has a number of stories and books published and is the author of" A Little Door A Little Light" a book she was challenged to write following the death of her 17 year old son, Jason" Ellie presents talks on the material from the book, hoping to help ease the pain of others due to a death. She can be reached at: shaley @telusplanet.net. [By: Ellie Braun-Haley Copyright 2004 (shaley @telusplanet.net)-Submitted by: Ellie Braun-Haley] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... sparkle in Jesus ' eye. Do you ever feel like that little piece of clear glass? Left out. Untalented. A disappointment. You doubt you can ever do anything for God. Let the story of that last little piece remind you that God thinks of you as the apple of his eye (Psalm 17: 8). No matter that in your eyes you don't measure up to others; you are important to God. That is why He sent His Son Jesus to die for you. Remember: For with God, nothing shall be impossible. (Luke 1: 37) [Wayne Rice-from Anonymous] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... From Above Controlling Nature Cottage By The Lake Courage To Match Our Fear Cowboys And Indians Cracked Pot Create Spring Creating Fathers Crooked Little Smile Cruiser Bruiser Crusader Hairy Experience Daddy Hands Dance Of Love Dancing With My Stars Dark Candle Darkness Of The Storm Dear God -What Now Dear Mom Dearest Dad Diaper Spelled Backwards Do Not Forget To Remember Do Not Forget To Write Do You Believe In Saint Nick Do You Know Bailey's Jesus Don't Make That Decision Dream Catchers Dreams As Special Dude -Where's My Son Eagle Peak Eagle Story Easiest Way To Learn Easy As 1 2 3 Edge Of Darkness And Light Elusive Butterfly Enjoy The Scenery Enough For Now Entertaining Angels Entertaining Angels2 Escaping The Storm Everybody Knows Everybody Everything Is Connected Except For Six Strangers Eyes Of A Tiny God Face Value Faith Faith And Deeds Faith Is Everything Faithful Friends Fallen Angel Fast Food Faith Fast Pitch In Heaven Father's Day In Heaven Fathers Promise Father's Day Rookie Fear Not Feathered Fidelity Find Joy In The Ordinary Finding A Voice First ...

... Pain In The Neck A Broken Heart You Are Not Alone Quilt Of Holes Create Spring What Happened To Watch Over Me Sometimes What Will You Take An Impossible Dream A Dog In The Road The Voice Of Christmas Old Shoes Have A Purpose The Living Tree Christmas Love Easiest Way To Learn The Stuffing I Saw God Today Loving Life Again Flying Solo He Can Heal The Hurt Face Value She'll Get Through Me Begins With A Knot What Did I Ever Do Proudly Displayed Dude -Where's My Son Cruiser Bruiser My Waterbed Blue Rose.SAVE Remembering Before It Lands Good Old Days Some Huge Gifts Believe Me Bonded With A Whale The Wager Bound To Forgive Never Growing Old Celebrating You A Morsel Of Hope More In You Than You Know Living Life To The Fullest No Regrets Real Liberation Someone To Look After Strengthened -Wounds Learn To Speak Their Language Keeping The Motor Idling One Minute Can Change A Life Run With Intent Take The Plunge The Golden Chain Of Kindness Becoming Dad A Tiny Drop Of Water ...

... The Ragged Lad Poor Little Butterfly It Just Knows How Good Old Days Old Lady -Television Interview You Are Not Alone No More With Me A Bag Of Kindness The Greatest Thanksgiving Lessons Of Childhood Sandbox Rock New Shoes Crooked Little Smile Code White Dove A Childs Angel A Race Prayer Whopeee -A Snow Day Blessings To All Moms The Meadow Little Boy Lost The Christmas Program The Happiest Day One Piece At A Time Fly The Christmas Carpenter From Nazareth Gift Of Life Asking God Dude -Where's My Son God's Flock Circus The Mitten What We Leave Behind The Apple Basket One Afternoon Bicycle Built For Two The Linus In All Of Us I Know You By Heart Darkness Of The Storm Memory Lane Paid In Full Home Away From Home Sleeping Through The Storm My Waterbed Regret City Loving Life Again The Autograph Run With Intent If We Listen Begins With A Knot Most Elusive Quarry Ever C -O -D Simple Heroics The Old Woman With The Cane Beggars Rags The Winner High Noon Luthers Lumber Escaping The ...